12 Don’t-Miss November Events in Metro Detroit

Save the dates for concerts, comedy shows, theater, dance performances, and more.
117
A photo of 'A Christmas Story: The Musical'
'A Christmas Story' was originally adapted from the 1966 book 'In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash.' // Photograph by Gary Emord Netzley

Nov. 2-Feb. 22

Art

Haas Brothers: Uncanny Valley: Twin brothers Nikolai and Simon Haas are known for materially rich pieces that blend art with craft, design, and technology. Full of fictional characters, imaginary creatures, and unearthly realms, their whimsical work explores the convergence of nature, fantasy, and human experience. $12. Cranbrook Art Museum, Bloomfield Hills; cran
brookartmuseum.org

Nov. 7-8

Theater

The Rocky Horror Show Live: Step into a wacky, wondrous world of rock ’n’ roll at this live stage adaptation of Richard O’Brien’s cult classic musical. Featuring infectious music, beloved characters, and over-the-top glamour, the show is a celebration of individuality that will charm new fans and old. $25. Redford Theatre, Detroit; redfordtheatre.com 

Nov. 8

Comedy

Jimmy O. Yang: Popularly known for his role as Jian-Yang in the HBO comedy series Silicon Valley, the Hong Kong-born comedian and actor currently stars in the Netflix series Space Force. His stand-up routines frequently reference his experiences as an immigrant and struggling actor — themes he explored in his 2018 book How to American: An Immigrant’s Guide to Disappointing Your Parents. $60+. Masonic Jack White Theatre, Detroit; axs.com

Music

A photo from the production 'The LIfe and Music of George Michael'
The Life and Music of George Michael. // Photograph courtesy of Broadway in Detroit

The Life and Music of George Michael: This concert-style tribute production follows the Grammy Award-winning star’s rise to fame through his own early hits. Fans can expect to hear favorites like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Freedom!,” and “Faith.” $45+. Fisher Theatre, Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com

Nov. 11

Music

John Legend: The singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer will celebrate the 20-year anniversary of his multi-Grammy-winning debut studio album, Get Lifted, on this upcoming retrospective tour. Hear the album in its entirety, along with a smattering of deep cuts, fan favorites, and new renditions of classic songs. $66+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

Nov. 14

Comedy

The Second City: The influential improv troupe celebrates its 65th anniversary with a return to The Ark for The Best of The Second City. Since its beginnings as a humble cabaret in Chicago, the company has launched the careers of dozens of comedy’s biggest names, including Chris Farley, Tina Fey, Bill Murray, Mike Myers, Catherine O’Hara, and Amy Poehler. $51+. The Ark, Ann Arbor; theark.org

Nov. 14-16

Theater

A Christmas Story: The Musical: The hilarious 1983 movie about a boy’s quest to get a Red Ryder air rifle for Christmas comes to life on the Fox Theatre stage this month. Featuring a Tony Award-nominated holiday-themed score and all the heart and humor of the film, the show offers a new holiday tradition suitable for the whole family. $49+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com

Nov. 15-16

Dance

A photo of dancers from the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
Photograph by Jeff Cravotta/Courtesy of Dance Theatre of Harlem

Dance Theatre of Harlem: Harlem-born dancer Arthur Mitchell made history in 1956 when he became the first Black principal dancer at New York City Ballet. He later established Dance Theatre of Harlem to bring classical ballet instruction to the underserved, predominantly Black neighborhood from which he hailed. Artistic Director Robert Garland currently leads the famed company, which will return to Detroit for two days of performances this month. $65+. Detroit Opera House, Detroit; detroitopera.org

Nov. 21

Music

Trombone Shorty: Multi-instrumentalist Troy Andrews, known as Trombone Shorty, entered the live music scene at just 4 years of age when he appeared onstage with blues legend Bo Diddley at the 1990 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. He later went on to perform with Lenny Kravitz, U2, and Green Day before signing his own deal with Blue Note Records in 2017. Today, Andrews is known for his engaging stage presence and electric live shows with Orleans Avenue, his Grammy Award-nominated backing band. $91+. Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Detroit; musichall.org

Nov. 21-23

Theater

A photo from 'Tina: The Tina Turner Musical'
Photograph by Manuel Harlan.

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical: Follow the late Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll as she breaks barriers and achieves stardom against all odds in this biographical musical by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall. One of the best-selling artists of all time, Turner won 12 Grammy Awards and sold more concert tickets than any other solo performer in history. Her electrifying back catalog of hits serves as the soundtrack for her inspiring story. $46+ Fisher Theatre, Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com

Nov. 21-23

Music

The Billy Joel Songbook: Pianist and vocalist Tony DeSare joins the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for a tribute to one of music’s most iconic showmen. Enrico Lopez-Yañez will conduct full orchestral arrangements of unforgettable classics including “Piano Man,” “New York State of Mind,” and “Just the Way You Are.” $24+. Orchestra Hall, Detroit; dso.org

Nov. 25

Music

Portugal. The Man: The Portland, Oregon-based indie band got its first taste of mainstream success in 2017 with its platinum-selling LP Woodstock, which featured the Grammy Award-winning radio hit “Feel It Still.” As a regular on the festival circuit, the band tours extensively and boasts more than 1,600 live performances under its belt. Seattle rock band La Luz will kick off the show. $46+. Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak; royal
oakmusictheatre.com


This story originally appeared in the November 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.