We like to say that metro Detroit has it all, but you only have so much time to experience it! Every week is a choose-your-own-adventure, and we have some fun options to raise if you don’t know were to start.

This weekend, prepare to laugh with shows like “Shucked” and “Jurassic Park: The Musical”. Celebrate local efforts and learn about food sovereignty with the Detroit Food Commons Fest. You can also take a nice walk through downtown Royal Oak on Mother’s Day looking at everything you could ever need to make your yard a mini-paradise.

Check out the events below for more details! 

Upcoming events (May 8-14)

Jurassic Park: The Musical

Planet Ant Theater

May 8-9

$30-35

Back by popular demand, “Jurassic Park: The Musical” is a retelling of the classic high-stakes dinosaur film—this time, as a prehistoric parody for your amusement with original songs. This show contains mature humor, and isn’t recommended for audiences under 16 years of age. Both showings start at 8 p.m., and this is the last weekend to experience it, so don’t wait!

Detroit Food Commons Fest

8324 Woodward Ave.

May 9

Free

Join the award-winning Detroit People’s Food Co-op for their second anniversary celebration! They’ll have vendors, food, political education and activities for guests to enjoy. Plus, a bouncy house and fun games for kids! This event is in the North End and will be going from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Shucked

Midland Center for the Arts

May 9-10

$49.50+

On May 9 and 10, the Midland Center for the Arts will show the Tony Award-winning musical, “Shucked.” Saturday performances will be held at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday performances will be held at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Admission starts at $49.50. For more information, visit the Midland Center for the Arts’ website.

Royal Oak in Bloom

6th and Main Street lots in downtown Royal Oak

May 10

Free

A long-held Mother’s Day tradition in downtown Royal Oak. Step out and start beautifying your outdoor space with offerings of flowers and plants, statues, decorations, furniture and more. You can add another lawn gnome to your collection, get starter plants for your garden, or make a backyard perfect for attracting birds and butterflies. Food vendors will be there to make sure you don’t go hungry or thirsty either. Stop by anytime from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Arab Film Festival

Arab American National Museum

May 8-10

$15

The Arab American National Museum is bringing a world of film to metro Detroit with a curated set of global short films, documentaries, and full length feature. All are subtitled, making a tremendously rich selection of cinematic art accessible for all. Many showings also include discussion and activities to experience film to the fullest. View the showings and buy tickets in advance for this final weekend of films, themed “Remember. (Re)imagine.”

Riverfront Herbal Walk

Cullen Plaza

May 11

Free

Stroll along the beautiful Detroit Riverfront with local herbalists. As you walk, you’ll learn how to identify and best handle different plants, and be able to take home your own herbal creation. Bring a water bottle and dress for the weather. This event runs from 5:30-7 p.m.

Metro Detroit’s cultural veins are thrumming this week with jazz, spring greenery, and so much more. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Southwest Detroit with local vendors and a sweeping parade, find some new music at the Detroit Vinyl Fest or enrich your mind with a free trip to the Cranbrook Science museum. 

There’s a lot to do this weekend for little to no cost… and if you’re thinking you’d like to lighten your wallet, there’s plenty of opportunity to do so while supporting important causes and local business. 

Upcoming events (May 1-7)

Free First Friday at Cranbrook

Cranbrook Science Museum

May 1

Free

Enter a world of discovery at the Cranbrook Science Museum! There are so many exhibits to explore and many hands-on learning opportunities for the whole family to enjoy. Take advantage of free admission and engage your curiosity. Stars, fossils, mammoths and more await you.

Midtown Jazz Crawl

Detroit Institute of Arts, Cathedral of St. Paul

May 1-2

Free

The Midtown Jazz Crawl kicks off this weekend with performances by the Xavier Davis New York Quartet, a group of seasoned jazz musicians that bring both city-sophistication and warm inviting tones into a medley of classics and original compositions. Experience a stirring performance that channels the soul of jazz Friday at the Detroit Institute of Arts or Saturday at the Cathedral of St. Paul. Both shows start at 7 p.m.

Earth Fest

Bailey Park

May 3

Free

Join Bailey Park in celebrating the Earth and the arrival of spring. Further your sustainability-skills and knowledge with various demonstrations and resources on site. There will be limited free food, crafts, local vendors, plus the opportunity to plant in the community garden. Revel for the planet! The event goes from 1-5 p.m, with a live performance by the Detroit Urban Orchestra from 3-4 p.m.

Cinco de Mayo Festival and Parade

Southwest Detroit

April 24

Free

The Mexican Patriotic Committee of Metro Detroit invites you to watch a colorful parade down West Vernor Hwy, including Mariachis, schools, local businesses, and the Miss Mexico Pageant Queen and her court among the procession of floats and dancers. Local vendors and entertainers will be around for the Original Cinco de Mayo Fiesta both days from noon to 8 p.m. The parade is on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m.

Free Comic Book Day

Various

May 2

Free

Various local shops and libraries are taking part in Free Comic Book Day this Saturday, May 2. Green Brain in Dearborn, Vault of Midnight in Detroit and many more are all offering a variety of experiences, including food, activities and—of course—free comic books to guests. Don’t miss out on the fun!

Detroit Vinyl Fest

Eastern Market Shed 5

May 3

Free

Calling all music-lovers! Expand your physical media music library at the second annual Detroit Vinyl Fest. Browse vinyl records, cassettes, CDs, music memorabilia and more while DJs set a soundtrack for the day, and keep an eye out for artists offering autographs. The festival is up and running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Arab Film Festival

Arab American National Museum

May 5-10

$15

The Arab American National Museum is bringing a world of film to metro Detroit. A curated set of global short films, documentaries, and full length features are available for viewing. All are subtitled, making a tremendously rich selection of cinematic art accessible for all. View the showings and buy tickets in advance. 

Shiver on the River is back at Belle Isle, giving you the opportunity to learn more at the nature center and attend the Great Lakes Museum for free so long as you have a recreation pass.

Plus, live puppet performances where you get to help tell the story, a dog show with vendors, an exhilarating day of local music and art, and a loving way to gather and remember beloved community leader Ismael Ahmed.

Upcoming events (Feb. 5 to Feb. 12)

Motor City Winter Dog Classic

  Vibe Credit Union in Novi

Thursday Feb. 5-8

  $10

See over 200 breeds of American Kennel Club dogs in a family friendly atmosphere with plenty of vendors. Every day of the four day event goes from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

Sled Season

Tangent Gallery

Saturday, Feb. 7

$25

Sled Season is back, packing a full season of festivities into one evening. Rock out to live music, attend a workshop, peruse local artisanal goods, hop in a photo booth and more. Some noted performers include Rose St. Germaine, Checker, Toboggan man and more from the local music scene. Get your tickets in advance!

Shiver on the River

Belle Isle Nature Center, Dossin Great Lakes Museum

Saturday, Feb. 7

Free

Explore the Belle Isle Nature Center and the Dossin Great Lakes History Museum with a range of educational and entertaining activities and attractions, such as ice carvings, a magic show and more. Entry is free, with concessions available for purchase. You do need a Michigan Recreation pass to enter Belle Isle. This eco fair goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Choose Your Own Adventures of Turtle Boy and Owl Loves Angeline

Detroit Institute of Arts

Saturday, Feb. 7

Free

Haitian-American puppeteer Emmanuel Elpenord brings a charming, heartfelt double feature to the DIA. “Choose Your Own Adventures of Turtle Boy” blends action and plenty of audience participation, while “Owl Loves Angeline” incorporates Haitian folklore and human themes that connect across all cultures. This show takes place in the Rivera Court and is free with general admission. Take a look at the DIA’s exhbit “African Diaspora in the Americas” in the reinstalled Reimagine African American Art gallery on the second floor while you’re there!

Celebration of Life Honoring Ismael “Ish” Ahmed

Ford Performing Arts Center in Dearborn

  Sunday, Feb. 8

Free

Join together in a celebration of a life lived as beloved community leader and WDET This Island Earth music host Ismael Ahmed would want you to. In his honor, the Ford Performing Arts center welcomes all those who want to share in grief and reflect on his life from 1-3 p.m. in the Guido Theater. Ish’s family asks that donations be made to the Concert of Colors in lieu of flowers or other gifts.

From rocking folk to film classics, metro Detroit’s musical soul is blasting at full volume this weekend. Prepare your ears for some great performances from here to Ann Arbor, and see the sights of local art across multiple venues and forms. 

Upcoming events (Jan. 29 to Feb. 4)

Process + Perception exhibition

  Detroit Artists Market

Thursday Jan. 29 through Feb. 21

  Free

The Detroit Artists Market’s Process + Perception exhibition explores the techniques and results of careful layering in both 2D and 3D works of art. Curated by Andy T., the exhibit promises a range of artworks from “quiet and contemplative, to intense and overwhelming”. It’s open every Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until well into February. 

The Piano Lesson

Detroit Repertory Theatre

 Jan. 9 through March 15 

 $35

Sit feet away from a moving performance that will immerse you in a familial conflict over legacy. In the latest installment of the Detroit Repertory Theatre’s performance of playright August Wilson’s Century Cycle, siblings Berniece and Boy Willie have a dispute over an heirloom piano and whether it should be seen as a wealth of family history or a profitable antique that could fund their futures. 

Epic Film Scores

Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Friday, Jan. 30 through Sunday, Feb. 1

$20.95+

Nothing sets a tone like a film’s score. Sit back and travel across worlds, times, and emotional highs and lows with the a soundtrack composed of Hollywood’s best, from Alfred Hitchcock’s suspenseful shrieking “Psycho” track to epics you can hum along to, like the “Star Wars” theme. The live performance by the Detroit Symphony and conductor Steve Reineke lasts about two hours. 

Ann Arbor Folk Festival

The Hill Auditorium

Friday, Jan. 30 to Saturday, Jan. 30

$50+

Jam out to a set of phenomenal performers two days and help raise money for The Ark, a place known for being the heart of folk, roots, and acoustic music in Ann Arbor. Featuring Amos Lee, The Crane Wives, Jon Muq, Rabbitology and more, you can hear seasoned artists perform live and find new favorites.

Plymouth Ice Festival

Downtown Plymouth

Friday, Jan. 30 to Sunday Feb. 1

Free

Come chill out with some breathtaking ice sculptures at the Plymouth Ice Fest. You’ll be able to explore the charming downtown and watch live ice-carving demonstrations. Plus, there’s also a zipline available if you’re in need of an extra thrill.

STOMP! hits the stage, a collaborative art exhibit celebrates its opening day, and the Fire & Ice Festival adds some timely variety in the middle of winter. Also, the Detroit Auto Show enters its final weekend.

Many events have been rescheduled due to the severe chill setting in this weekend. Make sure to dress warmly when heading out to these venues, even if they are mainly indoors!

Upcoming events (Jan. 22–29)

Detroit Auto Show

  Huntington Place

  Saturday, Jan. 17 through Sunday, Jan. 25

  $25 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for kids ages 3-12

See the future of the auto industry for yourself in this hands-on, immersive auto show! Cruise through a winding indoor track in an EV driven by an industry professional, see how vehicles connect us with the outdoors in the Michigan Overland Adventure display, and learn about the auto industry as a whole. 

Stomp!

  Fox Theatre

  Friday, Jan. 23 through Saturday, Jan. 24

  $41+

STOMP! is an international sensation that will give you something to shout about. The show consists of 8 percussive performers creating an explosive rhythm with non-traditional instruments. Let the sound captivate you and kick start your spirit alongside family and friends this weekend. 

A Heart and a Land: Opening Reception

Library Street Collective 

  Saturday, Jan. 24

  Free

“A Heart and a Land” is a two person exhibition of work by Jordan Ann Craig and Joanna Keane Lopez, curated by Allison Glenn, that deals with the comparison of community and practice as experienced by the artists. Both originating from the Western side of the country, the artists found connection points to culture and belonging in Detroit. Craig, a Northern Cheyenne, utilizes Indigenous geometric shapes in paintings, including some aspects she studied in the DIA. Lopez found a connection with Nike Missle Sites in Detroit and New Mexico, and explores how landscape and chemical-use intersect. They both draw on how interdependence ties artists and community together.

The exhibition opening celebration will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a discussion between the artists, moderated by Glenn. and some light bites to enjoy as you take in art in conversation.

Fire & Ice Festival

  Valade Park

  Saturday, Jan. 24 through Sunday, Jan. 25

  Free

Celebrate winter with a medieval flair at Valade Park this weekend. The fun-filled event begins its packed schedule at noon both days, wrapping up at 8 p.m. on Saturday and 6 p.m. on Sunday. There will be ice carvings, ax throwing, food, and live entertainment. The lighting of the Fire and Ice Tower Saturday night at 6 p.m. Most of the party will be inside with extreme cold predicted for Saturday, with outdoor spectacles close by. There will be fireplaces and warm drinks to help beat the chill, but dress warmly.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is this upcoming Monday, and our local museums are making sure you have every opportunity to honor the civil rights leader.

Plus, the Detroit Auto Show is open to the public starting Saturday, and there are some sweet opportunities to get outside with family and friends.

Upcoming events (Jan. 15–22)

Candyland at Beacon Park

  Beacon Park

  Thursday, Jan. 15-20

  Free

Though we’re out of the holiday season, there’s still time to go see a spectacular light display in Beacon Park that draws you into the magic of Candyland! Bring friends and family to enjoy some time outside and take advantage of the picture-perfect scenery. This is the last week the display is up.

Detroit Auto Show

  Huntington Place

  Saturday, Jan. 17 through Sunday, Jan. 25

  $25 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for kids ages 3-12

See the future of the auto industry for yourself in this hands-on, immersive auto show! Cruise through a winding indoor track in an EV driven by an industry professional, see how vehicles connect us with the outdoors in the Michigan Overland Adventure display, and learn about the auto industry as a whole. 

Discover Rouge Park: January Meet Up

  Rouge Park

  Sunday, Jan. 18

  Free

Meet at the Sorenson Recreation Area at noon for a guided walk on the Rouge Park’s Ma’inngan Wildwood Trail. Learn about the park, get some exercise and fresh air, and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors in winter. If there’s heavy snow, snow shoes will be provided to help navigate the trails, granted you register in advance. This event is free and for all ages, but dress appropriately for the two hour walk.

MLK Day is Monday, Jan. 19

A Dream Rooted in Faith: The Legacy of the Black Church in Detroit During the Civil Rights Movement

  Detroit Historical Museum

  Monday, Jan. 19

  Free

Enjoy historical presentations and crafts that reflect Rev. Martin Luther King Jr,’s values of faith, justice and community from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event closes with a rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday” and cupcakes.

“We Who Believe in Freedom”

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

  Monday, Jan. 19

  Free

Come to the Wright Museum for a full day of  free activities from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Attend a bike ride led by Tour de Troit, observe historical reenactments, listen to some storytelling, watch a film screening, and participate in discussions. A paid experience with Prayer Breakfast and Keynote speakers is available with the purchase of a ticket for $33.85+. RSVP in advance. 

MLK at the DIA

  Detroit Institute of Arts

  Monday, Jan. 19

  Free with admission

The museum will be open during its regular hours with a few different ways to honor MLK’s legacy. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be Collage Portraits workshop inspired by artists displayed in the museum’s African American Galleries. At 2 p.m. in the Rivera Gallery, there will be a civil rights song sing-along featuring poetry from the InsideOut Literary Arts program, followed by a march to the Wright Museum.

Tuesday marks the fifth anniversary of the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.  A large group protesting the results of the 2020 election— claiming Joe Biden’s win was fraudulent—broke into the capitol building, destroying property, assaulting officers, and threatening elected officials. 

The events of January 6 resulted in several deaths and over a thousand arrests.

President Donald Trump pardoned most insurrectionists when reentering office in the past year, saying that the Biden administration over-prosecuted the group.

Melissa Nann-Burke was the Washington Bureau Chief for the Detroit News at that time of the insurrection.  She was working in the House chamber on January 6 and witnessed events from the inside. 

She spoke with WDET’s Jake Neher about it later that week on MichMash.