Looking for something to do in the Detroit area this weekend? Here are our suggestions:
1. Detroit River Days
Friday, June 21 – Sunday, June 23: You won't want to miss this one-of-a-kind family and dog-friendly festival celebrating Detroit's vibrant Riverfront with activities on land and water! Highlights include live music on 4 stages, featuring Smokey Robinson and other names you know and love; sand sculptures; carnival rides; jet ski demos; an enormous Rally of over 110 Food Trucks, and much more. Now in its 13th year, River Days is moving to the West Riverfront Park. Admission is free on Friday as long as you get there before 5pm, after 5pm and on Saturday and Sunday, admission is $5 per person, but it includes a $3 food voucher to use at any of the food trucks. Children 3 and under and seniors 65 and over are free all weekend. Come one, come all!
2. Ryan Neal at Aretha's Jazz Cafe
Friday, June 21: Enjoy a snazzy night out at Music Hall's intimate lower-level venue Aretha's Jazz Cafe, where you'll hear the soulful, slinky sounds of Detroit up-and-comer/singer/musician/producer Ryan Neal and his band. Come ready to groove over three sets for only $10 at the door. Show starts at 8pm and a full menu of delicious food, cocktails, beer and wine will be available from the friendly staff. Leave your worries at the door, peel back the red velvet curtains, and experience a night of fresh and funky tunes.
3. Star Wars at the Redford Theatre
Friday, June 21 and Saturday, June 22: Here's your chance to see Star Wars as it began on the big screen, at the historic and dramatic Redford Theatre! Episode IV: A New Hope will be shown on Friday night at 8 pm, and there are two films set to be shown on Saturday: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back at 2 pm and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi at 8 pm. Each movie ticket is $10 (kids 12 and under are $5). Spoiler Alert: Darth Vader is revealed to be Luke Skywalker's father!
4. The Front Porch – A Day of Music on Ferndale Porches
Saturday, June 22: With 60 bands performing a wide-variety of genres of live music on over 30 Ferndale neighborhood porches, you're sure to find your jam! And it's all completely free and family friendly! Get up close and personal with Michigan musicians, from up-and-comers to established favorite artists as you stroll, bike, scooter or stroller from porch to porch. Enjoy live music from noon – 7 pm, and new this year, hit the afterparty at Vester and Woodward in front of Valentine Distillery and M Brew. Plus, our podcast co-host Seth Resler will be at the porch at 270 W. Saratoga Street, where The Luddites and Racecarracecar will perform.
5. Dabls African Bead Museum New Gallery & Community Space Opening
Saturday, June 22: Composed of mostly outdoor installations along with an extensive shop full of unique African beads, the Dabls African Bead Museum is one of Detroit's gems! This dynamic, compelling art space has completed phase one of their renovation and is ready to celebrate at its new Gallery and Community Space on Saturday from 3-6pm. Also featured: an exhibition by Detroit-based artist Elizabeth Youngblood shown in conjunction with “Material Detroit,” a series of performances and events around Detroit, curated by Cranbrook Art Museum, ARTS.BLACK, and Sidewalk Detroit.
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