A startup competition is soliciting business proposals from Indigenous entrepreneurs in Michigan. It’s called IndigiPitch, and it’s organized by 20 Fathoms, a tech startup incubator in northern Michigan.

Chief Financial Officer and Tribal Liaison Shiloh Slomsky says Native communities face more barriers to getting a business off the ground than other groups. “Number one is capital or access to representation at pitch events, or in front of venture capitals and even banking.”

IndigiPitch will place entrepreneurs in front of investors. A panel of Indigenous judges will choose the winners in December and award cash prizes.

-MPRN

Additional headlines from Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Daring Ideas for the Future

Urban Consulate’s Daring Ideas for the Future series will bring 3 MacArthur “geniuses” to Detroit this fall.

Pulitzer Prize winner and creator of the 1619 Project Nikole Hannah-Jones will speak with Outlier Media CEO Orland Jones on October 22. Jones will lead a discussion with author Jason Reynolds and opinion writer Tressie McMillan Cottom on November 19.

The Daring Ideas for the Future conversation series invites the community to “imagine and shape” a more just and equitable future. Both events will be held at the Garden Theater.

Admission is free but registration is required. For more information visit urbanconsulate.com/daringfuture 

Detroit Free Press Marathon 

The Detroit Free Press Marathon is this Sunday and organizers are inviting the community to come out to cheer the runners on.

Runners in the International Marathon, the International Half-Marathon and the Motor City Half-Marathon versions of the race will wind through parts of Midtown, the Cass Corridor, Eastern Market and downtown.

Police will start towing cars along the marathon route at around 2 a.m. Sunday morning and keep streets blocked until 2 p.m.

Check marathon routes and get more information at freepmarathon.com/marathon/ 

Halloween at Michigan Central Station

Michigan Central is hosting Halloween at the Station. The free family events includes an Outdoor Festival on the Michigan Central Lawn and LaCombe Street with an interactive science station arts and crafts, a selfie station, airbrush tattoos, cider, doughnuts and more.

Inside, DJ Dez Andres will be holding down the Halloween edition of Fridays at the Station with Gabriel Duran Band and percussionist Dez doing a bachata set, DJ Cisco spinning Detroit classics and global grooves, Motor City Street Dance Academy performing and teaching, and live painting by demaciiio.

Costumes are encouraged but masks are not allowed. Both events are free. No registration is required for the outdoor festival. Register for Fridays at the Station at michigancentral.com/events/ 

No Kings rallies this weekend

People in more than a hundred Michigan communities plan to join nationwide protests against the Trump administration this Saturday.

That includes a “No Kings” rally at Roosevelt Park in Corktown, at Parkwood Plaza in Oak Park, and at Lathrup Village City Hall. Millions attended similar demonstrations across the country in June.  

If there’s something in your neighborhood you think we should know about, drop us a line at DetroitEveningReport@wdet.org

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

This week, we’ve got tons of ways to engage with art in metro Detroit, from interactive sculptures to intimate concerts. Plus, fall favorites, small business experiences and season premieres. Read on to learn more.

Upcoming events

Season Fair

  Michigan Central in Detroit

  Thursday, Sep. 25 through Sunday, Sep. 28

  $30–$100

Detroit’s first contemporary art fair dedicated to bringing local and international galleries together. Visitors can browse featured artwork, shop for new pieces and attend panel discussions. The fair is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Single day entry is $40 for general admission or $30 for seniors and students with valid ID. VIP tickets are available for $100 and include multi-day entry and access to exclusive events.

Rooftop Rendezvous feat. Kasan Belgrave

  Arab American National Museum in Dearborn

  Friday, Sep. 26

  Free with RSVP

A free outdoor concert featuring saxophonist Kasan Belgrave and his band. Belgrave is a woodwind specialist, recording artist and jazz composer, and he’s the son of legendary Detroit trumpet player Marcus Belgrave. The concert goes from 6–8 p.m.

Hay Ride Central

  Heritage Park in Farmington Hills

  Every Friday, Sep. 26–Oct. 31

  $5–$6

Family hayrides through the trails of Heritage Park in Farmington Hills. Admission is $5, and participants can get cider and a s’more at the end of the ride for an extra $1. Kids under 2 years old ride for free. Rides leave every half hour from 5:30–7 p.m.

Shop Downtown Detroit

  Various locations in Detroit

  Saturday, Sep. 27

  Free

A one-day event promoting downtown businesses, featuring exclusive deals, limited-edition products and interactive experiences. Promotions go from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at participating vendors.

13th Annual Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos

  Detroit Institute of Arts

  Saturday, Sep. 27 through Sunday, Nov. 2

  Free with museum admission (free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties)

The 13th installment of the DIA’s Día de Muertos celebration, developed in partnership with the Consulate of Mexico in Detroit, the Southwest Detroit Business Association and Mexicantown CDC. The exhibition features ofrendas by local artists and community members, and is designed to familiarize visitors with the Mexican traditions of the Day of the Dead.

Public Opening Celebration for Contemporary Anishinaabe Art: A Continuation

  Detroit Institute of Arts

  Sunday, Sep. 28

  Free with museum admission (free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties)

A day of creative and cultural activities to mark the opening of the DIA’s newest exhibit highlighting contemporary Anishinaabe art. There will be a sculpture dedication ceremony, drop-in art making activities, live musical performances and storytelling. All ages are welcome.

10 Years Back, 10 Years Forward: Black Bottom Archives

  Detroit Historical Museum

  Ongoing through Sunday, Sep. 28

  $15

A 10th anniversary exhibit celebrating the Black Bottom Archives, featuring zines, podcasts, photos and interactive displays about the historic Detroit neighborhood.

Here There Are Blueberries

  Detroit Public Theatre

  Wednesday, Oct. 1 through Sunday, Nov. 2

  $5–$100

A play based on true events that follows a mysterious album of never-before-seen World War II-era photographs and a shocking truth behind the images inside. This is the first production in DPT’s 11th season. General admission is $52–$100 and select dates feature pick-your-price tickets starting at $5.

Shape Your World Interactive Experience feat. Optik Installation

  Beacon Park in Detroit

  Ongoing through Friday, Oct. 3

  Free

An outdoor installation featuring interactive gyroscopic structures that create unique light displays and abstract sounds depending on the position of the sun. The venue also offers music and curated beverages by Lumen Detroit. The installation is open to the public daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Season Fair is a new contemporary art fair debuting at Michigan Central this month as part of Detroit Month of Design.

Financially supported by The Gilbert Family Foundation, the fair will gather 11 leading galleries from across North America. Ten Detroit-based artists will be featured alongside special projects, artist talks and civic engagement. 

The Metro’s Tia Graham spoke with Akua Hill, director of arts and culture at the Gilbert Family Foundation and Amani Olu, founder and curatorial director of Season Fair. 

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on demand.

Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

More stories from The Metro

This week, we’ve got chances to shop from local makers, see performances by rising musicians and explore artifacts from Techno history. Plus, a celebration of vegan food. Read on to learn more.

Upcoming events

Strange Beautiful Music 18

  Various locations in Detroit

  Thursday, Sep. 11 through Saturday, Sep. 13

  Free, $23–$34

An annual multi-day event celebrating new music in Detroit, spanning a wide range of genres — including jazz, free improvisation, Techno, electronica, Neo-soul, ambient and genre-defiant. Concerts take place at three local venues over three days, including a show at the Detroit Institute of Arts, which is free for residents of Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties, on Friday from 7–8:30 p.m.

Jeff Mills presents Star Chronicle

  Spot Lite in Detroit

  Thursday, Sep. 11 through Saturday, Sep. 13

  Free, $34–$80

A multi-media artist residency curated by Techno pioneer Jeff Mills, featuring film screenings, live music, and an exhibit of personal art and artifacts. Show doors open each night at 9 p.m. and admission is $34 per day or $80 for a three-day pass. The exhibition is free and open to the public 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Fridays at The Station: Charity and DJ BJ

  The Station at Michigan Central in Detroit

  Friday, Sep. 12

  $15

A monthly evening event featuring live performances, food and drinks at Michigan Central. This month’s event features a special performance by singer Charity, joined by DJ BJ. The event goes from 5–10 p.m. and music starts at 7:30 p.m.

The Hawk Makerspace 3rd Anniversary Open House

  The Hawk in Farmington Hills

  Saturday, Sep. 13

  Free

An open house for community members to check out The Hawk Makerspace, a shared technical and creative studio in Farmington Hills. There will be live demonstrations of the studio’s professional-grade equipment, giveaways, refreshments and discounts on studio passes. The event goes from 3–7 p.m.

Common Ground’s 51st Birmingham Street Art Fair

  Downtown Birmingham

  Saturday, Sep. 13 and Sunday, Sep. 14

  Free

A longstanding fine arts fair featuring 90 juried artists along Old Woodward in downtown Birmingham. The fair is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Ypsi Vegan Fest 2025

  Downtown Ypsilanti

  Sunday, Sep. 14

  Free

An event celebrating vegan foods in an effort to make veganism more accessible. There will be local vendors, cooking demonstrations and talks by vegan advocates. The event goes from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is open to all — vegan or not.

Eastern Market After Dark

  Eastern Market Shed 2 in Detroit

  Thursday, Sep. 18

  Free

A district-wide night market featuring galleries, open studios, retailers, brand activations and live music. The market is open from 6–11 p.m.

The Concert of Colors is back in full swing, but it’s not the only global festival in town. This week, we’ve got everything from cross-continential concerts to community picnics. Read on to learn more.

Global music

The Concert of Colors has officially returned for its 34th year in Detroit with festivities continuing through Sunday, July 20. Highlights from this year’s lineup include soul legend Mavis Staples, Afrobeat pioneer Femi Kuti and Detroit’s Queen of the Blues Thornetta Davis. WDET will have special programming throughout the festival, including a live broadcast of The Don Was Motor City Playlist on Friday, July 18, a live broadcast of Essential Music on Saturday, July 19, and live DJ sets by Alternate Take’s Liz Warner and The New Music Show’s Shigeto on Sunday, July 20. All events are free and open to the public. To see the full lineup and learn more, visit our events page.

This weekend, the African World Festival returns to Hart Plaza for a three-day celebration of culture, history and community. From Friday, July 18 through Sunday, July 20, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will honor the legacy of the African Diaspora through live musical and dance performances, traditional storytelling, interactive games and workshops, regional foods, and more. Tickets start at $23 for adults, $13 for children and $18 for seniors. Family passes and VIP tickets are also available, and all Wright Museum members get in for free. For more information, visit thewright.org.

On Friday, July 18, Michigan Central continues their Fridays at the Station series, with a new music collaboration. This week, Detroit-based guitarist Na Bonsai joins Japanese DJ Yukiko for a night of genre-defying grooves and unique sonic experiences. Doors open at 5 p.m. and sets start every hour on the hour until 10 p.m. For more information, visit michigancentral.com.

Local art

On Thursday, July 17, the Ann Arbor Art Fair returns for another massive three-day juried art fair featuring nearly 1,000 artists over 30 city blocks. There will be food trucks, live music and interactive experiences. For more information, visit theannarborartfair.com.

On Friday, July 18, a new community-led exhibition is opening at Swords Into Plowshares Peace Center and Gallery in Detroit. “We Been Here Vol. 2” aims to defy gentrification by celebrating Detroit artists, with works on display from dozens of local creators. An opening reception takes place on Friday, July 18 from 6–9 p.m., and the exhibition will be open through Thursday, July 31. For more information, visit Qiana M Davis on Instagram.

On Thursday, July 24, catch Sounds Like Detroit performers North Ingalls at The Blind Pig in Ann Arbor. The indie-folk group will be playing alongside Ladyfinger and Erik Earth. Tickets are $14.35 and help fund North Ingalls’ debut album. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the venue is 18+. For more information, visit blindpigmusic.com.

Friendly spaces

On Saturday, July 19, 50501 Michigan is partnering with several local advocacy groups to host a “Good Trouble” Mutual Aid Fair in Palmer Park. The event marks the fifth anniversary of the passing of civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis, who coined the term “good trouble” to refer to people coming together to take peaceful, non-violent action to challenge injustice and promote positive societal change. From noon to 3 p.m., there will be free food, free face painting, a gently-used clothing swap, games and prizes. Guests are asked to bring chips or water to share if they’re able. For more information, visit actionnetwork.org.

On Monday, July 21, join us for the second annual Don Was Motor City Playlist Bowling Party at the Garden Bowl in Detroit. Guests will enjoy music, pizza courtesy of Sgt. Pepperoni’s, and plenty of friendly competition with hosts Don Was and Ann Delisi. Bowlers can book a party lane for up to six people or go solo, and spectator tickets are also available for those who would rather enjoy from the sidelines. Tickets start at $50 and directly support Detroit’s public radio station. Doors open at 5 p.m. For more information, visit our events page.

On Wednesday, July 23, test your street smarts at “Talk City To Me: A Detroit Trivia Night,” hosted by WDET’s Tia Graham (co-host of The Metro weekdays 10 a.m. to noon) and Outlier Media’s Briana Rice. Teams will compete to see who knows the most about the city’s politics, history and culture, and the top three teams will win prizes. Trivia takes place at UFO Bar in Detroit from 7–9 p.m. and tickets are $7. For more information, visit Eventbrite.

This week, we’re celebrating lots of different aspects of our community, from the people who make things happen to the places where memories are made.

Plus, where to catch local performers in metro Detroit. Read on to learn more.

Cultural celebrations

This weekend, Detroit’s largest park is celebrating its 100th birthday. The Rouge Park Centennial Celebration will include a family-friendly carnival, live entertainment for all ages and a community resource fair. Admission is free, and the event goes from 5–8 p.m. on Friday, and from 12–5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit rougepark.org.

WDET is partnering with the Concert of Colors to celebrate Michigan’s only historical marker dedicated to the pioneers of Detroit Tejano music on Saturday, June 28. Concert of Colors in Mexicantown will highlight different styles of Latin music, featuring live performances, dancing and food. Admission is free, and the event goes from 1–8 p.m. at the Mexicantown CDC Mercado Plaza. For more information, visit our events page.

The GhostLight Arts Initiative is celebrating five years of arts engagement, production, education and activism in Detroit with an inaugural GhostLight Gala on Sunday, June 29. They’ll be honoring producer Njia Kai and musician Dr. George Shirley for their trailblazing contributions to Black arts, and the evening will feature special remarks, performances, an auction and more. The event goes from 7:30–10 p.m. at the Garden Theatre in Detroit, and tickets range from $40–$150. For more information, visit ghostlight.art.

The Henry Ford and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra are celebrating the 4th of July with their annual Salute to America event at Greenfield Village from Wednesday, July 2 through Saturday, July 5. There will be food trucks, fireworks and a patriotic musical performance by the DSO. Festivities go from 5–10 p.m. each day. Tickets are $36–$42 for the general public or $30–$35 for members, and children under 4 get in for free. For more information, visit thehenryford.org.

Local talent

On Friday, June 27 through Sunday, June 29, The Pleasant Underground is hosting their third annual PUGFEST in Ferndale, highlighting local indie rock, punk, Midwest emo and post-hardcore musicians. This year’s lineup includes performances by Charmer, Origami Button, Eyewash and more. Day passes range from $25–$55, and weekend passes are available for $100. For more information, visit noxp.org.

On Friday, June 27, Michigan Central continues its Fridays at the Station series with a Peoples Records takeover. There will be live performances by the Balance Duo and the Ian Fink Ensemble, with DJ sets curated by Peoples Records in between acts. The event goes from 5–10 p.m. and tickets are $15. For more information, visit their event page.

On Thursday, July 3, Ziggy’s in Ypsilanti is hosting a variety show featuring live music and comedy. Comedians include Who Can Say? Improv and “What’s So Funny About Detroit” alum Brad Wenzel and Sam Rager. There will also be live music from Ralph Manginio and Missing Cats. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit @ziggysypsi on Instagram.