Art
Sept. 11-13
Season Fair
Eleven artists, collectives, and galleries from Detroit, Cleveland, Minneapolis, Washington, D.C., and Denmark will display paintings, sculptures, textiles, and installations at the Shepherd. This year, the annual event asked participating artists to address a common question: How do we build meaningful lives amid change? The resulting works utilize everyday materials and personal histories to ponder themes of migration, belonging, craft, tradition, and aspiration. $40+. The Shepherd, 1265 Parkview St., Detroit; season-fair.com.
Through Oct. 25
Guests of Honor: Frederic Church’s Cotopaxi
In honor of the iconic American landscape painter, who would have turned 200 this year, this exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts highlights “Cotopaxi,” Church’s famous 1862 painting of a South American volcano, alongside three of his oil paint studies of the same volcano. The exhibition also features a related landscape piece by Louis Rémy Mignot, one of Church’s contemporaries. Museum admission: $20 (adult); free for Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland County residents. Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; dia.org.
Sept. 26- Jan. 24
Black Wall Street Journey: Re and De Imagining Black Progress
Part of a national public art project by artist and community organizer Rick Lowe, this exhibition examines the forces that shape Black wealth, from income and education to housing and business ownership. One central component is the “Black Wall Street Journey Ticker,” a 40-foot-long LED panel mounted on the museum’s rooftop, which displays data from the University of Michigan’s ongoing research on income dynamics and the Anti-Black index. The installation also displays 20 of Lowe’s new works in UMMA’s Taubman Gallery. Free admission. University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor; umich.edu.
Oct. 21-Feb. 28
The World of Anna Sui
International fashion designer and metro Detroit native Anna Sui first lit up runways and boutiques in the ’90s with an inimitable combination of grunge, rock ’n’ roll, Western, hippie, surf, and even hula-inspired aesthetics — and her visionary style continues to stun today. View more than 100 looks from the designer’s archive at this colorful exhibition. Museum admission: $12; free on Thursdays. Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills; cranbrookartmuseum.org.
Opening Nov. 15
Reimagine Contemporary Art and Reimagine Modern Art
The Detroit Institute of Arts’ Modern and Contemporary art galleries open on Nov. 15 for the first time since 2007. The contemporary gallery showcases more than 120 artworks from the 1950s to today, while the modern gallery highlights American and European artists from the mid-19th through mid-20th centuries. Museum admission: $20 (adult); free for Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland County residents. Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; dia.org.
Music
Sept. 16
Gary Clark Jr.
Known for his unique fusion of blues, rock, R&B, and soul, this Austin-based singer, songwriter, and guitarist has gained widespread critical acclaim over the course of his 15-year career. Expect to hear selections from his latest album, JPEG RAW, along with some new material, when Clark performs at the Fillmore this month. $68+. Fillmore Detroit, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit; ticketmaster.com.
Oct. 11
The Carpenters Songbook: A Live Celebration
Hear classics like “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Close to You,” and “Rainy Days and Mondays” at this live tribute to music’s most beloved brother-sister duo. Featuring a full live band, the concert invites fans to sing along as they relive the magic of Karen and Richard Carpenter. $56+. Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; atgtickets.com.
Oct. 12
Beck
The eight-time Grammy Award winner first saw mainstream success with his 1994 stoner rock anthem “Loser.” Since then, the singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist has engaged in fearless experimentation, dabbling in groovy R&B, psychedelic rock, pop-funk, and everything in between. Beck will promote his new single “Ride Lonesome” when he arrives at the Fox Theatre this fall. $61+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
Nov. 2
Journey
Commemorating more than five decades of arena-rock history, the iconic band (which includes original member Neal Schon on guitar) heads out for one final North American tour this year. Fans will enjoy an energetic set filled with chart-topping hits, including “Any Way You Want It,” “Faithfully,” and the Motor City favorite “Don’t Stop Believin’.” $55+. Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
Nov. 20-22
Legends: The Paul Simon Songbook
Conductor Jeff Tyzik leads the Detroit Symphony Orchestra through legendary songwriter and performer Paul Simon’s iconic solo albums Graceland and The Rhythm of the Saints. Featured songs include “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “The Sound of Silence,” and “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.” $19.95+. Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; dso.org.
Theater
Sept. 23-Oct. 25
Eureka Day
The Detroit Public Theatre presents a witty and highly relevant satire about the intersection of public health and parenting. The play follows board members at a progressive private school in Berkeley, California, as they attempt to forge a comprehensive vaccine policy. Exploring themes of vaccine skepticism, social justice, and the difficulty of reaching an informed consensus in a time of misinformation, Eureka Day is equal parts funny and thought-provoking. $52+. Detroit Public Theatre, 3960 Third Ave., Detroit; detroitpublictheatre.org.
Oct. 13-18
Dirty Dancing: The Musical
The 1987 film about a teen who falls for her dreamy dance instructor hits the Fisher Theatre stage in October for a night of feel-good nostalgia. Featuring electrifying choreography and live performances of hit songs from the original soundtrack, the family-friendly production will have fans of all ages dancing. $36+. Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; atgtickets.com.
Oct. 20-Nov. 1
Maybe Happy Ending
This buzzy and original South Korean musical challenges assumptions about love and mortality as it follows Oliver and Claire, two human-like helper robots who develop a unique and enduring connection. Critics showered the production with fervent praise when it debuted on Broadway in 2024, culminating in six Tony Awards (including best musical) and six Drama Desk Awards. $45.63+. Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; atgtickets.com.
Nov. 1, 5, & 7
Tosca
Puccini’s classic operatic thriller tells the story of sensational 19th-century opera singer Floria Tosca and her revolutionary lover, Mario, as corrupt police chief Baron Scarpia begins to target them. The three-act opera’s lush score features some of Puccini’s most famous arias, including “Recondita armonia” and “Vissi d’arte.” Due to depictions of violence, Tosca is recommended for ages 16 and up. $30+. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit; detroitopera.org.
Nov. 17-29
The Great Gatsby
The Roaring ’20s come to extravagant life in this new Tony Award-winning musical based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic tale of love, wealth, and tragedy. Set to a jazzy original score by Grammy-winning composer Jason Howland and Grammy-nominated songwriter Nathan Tysen, the show features electrifying choreography, award-winning costumes, and dazzling sets. $46.80. Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; atgtickets.com.
Dance
Sept. 22
Swan Lake
The Los Angeles-based World Ballet Company brings its production of the legendary Tchaikovsky ballet to Ann Arbor’s Michigan Theater for one night only this fall. With more than 50 international dancers, 150 intricate costumes, gorgeous handmade sets, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, the classic tale of good and evil is an immersive treat for all ages. $45+. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; marquee-arts.org.
Oct. 17
Ballets Jazz Montréal
The contemporary dance company makes a stop at the Opera House to perform Dance Me: The Music of Leonard Cohen, a multidisciplinary spectacle that combines dance, music, videography, and lighting to translate the legendary Montreal musician’s work into inspired motion. Approved by Cohen himself, the production spotlights 14 dancers and traces five stages of the artist’s life. $30+. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit; detroitopera.org.
Nov. 14
Step Afrika!
As the international authority on the art of stepping, Step Afrika blends the rhythmic dance traditions of historically Black fraternities and sororities with traditional African dances and contemporary choreography. The high-energy performance aims to educate and inspire by incorporating storytelling, humor, and audience participation. $56+. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit; detroitopera.org.
Comedy
Sept. 18
Jim Gaffigan
The Emmy Award-winning comedian, actor, writer, and producer got his start in comedy clubs and Blockbuster Video commercials. Decades later, one of the country’s best-known “clean” comics boasts 11 successful specials and several sold-out tours. Gaffigan’s conversational observations about everyday American life touch on food, social dynamics, and the joys and pitfalls of fatherhood. $55+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
Oct. 15-16
Leanne Morgan
The Tennessee native discovered her funny bone while working in door-to-door jewelry sales, when she frequently cracked jokes with clients. Today, she’s one of the top comedians in the game, with millions of YouTube views and a Top 10 Netflix comedy special. The comedian recently made her acting debut in the Will Ferrell- and Reese Witherspoon-helmed rom-com You’re Cordially Invited. $60+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
Festivals
Sept. 4-7
Detroit Jazz Fest
A Detroit tradition for more than 40 years, this festival at Hart Plaza and Campus Martius Park brings world-class jazz talent to the Motor City every Labor Day weekend. Headliners on this year’s lineup include legendary jazz fusion band Yellowjackets, acclaimed supergroup ARTEMIS, and influential keyboardist Bob James, whose iconic samples helped shape modern hip-hop. No cost. Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit; detroitjazzfest.org.
Sept. 4-7
Arts, Beats & Eats
Thousands flock to downtown Royal Oak every Labor Day weekend for this annual celebration of art, food, and music. Attendees can expect to see dozens of bands on the bill, ranging from local talent to internationally touring acts. $9. See website for full lineup. Downtown Royal Oak; artsbeatseats.com.
Film
Sept. 6-Oct. 18
Twin Peaks Season 2
This past spring, David Lynch fans finally got a chance to see Season 1 of the filmmaker’s groundbreaking TV series — which felt like a film — on the big screen. Now it’s time for Season 2, in which audiences finally learn who killed Laura Palmer. Catch a screening every Sunday through Oct. 18. $11.75 (adult); $49.25 (season pass). Michigan Theatre, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; marquee-arts.org.
Sept. 12
Napoleon Dynamite Live
Join actors Jon Heder, Jon Gries, and Efren Ramirez for a screening of the beloved 2004 indie classic about an awkward, small-town teen struggling to fit in. An interactive fan experience follows the film, featuring games, comedy improv, and a Q&A session with the cast. $35+. Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; atgtickets.com.
Sept. 26
Festival of Darkness
Now in its fifth year, this annual festival at the (famously haunted) Redford Theatre kicks off spooky season with a curated 90-minute reel of short horror films submitted by independent filmmakers from Michigan and around the world. The selections feature dark, unsettling content recommended for mature audiences only. $10. Redford Theatre, 17360 Lahser Rd., Detroit; redfordtheatre.com.
This story originally appeared in the September 2026 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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