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.
Music/Comedy
The Coney
The long-awaited celebrity variety show takes place this Saturday. Organized by Marc Evan Jackson, the show will feature J.K. Simmons, Tim Meadows, Sam Richardson, Diona Reasonover, Dave Coulier, Andrea Barber, Toni Trucks, Tony Hawk, Anna Garcia, Amber Ruffin, Amy Phillips, Larry Joe Campbell, Shane Battier, and other surprise guests. Sept. 26. $69.90+. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway, Detroit; ticketmaster.com.
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Detroit Folk Festival
Organized by Audra Kubat and featuring a lineup of over 25 singer-songwriters, this day-long festival celebrating all things folk will culminate in a dance party and bonfire under this weekend’s Harvest Moon. Sept. 26, 2 p.m.-midnight. Free admission. Detroit House of Music, 5603 14th St., Detroit; facebook.com.
Opening Night Concert: Joshua Bell Plays Lalo
Jader Bignamini opens the program with Chabrier’s colorful and imaginative España. Joshua Bell takes the stage with Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole, performing with his characteristic command and refinement. Ginastera’s Estancia concludes the evening with sustained intensity and precision, a concert not to miss! Sept. 26. $69+. Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; dso.org.
Sunset Concert
This picturesque concert featuring a performance by Mobile Dueling Pianos is set in Meadow Brook’s newly restored Rock Garden. Guests will enjoy a fall sunset, which will give way to surrounding candlelight and the glow of Chinese lanterns. Sept. 27, 5- 7:30 p.m. $60 per person/$54 for Meadow Brook members. Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Dr., Rochester; meadowbrookhall.org.
Fairs & Festivals
Destination Starz Hollow
This weekend, downtown Brighton will magically transform into the beloved, fictional Connecticut town at the center of the equally beloved television series Gilmore Girls. For two days, tens of thousands of people will descend upon the Livingston County town to capture some wholesome magic and even have the chance to meet some of the show’s cast, including Kelly Bishop, Scott Patterson, and Sean Gunn. Sept. 26-27. Free admission. Downtown Brighton; destinationstarshollow.com.
Funky Ferndale Art Fair
In its 20th year, the Funky Ferndale Art Fair takes over Nine Mile (west of Woodward Ave.) this weekend. Attendees will get to enjoy work from over 140 juried artists and authors. Sept. 25-27. Free admission. Nine Mile, west of Woodward Ave.; funkyferndaleartfair.com.
DIY Street Fair
Meanwhile, over on Nine Mile (east of Woodward Ave.) is the DIY Street Fair. Attendees will be treated to live music from 20 bands, 150 artists selling their wares, numerous food trucks, and more. Sept. 25-27. Free admission. Nine Mile, east of Woodward Ave.; ferndalediy.com.
Detroit Mercy at 6 Mile Street Fair
This family-friendly event at the University of Detroit Mercy will feature all sorts food vendors and activities, including art stations, lawn games, yoga, and a live performance from the UDM Band Club. Sept. 26, 2-6 p.m. Free admission. Front lawn of UDM’s McNichols Campus, 4001 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit; udmstreetfest2026.squarespace.com.
Harvest Day at Ford House
Featuring over 80 local makers, artisans, and craftspeople, Harvest Day at Ford House is a great way to welcome fall for the whole family. Other attractions and activities include a petting zoo, a mobile aviary, and Benson’s Backyard, a new nature-inspired play area on Bird Island honoring Benson Ford Sr. Sept. 26, 12-5 p.m. $12 for adults, $6 for children, and discounts available to Ford House Friends. 1100 Lake Shore Rd., Grosse Pointe Shores; fordhouse.org.
Michigan Renaissance Festival
Huzzah! Take a trip back in time to a 16th-century European village that offers music, magic, juggling, and jousting performances. There will be more than 100 artisans at the marketplace and memorable characters including mermaids, fairies, knights, and more. Every weekend now through Oct. 4. 12600 Dixie Highway, Holly; michrenfest.com.
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Theater/Film/Dance
The Notebook
Based on the Nicholas Sparks novel that inspired the beloved 2004 film, this new musical follows lovers Allie and Noah through the ups and downs of their touching, lifetime-long love story. Directed by Schele Williams and Tony Award nominee Michael Greif, The Notebook features original music by platinum-selling vocalist and songwriter Ingrid Ellen Michaelson. Now through Oct. 4. $47+. Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; atgtickets.com.
Free screening of Best in Show in Campus Martius Park
In partnership with the Windsor International Film Festival, the Downtown Detroit Partnership is hosting a free outdoor screening of the 2000 comedy classic Best in Show, starring Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy, Fred Willard , Catherine O’Hara, Parker Posey, John Michael Higgins, Jennifer Coolidge, Michael McKean, and Jane Lynch. Sept. 25, 7-8:30 p.m. Free admission. Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit; downtowndetroit.org.
World Ballet Company: Swan Lake with Live Orchestra
On Friday night, the World Ballet Company will take to the stage in Detroit to perform Swan Lake, while being accompanied by a live orchestra. Sept. 25, 7 p.m. $123.40+. Music Hall Center, 350 Madison, Detroit; musichall.org.
Festival of Darkness
Now in its fifth year, this annual festival at the (famously haunted) Redford Theatre kicks off spooky season with a curated 90-minute reel of short horror films submitted by independent filmmakers from Michigan and around the world. The selections feature dark, unsettling content recommended for mature audiences only. Sept. 26. $10. Redford Theatre, 17360 Lahser Rd., Detroit; redfordtheatre.com.
Eureka Day
The Detroit Public Theatre presents a witty and highly relevant satire about the intersection of public health and parenting. The play follows board members at a progressive private school in Berkeley, California, as they attempt to forge a comprehensive vaccine policy. Exploring themes of vaccine skepticism, social justice, and the difficulty of reaching an informed consensus in a time of misinformation, Eureka Day is equal parts funny and thought-provoking. Now through Oct. 25. $52+. Detroit Public Theatre, 3960 Third Ave., Detroit; detroitpublictheatre.org.
Aping Jane
Tipping Point Theatre kicks off its 19th season with the Aping Jane, a comedy play about the remarkable life and legacy of Jane Goodall. Now through Oct. 18. $25+. Tipping Point Theatre, 361 E Cade St., Northville; tippingpointtheatre.com.
Maestro
Kicking off Theatre NOVA’s 12th season is Maestro, a fun comedy by Michael Alan Herman described by the company as “Amadeus meets Bridgerton.” This production marks the Michigan professional premiere of this play. (Recommended for audiences ages 13 and up.) Sept. 5- Oct. 18. $33, with discounts available for seniors and students. Theatre NOVA, 410 W. Huron St., Ann Arbor; theatrenova.org.
Twin Peaks Season 2
This past spring, David Lynch fans finally got a chance to see Season 1 of the filmmaker’s groundbreaking TV series — which felt like a film — on the big screen. Now it’s time for Season 2, in which audiences finally learn who killed Laura Palmer. Catch a screening every Sunday through Oct. 18. $11.75 (adult); $49.25 (season pass). Michigan Theatre, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; marquee-arts.org.
Detroit Month of Design Events
The country’s largest, most diverse design festival showcases Detroit creatives as they reveal inventive solutions to a host of societal issues, from climate resilience and sustainability to mobility and transportation access. Design Core Detroit, a nonprofit organization that connects creatives, communities, and businesses in the design sphere, puts on the festival, now in its 16th year.
Below is a selection of Detroit Month of Design events taking place this weekend.
The Cookout: Reimagining The Black BBQ Through Art and Food
A unique artistic expression, The Cookout is what happens when elements of Black BBQ become wearable pieces of art. On top of the art portion of this event, guest will also be able to enjoy barbecue from Smokey G’s and non-alcoholic ice cream from Ice Cream Detroit. Sept. 25, 5-9 p.m. Free admission. Hunt Street Station, 2200 Hunt St., Detroit; RSVP at detroitmonthofdesign.org.
Design Moves the Future: Festival Closing Symposium
Design Core Detroit and Cranbrook Academy of Art help deliver the closing symposium for this year’s Detroit Month of Design. Following speaker presentations, a panel discussion, and a Q&A, guests are invited on a “Design Crawl” at The Hellenic Museum of Michigan and the Wayne State University Prentis Building. Sept. 26, 1-5:30 p.m. Free admission. Detroit Public Library (Main branch), 5201 Woodward Ave., Detroit; detroitmonthofdesign.org.
Handmade Future Screening
This documentary chronicles artisans in six countries as produce various pieces important to their respective cultures, from woven rugs to glasswork. The film examines the importance of craftsmanship during a time of lower-quality mass production. Sept. 27, 1:40-5:40 p.m. Free admission. Senate Theater, 6424 Michigan Ave., Detroit; RSVP at detroitmonthofdesign.org.
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is officially underway. Here are some of the Oktoberfest events taking place this weekend. (Our full list of Oktoberfest events in metro Detroit can be found here.)
Kuhnhenn Brewing Company
Kuhnhenn Brewing Company is hosting Oktoberfest celebrations at its locations in Clinton Township and Warren. Both events will include German beer, cider, and food items. Beers and ciders offered include Prost Pils, Kuhnieweizen, Maibok, Apple Strudel Cider and more. Sausages, warm pretzels and Eizbein highlight the food menu items for the events. The Redeemer Oktoberfest Brass Band will play at both taprooms during each event. Sept. 26at Clinton Township Taproom: 36000 Groesbeck Hwy, Clinton Twp.; Oct. 3 at Warren Taproom; 5919 Chicago Rd, Warren; k.brewery.com.
Dakota Inn Rathskeller
One of Detroit’s oldest and most iconic restaurants will feature two days of food, drink, and merriment — chicken hats are strongly recommended. The celebration will kick off on Friday, Sept. 25 with a traditional keg tapping and a proclamation reading, with live music from Tommy Schober. Live music will continue nightly, with full band performances every Friday and Saturday through Oct. 24. Sept. 25, 26, Oct. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, and 24. 17324 John R St., Detroit; dakota-inn.com.
St. Isidore Church
Step into the St. Isidore Church social hall and celebrate Oktoberfest with live music by The Polka Towners, authentic German food, and a selection of beers to choose from. Test your skills with indoor and outdoor games, including a gourds slingshot, fowling, and the Hammerschlagen challenge, or compete in activities such as the cornhole and euchre tournaments or the stein-holding competition. Sept. 26. $5 (excluding food, beverage, and tournament entry fees), free entry for ages 14 and under. 18201 23 Mile Road, Macomb; stisidore.church.
Rochester Mills
This two-day event features an outdoor beer tent, kids’ area, and performances from Enzian aus Detroit both days (The Jello Shots also perform Saturday). Indoors, the pub will serve German fare and feature DJs starting at 9 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Rochester Avon Recreation Authority (RARA). Sept. 25-26. $5; 400 Water St., Rochester; beercos.com.
Family/Halloween
2nd Annual Fur-fluencer Extravaganza
If you’re looking for a fun event for even the furry members of your family, consider heading downtown this Saturday to the front lawn of Huntington Place for the Fur-fluencer Extravaganza. Dog-themed vendors will be on hand, along with tasty treats from Sweet Paws Creamery. Attendees can also view live demonstrations from the Detroit Police Department Canine Unit and participate in service dog meet-and-greets. Social Brews will host an after-party on their pet-friendly patio. Sept. 26, 12-4 p.m. Free admission. Huntington Place Square, 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit; huntingtonplacedetroit.com.
Eloise Asylum
Starting this Friday, Eloise Asylum kicks off its sixth season. This two-floor, 45-minute haunted experience takes place inside the former Eloise Psychiatric Hospital and will surely spook you into the Halloween spirit. Sept. 25-Nov. 1. $34.99+. Eloise Asylum, 30712 Michigan Ave., Westland; eloiseasylum.com.
Blake’s Haunted Big Apple
Spooky season is officially underway at Blake’s Big Apple in Armada, which boasts four different haunted attractions: a haunted hayride ($28.95), a three-story haunted barn ($22.95), zombie paintball ($26.95), and a family-friendly area dubbed “Spookyland” ($17.95). Now through Nov. 1. Discounts available for admission to multiple attractions during a single visit. Blake’s Big Apple, 71485 North Ave., Armada; blakefarms.com.
Glenlore Trails Fall Forest Walk: Carnevil 2
It’s the opening weekend for Glenlore Trails’s fall forest walk dubbed Carnevil 2. This family-friendly event features fun carnival-inspired games along the illuminated, picturesque forest walking trail. Sept. 18-Nov. 1. $25 general admission, with discounts available for children, seniors, and groups. Glenlore Trails, 3860 Newton Rd., Commerce Township; glenlortrails.com.
Art/Museum Events
Black Wall Street Journey: Re and De Imagining Black Progress
Part of a national public art project by artist and community organizer Rick Lowe, this exhibition examines the forces that shape Black wealth, from income and education to housing and business ownership. One central component is the “Black Wall Street Journey Ticker,” a 40-foot-long LED panel mounted on the museum’s rooftop, which displays data from the University of Michigan’s ongoing research on income dynamics and the Anti-Black index. The installation also displays 20 of Lowe’s new works in UMMA’s Taubman Gallery. Sept. 26-Jan. 24, 2027. Free admission. University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor; umich.edu.
Fall Exhibitions at Wasserman Projects
This Saturday, Wasserman Projects will open three new exhibitions from women artists. They include Polly Apfelbaum’s A Women’s Circle, Ferren Gipson’s Re:union, and Gyan Shrosbree’s Out Fit. These exhibitions will offer a variety of pieces ranging from ceramics, textiles, paintings, and more. Sept 26-Dec. 19. Free admission, but a $10 donation to support future exhibitions is suggested. Wasserman Projects, 3434 Russell St. Apt. 502, Detroit; wassermanprojects.com.
“Heroes of the Revolution”
A career retrospective from Detroit native Douglas Elbinger is on display at Color | Ink Studio & Gallery. The photographer chose 25 images from his storied career highlighting impactful cultural figures from the worlds of music, politics, and beyond. Image subjects include The Beatles, Tina Turner, Robert F. Kennedy, The Dalai Lama, and more. Now through Oct. 30. 20919 John R Rd., Hazel Park; to view the exhibition, the gallery is open most weekdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., but viewing appointments can be made at colorinkstudio.com.
Georgia O’Keeffe: Architecture
This groundbreaking exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts displays 35 of O’Keeffe’s architectural paintings, experimenting with abstract styles seen in her famous floral art. From Manhattan skyscrapers to adobe abodes in New Mexico, the works offer new perspectives on familiar landscapes. Sept. 11-Jan. 3, 2027. General admission is free for residents of Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties. This is a ticketed exhibition, with adult general admission set at $30 and college/youth admission at $15. Residents of Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties are able to visit the exhibition free on Sept. 30, Oct. 25, and Dec. 11 ($20 adults; $15 college/youth all other days). Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; dia.org.
Guests of Honor: Frederic Church’s Cotopaxi
In honor of the iconic American landscape painter, who would have turned 200 this year, this exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts highlights “Cotopaxi,” Church’s famous 1862 painting of a South American volcano, alongside three of his oil paint studies of the same volcano. The exhibition also features a related landscape piece by Louis Rémy Mignot, one of Church’s contemporaries. Now through Oct. 25. Museum admission: $20 (adult); free for Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland County residents. Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; dia.org.
Karyn Olivier: Bend, Break, Mend
Trinidad-born, Brooklyn-raised artist Karyn Olivier confronts themes of historical erasure and social justice through sculptural arrangements of found and transformed materials. This exhibit combines Olivier’s recent works with a newly commissioned installation that invites viewers to question the omissions and distortions present in widely accepted historical narratives. Now through Oct. 11. $12 general admission. Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, 4454 Woodward Ave., Detroit; mocadetroit.org.
More Exhibitions at MOCAD
In addition to Karyn Olivier’s exhibition, MOCAD is currently hosting Pat Phillips: Prime Mover through Oct. 4. Meanwhile, The Sounding Room, which hosts a rotating series of artists, is active through Dec. 20. $12 general admission, with discounts available for seniors, veterans, educators, and students. Children 12 and below have free admission. 4454 Woodward Ave., Detroit; mocadetroit.org.
Jackson Art Association Exhibition at Gallery 100: Members Showcase
Members of the Jackson Art Association will have their work on display at Gallery 100 (100 Silver Maples Dr.) in Chelsea now through Oct. 29. Pieces on display include a diverse collection of paintings, photography, mixed media, ceramics, fiber art, and more. Complete exhibition details are available at silvermaples.org.
Sports
Greektown Tailgate
Celebrate Week 3 of the Detroit Lions’ season in Greektown. Visit the district before and after the game for live DJ sets, lawn games, and more. Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Free admission. Greektown District; greektowndetroit.org.
Night of Knockouts XLIII
It’s Fight Night at the Sound Board this Friday, with 12 bouts scheduled for this boxing event, with the main event seeing Samuel Rizzo take on Dwane Taylor. (Attendees must be at least 21 years old with valid photo ID.) Sept. 25. $51.35+. Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel, Detroit; 313presents.com.
Field Trip
ArtPrize
Attracting nearly one million visitors every year, ArtPrize in Grand Rapids features unique art pieces throughout the city in galleries, storefronts, parks, and many other public spaces. Over $400,000 is awarded throughout the event via popular and juried voting, along with $200,000 in grant funding. Sept. 18-Oct. 3. Free admission. Full details in artprize.org.
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. Due to popular demand, this exhibition now runs through Jan. 10. General admission begins at $25, with discounts available to members, seniors, students, and children. Admission to the two Chihuly exhibitions is an additional $9 per exhibition. Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, 1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; meijergardens.org/chihuly-at-meijer-gardens.
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