For our annual Fall Arts & Entertainment Preview feature, we’ve compiled the top concerts, comedy shows, art exhibitions, theatrical performances, and more in metro Detroit to keep you busy this fall.
Art
Crosscurrents
This group exhibition at Library Street Collective unites recent works by El Anatsui, Nick Cave, Myrlande Constant, and José Parlá, including bold paintings, expressive textiles, and sculptures made from repurposed everyday items. Through Oct. 8. No cost. Library Street Collective, 1274 Library St, Detroit; lscgallery.com
Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos
This annual collaboration between the Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit’s Mexican consulate, the Southwest Detroit Business Association, and the Mexicantown Community Development Corp. celebrates the Mexican holiday’s history of honoring the dead through the display of mementos like sugar skulls, candles, pictures, flowers, and decorations. Sept. 27-Nov. 2. No cost with museum admission. Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit; dia.org
by Moira Villiard will be displayed at the DIA’s Contemporary
Anishinaabe Art:
A Continuation // Image courtesy of the DIA/Moira Villiard
Contemporary Anishinaabe Art: A Continuation
Curated under the guidance of a council of Indigenous artists, this exhibition is one of the largest collections of contemporary Native American art in the Midwest. View more than 90 works of basketry, beadwork, film, pottery, sculpture, woodwork, and more. Sept. 28-April 5, 2026. No cost with museum admission. Detroit institute of Arts, Detroit; dia.org
Reimagine African American Art
For the first time since 2007, the Detroit Institute of Arts will reinstall its African American art galleries to showcase new works among old favorites. The collection follows the development of African American art from the 1800s to the 1980s, through important historical movements like the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights Movement. Displayed works include drawings, prints, photographs, paintings, and sculptures. Oct. 18. No cost with museum admission. Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit; dia.org
Music Concerts
Alabama Shakes
The critically acclaimed Southern rock band emerges from an eight-year hiatus to play a string of headlining dates this year. Fans can expect to hear back-catalog hits like Sound & Color and Hold On, as well as new, unreleased material. The audience will also hear from special guest Sam Evian, a New York-based songwriter, instrumentalist, and producer. Sept. 5. $57+. Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, 3554 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills; 313presents.com
Jason Aldean
Boasting career album sales north of 20 million and a staggering 30 No. 1 singles, including You Make It Easy and Dirt Road Anthem, this country singer and guitarist was named Artist of the Decade by the Academy of Country Music in 2019. Sept. 11-12. $67+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, 33 Bob Seger Dr, Village of Clarkston; 313presents.com
The Buena Vista Orchestra
The legendary Cuban music collective will make a stop at the Fisher Theatre for a night of danceable, infectious Havana sounds. Led by trombonist, composer, arranger, and musical director Jesus “Aguaje” Ramos, the group will play popular hits, deep cuts, and everything in between. Sept. 21. $68+. Fisher Theatre, 3011 W Grand Blvd, Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com
The Red Clay Strays
Hailing from Mobile, Alabama, this country rock band shot to fame after its 2022 single Wondering Why went viral on TikTok. The band’s unique hybrid of electric rock and Southern soul earned them a 2024 Country Music Awards nomination for Vocal Group of the Year. Indie singer-songwriter Wilder Woods will kick off the show. Oct. 4-5. $130+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com
Raphael Saadiq
The legendary singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist first shot to fame as a vocalist and bassist for R&B band Tony! Toni! Toné! before launching his successful solo career with Instant Vintage in 2002. A prolific songwriter, Saadiq has penned and produced hit tracks for some of the biggest names in R&B, including Erykah Badu, Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, TLC, Whitney Houston, and John Legend. Oct. 11. $69+. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit; ticketmaster.com
Tate McRae
The Canadian pop star got her first taste of fame at age 13, when she made it to the final round of the reality competition TV show So You Think You Can Dance. She later signed with RCA Records and released her first hit single, You Broke Me First, in 2020. Oct. 13. $96+. Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com
Jon Batiste
The seven-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, composer, and bandleader became a household name on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where he and his music ensemble Stay Human served as the show’s house band until 2022. Expect to hear tracks from Batiste’s newest album, Big Money, when he hits the road this fall. Oct. 24. $53+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com
John Legend
The singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer celebrates the 20-year anniversary of his multi-Grammy-winning debut studio album, Get Lifted, on this upcoming retrospective tour. Hear the album in its entirety, along with deep cuts, fan favorites, and new renditions of classic songs. Nov. 11. $66+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com
Maroon 5
Best known for infectious, radio-friendly hits like This Love and Moves like Jagger, the Adam Levine-fronted pop rock outfit dropped its newest album, Love Is Like, in August. Fans will also hear from California indie pop vocalist Claire Rosinkranz. Nov. 25. $66. Little Caesars Arena, Detroit; 313presents.com
Comedy
Hannah Berner
The Brooklyn comedian and author gained an audience after appearing on the Bravo reality series Summer House. Berner hosts two podcasts — Giggly Squad and Berner Phone — as well as the viral TikTok interview series Han on the Street. Her first comedy special, We Ride at Dawn, debuted on Netflix last year. Oct. 3. $50+. Michigan Theater, 603 E Liberty St., Ann Arbor; marquee-arts.org
John Mulaney
The comic, writer, and Saturday Night Live alum picked up a Primetime Emmy Award and a Critics’ Choice Award for his hilarious 2023 special Baby J. He also hosts Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney, a weekly celebrity talk show, on Netflix. Oct. 16-17. $163+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com
Demetri Martin
Known for his deadpan delivery and use of satirical doodles, this comedian, actor, and writer got his start in stand-up on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend. He later created and starred in his own Comedy Central series, Important Things with Demetri Martin, as well as several stand-up specials. Nov. 28. $61+. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. 4th St., Royal Oak; royaloakmusictheatre.com
Theater
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
The classic musical tale of romance and enchantment will return to North American stages this fall for the first time in more than 25 years. Produced by members of the original Tony Award-winning creative team, including composer Alan Menken and lyricist Tim Rice, this updated version of the beloved musical features stunning new sets and costumes. Oct. 1-12. $46+. Fisher Theatre, Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com
Here There Are Blueberries
This profoundly thought-provoking play by Moisés Kaufman and Amanda Gronich explores how ordinary people came to participate in the extraordinary evil of the Nazi Holocaust. Based on real events, the production follows curators and members of the public as they discover the shocking truth behind the images from a mysterious World War II-era photo album that arrived at the U.S. Holocaust Museum in 2007. Oct. 1-Nov. 2. $52+. Detroit Public Theatre, 3960 3rd Ave., Detroit; detroitpublictheatre.org
Back to the Future: The Musical
This ’80s classic about a time-traveling teenager gets the Broadway treatment in this musical adaptation by creators Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale. Directed by Tony Award winner John Rando, the production features original music by Grammy Award winners Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard as well as hits from the original film, including The Power of Love and Back in Time. Oct. 28-Nov. 9. Cost TBA. Detroit Opera House, Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com
Film
Noir City Detroit
Join Turner Classic Movies host and Film Noir Foundation President Eddie Muller for three days of classic film noir at the Redford Theatre. Featuring rare 35-millimeter film prints and a focus on female baddies, screenings include Out of the Past (1947), Ace in the Hole (1951), and The Set-Up (1949). An all-access pass includes entry to all eight films, a poster, and a reception featuring cocktails and desserts. Sept. 19-21. All-access $55, general admission $15. 17360 Lahser Rd, Detroit; redfordtheatre.com
Detroit Black Film Festival
The sixth annual installment of the Detroit Black Film Festival features a diverse array of independent films from 30 different countries. Standouts include the critically acclaimed drama Red Clay and The Recruit, a comedic short by local creatives Marcus Wood, Montie Browne, Chevenne Wilson, and Blake Browne. Sept. 25-28. $35+. Multiple locations, Detroit; filmfreeway.com
Twilight in Concert
Step into a world of vampires, werewolves, and romance at this immersive film and music experience. While the original 2008 film plays on a full-size cinema screen, a live 12-piece band will perform the score onstage surrounded by hundreds of flickering candles. Nov. 6. $35+. Fisher Theatre, Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com
Dance
Dance City Festival Detroit
Returning for its 13th year, this annual celebration of all things dance brings exciting performances, master classes, and networking opportunities to the Detroit Institute of Arts. Sept. 5-7. Cost varies by event. Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit; dancecityfestival.com
Dance Theatre of Harlem
Harlem-born dancer Arthur Mitchell made history in 1955 when he became the first Black principal dancer at New York City Ballet. He later established the Dance Theatre of Harlem to bring classical ballet instruction to the underserved, predominantly Black neighborhood from which he hailed. Artistic Director Robert Garland leads the latest iteration of the famed company, which will return to Detroit for two days of performances. Nov. 15-16. Cost TBA. Detroit Opera House, Detroit; detroitopera.org
This story originally appeared in the September 2025 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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