33 Things to Do in Metro Detroit This November

Celine Dion, ”The Price is Right Live,” and JB Smoove all come to town this month
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There’s plenty to do in metro Detroit this month. In November, Grammy Award-winning singer Celine Dion comes to Little Caesars Arena, the Detroit Institute of Arts hosts its annual gala, and comedian JB Smoove performs standup at Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel. Scroll down for more exciting arts and entertainment events. 

The Week of Oct. 27

The Week of Nov. 3

The Week of Nov. 10

The Week of Nov. 17

The Week of Nov. 24


The Week of Oct. 27

Toro y Moi
Toro y Moi photograph courtesy of Jack Bool

Toro Y Moi

Drawing on influences from J Dilla to Elvis, Toro Y Moi is known for his unique blend of sounds. His latest album, Outer Peace, is a masterful combination of R&B, house, and rock. Nov. 2. $22.50. The Majestic, 4140 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-9700; majesticdetroit.com

Detroit Club Art Auction: DAM Gala 5

The highlight of the Detroit Artists Market’s fifth annual fundraiser is the original works of art by 10 artists. The event also features an art auction, live music, and a strolling supper. Nov. 2. $100. The Detroit Club, 712 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-832-8540; detroitartistsmarket.org

Jason Alexander

Did you know that before his breakout role as George Costanza on Seinfeld, Jason Alexander did a stint on Broadway? With a mix of showtunes, comedy, and audience interaction, the actor, singer, comedian, and director goes back to his theater roots to tell the story of his journey to fame — where stops along the way also included a role in Pretty Woman and a gig voicing the lead character in ’90s animated series Duckman. Nov. 2 and 3. $32+. Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-576-5100; dso.org

The Joffrey Ballet

The Joffrey Ballet is one of the world’s most renowned dance companies. The ballet’s latest show, Beyond the Shore, will be set to electronic orchestral music by Mason Bates. Nov. 2 and 3. $35+. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit; 313-237-7464; michiganopera.org

First Frost Arts & Fine Crafts Fair

Now in its 14th year, Flint’s annual holiday-themed festival will feature 24 booths offering art and handcrafted goods. Proceeds go to the Flint Institute of Arts. Nov. 2 and 3. $5. Flint Institute of Arts, 1120 E. Kearsley St., Flint; 810-234-1695; flintarts.org

The Week of Nov. 3

Wilco

The influential Chicago alt-rockers are embarking on their first tour in more than two years. The reason? Their 11th album, Ode to Joy, dropped this October. Nov. 5. $35+. Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor; 734-761-1818; theark.org

Celine Dion
Celine Dion photograph courtesy of Brian Purnell of Mushroom Creative House

Celine Dion

Over her 35-year career, Celine Dion has won five Grammy Awards, two Academy Awards, seven American Music Awards, and has sold over 250 million albums. In short, this is your chance to see a legend at work. Nov. 5. $133+. Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3333; 313presents.com

Chris D’Elia

Chris D’Elia started doing standup in his 20s, but on his new Follow the Leader tour, the 39-year-old gets more personal with riffs on his family and his childhood. Nov. 6 and 7. $40+. Masonic Temple, 500 Temple St., Detroit; 313-832-7100; themasonic.com

Jonathan Van Ness: Road to Beijing in Detroit

Queer Eye star Jonathan Van Ness serves up a standup routine inspired by his dream to become a figure-skating prodigy for the 2022 Olympics. Nov. 7. $45+. The Fillmore Detroit, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-961-5451; thefillmoredetroit.com

A$AP Ferg

The New York City rapper and member of Harlem’s A$AP Mob is embarking upon The Yedi Tour in support of his latest EP. Ferg will be accompanied by rappers MadeinTYO and Murda Beatz, featured on Drake’s popular track “Nice for What.” Nov. 8. $10+. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-399-2980; royaloakmusictheatre.com

Detroit Institute of Arts
The Detroit Institute of Arts Annual Gala photograph courtesy of Dima Shkolnik

The Detroit Institute of Arts’ Annual Gala

Art takes center stage at this elegant celebration hosted by the Detroit Institute of Arts. More information will be announced closer to the event date. Nov. 9. $750+. Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-7900; dia.org

The Neighbourhood

The California indie rockers bring their electropop tunes to Detroit. Nov. 9. $32+. The Fillmore Detroit, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-961-5451; thefillmoredetroit.com

A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens’ timeless holiday masterpiece returns for its 37th annual performance at Meadow Brook Theatre. Follow the grumpy Ebenezer Scrooge as he’s visited by ghosts who teach him the error of his ways. Nov. 9-Dec. 23.$39+ Meadow Brook Theatre, 378 Meadow Brook Rd., Rochester; 248-377-3300; mbtheatre.com

The Week of Nov. 10

So You Think You Can Dance Live! 2019

The Emmy Award-winning dance competition series is bringing the Top 10 Finalists from its latest season to 40 cities, including Royal Oak. Nov. 10. $45+. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-399-2980; royaloakmusictheatre.com

August Wilson’s Jitney

The poignant Jitney follows four men making a living by driving unlicensed cabs. The play won the 2017 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play after premiering on Broadway. Nov. 12-16. $34+. Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison St., Detroit; 313-887-8500; broadwayindetroit.com

Detroit Collects: Selections of African American Art from Private Collections

The Detroit Institute of Arts presents an exhibition featuring artists like Romare Bearden, Al Loving, Charles McGee, and Alison Saar, whose pieces cover an array of mediums, styles, and genres. Nov. 12-March 1. No cost with museum admission. Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313- 833-7900; dia.org

Jurassic World Live

The dinosaurs escape again in this family-friendly performance that’s part of Jurassic World’s first touring arena show. Expect to meet a new dinosaur. Nov. 14-17. $15+. Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3333; 313presents.com

Angel Olsen

Since dropping her folksy, stripped-down EP in 2010, the Asheville, North Carolina-based singer/songwriter has gotten buzz for her biting lyrics and genre-melding sound. She is touring in support of her most recent album, All Mirrors. Nov. 15. $29.50+. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-399-2980; royaloakmusictheatre.com

The Price is Right
The Price is Right Live photograph courtesy of 313 Presents

The Price Is Right Live

The beloved television gameshow is hitting the road, offering audience members a chance to compete for a share of more than $10 million in cash and prizes up for grabs. Come on down! Nov. 15. $35+ Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3200; 313presents.com

Al Franken

The former Minnesota senator and Saturday Night Live alum is coming to Royal Oak. Last month, Franken launched The Al Franken Show on SiriusXM radio, covering topics from politics to entertainment. Nov. 16. $60+. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-399-2980; royaloakmusictheatre.com

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons/Max Richter’s Vivaldi Recomposed

Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons remains one of classical music’s most loved pieces, but composer Max Richter has composed a worthy successor. Nov. 16. $30+. Rackham Auditorium, 915 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor; 734-764-2538; ums.org

Sweeney Todd
Sweeney Todd photograph courtesy of Michigan Opera Theatre

Sweeney Todd

Originally published in a penny dreadful — weekly horror publications of the Victorian era that cost 1 cent each — the musical follows a barber whose wife was assaulted by the same judge who wrongfully imprisoned him. After Todd’s release, he teams up with a baker named Mrs. Lovett (played by Michigan native Karen Ziemba) to exact revenge. Nov. 16-24. $39+. Detroit Opera House, 1525 Broadway St., Detroit; 313-237-7464; michiganopera.org

The Week of Nov. 17

Hello, Dolly

Winner of four 2017 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, this reimagining of the 1964 musical has received nearly unanimous critical acclaim. Nov. 19-21. $39+. Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-872-1000; broadwayindetroit.com

How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Musical

Celebrate what the rapidly approaching holidays are really about with the formerly mean-spirited Grinch, as he learns the meaning of love and friendship. $40+. Nov. 20-23. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3333; 313presents.com

JB Smoove
JB Smoove photograph courtesy of Motor City Casino

J.B. Smoove

Since HBO’s Def Comedy Jam launched him to stardom in 1995, J.B. Smoove has been adding to his resume with major roles on Curb Your Enthusiasm and CBS sitcom The Millers, among others. Now, the actor and comedian is bringing his brash humor to the stage with a fresh standup routine. Nov. 21. $30+. Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-309-4700; soundboarddetroit.com

Nick Offerman

Best known for his role as Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation, Offerman brings his trademark humor to live audiences. Nov. 21. $49+. The Fillmore Detroit. 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-961-5451; thefillmoredetroit.com

Royal Oak Market: Art Fair Edition

More than 60 artists will compete in this juried art competition hosted by the city of Royal Oak. Live music and vendors will also be on hand. Nov. 21 and 22. No Cost. Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. 11 Mile Rd., Royal Oak; royaloakarts.com

Taylor Tomlinson

Among the country’s youngest headliners, Tomlinson and her self-deprecating humor have made appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Conan, and much more. Nov. 21-23. $35+. Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, 310 S. Troy St., Royal Oak; 248-542-9900; comedycastle.com

7th Flint Print Fair

Contemporary printmaking is the focus here. The fair features print vendors, a demonstration, and guided tour. Nov. 23 and 24. No cost. Flint Institute of Arts, 1120 E. Kearsley St., Flint; 818-234-1695; flintarts.org

Our Last Night

The New Hampshire-based punk rockers are touring behind their latest LP, Overcome the Darkness, the second half of a two-part album released this year. Nov. 23. $22+. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-399-2980; royaloakmusictheatre.com

The Week of Nov. 24

T.J. Miller: The Touring in Perpetuity Tour

The actor, writer, producer, and comedian has appeared everywhere from films (How to Train Your Dragon; Transformers: Age of Extinction; Deadpool) to TV (HBO’s Silicon Valley). Now, he’s hitting the standup comedy stage. Nov. 24. $30+. Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, 310 S. Troy St., Royal Oak; 248-542-9900; comedycastle.com

Pete Davidson

Taking a break from his dates with a-list celebrities — looking at you ex-fiancé Ariana Grande, former fling Kate Beckinsale, and potential-current love interest Kaia Gerber — the Saturday Night Live cast member is bring his self-deprecating comedy to metro Detroit this month. Nov. 29. $45. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak; 248-399-2980; royaloakmusictheatre.com

The Nutcracker 

BalletMet, a professional ballet company based in Columbus, Ohio, is bringing its rendition of the classic Christmas tale to Detroit for the eighth time. The production is said to be Michigan’s only Nutcracker backed by a live orchestra. $29+. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Michigan Opera Theatre, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit; 313-237-7464; michiganopera.org