This week, we’ve got art experiences centered around students, cover concerts honoring some of Detroit’s biggest stars and unbeatable bargains from produce to paperbacks.

Plus, some eco-friendly entertainment for your belated Earth Day celebrations. Read on to learn more.

Art experiences

The Detroit Institute of Arts’ 88th Annual Detroit Public Schools Community District Student Art Exhibition is open online and in-person now through May 25. This annual exhibition is the longest standing continuous relationship the DIA has with an educational organization and features imaginative works created by DPSCD students in grades K–12, ranging from paintings, prints, drawings and photography to ceramics, video, jewelry and more. The exhibition is on view on the first floor in the Wayne and Joan Webber Education wing and is free with museum admission, which is always free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. For more information, visit dia.org.

On Friday, April 25 from 5–8:30 p.m., teens ages 13–19 are invited to the DIA to join renowned Detroit artist Tiff Massey for a jewelry-making workshop. Participants will explore Tiff Massey’s “7 Mile + Livernois” exhibit, take part in a wire-wrapping activity and engage in conversation with the artist herself. All supplies and dinner are provided. This event is free with general admission, but registration is required. For more information, visit dia.org.

Cranbrook Academy of Art’s 2025 Graduate Degree Exhibition is also on display now through Sunday, May 4 in Cranbrook Art Museum’s Upper Galleries. Featuring innovative works from the next generation of architects, artists and designers, the Degree Exhibition showcases pieces that are the culmination of two years of studio work from a diverse group of graduates as they launch their careers. For more information, visit cranbrookartmuseum.org.

Cover concerts

This weekend, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra presents the latest concert in their PNC Pops series, “Women Rock!” In this special show, the DSO and guests will perform rock hits by Janis Joplin, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Pat Benatar and more. Tickets start at $20 at performances are scheduled for Friday, April 25, Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27. For more information, visit dso.org.

On Saturday, April 26, The Loving Touch in Ferndale is hosting Detroit x Detroit XIII. This annual celebration of Detroit music features local artists performing 3-song cover sets of other local artists, ranging from The Supremes to The White Stripes. Highlights include Skonie & The kLOUDs as Marvin Gaye, Vaega as Mike Posner and Lauren Blackford as Madonna. Tickets are $10 and doors open at 7 p.m. For more information, visit detxdet.com.

Unbeatable bargains

Hey Y’all Detroit, a local organization that provides resources for disenfranchised communities, is back with their first Free Farmers Market of the season on Sunday, April 27. Community members can pick up free produce at Rosemont-Acacia Park in Detroit between 12:30–2:30 p.m. For more information, visit @heyyalldetroit on Instagram.

Bookstock, metro Detroit’s largest used book and media sale, returns to Laurel Park Place in Livonia this weekend for its 21st year. From Sunday, April 27 through Sunday, May 4, visitors can shop for over 300,000 pre-sorted gently-used books, records, DVDs and more. Proceeds benefit Detroit-area education and literacy programs, and all leftover books are donated to local nonprofits and charities. The shop is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, visit bookstockmi.org.

More Earth Day celebrations

On Saturday, April 26, the Detroit Parks Coalition is holding a Belle Isle Earth Day Spring Cleanup, where participants can pick up litter at their own leisure while exploring the park. At the end of the cleanup, participants will weigh the litter they collected and document the impact they made on Belle Isle and along the Detroit River. The cleanup goes from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and starts and ends at the Belle Isle Aquarium. For more information, visit detroitparkscoalition.com.

Then on Sunday, April 27, People for Palmer Park is hosting an Earth Day celebration that puts some creativity into spring cleaning. During “Art in the Trees,” participants can search for Aziza fairy doors as they pick up trash, enjoy art installations and live musical performances throughout the park’s old growth forest, and even create some eco-friendly art of their own. Light refreshments will be served, and participants are encouraged to bring their own trash bags, tools and gloves if they have them. The event goes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page.

This week, we’ve got tons of opportunities for you to get outside and get your hands dirty in celebration of Earth Day. Plus, concerts of all genres, from punk to gospel to shoe gaze. Read on to learn more.

Earth Day celebrations

On Saturday, April 19, the Detroit Parks Coalition is hosting a Chandler Park Planting & Clean Up event. They’re looking for volunteers to help plant flowers and vegetables as well as clean up areas around the park to help beautify and support the Chandler Park Community Garden. Volunteers should bring comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes, gardening gloves and drinking water. Light refreshments will be served. The event goes from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and volunteers are encouraged to sign up in advance. For more information, visit detroitparkscoalition.com.

On Tuesday, April 22, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is partnering with TEAD One Memorial Artist in Residence to host an Earth Day “en plein air” painting workshop where participants can create their own work of art inspired by the nature around them. French for “in the open air,” “en plein air” refers to the practice of painting outdoors, directly from nature, capturing the essence of a landscape or subject by incorporating natural light, color and movement. TEAD One teaching artists will be available for guidance, and canvases and tables will be provided, though participants are welcome to bring their own blankets, chairs and/or painting materials. The event goes from 6–8 p.m. at Gabriel Richard Park and Christopher Stroh Plaza. For more information, visit detroitriverfront.org.

On Tuesday, April 22, the Farmington Hills Nature Center is hosting a Party for the Planet from 4–7 p.m. This family-friendly event aims to promote environmental awareness and sustainability through interactive activities and informational booths. There will also be live music, face painting, food trucks and giveaways. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit fhgov.com.

On Thursday, April 24, the Detroit Parks Coalition is hosting a clothing swap at Veterans Park in Hamtramck. Participants can bring lightly used, clean clothing items to the park between 6–8 p.m. to update their wardrobes in an eco-friendly fashion. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit detroitparkscoalition.com.

Cross-genre concerts

Friday, April 18 is the third annual Spring Stunr Fest at the Lager House in Detroit. This DIY femme punk festival features crafty vendors and live music from Wild Shape, 3 the Hard Way, Rot Knot, Sea Hag, Meek, Pillow Princess and more. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $15 online. Attendees must be 18+ with valid ID or have a parent/legal guardian present. For more information, visit thelagerhouse.com.

Keep the punk energy going on Saturday, April 19 with Punk Rock Prom at The Congregation in Detroit. Detroit band Hayley and the Crushers are celebrating their new vinyl release, and they’ll be playing a live set with special guests Duende and Antibuddies. There will also be a burlesque performance by Amie Burke, a DIY corsage station, spiked punch, non-traditional best-dressed competitions and a photo booth. Doors open at 8 p.m., the party ends at midnight and tickets are $15 online or $20 at the door. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page.

For something a little more reserved, check out the debut of “Fridays at The Station” on Friday, April 18. This new monthly series takes place at Michigan Central, and celebrates Detroit’s vibrant music, food and cultural scenes. This month’s event features legendary jazz bassist Marion Hayden alongside local DJ ameera, known for her eclectic, vinyl-based sets. The event goes from 5-10 p.m. and admission is $15 with RSVP. For more information, visit michigancentral.com.

On Sunday, April 20, we’ll be at Harpos Concert Theatre in Detroit to celebrate Gospel and Blues music as part of the Concert of Colors’ “In the Neighborhood” series. This free event is open to all, and will feature live performances from Thornetta Davis, Rev. Robert Jones and the Jones Family, and Nikki D. and Sisters of Thunder. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and music starts at 6 p.m. For more information, visit wdet.org/events.

On Thursday, April 24, Ann Arbor singer-songwriter Lauren Blackford is playing an anniversary show to celebrate her debut EP, ‘One Too Many Times’ at the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor. Special guests include alt-Americana singer-songwriter Ani Mari and shoe gaze/dream-pop musician Marty Gray. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $10 for guests 21+ or $15 for guests ages 18–20. For more information, visit blindpigmusic.com.

The Corktown Music Festival returns on Thursday, April 24 featuring three nights of music at nine local venues from over 150 bands. Covering a wide spectrum of styles, this festival showcases Michigan’s outstanding music scene, including everything from punk to folk with a splash of country and a big helping of rock. Tickets are $15 per day or $25 for the weekend. To see the full lineup and learn more, visit corktownmusicfestival.net.

Community connections

On Saturday, April 19, join us at the historic Garden Theater in Detroit to celebrate the life and legacy of Judy Adams, a remarkable musician, radio host and educator. This free event is open to all, and will feature live music, original artwork and light refreshments. Please RSVP on Facebook if you plan to attend. For more information, visit wdet.org/events.

Cultural conversations

On Saturday, April 19, Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Maraniss will join journalist Orlando Bailey for an intimate discussion about “Once in a Great City,” Maraniss’ acclaimed portrait of Detroit during a transformative era. This conversation marks the opening of The Study, a new gathering space within Michigan Central dedicated to ideas, storytelling and community connection. Books will be available through Source Booksellers, with a signing following the discussion. The event goes from noon to 1 p.m. and is free to attend with RSVP. For more information, visit michigancentral.com.

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We often talk about downtown and Midtown Detroit, and all of the events happening there. But there’s also so much happening in places across the city, including our parks. 

Detroit parks have been a place for gatherings and memories made by generations of people in the city. The parks offer both a chance to connect on the playgrounds for kids and an opportunity to escape, and connect with nature. 

Earth Day is coming up on April 22, and Detroit Parks has a host of events planned from clean-ups at Chandler Park, Belle Isle and so much more. At the end of the month, Friends of Rouge Park will also gather for a hands-on tree planting event.

The Detroit Parks Coalition is a collaboration of community members and park leaders, with the goal to support a health parks system. Communications manager for the Detroit Parks Coalition Ian Solomon returned to The Metro on Thursday to talk about DPC and some upcoming events to keep on your radar.

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

More stories from The Metro on Thursday, April 10:

• Navigating an uncertain stock market
• Ryan Patrick Hooper talks Record Store Day, WDET member drawing
• The impact of unrealistic beauty standards on women’s mental health

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.