Looking for something fun to do in metro Detroit? Check out this handy guide for details on some of our favorite upcoming happenings including family-friendly events, stage shows, and more.
Pop Culture & Film
Motor City Comic Con
One of the biggest pop culture celebrations in metro Detroit takes over Novi this weekend. Motor City Comic Con is delivering a stacked celebrity lineup that includes Hayley Atwell, Johnny Yong Bosch, John Boyega, Kit Harington, Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, and Patrick Warburton. Comic creators booked to appear include Simon Bisley, Joe Prado, and Scott Snyder. May 15-17. $105/weekend adult pass, with individual day passes available. Vibe Credit Union Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi; full lineup and event details available at motorcitycomiccon.com.
Harlan County USA
In 1973, budding filmmaker Barbara Kopple headed to a small town in Kentucky to film striking coal miners as they battled Duke Power Company for fair wages and safer working practices. Kopple ended up spending years with the miners and their families, documenting their struggles through their own words and stories. Harlan County USA went on to win the Academy Award for Best Documentary in 1976 and set a new standard for nonfiction filmmaking. May 15 and 17. $13+. Detroit Film Theatre, 5200 John R St., Detroit; dia.org.
Music
Spring Concert Over the Cove with Vanessa Carr
Vanessa Carr performs at Ford House this weekend as part of their Concert Ove the Cove series. The local singer/dancer is best known for her performances of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Detroit Lions and Tigers games. May 15, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. $75 for the public, $60 for Ford House members. Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Rd., Grosse Pointe Shores; fordhouse.org.
Brit Floyd
Considered one of the world’s best Pink Floyd tribute bands, Brit Floyd touches down in Detroit this weekend on their “The Moon, The Wall, and Beyond” tour. The setlist will include some of Pink Floyd’s biggest songs, including classics from The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall. May 16. $54.10+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit;313presents.com.
Satchvai Band
Guitar icons Joe Satriani and Steve Vai join forces in the aptly titled Satchvai Band. This is the first time Satriani and Vai are bringing this partnership to the United States after a successful tour of Europe last summer. May 16. $54.10. Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, 3554 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills; 313presents.com.
Joe Jackson
The British musician, singer, and songwriter burst onto the new-wave scene in the late ’70s with hits like “Is She Really Going Out with Him?” and “It’s Different for Girls.” He’ll promote his new album, Hope and Fury, when he performs at the Masonic Temple this month. May 17. $77+. Masonic Jack White Theatre, 500 Temple St., Detroit; axs.com.
Ari Lennox
Grammy-nominated R&B star Ari Lennox brings her “Vacancy Tour” to the Fox Theatre this Sunday. Lennox is currently on tour in support of her third studio album, Vacancy, which was released in January. Joining Lennox on tour as special guests are Lekan and PHABO. May 17. $51.55+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
Warren Symphony Orchestra’s Season Finale
The Warren Symphony Orchestra closes its 52nd season with a performance of works by Ravel and Gershwin. May 17, 3 p.m-5 p.m. $23, with discounts available for seniors, students, veterans, and first responders. Fitzgerald High School Auditorium, 23200 Ryan Rd., Warren; warrensymphonyorchestra.org.
Comedy
Andrew Dice Clay
The Diceman brings his brand of comedy to the Andiamo Celebrity Showroom on Friday. The show is for “mature audiences only,” but you probably already knew that. May 15. $35+. Andiamo Celebrity Showroom, 7096 East 14 Mile Rd., Warren; andiamoshowroom.com.
Patrick Warburton
Actor, comedian, and underrated Julia Louis-Dreyfus scene partner Patrick Warburton comes to Royal Oak this Friday as part of his current standup tour. May 15. $56.05+. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W 4th St., Royal Oak; axs.com.
Mic Drop Comedy Detroit’s Walking Ghost Tour
If you love learning about local history with a dash of the paranormal, you might want to check out Mic Drop Comedy Detroit’s Walking Ghost Tour. For about 60-70 minutes, you’ll be guided around downtown Detroit learning about spooky stories about the city’s theaters, churches, parks, and more. (Appropriate for ages 10+.) Saturdays now through Nov. 1. $25.50. Mic Drop Comedy Detroit, 2301 Woodward Ave., Detroit; micdropcomedydetroit.com.
Food, Drink & Markets
Flower Day at Eastern Market
Flower Day is finally upon us! Over 150 flower vendors will pack Eastern Market this Sunday for those ready to make their gardens pop with gorgeous color and variety. Flower Day will also feature live music and food vendors. May 17, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. Eastern Market, 2934 Russell St., Detroit; easternmarket.org.
Pine Knob Food Truck Rally
For those looking for a family-friendly Friday night out, Pine Knob is hosting its Food Truck Rally featuring over 30 food trucks. In addition to all of the food available, guests will be able to enjoy live music, kids entertainment, and a beer tent. May 15, 4 p.m-9 p.m. Free admission. Pine Knob Music Theatre, 33 Bob Seger Dr., Clarkston; 313presents.com.
A Night in Paris at The Seven
The Seven, a new event venue in Ferndale, is hosting a special dining event on Friday and Saturday called “A Night in Paris.” Inspired by the Moulin Rouge, the event will feature a cocktail hour with passed appetizers and a special three-course dinner by Chef Mat Barnes. Live entertainment will include local comedians and burlesque acts. May 15 and 16. $70. The Seven, 915 E. Drayton St., Ferndale; eventbrite.com.
Packard Farmers’ Market
Kicking off this Saturday is the Packard Farmers’ Market. Formerly known as the Shelby Farmers Market, shoppers can enjoy seasonal produce and other goods from local vendors. May 16-Oct. 10. Every Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., rain or shine. Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township; packardprovinggrounds.org.
Theater
The Cider House Rules
The Ringwald Theatre’s latest production is an adaptation of the bestselling John Irving novel The Cider House Rules. The production is split up into two parts, with Part One opening on May 15, and Part Two opening on May 29. June 7 and 14 will feature performances of both parts at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively. May 15-June 14. $32.64 for each part, with a $10 discount available when purchasing both parts together. The Ringwald Theatre, 290 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; theringwald.com.
King James
Final Performances of Hamilton
The groundbreaking musical that turns the story of the American Revolution into a mesmerizing hip-hop opera will return to Detroit’s Fisher Theatre this month. Writer and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda received overwhelming critical praise when Hamilton debuted on Broadway in 2015 — and scooped up a record-breaking 16 Tony Award nominations (and 11 wins) the following year. Closes on May 17. $80+. Fisher Theatre, Detroit; atgtickets.com.
Final Performances of A Little Night Music
The last show of the 2025-26 season for the Birmingham Village Players has the community theater group taking on A Little Night Music, the Tony Award-winning musical featuring “Send in the Clowns,” the classic song written by Stephen Sondheim. Closes on May 17. $30. 34660 Woodward Ave., Birmingham; birminghamvillageplayers.com.
Final Performances of My Fair Lady
Thumbcoast Theaters’ 2026 season takes on the timeless musical, My Fair Lady, beginning this weekend. Follow Eliza Doolittle as she transforms and charms high society and enjoy classic numbers like “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” and more. Closes on May 17. $38. The Boardwalk Theatre, 109 S. 3rd St., St. Clair; thumbcoasttheaters.com.
Final Performances of Million Dollar Quartet
The penultimate production of Meadow Brook Theatre’s 2025-26 season, Million Dollar Quartet looks back on the now-iconic 1956 jam session featuring Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley at Sun Studio in Memphis. Closes on May 17. $49.15. Meadow Brook Theatre, 378 Meadow Brook Rd., Rochester; mbtheatre.com.
Art
New Exhibitions at Wasserman Projects
Two new exhibitions are opening at the Wasserman Projects this weekend: Matthew Richie + Shara Nova’s Half-Winged and Adam Shirley + Alberte Tranberg’s Steel Work of Mild Hands. Both exhibitions open on May 16, with Half-Winged running through Aug. 15 and Stell Work of Mild Hands running through June 13. 3434 Russell Street, #502, Detroit; complete exhibition details available at wassermanprojects.com.
Latest Exhibits at MOCAD
Following a months-long closure for renovations, the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit will welcome visitors to return with three new exhibitions debuting this month. Detroit Cosmologies is the first retrospective exhibit of Detroit artist, storyteller, and cultural historian Olayami Dabls. This Side of the River honors Detroit-based fiber artist Carole Harris, whose otherworldly quilts serve as vessels for political and cultural reflection. Finally, Retail Therapy is the first solo museum exhibition for multimedia artist Martha Mysko, whose large-scale works incorporate painting, sculpture, photography, and architecture. April 25 onward. No additional cost. Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, 55 E Canfield St., Detroit; mocadetroit.org.
Latest Exhibits at Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center
Final Days of Oakland University’s Studio Art & Graphic Design Senior Exhibition
Presented by Oakland University’s Department of Art, Art History, and Design, this exhibition features the work from the department’s 17 graphic design and 14 studio art seniors in celebration of them completing their Bachelor of Arts degree programs. Closes on May 17. Oakland University Art Gallery,208 Wilson Hall, Rochester; ouartgallery.org.
Final Days of 2026 Detroit Artists Market Annual Scholarship Awards & Exhibition
This event honors the work of student finalists from the Cranbrook Academy of Art competing for the John F. Korachis Scholarship. Ten students will exhibit their work, and three students will be selected to receive the prestigious scholarship. Closes on May 16. Detroit Artists Market, 4719 Woodward Ave., Detroit; damonlinestore.company.site.
Family & Recreation
A-MAZING Detroit: All Paths Lead to Mi-Sci
The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) opens a new interactive exhibit this weekend with A-MAZING Detroit. This limited time exhibit is a life-sized cardboard maze featuring murals inspired by the city, along with cultural touchpoints, and takes you to various areas inside Mi-Sci. The maze is fully accessible for guests and contains multiple exits. Opens May 9. Included in the cost of general admission. Michigan Science Center, 5020 John R. St., Detroit; mi-sci-org.
Pickleball at Beacon Park
For the second year, folks can enjoy pickleball at Beacon Park in downtown Detroit. Weekday leagues take place Monday-Friday from 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m., with open play available from 6 a.m.-10 p.m., whenever the courts are not in use for leagues. Monthly tournaments are also scheduled, with May’s tournament set for the 16th from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Complete details available at empoweringmichigan.com.
Field Trip
Chihuly in Grand Rapids
Chihuly at Meijer Gardens at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids will showcase dozens of glass master Dale Chihuly’s creative works both inside the galleries and outside throughout the gardens. Several of his innovative artworks have been on display at the facility for decades, and a variety of others were presented during two special exhibitions in 2002 and 2010. May 2-Nov. 1. Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, 1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; meijergardens.org/chihuly-at-meijer-gardens.
Save the Date
Summertime at Nick Gilbert Way
Beginning on May 21, Nick Gilbert Way in downtown Detroit will feature a slate of exciting attractions. Located between Hudson’s Detroit Block building and tower, this plaza will be home to live music, community events, games, a local vendor market, food and drink pop-ups, and more. Among the attractions is the outdoor pop-up bar Twist, which will serve beer, wine, cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, and a variety of snacks. For a complete list of hours for each attraction, visit deckedoutdetroit.com.
Apartment House 1776
Just in time for America’s 250th birthday, this collaboration between Detroit Opera and Cranbrook Art Museum imagines the nation’s colonial history as a chorus of voices drifting down from open apartment windows. The immersive experience was originally designed by artist and composer John Cage for the country’s bicentennial anniversary in 1976. May 21-24. $49. Cranbrook Art Museum, Bloomfield Hills; detroitopera.org.
Flower Tuesday Markets
Flower season is a very busy time at Eastern Market. As part of the annual Flower Day, which takes place this year on May 17, there are special flower events every Tuesday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Sheds 5 and 6. This is ideal for those who prefer smaller crowds and better parking options. May 12, 19, and 26. Free entry. Eastern Market, 2934 Russell St., Detroit; easternmarket.org.
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Applications Open for Downtown Detroit Markets
The Downtown Detroit Markets are returning for their ninth season beginning on Nov. 11. Starting April 28, vendors can apply to be part of this unique holiday shopping event. Organizers are currently seeking established and emerging vendors with family-friendly products that have been operating in Detroit for at least two years. Complete application information is available at deckedoutdetroit.com.
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