Don’t-Miss October Events in Metro Detroit

Save the dates for concerts, comedy shows, theater, dance performances, and more
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Press photo of Judas Priest
English heavy metal icons Judas Priest will share the stage with Alice Cooper at Pine Knob Music Theatre this fall. // Photograph courtesy of Judas Priest

ALL MONTH

FILM

Celebrate spooky season at one of metro Detroit’s oldest and coolest movie houses with a stacked lineup of classic Halloween films. Highlights include a Ghostbusters shadow cast performance along with screenings of Candyman, Young Frankenstein, Edward Scissorhands, and The Evil Dead. Visit the website for a full lineup. $5+. Redford Theatre, Detroit; redfordtheatre.com

OCT. 2

MUSIC

Courtesy of Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper and Judas Priest: Shock rock icon Alice Cooper will share the stage with heavy metal auteurs Judas Priest for one night at Pine Knob Music Theatre this month. Both artists have recently released new music: The Revenge of Alice Cooper dropped in July with lead single “Black Mamba,” while Judas Priest’s 19th studio album, Invincible Shield, was greeted with critical acclaim last spring. $40+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston; 313presents.com

 

MUSIC

Courtesy of Eric Church

Eric Church: Over the course of his 20-year career, the Nashville, Tennessee-based country artist has garnered a reputation for innovation. On his latest album, Evangeline vs. the Machine, Church infuses his inventive brand of Southern rock with unique cinematic touches, including choir vocals, drum machine beats, and muted horns. South Carolina blues group The Marcus King Band will kick off the show. $61+. Little Caesars Arena, Detroit; 313presents.com

OCT. 3

MUSIC

Photograph by Robby Klien/Courtesy of Queens of the Stone Age

Queens of the Stone Age: The “No One Knows” alt-rockers performed an intimate set of favorite songs in the Paris Catacombs last summer, making them the first band ever to perform in the unique subterranean venue. Now, they’re bringing these stripped-down renditions, which feature acoustic guitar and a three-piece string section, to theaters around the U.S. for The Catacombs Tour. $76+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com 

OCT. 3-NOV. 1

ART

Off-Center: Art That Pushes Boundaries: This exhibition at the Northville Art House invites artists to break the mold and produce thought-provoking art that challenges the boundaries of traditional imagery. A reception will kick off  the exhibition on Friday, Oct. 10, at 5 p.m. No cost. Northville Art House, Northville; northvillearthouse.org

OCT. 8-NOV. 2

THEATER

Catch Me If You Can: Mystery fans will be kept guessing during this Broadway whodunit about an up-and-coming advertising professional whose bride mysteriously goes missing during a romantic honeymoon stay at his boss’s mountain lodge. $49. Meadow Brook Theatre, Rochester; mbtheatre.com

OCT. 10

MUSIC

G Flip: This singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, hailing from Sydney, combines retro vibes with booming beats to create a vibrant, ’80s-inspired sound. Expect to hear “Disco Cowgirl,” “In Another Life,” and other standout tracks from their new album Dream Ride, which dropped earlier this fall. $48. Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak; royaloakmusictheatre.com

OCT. 10-NOV. 2

THEATER

Dry Summer: In this new play by Robert Axelrod, we follow Ethan, a gay, Jewish 20-something who strikes up an unlikely friendship with his recovering alcoholic neighbor after returning to his family home. Set in Ann Arbor, the play is full of charming nostalgia and local references that will make audience members feel right at home. $30. Theatre Nova, Ann Arbor; theatrenova.org

OCT. 11-12

ART

A2 Artoberfest: Jury-selected artists will display paintings, sculptures, textiles, photography, and more in the charming Kerrytown district of downtown Ann Arbor at this annual fall fair, which also features live musical entertainment, food trucks, and activities for kids. No cost. Downtown Ann Arbor; theguild.org

OCT. 18

FILM

Courtesy of Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert

Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert: Celebrate 20 years of the beloved animated fantasy-action series with this immersive experience at the Fisher Theatre. A two-hour visual montage will play on a full-size cinema screen while a live orchestra performs composer Jeremy Zuckerman’s Emmy Award-winning soundtrack. $47+. Fisher Theatre, Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com

OCT. 18-19

DANCE

Stars of American Ballet: Dancers from New York City Ballet and Houston Ballet will perform pieces by some of the most influential American choreographers of the 20th century, including George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Gerald Arpino, and Twyla Tharp. $65+. Detroit Opera House, Detroit; detroitopera.org

OCT. 24

MUSIC

The Beta Band: The Scottish indie rock band will reunite for the first time in more than 20 years to perform its influential 1998 album The Three E.P.’s. Decades after the album’s release, standout tracks like “Dry the Rain” continue to enchant fans new and old. Featuring the classic lineup of Steve Mason, Richard Greentree, John Maclean, and Robin Jones, the band will play a smattering of North American dates, including a stop at Saint Andrew’s Hall. $58+. Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit; livenation.com

OCT. 31

THEATER

Welcome to Night Vale: Murder Night in Blood Forest: The twice-monthly podcast based in the fictional, perennially spooky town of Night Vale will hit the road just in time for Halloween. This all-new show features Cecil Baldwin, Symphony Sanders, and Jeffrey Cranor, along with surprise guests and live music by Disparition. $47+. Majestic Theatre, Detroit; majesticdetroit.com


This story originally appeared in the October 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.