7 Things to Do This Weekend (June 4-6)

Get outdoors with water sports, art fairs, festivals, and fireworks
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Nick Pizana PC Nick Pizana
Nick Pizana’s art is now on display at Detroit Shipping Co. // Photograph courtesy of Nick Pizana

Nick Pizana

Co-owner of Hamtramck’s KO Studio Gallery and curator at Detroit’s Whitdel Arts, Nick Pizana is showing his own creations at Detroit Shipping Co. Pizana’s expressive paintings showcase his signature, comic book-esque style, which is characterized by vibrant colors, bold lines, and pop culture influences. The graphic, abstract depictions of everyday objects that comprise the artist’s latest series are playful and whimsical, yet somehow eerie. Pizana has previously displayed his work at some of Detroit’s best-known arts institutions, including Red Bull House of Art, Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, and Murals in the Market. $20+. Through July 20. Detroit Shipping Co., 474 Peterboro St., Detroit; detroitshippingcompany.com

Traverse City Dinner

Lounge beneath the large cafe umbrellas on Frame’s heated patio and enjoy the first chef experience of its summer series. This introductory evening will offer a taste of the Northern Michigan food scene, courtesy of Chefs Patrick and Michael Evans. Backed by years of experience at Michelin-starred restaurants such as San Francisco’s Lord Stanley and Atelier Crenn, the Evans brothers now run popular Traverse City pop-up concept Conifer. The concept focuses on using local produce and foraged foods to craft creative, regional dishes. A few of this weekend’s menu items include Cured and Smoked Salmon, lamb saddle, and Farmer’s Cheese Dumplings. For an additional charge, guests can receive summer wines and cocktails expertly paired with each dish by Frame’s mixtress Jaz’min Weaver and sommelier Sean Crenny. $70+. June 4 and 5. Frame, 23839 John R Road, Ste. 2, Hazel Park; framehazelpark.com

Paddlepalooza 2 PC City of Auburn Hills
Paddlepalooza challenges participants to kayak 8 miles of the Clinton River. // Photograph courtesy of the City of Auburn Hills

Blake’s 75th Anniversary Celebration

Blakes’s is honoring its 75-year anniversary with a series of special events and initiatives. The festivities include pig races, live music, giveaways, and free donuts and cider. No cost for entrance; $7.50 for Funland package. June 4-6. Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada; blakefarms.com

Center Line Independence Festival

On the first weekend of June, Memorial Park is transformed into the Center Line Independence Festival, complete with carnival rides, food stands, and a stage that accommodates live performances from local bands. But it’s Saturday’s can’t-miss Fireworks display that is the highlight of the annual festival. No cost. June 4-6. Memorial Park, 25355 Lawrence St., Center Line; centerlinefestival.org 

Paddlepalooza

Paddlepalooza is an 8-mile journey along the Clinton River that takes participants from Auburn Hills to Rochester Hills. Auburn Hills organizers offer three different events, ensuring nobody is left out of this annual, outdoor tradition. For those with a competitive spirit, options include 1-person Kayakers Race and the 2-person Canoeists Race. Or, kayakers who prefer to paddle at their own pace can take part in the non-race Adventure Paddle. $20. June 5. Riverside Park, 3311 Squirrel Ct., Auburn Hills; auburnhills.org

Palmer Park Art Fair 2 PC David Ruggeri
David Ruggeri is among the artists showing their work at Palmer Park Art Fair this weekend. // Photograph courtesy of David Ruggeri

Palmer Park Art Fair

Hundreds of artists applied to participate in the juried Palmer Park Art Fair, but only the best 85 were selected for the event. Artists tents at this large, outdoor fair wind around Lake Frances and feature sculptures, furniture, jewelry, and fiber works. On-site food trucks and drink stands will be available to satisfy the appetite you’re sure to work up perusing the vast selection of purchasable artworks, and kids can get their craft on in the Family Activities Tent. No cost. June 5 and 6. Palmer Park, 600 Merrill Plaisance, Detroit; palmerparkartfair.com 

International Kite Festival

If you’re on the hunt for a family-friendly event this weekend, check out Lyon Township’s International Kite Festival. There, you’ll enjoy kite decorating and flying, an exotic reptile exhibit, and a climbing wall. If that’s not enough to keep the little ones busy, the event will also offer live entertainment in the form of a magician and world-renowned professional kite flyers. Festival organizers are also giving out free kites, but only while supplies last. $5. June 5 and 6. James Atchison Memorial Park, 58000 Grand River Ave., New Hudson; lyonevents.org