This week, we’ve got chances to shop from local makers, see performances by rising musicians and explore artifacts from Techno history. Plus, a celebration of vegan food. Read on to learn more.

Upcoming events

Strange Beautiful Music 18

  Various locations in Detroit

  Thursday, Sep. 11 through Saturday, Sep. 13

  Free, $23–$34

An annual multi-day event celebrating new music in Detroit, spanning a wide range of genres — including jazz, free improvisation, Techno, electronica, Neo-soul, ambient and genre-defiant. Concerts take place at three local venues over three days, including a show at the Detroit Institute of Arts, which is free for residents of Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties, on Friday from 7–8:30 p.m.

Jeff Mills presents Star Chronicle

  Spot Lite in Detroit

  Thursday, Sep. 11 through Saturday, Sep. 13

  Free, $34–$80

A multi-media artist residency curated by Techno pioneer Jeff Mills, featuring film screenings, live music, and an exhibit of personal art and artifacts. Show doors open each night at 9 p.m. and admission is $34 per day or $80 for a three-day pass. The exhibition is free and open to the public 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Fridays at The Station: Charity and DJ BJ

  The Station at Michigan Central in Detroit

  Friday, Sep. 12

  $15

A monthly evening event featuring live performances, food and drinks at Michigan Central. This month’s event features a special performance by singer Charity, joined by DJ BJ. The event goes from 5–10 p.m. and music starts at 7:30 p.m.

The Hawk Makerspace 3rd Anniversary Open House

  The Hawk in Farmington Hills

  Saturday, Sep. 13

  Free

An open house for community members to check out The Hawk Makerspace, a shared technical and creative studio in Farmington Hills. There will be live demonstrations of the studio’s professional-grade equipment, giveaways, refreshments and discounts on studio passes. The event goes from 3–7 p.m.

Common Ground’s 51st Birmingham Street Art Fair

  Downtown Birmingham

  Saturday, Sep. 13 and Sunday, Sep. 14

  Free

A longstanding fine arts fair featuring 90 juried artists along Old Woodward in downtown Birmingham. The fair is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Ypsi Vegan Fest 2025

  Downtown Ypsilanti

  Sunday, Sep. 14

  Free

An event celebrating vegan foods in an effort to make veganism more accessible. There will be local vendors, cooking demonstrations and talks by vegan advocates. The event goes from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is open to all — vegan or not.

Eastern Market After Dark

  Eastern Market Shed 2 in Detroit

  Thursday, Sep. 18

  Free

A district-wide night market featuring galleries, open studios, retailers, brand activations and live music. The market is open from 6–11 p.m.

From the 46th Annual Dally in the Alley to the inaugural Detroit Vinylfest, here are five free events to check out in Detroit this week.

Upcoming events

Detroit Vinylfest

  Eastern Market Shed 5

  Friday, Sep. 5

  Free

A new event from the creators of Detroit Bookfest, where vendors will sell vinyl records/LPs, CDs, cassette tapes, music-related posters, t-shirts and more. The event goes from 1–8 p.m.

In the Life: Black Queerness Exhibition

  The Carr Center in Detroit

  Friday, Sep. 5 through Saturday, Oct. 11

  Free

An exhibition produced by Mighty Real/Queer Detroit that explores the mirroring power of artist and viewer through the lens of the Black Queer experience. The exhibition features 13 artists and spans photography, painting, drawing and multi-media works. The Carr Center is open to the public on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m., and on Fridays from noon to 8 p.m.

46th Annual Dally in the Alley

Detroit’s Cass Corridor

  Saturday, Sep. 6

  Free

A longstanding community festival featuring live music, art, food, beer and a kids fair in the streets of Midtown Detroit. Festivities go from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Entrance is free, but donations are welcome.

6 Mile Street Festival

W. McNichols Road in Detroit

  Saturday, Sep. 6

  Free with RSVP

A celebration of local community, commerce and culture featuring musical entertainment, family-friendly activities and local artist showcases in Northwest Detroit. Festivities go from noon to 8 p.m.

Sounds from the Park: Memory and Transformation

Belle Isle

  Thursday, Sep. 11

  Free

The fifth and final installment of the Sounds from the Park series of outdoor concerts organized by the Detroit Parks Coalition. The show features a live performance from and original music by Detroit saxophonist Marcus Elliot. Performance goes from 6–8 p.m.

It’s Labor Day Weekend, which means tons of annual festivals in Detroit. Plus, some unique celebrations for punks and sandwich enthusiasts. Read on to learn more.

Upcoming events

“What’s So Funny About Detroit?” Comedy Showcase

  The Old Miami in Detroit

  Thursday, Aug. 28

  $25 online, $30 at the door

The final WDET comedy showcase of the summer, hosted by In The Groove’s Ryan Patrick Hooper. This month’s headliner is Nicole Melnyk with special guests Alaina Bamfield, Madison Thomas, Andy Peters, Reeves Ledbetter, Pat Sievert, Brooke Van Poppelen and Joe Aasim. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Guests must be 21+.

Michigan State Fair

  The Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi

  Thursday, Aug. 28 through Monday, Sep. 1

  $10–$42

A family-friendly festival featuring carnival rides, livestock shows, talent competitions, beer tastings and more. General admission is $10, and some festival activities cost extra. The fair is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday through Monday.

46th Annual Detroit Jazz Festival

  Various locations in Detroit

  Friday, Aug. 29 through Monday, Sep. 1

  Free

The world’s largest free jazz festival, featuring dozens of performances by world-renowned musicians across several local venues. General admission is free, but VIP seating and other perks are available for $125–$600. Performances start at 6 p.m. on Friday and at noon on Saturday through Sunday.

Arts Beats & Eats

  Downtown Royal Oak

  Friday, Aug. 29 through Monday, Sep. 1

  $10–$68

An annual festival featuring live music, a juried art fair, carnival competitions and more. General admission ranges from $10–$12 depending on the day and time, and VIP tickets are available for an additional $68 online. The festival is open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Monday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

45th Annual Hamtramck Labor Day Festival

  Joseph Campau Street in Hamtramck

  Saturday, Aug. 30 through Monday, Sep. 1

  Free

An annual Labor Day celebration featuring live music, carnival rides, canoe street racing and more. The Labor Day Parade takes place on Monday, Sep. 1, and the festival is open from noon to 10 p.m. each day.

Crew Fest

  Tangent Gallery in Detroit

  Saturday, Aug. 30

  $16

A new community-driven art and music festival celebrating the underground punk and alternative scenes. There will be live performances by local bands, art for sale by independent makers and refreshments from unique kitchens. The festival goes from 2–11 p.m.

Detroit Sandwich Party

  Eastern Market Shed 5 in Detroit

  Sunday, Aug. 31

  Free to attend, sandwich prices vary

The second annual event celebrating the great sandwich makers of our city. Guests can sample small-format sandwiches from dozens of local vendors, and drinks are available for purchase as well. The party goes from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

15th Annual Detroit Month of Design

  Various locations in metro Detroit

  Monday, Sep. 1 through Tuesday, Sep. 30

  $0–$100+

An annual celebration Detroit’s designers, featuring a wide range of exhibitions, installations, product launches, tours, hands-on workshops and discussions. This year’s calendar features work from over 500 creatives on display at 95 events throughout the metro area.

Looking for something fun to do this week? Metro Detroit is packed with free festivals, family activities, and cultural events — from art fairs and workshops to live music and delicious food. 

Drop-In Workshop: Doodle Art

Detroit Institute of Arts

Wednesday 8/20 – Sunday 8/24

Free with general admission

*General museum admission is FREE for residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.

Many people doodle as a fun, spontaneous way to express ideas. Grab some drawing materials and see where your creativity takes you! Event time varies; check the website for details. 

Novi Taco Fest

44275 W 12 Mile Rd d134, Novi, MI 48377

Friday 8/22, Saturday 8/23 and Sunday 8/24

Tickets start at $7 online. Military free with proper ID.

Get ready for a weekend of flavor and fun at the Novi Taco Fest! Enjoy authentic Mexican-American dishes, sip refreshing margaritas, and celebrate Hispanic culture with live music and entertainment all around.

Back-to-School JAM!

Motown Museum on Rocket Plaza

Saturday 8/23

Free

The Motown Museum and Enjoy Detroit are hosting a Back to School Jam with free school supplies, live performances by local artists and Lyric Project singer-songwriters, giveaways, and family fun. Supplies are limited, so come early to enjoy the music, treats, and positive vibes to kick off the school year.

SIP and Beyond: 2025 Summer Alumni Performance

Detroit Public Theatre, 3960 3rd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Saturday 8/23 – Sunday 8/24

Free with RSVP.

This weekend, celebrate the powerful work of Shakespeare in Prison at the Alumni Performance at Detroit Public Theatre. Experience stories of resilience, creativity, and community as former ensemble members share their voices on stage.

Hazel Park Art Fair

Green Acres Park – Hazel Park, MI

Saturday 8/23 and Sunday 8/24

Free

The Hazel Park Art Fair is back! Free and family-friendly in Green Acres Park with local art, live performances, tasty eats, and a craft beer tent. Don’t miss this celebration of creativity in Hazel Park!

This week, we’ve got a global spread of celebrations, from Afrobeats to K-Pop. Plus, bringing it back home to the Motor City with the Woodward Dream Cruise and more. Read on for details.

Upcoming events

Techno In The Parks

  Riverside Park in Detroit

  Friday, Aug. 15

  Free

An outdoor concert celebrating techno music, featuring DJ Deep Sequence with special guests Hazmat Live and Room 131. There will also be food trucks, face painting, games and inflatables. The concert goes from 5–8 p.m.

K-Pop Culture Experience — Dance, Games and Flavors

  The Detroit Institute of Arts

  Saturday, Aug. 16

  Free with museum admission

An immersive celebration of Korean culture, featuring a dance performance by PRISM Cru, games with prizes, food samples, and a tour of the DIA’s Korean Gallery. Registration starts at 10:30 a.m. and activities go through 2:30 p.m. Museum admission is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

AfroFuture Detroit

  Bedrock’s Douglass Site in Detroit

  Saturday, Aug. 16 through Sunday, Aug. 17

  $95–$327

The U.S. debut of a globally-successful two-day music festival showcasing African and diasporic talent. Headliners include Afrobeats superstars Asake and Davido, genre-defying Kaytranada, Brazil’s Ludmilla and Detroit’s own Tee Grizzley. Doors open at 2 p.m. each day.

R&Beach

  The Beach at Campus Martius Park in Detroit

  Saturday, Aug. 16

  Free with RSVP

An downtown beach party featuring R&B music, tequila samples, vinyl record decorating and concert ticket giveaways. The party goes from 6–10 p.m.

Fraser Lions Club Carnival

  Steffens Park in Fraser

  Thursday, Aug. 21 through Sunday, Aug. 24

  Free

An annual fundraiser for the Fraser Lions Club, a local nonprofit that supports blind community members by providing resources like leader dogs. The four-day event features family-friendly activities like carnival rides, games, live music, a petting zoo, fireworks and more. Festivities start at 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and at noon on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, parking is $10 and ride wristbands are $30.

This week’s events range from relaxing sound baths and poetry readings to high-energy concerts and festivals. Plus, a celebration for a unique Detroit landmark. Read on to learn more.

Upcoming events

Rooftop Rendezvous

  Arab American National Museum in Dearborn

  Friday, Aug. 8

  Free with RSVP

An outdoor poetry performance at the museum’s Heritage Garden in partnership with Field Trip, a Hamtramck-based poetry group. Performers include Eleni Sikelianos, Aditi Machado and Jamaal May. The event goes from 6–8 p.m.

Concert: Hail Your Highness with special guests Riot Course, Headless Mary and Normal Park

  Ziggy’s in Ypsilanti

  Friday, Aug. 8

  $10

An alternative-indie-rock concert featuring bands from across Michigan. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to public radio. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Milford Memories Summer Festival

  Downtown Milford, various locations

  Friday, Aug. 8 through Sunday, Aug. 10

  Free

A weekend-long outdoor festival featuring an art show, live entertainment, carnival food and family-friendly activities. The festival is open from 8 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday, and from 6:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Detroit’s Annual Ribs and R&B Music Festival

  Hart Plaza in Detroit

  Friday, Aug. 8 through Sunday, Aug. 10

  Free, $15

A celebration of National Barbecue Weekend featuring grilled meats and live performances by R&B and soul singers. The festival is open from 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. all weekend. Admission is free until 4 p.m. on Friday and until 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. After that, admission is $15. Kids under 12 get in free all weekend.

The Marshalls Good Stuff Social Club: Detroit

  BasBlue in Detroit

  Saturday, Aug. 9

  Free with RSVP

A women’s empowerment conference featuring expert-led conversations, guided networking activities and locally-sourced goodies. Themes include financial freedom, finding confidence and building community. The event goes from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and space is limited.

Luminosity Sound Baths

  The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit

  Sunday, Aug. 10

  $15 for museum members, $25 for non-members

An immersive sound bath experience coinciding with the museum’s exhibition, “Luminosity: A Detroit Arts Gathering.” There are two one-hour sessions at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Participants are asked to bring their own mat for seating.

Log Cabin Day Festival & Ice Cream Social

  Palmer Park in Detroit

  Sunday, Aug. 10

  Free

A family-friendly festival celebrating the history surrounding Palmer Park’s Log Cabin. There will be Civil War-era activities, live musical performances, storytelling, reenactments and free ice cream for the first 500 visitors. Festivities go from 1–4 p.m.

Sounds Like Detroit

  Batch Brewing Company in Detroit

  Thursday, Aug. 14

  $25

A musical showcase featuring Detroit’s top Tiny Desk Contest performers of 2025. The lineup includes powerhouse soul vocalist BETH, folk singer-songwriter Corazon Szell, innovative multi-instrumentalist Samuel Nalangira, and jazz fusion group Tariq Gardner & the Evening Star. Gates open at 6 p.m. and music starts at 7 p.m.

Charivari Detroit Everywhere

  Detroit, various locations

  Thursday, Aug. 14 through Sunday, Aug. 17

  $12–$92

A spin-off of the Charivari Detroit Festival featuring over 50 artists and dozens of events across the city in celebration of electronic music culture. Featured artists include Delano Smith, Rimarkable, Jon Dixon, Problematic Black Hottie, Rebecca Goldberg and more. Individual events range from $12–$35, and all-access passes are available for $92.

Outdoor concerts, unique art experiences and critically-acclaimed comedy. Here’s what to do this weekend in metro Detroit.

Music

Hip-Hop in the Parks | Palmer Park | Friday, Aug. 1 | Free

An outdoor concert organized by the City of Detroit featuring live performances by Asaka the Renegade and Sounds Like Detroit 2024 finalist Chris Lanard. Family-friendly activities and performances go from 5–8 p.m.

Keep A-Knockin’ | The Old Miami | Friday, Aug. 1 | $5

An all-vinyl ’50s and ’60s dance party featuring R&B, Doo-Wop, Soul and Girl Group selections from DJs Dave Lawson, Sisteranna, Mike Dutkewych and WDET’s own Mike Latulippe (host of The Detroit Move Tuesdays at 8 p.m.). Doors open at 9 p.m.

Jazz on the Ave | Detroit’s Avenue of Fashion | Saturday, Aug. 2

A long-running annual block party featuring live music, food and family-friendly activities. Festivities go from noon to 8 p.m.

Jazz on the River | Elizabeth Park | Saturday, Aug. 2 and Sunday, Aug. 3 | Free

A long-running annual jazz festival along the Detroit River in Trenton, featuring performances by legendary artists like Gerald Albright and Spyro Gyra. Performances start at 1:30 p.m. each day and there is a $5 cash parking fee.

Sounds from the Park: Reverence for Nature | Eliza Howell Park | Saturday, Aug. 2 | Free

An outdoor concert organized by the Detroit Parks Coalition featuring a live performance from and original music by Detroit saxophonist Marcus Elliot. Performance goes from 7:30–8:30 p.m.

Visual art

Sidewalk Detroit Festival | Eliza Howell Park | Friday, Aug. 1 and Saturday, Aug. 2 | Free

An annual celebration of Detroit creatives, group movement and community building featuring outdoor performances and art installations. Festivities go from 6–8 p.m. on Friday and from 2–9 p.m. on Saturday. Free parking is available.

Belle Isle Art Fair | Belle Isle by Scott Fountain | Saturday, Aug. 2 and Sunday, Aug. 3 | Free with state park pass

A nationally-ranked nature-focused art fair featuring over 100 juried artists. Open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Comedy

Comedy at the Congregation | The Congregation Detroit | Friday, Aug. 1 | $15 online, $20 at the door

A monthly comedy showcase hosted by Sarah Lynn. This month’s headliner is Chloe Mikala, an award-winning comedian who has performed with The Second City. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

This week, we have local talent spotlights, unique shopping experiences, cultural celebrations and thought-provoking theater. Read on to learn more.

Local talent spotlights

On Friday, July 25, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity is hosting the 79th International Talent Hunt Demonstration at Huntington Place Convention Center in Detroit. The Talent Hunt Program provides exposure, encouragement and financial assistance to talented young people participating in the performing arts. Winners are awarded recognition and may be given college scholarships. Submissions in vocal music, drama, instrumental music, dance and art are welcome. The event goes from 6–8 p.m. and is free and open to the public. For more information, visit oppf.org/talent-hunt.

Also on Friday, July 25, the City of Detroit continues their Summer Music Series with Motown in the Parks at Farwell Park, featuring sounds from B Williams and a live performance by Detroit’s “Queen of the Blues,” Thornetta Davis. There will be food trucks, games and more. Admission is free and the event goes from 5–8 p.m. For more information, visit @cityofdetroit on Instagram.

Join us on Thursday, July 31 at the Old Miami for the next installment of WDET’s comedy showcase, “What’s So Funny About Detroit?” Hosted by Ryan Patrick Hooper (host of WDET’s In The Groove weekdays at noon), this month’s show features three incredible stand up comedians: Sam Tallent, T. Barb, Brianna Blackburn, and Brad Wenzel. Doors open at 6 p.m. and guests are asked to bring their own chair or blanket for seating. Admission is $25 online or and $30 at the door, and proceeds directly support Detroit public radio. For more information, visit wdet.org/events.

Unique shopping experiences

Celebrate Detroit’s 324th birthday in the Cass Corridor on Saturday, July 26. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., there will be DJs, live music, family-friendly activities and great deals from your favorite local shops on Cass and Willis. For more information, visit midtowndetroitinc.org.

On Saturday, July 26, the Downtown Detroit Partnership continues their Music & Markets series at Beacon Park. This month’s event highlights house music and features a performance by WDET’s own Waajeed (host of The Boulevard Wednesdays at 8 p.m.) as well as an open-air market featuring goods by local makers. Food will be available for purchase from Lobster Truck and Little Bite Big Taste, and the Detroit City Football Club game against Westchester will be playing on the big screen. Admission is free and the event goes from 6–10 p.m. For more information, visit downtowndetroit.org.

Pewabic Pottery is having their annual Summer Seconds Sale this weekend. Guests can browse imperfect vessels, art tiles and architectural tiles, all available at steep discounts. Pewabic members get first pick on Saturday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., then the sale opens to the public on Sunday, July 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Customers are asked to bring their own packing materials. For more information, visit pewabic.org.

Cultural celebrations

On Saturday, July 26, the International Institute of Clean Greens is holding its 3rd Annual Collard Green Cook-Off at Chandler Park. This event celebrates Black culture, community and culinary arts through collard green dishes from local Black-owned farms. In addition to the cook-off, there will be live music performances, community booths and family activities. Admission and your first plate are free, and the event will be held from 2–6 p.m. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page.

On the last Tuesday of every month, UFO Bar hosts Reel Love, a celebration of Black culture and storytelling through film, music videos and soulful soundscapes. The next edition takes place on Tuesday, July 29 and goes from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit @ufobardetroit on Instagram.

Thought-provoking theater

From Thursday, July 31 through Sunday August 3, Detroit Public Theatre is showing a new play commissioned by the Arab American National Museum, “Drone.” Written by award-winning playwright Andrea Assaf, the production explores the normalization of domestic and global violence and its effects on the human soul. It features live music, emerging technologies and artistic containers for public dialogue. The show begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $10 on Thursday and $25 Friday through Sunday, with discounts for museum members, students and seniors available. For more information, visit arabamericanmuseum.org.

Soul food is one of the most identifiable American cuisines. 

The dishes were crafted from the scraps that were left behind for Black people at a time when slavery was the law of the land. With a little ingenuity and a lot of determination, those leftovers became a main attraction for Black families and the rest of the country eventually caught on.

This weekend, collard greens will be placed center stage as Detroiters gather in Chandler park to celebrate the soul food staple. The 3rd annual Collard Green Cook-Off will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, bringing together food, culture and community.

Khary Frazier  is the founder of Detroit is Different, the organization hosting the event. He joined The Metro on Tuesday to share what’s in store this year and the importance of celebrating Black culture, community and culinary excellence in the city.

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

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

More stories from The Metro

This week, Detroit-based singer-songwriter Mike Ward joined me in-studio to discuss his new album, “The Time That Remains.” We listened to a few songs from the record and Ward treated WDET listeners to a special live on-air performance.

Ward has been performing with and under the moniker of Psychosongs for years; his first studio album came out in 2018. Particularly since his 2020 album, “Darkness and the Light,” Ward has been exploring themes around hope and empathy during troubling times, along with the benefits that can come with sustaining said hope. Tapping into the classic vein of singer-songwriters like Bruce Springsteen, John Prine, Bob Dylan and Neil Young, Ward’s songs are also specifically never pollyannish, even if they’re defiant in their reach for positivity.

Ward is performing a couple of shows this weekend in Muskegon and Norton Shores, before returning to metro Detroit for a CD release show, celebrating “The Time That Remains” at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3, hosted at the outdoor Ferndale venue known as the Gazebo.

On this week’s show, we heard two songs from Ward’s new album, including “Why Not?” and “Paycheck.” Ward also performed a live rendition of another new song, “Instrument for Good,” live in-studio.

Along with our chat with Ward, we premiered a lot of new music by local artists, including the new single from Ann Arbor power-pop trio The City Lines. Their new album, “Prescribed Fires,” comes out in September! We recently premiered The City Lines new music video for this single (read more here).

The Armed are a Detroit-based post-hardcore punk outfit that tends to remain mostly anonymous, as far as its membership, even while still performing live shows and creating visual content (like music videos); you can hear their cinematic and beautifully ominous trip of a new single titled “Sharp Teeth” on this week’s MI Local. We also heard the latest from Kalamazoo-based emo/punk trio saturdays at your place, and Detroit-based indie-rockers The Microplastics!

We checked-in on shows happening around the region, including the three-day music festival happening at The Outer Limits Lounge this weekend, known as their annual Stroh Down event. We heard from Zastava, a shoegaze-adjacent rock quartet (and former guests of MI Local) set to perform at the event. We also looked ahead to mid-August, when The Bling Pig hosts the annual Fuzz Fest, put on by longtime rocker Chris Taylor; we heard from the surfy-punk quartet known as Virga!

Don’t forget that WDET’s Sounds Like Detroit Showcase is coming up on August 14, hosted at Batch Brewing! Local R&B/neo-soul icon Beth is one of the featured performers, and we heard a song by her on this week’s show titled “Free.” Get your tickets for Sounds Like Detroit, here!

See the playlist below and listen to the episode on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

MI Local Playlist for July 22, 2025

• “Blood & Smoke” – The City Lines
• “Kid, You’re Wrong” – The Recital
• “Waste Away” – saturdays at your place
• “Sharp Teeth” – The Armed
• “Break Your Heart” – The Microplastics
• “Amy” – Ben Piper
• “Your Old Key” – Ethan Daniel Davidson
• “Station” – Zastava
• “Bierstadt” – Virga
• “Free” – Beth
• “Critical Violets” – Fred Thomas
• “Why Not?” – Mike Ward
• “Instrument for Good” – Mike Ward (live in WDET Studios)
• “Paycheck” – Mike Ward

Here at WDET, we feel incredibly lucky to have such an esteemed group of music hosts gracing our airwaves. On the Don Was Motor City Playlist, Blue Note Records President and music industry powerhouse Don Was pays homage to the Motor City and the artists that inspire him.

Every Friday, Was digs deep into his music archives to curate playlists and share personal stories about the artists whose songs he features. Co-hosted by WDET’s Ann Delisi, listeners hear commentary about Detroit and its rich musical and cultural histories.

Listeners and fans will again have the opportunity to celebrate the show — now in its fourth year — at the Don Was Motor City Playlist’s 2nd annual Bowling Party on Monday, July 21 at the Garden Bowl! 

Was and Delisi joined The Metro ahead of the event to share more about what’s in store for tonight. Get your tickets here.

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

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

More stories from The Metro

Sounds from across the globe are coming to Detroit this weekend for the 34th annual Concert of Colors music festival. The free festival, taking place now through Sunday, July 20, has continued to grow and gain momentum year after year. 

Among this year’s performers will be award-winning Detroit solo artists Victor Ghannam and Sean Blackman, who are collaborating together for a fusion of Arab, Armenian, Eastern jazz, and Detroit music.

They’ll be performing at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Detroit Historical Museum alongside Detroit jazz saxophonist David McMurray. Ghannam and Blackman joined The Metro ahead of their performance to share more about the heritage of the songs and how they were made. 

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

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

More stories from The Metro

The Concert of Colors is back in full swing, but it’s not the only global festival in town. This week, we’ve got everything from cross-continential concerts to community picnics. Read on to learn more.

Global music

The Concert of Colors has officially returned for its 34th year in Detroit with festivities continuing through Sunday, July 20. Highlights from this year’s lineup include soul legend Mavis Staples, Afrobeat pioneer Femi Kuti and Detroit’s Queen of the Blues Thornetta Davis. WDET will have special programming throughout the festival, including a live broadcast of The Don Was Motor City Playlist on Friday, July 18, a live broadcast of Essential Music on Saturday, July 19, and live DJ sets by Alternate Take’s Liz Warner and The New Music Show’s Shigeto on Sunday, July 20. All events are free and open to the public. To see the full lineup and learn more, visit our events page.

This weekend, the African World Festival returns to Hart Plaza for a three-day celebration of culture, history and community. From Friday, July 18 through Sunday, July 20, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will honor the legacy of the African Diaspora through live musical and dance performances, traditional storytelling, interactive games and workshops, regional foods, and more. Tickets start at $23 for adults, $13 for children and $18 for seniors. Family passes and VIP tickets are also available, and all Wright Museum members get in for free. For more information, visit thewright.org.

On Friday, July 18, Michigan Central continues their Fridays at the Station series, with a new music collaboration. This week, Detroit-based guitarist Na Bonsai joins Japanese DJ Yukiko for a night of genre-defying grooves and unique sonic experiences. Doors open at 5 p.m. and sets start every hour on the hour until 10 p.m. For more information, visit michigancentral.com.

Local art

On Thursday, July 17, the Ann Arbor Art Fair returns for another massive three-day juried art fair featuring nearly 1,000 artists over 30 city blocks. There will be food trucks, live music and interactive experiences. For more information, visit theannarborartfair.com.

On Friday, July 18, a new community-led exhibition is opening at Swords Into Plowshares Peace Center and Gallery in Detroit. “We Been Here Vol. 2” aims to defy gentrification by celebrating Detroit artists, with works on display from dozens of local creators. An opening reception takes place on Friday, July 18 from 6–9 p.m., and the exhibition will be open through Thursday, July 31. For more information, visit Qiana M Davis on Instagram.

On Thursday, July 24, catch Sounds Like Detroit performers North Ingalls at The Blind Pig in Ann Arbor. The indie-folk group will be playing alongside Ladyfinger and Erik Earth. Tickets are $14.35 and help fund North Ingalls’ debut album. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the venue is 18+. For more information, visit blindpigmusic.com.

Friendly spaces

On Saturday, July 19, 50501 Michigan is partnering with several local advocacy groups to host a “Good Trouble” Mutual Aid Fair in Palmer Park. The event marks the fifth anniversary of the passing of civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis, who coined the term “good trouble” to refer to people coming together to take peaceful, non-violent action to challenge injustice and promote positive societal change. From noon to 3 p.m., there will be free food, free face painting, a gently-used clothing swap, games and prizes. Guests are asked to bring chips or water to share if they’re able. For more information, visit actionnetwork.org.

On Monday, July 21, join us for the second annual Don Was Motor City Playlist Bowling Party at the Garden Bowl in Detroit. Guests will enjoy music, pizza courtesy of Sgt. Pepperoni’s, and plenty of friendly competition with hosts Don Was and Ann Delisi. Bowlers can book a party lane for up to six people or go solo, and spectator tickets are also available for those who would rather enjoy from the sidelines. Tickets start at $50 and directly support Detroit’s public radio station. Doors open at 5 p.m. For more information, visit our events page.

On Wednesday, July 23, test your street smarts at “Talk City To Me: A Detroit Trivia Night,” hosted by WDET’s Tia Graham (co-host of The Metro weekdays 10 a.m. to noon) and Outlier Media’s Briana Rice. Teams will compete to see who knows the most about the city’s politics, history and culture, and the top three teams will win prizes. Trivia takes place at UFO Bar in Detroit from 7–9 p.m. and tickets are $7. For more information, visit Eventbrite.

The African World Festival is an annual event hosted by the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. It’s a three-day experience with vendors, music and other performances that represent all the beauty and talent in the African Diaspora. 

African culture is so rich and widely recognized here in the city of Detroit. The festival — taking place this Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20 in Hart Plaza — has been around for 60 years. 

Zu Vernon, programming lead for the festival, joined The Metro on Wednesday to talk about what’s in store at this year’s event.

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

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

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Sounds from across the globe are coming to Detroit this weekend as the Concert of Colors music festival returns for its 34th year.

The four-day free global music festival, taking place July 16-20 in Detroit’s Cass Corridor, will feature artists from all corners of the globe — from Africa and the Middle East to the Caribbean, Latin America and more. 

WDET’s own Ismael Ahmed of This Island Earth established the Concert of Colors with New Detroit in 1993, as a one-day event on Detroit’s riverfront. Today, the event draws tens of thousands of visitors to the city, helping to put a spotlight on indigenous music and cultures around the world.

Events will take place across 12 venues, from the DIA to the historical museum, with headliners including legendary R&B/gospel singer Mavis Staples, ’70s soul and R&B group War, New York’s Spanish Flight and more. In addition to music, the festival brings global food and merchandise vendors, movies, poetry, children’s activities and much more to the city.

A full schedule of events can be found at concertofcolors.com.

As a proud partner of Concert of Colors, WDET will be broadcasting special programming related to the festival throughout the weekend. Also, Ahmed joined The Metro to share more about what Detroiters can expect at the event this year.

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

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

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This week, we’ve got several free concerts around the city to check out. Plus, looking ahead to this year’s Concert of Colors. Read on to learn more.

Upcoming events

On Friday, July 11, the City of Detroit’s Summer Music Series continues with Soul in the Parks. This free concert features a live performance by WDET’s Sounds Like Detroit 2024 winners, Drey Skonie & The Klouds, as well as food trucks, bounce houses and more in North Rosedale Park. The concert goes from 5–8 p.m., and free parking is available in the surrounding areas. For more information, visit Detroit Parks & Recreation on Facebook.

On Saturday, July 12, the Ferndale upcycled fashion boutique Not Sorry Goods is throwing a closing party to mark the end of operations for their brick-and-mortar storefront. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., there will be live DJs, drinks and deep discounts on the entire store. For more information, visit notsorrygoods.com.

Detroit’s annual diversity festival, the Concert of Colors returns for its 34th year on Wednesday, July 16 through Sunday, July 20. Highlights from this year’s lineup include soul legend Mavis Staples, Afrobeat pioneer Femi Kuti and Detroit’s Queen of the Blues Thornetta Davis. WDET will have special programming throughout the festival, including a live broadcast of The Don Was Motor City Playlist on Friday, July 18, a live broadcast of Essential Music on Saturday, July 19, and live DJ sets by Alternate Take’s Liz Warner and The New Music Show’s Shigeto on Sunday, July 20. All events are free and open to the public. To see the full lineup and learn more, visit our events page.

On Thursday, July 17, the Detroit Parks Coalition presents the second concert in saxophonist Marcus Elliot’s “Sounds From The Park” series. The series features original compositions inspired by different Detroit parks, as performed by Elliot and his ensemble. This month’s concert takes place in Clark Park and centers the theme of “Family & Resilience,” celebrating the culture and unity of Southwest Detroit. The concert goes from 6–9 p.m. For more information, visit detroitparkscoalition.com.

Detroiter Donna Jackson is the first Black woman to serve as gallery manager of the historic Scarab Club. 

The local hub for visual, literary and performing arts has been around for over 117 years, but its leadership has yet to reflect Black Detroiters.

Jackson joined The Metro to talk about her vision for the future of the Scarab Club, Black representation and how she plans to engage all groups of people as the city continues to see shifts within its borders.

The Scarab Club is currently hosting its 54th annual Photography Exhibition, juried by the local artist and Womxnhouse Detroit Co-founder Asia Hamilton. The club will also host a Scarab Salon Open Mic on Wednesday, July 16, for local writers to share their work. 

Visit scarabclub.org for the latest programming and events.

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

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

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Detroit’s Avenue of Fashion is home to some of the city’s most iconic businesses and shops.

Every year on the first Saturday in July, the “Light Up Livernois” fashion, art and design festival takes over Livernois between Six and Eight Mile roads to highlight all the business and entertainment district has to offer. 

Alysyn Curd, one of the event’s organizers and co-founder of the Independent Business Association headquartered on the Avenue of Fashion, joined The Metro to share more about the event this Saturday.

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

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

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Soak up the sun this holiday weekend with outdoor festivals, food truck rallies and concerts. Or, beat the heat at an art gallery or crafting workshop. Either way, we’ve got you covered with these metro Detroit arts and culture events. Read on to learn more.

Outdoor dining

Royal Oak Taco Fest returns to metro Detroit this weekend with tacos, tequila and more from Thursday, July 3 through Sunday, July 6. This street festival features food from over 50 vendors and live entertainment across three stages from a wide variety of talent — including WDET favorites Elspeth Tremblay & The Treatment, the debut performance of alt-rock band SHÜ, and a special appearance by Tommy Chong of comedy duo Cheech & Chong. Other activities include mechanical bull rides, taco-eating contests, tequila sampling and more. Tickets are $12 and children 3 and under get in for free. For more information, visit royaloaktacofest.com.

Michigan’s largest weekly food truck rally, Downtown Street Eats, is back for its 13th season, bringing a variety of food trucks, carts and local restaurant pop-ups to the heart of Downtown Detroit. On Tuesday, July 8, they’ll have Cousins Maine Lobster, The Chubby Batch Cookies, Grand Traverse Pie Company, Impasto, Little Caesars, Sonny’s Hamburgers and Twisted Street BBQ. Food trucks are available in Cadillac Square from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and prices vary by truck. For more information, visit downtowndetroit.org.

The Downtown Detroit Partnership’s Tacos & Trivia Tuesdays series continues on July 8 on the second floor of Cabana 313 in Campus Martius Park. Guests are invited to play for free for a chance to win fun prizes, no registration required. Tacos and drinks will be available for purchase, and the series is supported in part by Corona Extra. For more information, visit downtowndetroit.org.

Arts and crafts

Decked Out Detroit offers a wide variety of activities and entertainment along throughout the summer. On Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays on the 1200–1400 blocks of Woodward Avenue, visitors can enjoy acoustic music, pose for personalized watercolor portraits, build a bouquet from the flower cart and more — all free of charge. While most of their activities will be closed on Thursday, July 3, the CREATE DIY workspace on 1413 Woodward will still be open, and is offering a free craft workshop for kids and adults from 4–7 p.m. For more information on their summer lineup, visit deckedoutdetroit.com.

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Summer in Sosnick Festival kicks off on Wednesday, July 9 and goes through Sunday, July 20. This series features two weeks of free performances in Sosnick Courtyard, the DSO’s community green space. Events include a concert of works by living BIPOC composers, a yoga and music program, a sensory-friendly concert and more. For more information, visit dso.org.

Or, beat the heat by checking out the Michigan Watercolor Society’s 78th Annual Exhibition at the Janice Charach Gallery in West Bloomfield. The exhibition features works from over 60 of Michigan’s finest watercolor artists, ranging from traditional landscapes to stunningly realistic portraits. Admission is free and open to the public, and the show runs through July 23. For more information, visit thejdetroit.org.