Hey friends, Jer here.
Earlier today, a friend of mine posted a picture on social media of a tree starting to turn leaves, and I decided to unfriend them immediately.
(I'm kidding, kind of)
Summer in Metro Detroit is something to enjoy, but what should you do? I have you covered with events this weekend in the city and across three counties.
As always, if you're looking for company and local conversation on your way to work or one of these great events, find our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
Friday
The Spelling Bee for Adults: In elementary school, I was eliminated from a spelling bee for spelling "Ax" as "Axe." I've been salty about it (and questioning the systems we live in) ever since.
So maybe relive — or redeem — your own elementary-school glory days at an adult spelling bee at Gordon Park. It’s free, starts at 6:30 p.m., and organizers ask attendees to bring new school supplies to support local students through United Way for Southeastern Michigan.
Friday, Aug. 21, 6:30 p.m., Gordon Park, 1945 Atkinson St., Detroit. [Partiful]
All Weekend Long
Summer Bliss takes over Tangent Gallery: If your ideal weekend involves house, techno, bass, art installations, DJs, and live painters, this two-day music-and-art festival is built for you.
Friday, Aug. 21, and Saturday, Aug. 22, Tangent Gallery / Hastings Street Ballroom, Detroit. [Website]
Assumption GreekFest: Go east for a classic Greek festival with lamb, souvlaki, spanakopita, baklava, dancing, church tours, live music, magic shows, and the chance to pick up something at the marketplace.
Bring your appetite and give yourself time to wander.
Friday, Aug. 21, 4–11 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 22, noon–11 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 23, noon–7 p.m., Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 21800 Marter Rd., St. Clair Shores.
Cloudy Donut lands at Periodicals: New York’s Cloudy Donut Co. pops up at magazine shop Periodicals with Sepia Coffee Detroit in the mix, serving fully plant-based, dairy-free donuts.
Sepia has some great specialty bean juice, and I have a few niche magazines on my shelf thanks to Periodicals. I love the spirit of cross-city collaboration here.
These donuts are supposed to be cloud-like, and the flavors are creative. On their Instagram, they're teasing a menu of Lemon Blueberry Poundcake, Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Brûlée Sweet Potato, and Basil Olive Oil.
There's a great backstory, and you can give that a read here.
Now, if a particular flavor is non-negotiable, you're going to want to pre-order ahead. Walk-up orders are limited and available while they last.
Saturday, Aug. 22, and Sunday, Aug. 23, at Periodicals, 4892 Grand River Ave., Detroit. [Instagram]
Paint the Park in Allen Park: Head west to watch eight muralists turn downtown Allen Park into an open-air gallery right before your eyes. I've been seeing clips on social media and I definitely want to pass through.
This free art fair and festival also includes 50-plus artist and maker booths, live demos, chalk art, hands-on activities, food trucks, and public artworks tucked into local businesses.
Stay after dark for projection shows and light installations that put the new murals to work.
Plus, on Saturday, there’ll be a Slow Roll Mural Ride that rolls out at 2 p.m. (Try to get there early).
Saturday, Aug. 22, and Sunday, Aug. 23, noon–10 p.m., downtown Allen Park. Free. [Website]
Saturday
Clawson Fest: Head up to Main Street between 14 Mile and Tacoma for a free day of local music, food, shopping, and family-friendly chaos with the General Dogs charity hot dog-eating contest.
More than 130 makers and vendors will take over Main Street, alongside four bands: Zap Toro, The Capri-Suns, The Warped Tourists, and Olivia Dear. There’s also a kids zone, local restaurant fare, a social district, and circus performances throughout the day.
Saturday, Aug. 22, noon–8 p.m., downtown Clawson. Free.
Detroit City FC hosts the Tampa Bay Rowdies: A big one at Keyworth as Le Rouge welcomes the first-place Rowdies in a match with playoff-position implications.
Saturday, Aug. 22, 7 p.m., Keyworth Stadium, Hamtramck. [Detroit City FC]
Sunday
Dog Days of Summer: The DNR Outdoor Adventure Center is hosting a free outdoor playdate for people and well-socialized pups, with frisbee tosses, water games, group hikes, and separate small- and large-dog pools.
Sunday, Aug. 23, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, 1801 Atwater St., Detroit. Free outdoors. [Details]
Afternoon Jazz at the Dossin: Spend a riverside Sunday afternoon on Belle Isle with Detroit saxophonist Alvin Paige, joined by Kevin Eisenberg on piano, Langston Kitchen on bass, and Louis Jones on drums.
A recent graduate of Michigan State University, Paige has quickly become a standout voice in Detroit's jazz community, earning opportunities to perform alongside acclaimed artists including Charles McPherson, Rodney Whitaker, and Wynton Marsalis. Known for his soulful sound and expressive artistry, Paige brings a fresh perspective rooted in the rich tradition of jazz.
Sunday, Aug. 23, 2–4 p.m., Dossin Great Lakes Museum, 100 Strand Dr., Belle Isle. [Event]
Looking Ahead
Detroit Harvest Fest: Put this one on the calendar for October 3 and 4. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s fall festival returns to Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park, with more than 30 food trucks along West Jefferson, live entertainment, fall activities, full bars, and plenty for kids. [Website]
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And thanks to our members who have joined us at our new $3.13 tier. You're awesome.
Until next time... remember to be curious, not judgmental. And I'll see you around Detroit.
-Jer
