
Armada Fair
With tractor pulls, a rodeo, a demolition derby, and a monster truck rally, the Armada Fair lives up to its slogan: “A true country fair.” Patrons will also enjoy livestock competitions, amusement rides, a watermelon eating contest, and lots of country music, including a performance by “My Girl” singer Dylan Scott. $10. Aug. 16-22. Armada Fairgrounds, 74280 Fair St., Armada; armadafair.org
Tom McCarthy
As a staple of the Midwest club and festival circuit, local comedian Tom McCarthy has earned a reputation as a master storyteller who has seen it all — and remembers some of it. He’s also appeared on the Fox Network’s Laughs and competed as a finalist in National Lampoon’s Comic Search. Catch McCarthy performing stand-up at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle this weekend, and you might just end up laughing both with him and at him. $10+. Aug. 19-21. Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, 310 Troy St., Royal Oak; comedycastle.com
Woodward Dream Cruise
Since its inception in 1995, the Woodward Dream Cruise has become the world’s largest one-day automotive event, featuring 40,000 classic cars and drawing 1.5 million spectators from around the globe, each year. The route, which spans over nine communities, features plenty of spots to stop and check out classic car shows or take in the cruise. Events include the Ferndale Dream Cruise festival, which will take over Nine Mile and Woodward and feature the Ferndale Emergency Vehicle Show, Lights and Sirens Cruise, and Rock ‘n Live Entertainment show. No cost. Aug. 21. Woodward Avenue, Pontiac to Ferndale; woodwarddreamcruise.com

African World Festival
Join the more than 100,000 visitors who head to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History each year to experience the rich culture of the African diaspora. The African World Festival is a lively celebration, full of music, dance, fashion, food, and workshops. Plus, more than 150 vendors will be selling authentic African and Caribbean goods — including food, clothing, accessories, and health products — all weekend long. No cost. Aug. 20-22. Charles H. Wright Museum, 315 Warren Ave., Detroit; thewright.org
Photography Workshop
Learn how to capture “a bug’s view” of the world in this one-day adult photography class. Students will need their cameras for this hands-on lesson, which will cover the guiding principles of macro and closeup photography, including bokeh, focus, stacking, and depth of field. $45+. Aug. 21. Northville Art House, 215 W. Cady St., Northville; northvillearthouse.org

Michigan Renaissance Festival
Queen Elizabeth, her court of nobles, and all the townspeople of the magical, 16th-century European village of HollyGrove return to the Michigan Renaissance Festival Fairgrounds this year. Musicians, magicians, jugglers, and mimes will entertain the masses across 18 stages, mounted knights will compete in jousting tournaments, and more than 150 artisans will sell their handcrafted goods in the marketplace, this opening weekend. $14+. Aug. 21-Oct. 3. Michigan Renaissance Festival Fairgrounds, 12600 Dixie Hwy., Holly; michrenfest.com
Hug Detroit Day
This Sunday, from noon to 11 p.m., public venues across Detroit will host various events, to celebrate and uplift the community. The event will kick off with the Thunder Stroll on Belle Isle. The 2-mile walk, dedicated to the late Detroit musician Terry Thunder Hughley, is intended to raise awareness for health and fitness. The festivities will continue throughout the day with block parties, vendors, charitable drives, poetry readings, food, children’s activities, and live music. No cost. Aug. 22. Various locations; facebook.com
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