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.

We’re at that point in winter where we really could use a good party! January lasted a year and dropped a lot of snow on us (and significantly dropped the temps), and now the groundhog has seen its shadow, so we’re left with the long trudging march toward…March. What we need is a laid back yet kinda wild extravaganza, or perhaps, if you will, a festival! With lots of live local music and art and, frankly, positive vibes.

Cut to: Sled Season. This Saturday night at the Tangent Gallery, the twangy indie-rock quartet known as Toboggan Man is partnering with étude Productions to arrange a lineup that features classes and workshops, an interactive art installation, live performances, local artisanal and food vendors, DJs, and a stylish themed photo booth experience.

But this is MI Local, so we’re naturally focusing on the live local music, like Toboggan Man and past WDET guests like Pia The Band, Rose St Germaine, and Checker, along with TY, New Entertainment, and Lee Cleveland & the Lefthand Band.

Toboggan Man formed during the wintertime a few years ago, which played into the naming of their band (it just beat out the next contender for a name, ‘Ski Lift Fist Fight’). Listen to the show and you’ll meet this charming band and hear a couple live renditions of their songs, a charmingly scrappy blend of garage-pop stomp and alt-country clamber through a sweetly smiling indie-frayed lens.

Before we get to the interview with Toboggan Man, you’ll hear new tracks from the local artists like the Detroit electronic duo ADULT., and the power pop maestro Nick Piunti, both of whom have new albums coming out this season. We also heard a dazzling electronic-acid-jazz track from Alice Sun, new noise-rock out of Ann Arbor from Dancers, and a pair of my favorite hip-hop artists, Leaf Erikson and Noveliss.

This week also marks my second anniversary of hosting this show! Onward to year three of MI Local! Thanks for listening!

Vitti says immigration concerns are keeping kids home

During his State of the Schools address, Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Nikolai Vitti said immigration concerns are contributing to lower student attendance. While there have been no reports of immigration agents entering Detroit school buildings, some families remain afraid to send their children to school.

Attendance declines began in January 2025, around the start of the Trump administration, and have continued into this year. Last year, 61 percent of Detroit students were considered chronically absent, meaning they missed more than 10 percent of the school year. Vitti said immigration concerns played a role in those numbers.

The district recently released an informational pamphlet for families who may have concerns about immigration status, offering guidance and connections to resources.

No charges in deaths of two children in Detroit parking garage

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced that no charges will be filed against a Detroit mother whose two children died last year in a parking garage.

An autopsy determined the children died from carbon monoxide poisoning rather than hypothermia. The mother, who was experiencing homelessness at the time, had sought shelter in December 2023, but records indicate a city shelter was unable to reach her.

In response to recent dangerously cold temperatures, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield is urging residents to seek shelter if needed. The city reports approximately 1,700 shelter beds are available for families. Sheffield emphasized that no Detroiter should be without access to warmth during extreme cold.

Pro sports update

NBA: The Detroit Pistons lost to the Phoenix Suns 114–96. The team remains on the West Coast and will face the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco tonight at 10 p.m. Eastern.

NHL: The Detroit Red Wings fell to the Washington Capitals 4–3. The Red Wings are second in the Atlantic Division and will take on the Colorado Avalanche tomorrow, Saturday, January 31, at 1 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena.

Local sports: Detroit athlete makes NIL history

Chandler Park Academy basketball player Jeremiah Jackson has become the first high school athlete in Michigan to sign a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association recently expanded its rules to allow high school athletes to earn money through endorsements, social media promotions, and related opportunities. Jackson’s NIL deal is with Flamz Pizzeria, a restaurant located on East Warren Avenue in Detroit.

Events and weekend picks

Virtual event on the American Revolution
The Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit is hosting a free virtual discussion on Monday examining the American story 250 years after the American Revolution.

The event will be led by Bob Brutell, Adjunct Professor of Religious Studies and History at the University of Detroit Mercy, and Dr. Kyle Roberts, Executive Director of the Congregational Library and Archives.
“Remembering the Unfinished American Revolution” takes place Monday, February 2, at 1 p.m. Registration details are available online.

Detroit Symphony Orchestra: Epic Film Scores
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra presents a concert featuring iconic film music, conducted by Steve Reineke. The program highlights legendary composers and scores from films including Psycho, The Godfather, Gladiator, Star Trek, and Star Wars.
Performances:

• Friday, January 30 at 8 p.m.

• Saturday, January 31 at 8 p.m.

• Sunday, February 1 at 3 p.m.
  More info: dso.org

The Saunderson Brothers at Big Pink
Big Pink hosts a House and Techno night featuring The Saunderson Brothers. Organizers promise a high-energy set packed with crowd favorites.
The event runs tonight from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
More info: bigpinklovesyou.com

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.

This week on Visions, I decide to take us all over the musical map. I celebrate classics and brand new music.

You hear from Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, Bobby Hutcherson, Buddy Rich, Nancy Wilson & Cannonball Adderley, and Antônio Carlos Jobim & Frank Sinatra. There’s also a 50th album anniversary from Earl Klugh and Alice Coltrane.

I also play new music from Joel Ross, Tomeka Reid, Craig Taborn, Melissa Aldana, and Walter Smith III, recent releases from Joshua Redman and Sessa, and a new release I’m really excited about by Flea.

Finally, I play a track by Detroit’s Ian Fink to promote a brand new concert series starting here in Detroit. You can hear Ian this Sunday, Feb. 1 at 2:00 p.m., at Fort Street Presbyterian Church.

The series was started by Detroit composer, pianist, and bandleader, Michael Malis and features five of Detroit and southeast Michigan’s most exciting pianists: Ian Fink, Andy Milne, Lisa Sung, Alvin Waddles, and Brendon Davis. Learn more here.

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

Visions Playlist for Jan. 26, 2026

• “Vonetta” – Earl Klugh*
• “Be Patient” – Joel Ross
• “Pensativa” – Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers
• “Oo long! (feat. Jason Roebke, Mary Halvorson & Tomas Fujiwara)” – Tomeka Reid
• “Before the Lights Go On” – Marcello Melis
• “Montara” – Bobby Hutcherson
• “After Minneapolis (face toward mo[u]rning) [feat. Gabrielle Cavassa]” – Joshua Redman
• “I Love Music” – Ian Fink*
• “Nutville” – Buddy Rich
• “My Ideal” – Walter Smith III
• “La Sentencia” – Melissa Aldana
• “Dindi” – Frank Sinatra & Antônio Carlos Jobim
• “Bicho Lento” – Sessa
• “When Kabuya Dances” – Craig Taborn, Tomeka Reid & Ches Smith
• “Blue Nile” – Alice Coltrane*
• “Never Will I Marry” – Cannonball Adderley & Nancy Wilson
• “Traffic Lights (feat. Thom Yorke)” – Flea
• “Blues Again” – Mulgrew Miller

* Indicates Detroit artists

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is offering stipends for interns enrolled in a behavioral health bachelor or master’s program. MDHHS is allocating $1.25 million for the program.  

MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel says the funding supports mental health care workers. The Behavioral Health Internship Stipend Program is in its fourth cohort, which supported 159 students last year. The program offers money to students for unpaid internship costs such as tuition, fees, and living expenses. 

Students pursuing degrees in marriage or family therapy, behavioral analyst,  social workers and counselors are eligible to apply for the one-time stipend ranging from $5 to $15,000 each.

Applications close tonight.

Additional headlines for Monday, Jan. 26, 2026

Radon Action Month

January is Radon Action Month. Radon is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that’s found in soil. It’s naturally created through the breakdown of uranium in soil around homes.

The gas can cause lung tissue damage through radiation, making it the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. 

Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy recommends testing homes every two years for exposure. People can pick up a testing kit from their local health department.    

Al-Ikhlas Director Nadir Ahmad passes away 

Detroit’s Al-Ikhlas Training Academy’s Director and Founder, Imam Nadir Ahmad passed away on Jan. 22. His funeral was held on Saturday.

In 2020, the Dream Storytelling oral history project interviewed Ahmad. He told the archive he moved from Virginia to Detroit to study Islam at the Wayne County Community College as part of the Muslim World Studies Program in 1980.  Ahmad taught at the Clara Muhammad School in Detroit, later serving as assistant principal and then principal. Ahmad founded the Islamic school Al-Ikhlas Training Academy in Detroit in 1991.

Community members and current and former students posted several comments on Facebook, sharing memories and commemorating the educational leader as someone who defined an era in Detroit. Ahmad was also a U.S. military veteran.  

ProsperUs Detroit hosts training program

ProsperUs Detroit is hosting an Entrepreneur Training Program for the Spring of 2026. The 12-week program provides one-on-one support for businesses to learn how to register their business, create budgets and systems for bookkeeping. The group will also learn how to write a business plan.

Participants will also study business models, target markets, and finances. Applications are due by Feb. 1. 

Outlier and Detroit-ography host trivia

The Outlier Collective is hosting a trivia event next month. Test your knowledge of Detroit with Outlier Media’s Civic Life Reporter Briana Rice and Detroit-ography’s Alex B. Hill.

Editor’s note: Corrected Al-Ikhals Director Nadir Ahmad’s title, from Dr. to Imam 1/27/26. We apologize for the error.

Tickets are $5 a person. The event is being hosted by Outlier Media and Detroit-ography at the Brewery Faisan on Feb. 4 from 6:30-9 p.m. Register at outliermedia.org/our-events/.   

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

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.

Playwright August Wilson is often referred to as “theatre’s poet of Black America.” He’s known for his series of ten plays called the Century Cycle, where each play takes place in a decade during the 20th Century. 

Over the last few years, The Detroit Repertory Theatre has been producing Wilson’s plays in chronological order. Now through March 15th the group is performing “The Piano Lesson” which occurs in the 1930s. In this story family ties are tested when a pair of siblings disagree on what to do with a piano that holds significant value to their family.

Actors T. Pharoah Muhammad and Delanti Hall and Artistic Director Leah Smith join the program to discuss the play’s main themes and their artistic approach to the work.

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

Subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

More stories from The Metro

Hundreds of people across Michigan protested against Immigration and Customs Enforcement over the weekend after an ICE agent shot a woman to death in Minnesota last week. 

Joshua Medina joined demonstrators at Detroit’s Clark Park on Friday night. He says Americans need to fight back against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. 

“Force only understands force, right? And by no means I mean that in a violent way, but I mean that in a show of people power, right?”

There were protests across the nation over the weekend.  

– Reporting by Steve Carmody 

Additional headlines for Monday, Jan. 12, 2026

Auto Show

Detroit’s car companies are gearing up for the city’s annual Auto Show this week. 

Executive Director Sam Klemet says the event features immersive hands-on displays promoting both vehicle technology and the Motor City itself. 

“It’s a chance for everyone to come under one roof and see kind of what the auto industry is about…where it’s going…and what the city of Detroit is about. I mean you’ll see a lot of that as well. So I think that this is evolving into a content show.” 

Klemet adds that the event also celebrates those who love Michigan’s outdoor areas by showcasing vehicles and equipment designed for rugged terrain. 

The auto show opens to the public on Jan. 17.  

– Reporting by Quinn Klinefelter

Dinner with your Muslim Neighbor 

The City of Dearborn and Chef Amanda Saab are hosting a “Dinner with Your Muslim Neighbor” event this week at the Lincoln Ballroom at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center. The event takes place Thursday, Jan. 15 at 6 p.m.  

The event hopes to give non-Muslim neighbors a chance to join Muslim neighbors to sit down and have deeper conversations together.  

Future Docs

The Wayne State University School of Medicine is hosting its Future Docs program in March. The event is hosted by the Medical Alumni Association to expose kids to hands-on science and medicine.

Future Docs is for children between the age of 6-12 years old. Children will experience 18 hands-on science workshops, such as Brain Blast, Wind Your Way Through DNA, and Heart Rocks. Kids receive a t-shirt, a backpack, and souvenirs. The event takes place on March 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 540 Canfield in Detroit.  

Tickets are $20 for adults and $35 for children. Tickets for WSU Medical Alumni Association members are $15 for adults, $30 for children.  

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

Over the holidays, we’re sharing some of the stories Detroit Evening Report hosts produced for the radio this year. Today we hear a story from Sascha Raiyn.  

Terees Western is an artisan perfumer and owner of the business FragranTed. Sascha Raiyn spoke to her about her work and about one title she uses, “scent docent.”

Western says she explains the experience of scent the way a docent at the DIA might explain a work of art. 

Additional headlines for Monday, Dec. 29

Holiday events at Detroit Public Library

Detroit Public Library branches are hosting holiday break events throughout this week.

Offerings include card-making and Kwanzaa craft sessions, video and board gaming and storytimes. The Sherwood Forest Branch will host a family New Year’s Party Tuesday from 4-5pm at 7117 West Seven Mile Road.

Find Detroit Public Library events at detroitpubliclibrary.org/events. 

Broomball in Detroit

Come Play Detroit is bringing Broomball to Downtown Detroit in early January and tomorrow is the last day to register to play.

The co-ed league hits the ice at Campus Martius Tuesday, Jan. 6.

Teams can register for $1100 dollars with a $100 deposit. Individuals can play for $120. The Broomball leagues runs through January and February. For more information visit comeplaydetroit.com. 

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

The scents of the season will be the focus of a pop-up event at Source Booksellers this weekend.

Terees Western is a “scent docent,” artisan perfumer and the owner of FragranTed. She says she explains the cultural, historical and emotional experience of scent the way a docent in a museum might explain a work of art.

Saturday, December 20 from 2-4 p.m. at Source Booksellers, Western will offer visitors a chance to craft a personal holiday scent.

She spoke to WDET’s Sascha Raiyn about the scents of the holidays and winter, and the event.

As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the artists, small businesses and unique experiences that our region has to offer. Here are 14 ways to spend the holiday season in metro Detroit, from ugly Christmas sweater parties to dazzling light displays.

Upcoming events (Dec. 18 through Jan. 8)

The Original Turtleneck & Sweater Holiday Extravaganza

  Fifth Avenue Royal Oak

  Saturday, Dec. 20

  $26

The 25th anniversary of the ugly Christmas sweater party that started it all — right here in Michigan. There will be live music, a fashion show, food and drinks, professional photography and more. Festivities go from 5–10 p.m. and all proceeds benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. This event is 21+.

Downtown Trenton Noel Nights: Day 3

  Trenton City Hall

  Saturday, Dec. 20

  Free

An afternoon of activities encouraging residents to explore downtown Trenton, including pony rides, photos with Santa, a holiday market, a live nativity scene, kids crafts and a hot cocoa bar. Festivities go from noon to 4 p.m.

Art for the Holidays

  Detroit Artists Market in Detroit

  Ongoing through Saturday, Dec. 20

  Free

A long-running art exhibition and sale featuring nearly 1,500 unique, handmade works from nearly 100 local artists. Pieces span from ceramics and textiles to paintings and jewelry, and every purchase directly supports Detroit artists. The market is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

WDET’s (Not So) Modern Music Holiday Special

  Online and on your radio

  Saturday, Dec. 20 and Tuesday, Dec. 23

  Free

A radio special hosted by Jon Moshier (host of WDET’s Modern Music) and DJ Dave Lawson featuring a brand-new batch of rare and unusual holiday music. The special premieres on WDET on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 4 p.m., and an encore broadcast will air on Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 10 p.m.

Detroit Public Theatre Holiday Cabaret

  Detroit Public Theatre

  Ongoing through Sunday, Dec. 21

  $25–$100

A festive performance crafted with wit and rowdy charm. An ongoing tradition, the Detroit Public Theatre’s Holiday Cabaret features talented vocalists and adult humor. General admission is $52, but rush tickets are often available for $25.

Eastern Market’s Holiday Market

  Eastern Market in Detroit

  Sunday, Dec. 21

  Free

A seasonal market featuring Michigan-made gifts, including clothing, art, jewelry, beauty products and more. Christmas tree vendors will also be in the parking lot outside Sheds 5 and 6. The market goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is the final Holiday Market of the year.

Wayne County Lightfest

  Hines Park of Westland

  Ongoing through Wednesday, Dec. 24

  $5–$50 cash, depending on type of vehicle

A drive-through attraction featuring five miles of light displays down Hines Drive. Additional activities are available halfway through the route, including photo opportunities, food trucks and a mailbox for letters to Santa. Lightfest is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 6–10 p.m.

A Whole Lotta Love on WDET

  Online and on your radio

  Thursday, Dec. 25 through Friday, Jan. 2

  Free

A series of encore broadcasts from Ed Love’s legendary Evolution of Jazz program on WDET. The show is a master class in jazz history, featuring passionate, in-depth stories from Ed’s decades in the business. Episodes air on WDET weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kwanzaa Celebration and Motor City Kinara Lighting

  Campus Martius Park in Detroit

  Friday, Dec. 26

  Free

A community Kwanzaa celebration hosted by Alkebu-lan Village, the City of Detroit, the Downtown Detroit Partnership and other community partners. Recognized as one of the largest Kwanzaa Kinara displays in the world, the 30-foot-tall monument is designed to stand alongside Detroit’s other major holiday displays, serving as a vibrant symbol of African American life, culture and community. Festivities go from 3–7 p.m. and the Kinara will be on display through the full week of Kwanzaa.

Winter at The Station

  Michigan Central Station in Detroit

  Ongoing through Sunday, Dec. 28

  $0–$15

A family-friendly celebration of the season featuring festive decor, interactive exhibits, holiday shopping, live music and more. Special programming will also take place throughout the month, including dance performances, artist workshops and more. General admission is free and open to the public, but some of the special programming is ticketed. Parking is $5 per vehicle. The Station is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but will be closed Dec. 24–25 and Dec. 31 through Jan. 1 for the holidays.

Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village

  Greenfield Village in Dearborn

  Ongoing through Sunday, Dec. 28

  $36–$44

An immersive historical experience featuring carols, roasted chestnuts, artisan crafts, ice skating and Model-T rides. Limited tickets remain.

Parlay Detroit’s New Year’s Eve Daytime Celebration

  Parlay Detroit

  Wednesday, Dec. 31

  Free

A spirited, kid-friendly afternoon centered around the Michigan Wolverines vs. Texas Longhorns game so families can celebrate New Year’s Eve without staying out late. There will be face painting, DJs and a game day atmosphere. Kids eat free from 2–5 p.m., and seating is first-come, first-served.

Parlay Detroit’s New Year’s Eve Nighttime Celebration

  Parlay Detroit

  Wednesday, Dec. 31

  Free

A vibrant New Year’s Eve night experience for adults and older guests, featuring multiple DJs, an energetic atmosphere and a full food menu available until 2:30 a.m. Festivities kick off at 9 p.m. and the party is first-come, first served.

Guests of Honor: Art of Faith from the Jewish Museum, New York

  Detroit Institute of Arts

  Ongoing through Jan. 3, 2027

  Free with general admission

A temporary exhibit at the DIA featuring a selection of Jewish ceremonial objects from the Jewish Museum in New York. The pieces date from the 1400s to the early 1900s, and include Torah finials, Hanukkah menorahs and more.