9 Things to Do This Weekend (July 16-18)

Sidewalk Sales returns to Rochester, a punk rock art exhibit makes its way to Detroit, and more
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Sidewalk Sales PC Brad Ziegler
Shop goods from local merchants at Sidewalk Sales in Rochester. // Photograph by Brad Ziegler

Sidewalk Sales 2021

For more than 60 years, local merchants have lined the streets of Downtown Rochester for an entire summer weekend to offer bargains on their diverse wares. This year, the Sidewalk Sales festivities will extend into the night with live music for Friday’s Dancin’ in the Street and an outdoor screening of Aladdin (2019) for Saturday’s Movies in the Moonlight. No cost. Through July 17. Downtown Rochester, 431 Main St., Rochester; downtownrochestermi.com

Mooby’s

Tin Roof is hosting Mooby’s pop-up restaurant, offering Detroiters the chance to enter the View Askewniverse — the fictional universe home to the creative works of writer and director Kevin Smith. Each ticket includes a customized Mooby’s Meal consisting of a “Moo Main” and a “Salt Lick Side” (vegan options are available for each). $29. Through July 20. Tin Roof Detroit, 47 E. Adams Ave., Detroit; moobyspopup.com

Festa Italiana

Festa Italiana has been an annual metro Detroit tradition since its inception in the 1970s. Each year, more than 40,000 guests show up to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Italy. On top of the 30-plus food vendors, which will include Gnocchi Italian Restaurant and Vince and Joe’s Gourmet Market, the three-day festival will feature authentic Italian wine, beer, and cocktails. Guest will enjoy entertainment in the form of both local and national talent, as well as time-honored traditions, such as the cannoli eating contest, the meatball contest, the singing competition, and a Sunday mass. Plus, the petting zoo and inflatable fun zone are sure to keep little ones happy. No Cost. July 16-18. Freedom Hill County Park, 14900 Metro Pkwy., Sterling Heights; iaccm.net

Yoga on the Riverfront

Begin the weekend with a serene morning yoga class and a scenic view of the Detroit River. Always free to the public, this week’s Yoga on the Riverfront class will be led by instructors from Urban Solace yoga studio. No cost. July 16-Aug. 27. Milliken State Park, 1900 Atwater St., Detroit; detroitriverfront.org

Family Campout and Classic Rock Night

An exciting match between the Utica Unicorns and the Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers will be accompanied by the music of Queen, performed live throughout the evening. Afterward, families will be invited to pitch their tents on the right on the diamond at Jimmy John’s Field and enjoy an evening of outdoor activities and entertainment, including a movie under the stars. Campers will wake to a free, continental breakfast, complete with fresh bagels and donuts. $35. July 17. Jimmy John’s Field, 7171 Auburn Road, Utica; uspbl.com

Flower Therapy

Living artworks of fresh flowers, vines, and mosses will fill the event space at Norwest Gallery of Art’s emotionally charged exhibit and fundraiser, Flower Therapy. Detroit multimedia artist Jessica DeMuro, who is known for examining the human experience through her work, will be responsible for one of the exhibition highlights. Her large flower installation of greenery and sunset-colored blooms will spill from a suspended orb, crawling along the walls and floor of the gallery and attaching to smaller orbs. Also scheduled to exhibit are Denyse Couture and Joy Bradley of Joy X Design. In addition to the visual indulgence, guests will enjoy a floral arrangement auction, which will benefit the Norwest Community Collaborative’s nonprofit COVID-19 Gardening Through Grief Project — a community herb and flower garden created to be “a space of healing and understanding.” $20. Opening this weekend — July 17 and 18 — and running through Aug. 1. Norwest Gallery of Art, 19556 Grand River Ave., Detroit; eventbrite.com 

Punk Rock and Paintbrushes 2 PC
Artists with Punk Rock and Paintbrushes include professional musicians, skateboarders, surfers, and other figures in the punk rock scene. This weekend, several artists with the group will make a stop in Detroit to show their work. // Photograph courtesy of Punk Rock and Paintbrushes

Oddities and Curiosities Expo

Locals are invited to discover new artists and get their hands on rare, macabre, and horror-inspired pieces at The Oddities and Curiosities Expo this weekend. The hand-selected vendors, artisans, and small businesses offer everything from dark artwork, jewelry, and antiques to genuine bones, preserved specimens, and quack medical devices. For an additional charge, patrons can join a taxidermy class, where they’ll learn the art and engineer their very own Jackalope to take home. $10+. July 17. Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi; odditiesandcuriositiesexpo.com

Punk Rock and Paintbrushes

Punk Rock and Paintbrushes is an art management company that works with figures in the punk rock scene. This weekend, the group is bringing an event to Detroit that will include art by professional skateboarder Steve Caballero, Matt Hensley of Flogging Molly, and eccentric surfer Brian Bent. General admission is free, but those who purchase a VIP ticket will receive access to a pre-exhibit artist Q&A and live music from father-daughter rock n’ roll duo Bent. Plus, all VIP passes come with a goody bag containing the new coffee table book, The Insides of Artists Written by Outsiders, and other swag. No cost for general admission; $110 for VIP ticket. July 18. El Club, 4114 Vernor Hwy., Detroit; punkrockart.com

Detroit Symphony Orchestra in the Park

On Sunday, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy will welcome the public to enjoy a free pop-up concert in the Dequindre Cut Freight Yard, where the Detroit Symphony Orchestra will perform a selection of chamber music. Drinks will be available for purchase. No cost. July 18. Dequindre Cut Freight Yard, 1905 Alfred St., Detroit; detroitriverfront.org