Your City 5: Things To Do In Detroit For The Weekend Of January 26-28

I have a feeling that downtown Detroit is going to be insane this weekend between the Auto Show, Winter Blast, and the final weekend of the Downtown Detroit Markets.

But a good kind of insane. Go explore Detroit, friends.

Lexus Velodrome Grand Opening Bike Races

The time has come for the first bike races inside the Lexus Velodrome.

The bike races will take place over Friday and Saturday night.

Even if you aren’t a fan of cycling it will still be cool to check out the velodrome. I know I was curious about what was going in that giant white inflatable structure right off of I-75 and Mack Avenue.

The Lexus Velodrome is ran by the Detroit Fitness Foundation which is a non-profit organization that provides community programing for youth and seniors.

Tickets for the races are $10 for general admission. You can purchase them here.

When: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Lexus Velodrome 601 Mack Avenue Detroit, Michigan 48201

Meridian Winter Blast

It’s time again for the Meridian Winter Blast. The three day family friendly event is back again to celebrate all things cool.

Fan favorites like the giant winter slide, kids tent, food track rally, ice garden, and live music will return to the Winter Blast.

You can find the whole schedule of music performances here.

Admission to the Winter Blast is $3 per person and children under the age of 3 are free. The proceeds raised will be donated to Matrix Human Services.

Chemical Bank will be taking non perishable food donations until Friday, January 26. Go to any Chemical Bank Branch to donate three non perishable food items. You will then receive a free voucher to the Winter Blast.

Visitors to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) will also be able to get into Winter Blast for free. All you have to do is show your same day NAIAS ticket at any of the entrances.

When: Friday from 4:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m., Saturday from 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Where: Campus Martius

Don’t forget that this is also the last weekend for the Downtown Detroit Winter Market. So go get your shopping on.

Two Trains Runnin’ at Cinema Detroit

If you are a fan of the blues then I highly suggest checking out Two Trains Runnin’ at Cinema Detroit this weekend.

The documentary looks at what happened when a group of men head down to Mississippi in the summer of 1964 to look for blues musicians Son House and Skip James.

Tickets for the film are $8 per person.

There are multiple screenings on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for Two Trains Running.

Where: Cinema Detroit is located at 4126 Third Street Detroit, MI 48201

3rd Annual Titties For Pitties Benefit Gala for Pretties For Pitties

If your vin diagram has dogs and burlesque then have I got a match for you.

This Saturday night is the 3rd annual Titties For Pitties Benefit for Pretties For Pitties.

Kitten Von Mitten will be the Emcee for the evening. Come out and see Leena Allure, Magenta Demure, Endora Emerald, Sophia Von Stardust, Wednesday Wilhelm , Dish Delish, Kitty Hawkk & Eris,Sophia Von Stardust, and Miss Holly Hock perform.

There will be a 50/50 raffle and raffle baskets from places like Motor City Creations.

Tickets for the event $20 per person. You can purchase them online here. This should go without saying, but this is for those over the age of 18.

When: Saturday, January 27 at 7:00 p.m.

Where: El Club 4114 Vernor Highway Detroit, Michigan 48209

The Great Button Swap

Button, button, who’s got the button?

This Sunday the Peacock Room flagship store and William + Bonnie will be holding The Great Button Swap in the Fisher Building’s Arcade.

Do you have a button collection? It seems so old fashioned but there is something special about finding a pretty button.

One of my favorite memories growing up was going through my grandmother’s button jar. She would let me pick out my favorite buttons and then we would sew them on different things.

So this is how the button swap will work:

Bring your buttons and sewing notions to the Fisher Building. There will be tables, chairs, and sorting trays available.

Then go around to other peoples button collections and then trade and swap items with other collectors. There is to be no money exchanged during this event.

Sarah Ayers, the owner of William + Bonnie will be on hand with her sewing machine and will be offering instant sewing services at $2 a button.

When: Sunday, February 28 from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Where: The Fisher Building 3011 W. Grand Boulevard Detroit, Michigan 48202

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