Merchants and organizations in the midtown area have organized a holiday event to keep the spirit of Noel Night going. The annual event’s 51^st run has been canceled. But almost 60 shops, restaurants, and community organizations have come together to launch “Merry Midtown” in the spirit of Noel Night.

City Bird’s Andy Linn says there will be concerts at the Detroit School of the Arts, exhibits at Wayne State, DJs at several sites and more.

“And there’s going to be pop up markets at about a dozen of the larger businesses including a really cool vintage and flea market at the majestic. And then there’s going to be live music at a number of locations including Red Hook and Motor City Brewing Works. There’s going to be so many little surprises.”

Business owners say Noel Night is often one of the most lucrative of the whole year – and also when many people discover small businesses in the area. They hope it returns next year, but Merry Midtown may also be here to stay.

For more information about Merry Midtown events visit citybirddetroit.com/events. 

Additional headlines from Tuesday, December 2, 2025

New Detroit lions

Detroit has welcomed three new lions at the Detroit Zoo.

A 9 year-old African lioness named Amirah gave birth to the cubs late last month. A fourth cub did not survive. The kitty cats are expected to meet the public in a few months.

Go Lions!

Pontiac’s Holiday Extravaganza

Pontiac is hosting its 44^th Holiday Extravaganza Saturday. There will be a 5K Elf Run, a “Run, Little Elf” Run, a holiday parade, pony rides, winter festival, a visit from the Clauses and more.

The event is a holiday celebration for Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Waterford and White Lake. It starts at 8 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m. around Saginaw Street in downtown Pontiac.  

Dry autumn

This fall was metro Detroit’s driest autumn since 1998. The National Weather Service’s preliminary data show we got just over four inches of rain, the least amount of precipitation for any fall this century.

That also ranks as the tenth driest autumn in southeast Michigan since the government started keeping records in 1874. 

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you’re a museum enthusiast, you’re in luck. This week, we’ve got new exhibitions, last-chance exhibitions and even an opportunity to chat with two of the city’s top museum directors.

Plus, a physical media swap, a fall art fair and your first chance of the season to trick-or-treat. Read on to learn more.

Upcoming events

100 Years Unbound: The Power of Aging

  The Detroit Historical Museum

  Ongoing starting Saturday, Oct. 11

  $8–$15 (Free for members and children under 6)

A new exhibition celebrating 100 years of the Hannan Center, from its early roots and innovative programs to its vision for redefining aging across metro Detroit. The exhibit features rare artifacts, photographs and art that tell the center’s story. An opening celebration will take place on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 1 p.m. featuring remarks from Hannan Center President & CEO, Vincent Tilford.

Zoo Boo

  The Detroit Zoo

  Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 26

  $21–$27

A family-friendly Halloween-themed attraction at the zoo featuring festive decorations, educational opportunities and plenty of treats. The Zoo Boo pathway is open from 4-9:30 p.m. The animal habitats will not be accessible during Zoo Boo, but zoo admission is discounted on Zoo Boo days from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dead Media Swap

  100 Proof in Eastern Market

  Saturday, Oct. 11

  $3

An event hosted by Detroit City Distillery where people can swap cassettes, CDs, VHS tapes, vinyl records and more. There will also be raffles, beer, cocktails and food, including Chef Matt’s famous gumbo. There’s a $3 entry fee, and the event goes from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

A2 Artoberfest

  Kerrytown in Downtown Ann Arbor

  Saturday, Oct. 11 and Sunday, Oct. 12

  Free

An annual autumn art fair featuring over 100 juried artists, live music, food, beer, cider and cocktails on the streets of Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown area. The fair opens at 10 a.m. each day and closes at 6 p.m. on Saturday and at 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Presenting African American Art: A Talk with the Directors

  The Detroit Institute of Arts Lecture Hall

  Sunday, Oct. 12

  Free with registration

A dialogue between DIA Director Salvador Salort-Pons and The Wright Director Neil Barclay as they explore the evolving role of cultural institutions in preserving, exhibiting and championing African American art, history and culture. They’ll discuss how museums can serve as both stewards of history and platforms for contemporary voices. Admission is free with registration and general admission to the museum, and space is limited. General admission to the museum is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. The talk starts at 2 p.m.

Black, Queer, Proud: 30 Years of Hotter Than July

  The Detroit Historical Museum

  Ongoing through Sunday, Oct. 12

  $8–$15 (Free for members and children under 6)

An exhibition celebrating the second-oldest and longest-running Black Queer Pride event in the world. The exhibit features photographs of the festival from over the years, highlighting the festival’s Detroit roots and community-driven mission. The last day to see the exhibit is Sunday, Oct. 12.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the DIA

  The Detroit Institute of Arts

  Monday, Oct. 13

  Free

While the DIA is usually closed on Mondays, the museum will be open on Oct. 13 to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the museum is offering free admission to the Contemporary Anishinaabe Art exhibition and the Native American galleries. Then at 6 p.m., Ojibwe author Angeline Boulley will do a live reading and signing for her new book, “Sisters in the Wind.” Admission to the author talk is also free, but registration is required.