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

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

Check out the events below for more details! 

Upcoming events (May 8-14)

Jurassic Park: The Musical

Planet Ant Theater

May 8-9

$30-35

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

Detroit Food Commons Fest

8324 Woodward Ave.

May 9

Free

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

Shucked

Midland Center for the Arts

May 9-10

$49.50+

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

Royal Oak in Bloom

6th and Main Street lots in downtown Royal Oak

May 10

Free

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

Arab Film Festival

Arab American National Museum

May 8-10

$15

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

Riverfront Herbal Walk

Cullen Plaza

May 11

Free

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

“As I Die and Wheeze” is a melodramatic comedy following the impact a death has on the family. Southern twin sisters, complete opposites, thought the sky was the limit until the death of their daddy.

Now, the twins face debt, scheming suitors and a spicy, sharp tongued aunty. “As I Die and Wheeze” is showing at Planet Ant theatre through the end of the month.

It is written by Katie McGraw and Maggie O’Reilly and directed by Bryan Lark. Maggie and Bryan joined us on The Metro to talk more about the play and the importance of theater and laughter right now. 

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

Whether it’s exploring the world of short film or finding your new favorite whiskey, WDET has you covered on Detroit’s upcoming events. Prepare to expand your palette and dance your heart out, Detroit!

Upcoming events (Feb. 19 to Feb. 26)

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express  

Stagecrafters 

Feb. 19 through Mar. 1 

  $28-$38

Take a ride to Royal Oak to witness Murder on the Orient Express adapted for the stage. All is well by nightfall, but as the sun rises through the passenger car windows, we’re one traveler short… Who could the killer be? There are performances every Thursday through Sunday until March 1, with both 2 p.m. matinees and evening shows at 7:30 p.m. 

HERd 

The Garden Theatre 

Feb. 20 

Free

HERd is returning to Detroit for its third year, uniting leaders, advocates, and allies for conversations about uplifting women’s voices in its TED Talk-style format. This year’s theme, Passions with Purpose, encompasses the holistic well-being of women by focusing on the emotional, social and professional systems which shape women’s lives. Oh, and there’ll be cocktails! Reception is at 5 p.m. and the program goes from 5:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

10th Annual African American Family Book Expo & Read-In 

Developing K.I.D.S. Village Hall 

Feb. 21 

Free

Enjoy an afternoon delving into Black literary excellence for the opportunity to meet with more than 40 independent Black authors and listen to this year’s National African American Read-In. There are books for all ages, with a chance to get signed copies as well. The event will be held from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

The 2026 Oscar® Nominated Short Films: Animation and Live Action 

Detroit Film Theatre 

Feb. 20 through Mar. 15 

General: $11.50 & Seniors, Students, and DIA Members: $9.50 

Visit the Detroit Film Theatre inside the Detroit Institute of Arts for a screening of this year’s Oscar-nominated short films. Experience the works of emerging filmmakers as they explore bold stories in condensed segments. Screenings are happening each weekend through Mar.15, with matinees at 1 p.m. and evening showings at 7 p.m.; the collection spans 3 hours with an intermission between animation and live action.  

Detroit Pistons VS. San Antonio Spurs 

Little Caesars Arena 

Feb. 23 

$40+ 

The Pistons are slated to host the Spurs next Monday as they hope to continue their 3-game winning streak. The Pistons are currently the top contender in the Eastern Conference. The game will begin at 7 p.m. 

Symphonie fantastique 

Orchestra Hall  

Feb. 26 through Feb. 28 

$20

Enjoy an evening at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra with a performance of Berlioz’s 5-movement concerto about a young artist’s hallucinations following a failed love affair. The performance will feature the “once in a generation flutist” Emmanuel Pahud as soloist. The event runs for two hours and will begin at 8 p.m.

Haute to Death, BEIGE and Kindle

Marble Bar

Feb. 21

$16+

Celebrate eight years of Marble Bar with a post-Valentines DJ set by Detroit artists Haute to Death (1-800-CALL-ASH & S.O.F.T. Power), BEIGE and Kindle. Be sure to slide through with your partner, best friend, or messy situationship for a few drinks and much-needed dancing. The event starts at 9 p.m. and goes until 3 a.m. 

Big Stretch: Yoga with a live DJ 

Big Pink

Feb. 26

$17

Unleash your inner yogi while you get your groove on at Big Pink next Thursday. Bring your own mat, a friend and prepare to sweat out your troubles while the DJ spins tracks of encouragement. All ages are welcome, music by Botez! The event starts at 7 p.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m. 

Whiskey Festival 

Royal Oak Farmers Market

Feb. 21

$39+

Spend an evening in a whiskey lover’s dream this Saturday at the Royal Oak Farmers Market. With over 100 different brands of whiskey, live music and food vendors, this event is set to help you find your new drink of choice. General admission includes 10 drink tickets as well as a keepsake photo and commemorative glass to help you remember what you’ve forgotten by morning. The event will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

Lunar New Year at Eastern Market

Eastern Market Shed 5

Feb. 22

Free

Enjoy an afternoon of extravagance at the Association of Chinese Americans’ annual Lunar New Year Community Fair. The event will feature cultural performances from local community groups, food vendors, interactive experiences and opportunities to learn about traditional customs. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.