10 Things to Do This Weekend (Aug. 16-18)

With the Woodward Dream Cruise, Michigan Comic Con, and a Wayne Brady standup show, it’ll be one busy weekend
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Wayne Brady
Wayne Brady photograph courtesy of Sound Board

Michigan Comic Convention

The event will feature appearances by celebrity guests Matthew Lewis of Harry Potter and Val Kilmer of Batman Forever among others, as well as creator panels, contests, improv comedy, game rooms, and after-hours entertainment. Aug. 16-18. $30+. Cobo Center, 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit; michigancomicconvention.com 

African World Festival

For its 37th annual event, the African World Festival is expecting more than 150,000 attendees at the Wright Museum, which will be taken over by live music, poetry, dance performances, African drumming, hundreds of vendors, and authentic cultural food. Aug. 16-18. No cost. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit; 313-494-5800; thewright.org

Papa Roach

Accompanied by Bad Wolves and Asking Alexandria, the alternative rock band is touring in support of its 10th studio album, Who Do You Trust? Aug. 16. $29.50+. Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill, 14900 Metro Pkwy., Sterling Heights; 586-268-9700; 313presents.com

Salsa Dance Party feat. CUBOP

The evening will begin with lessons by with Award-winning Latin dancer and instructor Mambo Marci and end with an open dance floor and live music by CUBOP with Luques and Zaccai Curtis. Aug. 16. $15+. Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-576-5111; dso.org

Matilda the Musical

Presented by the Young Professionals Youth Theater, this classic musical follows the 1988 children’s novel by Roald Dahl, about a young girl with a magical gift. Aug. 16-18. $15. Redford Theatre, 17360 Lahser Rd., Detroit; 313-537-2560; redfordtheatre.com

The Hate U Give

Adapted from a novel by Angie Thomas, the critically acclaimed film follows Starr Carter, an African-American student at a predominately white prep school, who witnesses the shooting of her friend by a police officer. Aug. 17. No cost. Detroit Public Library, Explorers Room; 5201 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-481-1300; detroitpubliclibrary.org 

Light as Curious as Shadow: Artist Demonstration by Ava East

Detroit-based multidisciplinary artist and performer Ava East combines the visual and auditory arts to convey themes like femininity and identity. This interactive experience offers participants look into her creative process. Aug. 17 and 18. No cost with museum admission. Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-7900; dia.org 

Woodward Dream Cruise

The world’s most popular car cruise is held annually in the Motor City. Hang out, party, and view beautiful classic cars anywhere along Woodward or — for an especially good time — the cruise hot spots at the route’s beginning, end, and at 13 and Woodward. Aug. 17. No cost. Woodward Avenue from Nine Mile to the loop at East Huron Street in Pontiac; woodwarddreamcruise.com

In Conversation: Copies and Creativity in East Asian Art

View Buddhist sculptures, burial goods, and other artworks from ancient to contemporary Asia, all presented as an exploration of originality and interpretation. Aug. 18. No cost with admission. The University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor; 734-764-0395; umma.umich.edu

Wayne Brady

Whose Line Is it Anyway? regular and former host of his eponymous talk-show, The Wayne Brady Show, versatile improv comedian, actor, and recent Broadway star, Wayne Brady is performing in Detroit this weekend. Aug. 18. $45+. Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-309-4700; soundboarddetroit.com


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