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. 

We’ve got everything from orchestral renditions of Journey’s greatest hits to parties that won’t stop until the sun rises this week in Metro Detroit. The lights may come down in every other city, but here in Detroit, they’re always going up. 

Upcoming events (April 23 – 30)

Keith Harring: Subway Drawings 

Elaine L. Jacob Gallery

April 17 – August 15

Free

Put on your most elegant pair of painter’s jeans and get ready to take a dive into the world of artistic vandalism. From April to August, the Elaine L. Jacob Gallery at Wayne State University will be hosting an exhibition composed of 25 subway drawings created by Keith Harring between 1980 and 1985. “Art is for everyone,” so be sure to take this opportunity to see one of America’s most prolific artists. The gallery is open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, while the hours shift to 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays. 

Undergrad Art Exhibition 

Wayne State Art Department Gallery

April 24 – May 8

Free

Break out the strolling shoes, practice your hand-behind-the-back smolder and embrace your inner art critic. Over the course of the next three weeks, Wayne State University will be holding its 2026 undergraduate exhibition showcasing fine arts, art history and design. This collection is an emphasis on the student’s ability to go beyond the confines of what we see as contemporary art. The opening reception will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the gallery being open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Open Studio/ Gallery at Wayne State 

480 W Hancock St, Detroit

April 24

$7 – 10

But if that’s just not enough art for you, if you’re a real division 1 yearner and you’re looking for something more to sink your creative canines into, this Friday, the Wayne State University Graduate Artist Coalition is hosting an open studio and gallery event coinciding with the opening reception of the undergraduate exhibition. In addition to the ceramics, industrial design and paintings, there will also be live music as well as refreshments. The event will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  

12 Hour Party 

Marble Bar & Lincoln Factory

April 24

$50

Caffeine and ample water consumption are going to become your most trusted compatriots this weekend as you fight the urge to pass out with your tenacity to groove. This Friday, Marble Bar is teaming up with Lincoln Factory to bring you a 12-hour set consisting of 4 different stages across both venues. Stages will be both indoors and outdoors, with performances from DOME SURVEY, Ayesha, Matthew Dear, Bruno Schmidt and more. The event is set to begin at 9 p.m. and end at 9 a.m. And don’t forget the five-hour energy. 

Specter 

TBA

April 25

$29+

Normally, I’d say something along the lines of, “house and acid are commencing a takeover this weekend,” but take over where? The location hasn’t even been disclosed yet… I suppose this week’s motto should be “eh, take a chance.” At least you know which horses you’ll be betting on. This Saturday, Chicago native Specter is headlining the Sleep Olympics booth with Sugar, Shigeto, Meftah and 2000 Avalon on deck. The event will begin at 10 p.m. and it will go until 7 a.m. Boy, we are just screwing with your sleep schedule, aren’t we?  

Cuffing SZN 

Big Pink

April 25

$23

The neon beacons and the beckons of R&B are calling you home this weekend, to your true home, with all of us wonderful degenerates in tow. Pull through to Big Pink this Saturday to immerse yourself in 2000s throwbacks and bumping dance rhythms. DJ Selfie, Completd and Chuck Inglish are spinning tracks to get you making questionable decisions until the wee hours of the night, but you know what Austin Butler’s mother always used to say, “embarrassment is an underexplored emotion, get out there and make a fool of yourself.” This event is set to begin at 10 p.m. and goes until 2 a.m. 

Oakland University Film Showcase 

Dodge Hall

April 26

Free

But, if stationary art and house shows dont pique your interest, perhaps you’ll feel better suited supporting local filmmakers at Oakland University’s 2026 film showcase. The English, creative writing and film departments have united to bring you a night filled with narrative, experimental and documentary short films. So, make the trek out to Rochester and don’t forget the popcorn. And don’t worry, this event starts at 3 p.m. and goes until 6 p.m. for you “normal sleep pattern” people. 

The Music of Journey 

Orchestra Hall

April 24-26

$21+

If it wasn’t the music itself and it was simply that it didn’t have enough elegance whilst also reminding you of your father who grew up in the 80s, you’re in for a treat pal. This weekend the Detroit Symphony Orchestra is hosting an orchestral tribute to one of rock’s most notorious bands: Journey. The beauty of this performance is set to make sure you’re the one who’s crying now. The event begins at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with a 3 p.m. Sunday performance as well.  

Jay Electronica 

The Crofoot Festival Grounds

April 25

$23+

Or, if you just felt there wasn’t enough grit in your meal this week, New Orleans native Jay Electronica is slated to perform alongside Detroit heavy hitter Boldy James this Saturday in Pontiac and you’re not going to want to miss this. These two emcees are making history this weekend, and I don’t need to give you Exhibit A through C to show you that it’d be pitiful of you to skip out. The concert is set to begin at 7 p.m.  

Young people have stories to tell. The Detroit Teen Truth Film Festival is a place for them to share those stories. It started in 2019 and has been growing ever since.

Teens from Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties create films that are just fifteen seconds long.

Watch the 2025 grand prize film from the 2025 Detroit Teen Truth Festival, directed by Johan Calderon.

Fifteen seconds to share a perspective. Fifteen seconds to express what matters to them. Each year, the festival chooses a theme. The teens help pick it, so it reflects what they care about most. The films are creative, honest, and often really powerful. This year’s is “My Mental Health, Myself.”

Finalists can win cash prizes and scholarships. But even more important, they get a chance to be heard. These films help communities see the world through young people’s eyes. It gives teens a voice and empowers them to share it.

In this conversation, we were joined by Y Arts Executive Director Margret Edwartowski and Y Arts Board member Nicolas Cucinella. We learned more about the importance of giving teens space to express their ideas.

The 2026 festival is Saturday April 25 at 2:00 p.m. at the Marlene Boll Theatre at the Boll Family YMCA.

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Governor Whitmer signed an executive order allowing higher vapor fuels to be sold in southeast Michigan until July 1. The move allows the cheaper winter gas blend to be sold for the next three months. 

High vapor gas helps cars run smoothly when it’s cold outside. It’s less expensive to make, but worse for the environment. 

Whitmer hopes allowing it will lower prices at the pump amid the ongoing war in Iran. 

But GasBuddy petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan says there’s no guarantee that the higher vapor mix will make it to consumers. 

“Even with a waiver… refineries have generally already made a transition over to cleaner… more expensive blends of gasoline for the summer. So even if Michigan allows it… that doesn’t mean refineries are going to go back to producing something different.” 

If refineries do revert to winter blend, DeHaan says it could lower gas prices by around 5 to 7 cents per gallon. 
 
AAA says Michigan drivers are paying an average of $3.86 for a gallon of regular unleaded gas this morning. That’s about 20 cents cheaper than it was last week. 

Additional headlines for April 3, 2026

DPSCD seeks student influencers

Detroit Public School Community District is now employing Student Influencers in their on going effort to grow enrollment. 23 students will be hired to share positive messages about their schools.

To apply, current students must make a 60 second Reel about themselves and submit it via direct message to DPSCD’s Instagram account. For more information visit the district’s account on Instagram, under the handle detroitk12.

Detroit Music Hall screens ‘Dream Girls’

This weekend Detroit Music Hall will host a special screening of the movie “Dream Girls.” It’s the 20th anniversary of the film releasing and the 45th anniversary of the Broadway show.

The screening will be hosted by actress Raven-Symone and will also feature special live performance from Jennifer Holiday, who played Effie in the Broadway performance.

Tickets are on sale now at the Music Hall Box Office and Ticketmaster. The screenings will be on April 4 at 7:00 p.m. and April 5 at 3:00 p.m. 

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

President Donald Trump gave a primetime address last night about the war in Iran. He told Americans that nearly all his objectives for the war has been met and that the war would end in the next two to three weeks, but his timeline has shifted before.

This extension of the war could mean the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed during that time. This comes as the price for a gallon of gas in the US rises to $4. The Washington Post even found that there was a 56% increase in Google searches for most fuel-efficient gas cars in the month of March.

For Detroiters looking for cheaper gas prices you can look at the Gas Buddy app. As for today, the app says that the SNK Gas Station on the corner of Michigan Avenue and South Merriman Road in Inkster is $3.29 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel.

According to AAA, the best way to save gas is maintaining good tire pressure, driving at a moderate pace on the highway and avoiding slamming on brakes and accelerating.

Additional headlines from Thursday. April 2

Closings tomorrow 

Tomorrow is Good Friday, a Christian celebration commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. Because of that most City of Detroit offices will be closed. Normal police, fire and water services will be provided.

Also of note tomorrow is the Detroit Tigers home opener, so be aware of street closings. The streets directly around Comerica Park with be closed off. These include Witherell between Adams and Montcalm, and Brush between Madison and Montcalm.

Sports

March Madness

Michigan is in the final four and will be going up against fellow No. 1 seed Arizona. The game will be at 8:49 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

NBA

With a win over the Toronto Raptors yesterday, the Detroit Pistons clinched the division title—something they haven’t done in the last 18 years. And now they only need to win two more games to clinch the No. 1 seed in the East.

They play tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena.

NHL

After a tough March, the Red Wings have a smaller chance of making it to the playoffs. According to reports they have a 40% chance as they look to face the Philadelphia Flyers tonight.

Game starts at 7:00 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Center

Soccer

Detroit City FC beat the Flint City Bucks yesterday 1-0 in the second round of the US Cup. Their next game is against Rhode Island on April 4 at 4:00 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium.

Animation festival

Detroit’s 11th annual International Festival of Animation is going down on April 4. There will be a 93 minute mix of 19 animated shorts showcasing works from Michigan and international animators.

This event will be held at the historic Senate Theater in Detroit. 

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

Tonight, we heard some stellar new tracks, including Fever Ray’s “The Lake (Cinematic)” from the upcoming movie, “The Bride!” It’s pretty darn cool! Plus, She’s Green is back with a new release, a great new track from Apparat, and Deary hits another home run with their song, “Alfie.” 

We also discussed a few important opportunities to vote for your favorite bands and radio hosts. Jeff Buckley and New Order/Joy Division are nominated to be inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Cast your vote here.

Also, Detroit’s Dreampop duo Bluhm is nominated for Detroit’s best local act. Cast your vote for them and WDET’s own Ryan Patrick Hooper for radio host, and Jerome Vaughn and Pat Batcheller for radio news or sports reporter.

Listen to the full episode above, on-demand for two weeks at wdet.org.

• “The Ubiquitous Mr. Lovegrove” – Dead Can Dance
• “Clusters” – Emma Anderson
• “Blush” – The Secret French Postcards
• “Icing Sugar” – The Cure
• “Alfie” – Deary
• “Inhaler” – Hooverphonic
• “Double Dream” – Bluhm
• “Rubber Ring” – The Smiths
• “Only Hinting” – Clinic Stars
• “Blew It” – Liquorice
• “Mettle” – She’s Green
• “Morning Theft” – Jeff Buckley
• “skin in the game” – Slowdive
• “Hum Of Maybe” – Apparat
• “Everywhere” – Cranes
• “The Lake (Cinematic)” – Fever Ray
• “Atmosphere” – Joy Division
• “Gold” – Sigur Ros
• “Cry In The Wind” – Clan Of Xymox
• “Coast is Clear” – Curve
• “Cave” – Future Islands
• “Obviously” – A Shoreline Dream
• “Octopus” – Starrgazy
• “Crushed” – Cocteau Twins
• “Sapphire Door” – Soft Blue Shimmer
• “Burrow” – AtticOmatic
• “Paradise” – New Order
• “Poison Berry” – Night Swimming
• “Wop-a-Din-Din” – Red House Painters
• “Fly to the Ceiling (feat. Rosa Rocca)” – Theis Thaws, Tricky
• “Harold and Cindy Hospital” – Severed Heads
• “Blackhole” – Basement Revolver
• “Leave Them All Behind” – Ride
• “Burst” – Snowcuffs

According to the National Crime Information Center more than 271,000 girls and women were reported missing in 2022 alone. 36% of them were Black.

These are not just numbers. They are daughters, sisters, classmates, and friends. And too often, their stories are underreported, or not reported at all.

Black girls and women are disproportionately impacted by violence, trafficking, and systemic neglect. And that neglect has consequences. It has led to higher rates of disappearance than their white counterparts and far less urgency when they go missing.

The loss of a Black girl doesn’t just affect a family. It ripples through entire communities, through classrooms, neighborhoods, and peer groups, leaving behind fear, grief, and anger that rarely make headlines.

“Unseen” is a new production by Teen Hype that confronts this silence head-on. It invites audiences into a necessary conversation about what young people—especially Black girls—are facing today, and what it means to be unseen in moments when visibility can save lives.

Teen HYPE is a Detroit-based organization dedicated to empowering young people through education, advocacy, and holistic creative expression.

“Unseen” is directed by Teen Hype alum Mallory Childs, who is currently a sophomore at Spelman College in Atlanta. She and Teen HYPE co-founder Ambra Redrick join the show to talk about the project.  

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.

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Michigan has been the setting for thousands of films. At one point, the state encouraged movie makers through incentives to produce their films here.

Those programs were cancelled a decade ago. Since then, productions have largely gone elsewhere to shoot.

As for the films set in Detroit, which ones really capture the city, its essence and the people who live here?

Steven Shaviro is a former film critic and professor at Wayne State University. He joins The Metro to discuss and critique movies that were made in or about metro Detroit.

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.

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