What to do around Detroit this Labor Day weekend

Hey friends, we're at the Labor Day weekend. Some consider it the last hurrah of summer, and some years, it's been too hot to do much. But this year? Get outside! It should be great, say the weather people. And not too hot, either.

A suggestion for each day of the long weekend is ahead, in a second...

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selective focus photography of terminal mixer — Photo by Sankhadeep Barman / Unsplash

Friday

I know I'm sending this on Friday, so time is short for this one. As you know, Detroit’s always been about music, and if you’re looking to hear the newest DJs (and people getting their turntable legs under them) at the Detroit Shipping Company on Peterboro there’s something called DSC Decks.

That’s where people can sign up and get a half hour set to DJ at one of Detroit’s fun venues.

Now don’t be confused. The Detroit Shipping Company doesn’t do logistics… it does tasty food and libations, and tonight from 5p to 10p DSC Decks is something to check out and there’s a bunch of food vendors there. It's a monthly event.

I, personally, am all about Nepalese dumplings, so try those at Momo Cha in the food court there while you listen to music, and later on tell me which color sauce you like the best.

Saturday

Puppet Karaoke. Yeah, that's a thing! Join Arts & Scraps for their Eastside Block Party on Saturday, August 30 from 11a-4p at 16135 Harper in Detroit.

This free community event features Puppet Karaoke in their classroom space (this is your chance to come and sing karaoke and impress your kids, or do a duet where your kid sings and you work the puppet).

The beats outside are by Breezeomatic, dance demonstrations by Motor City Street Dance Academy, and complimentary tacos from Tacos Hernandez Food Truck (while supplies last). The Arts & Scraps store will be open throughout this family-friendly celebration. [Arts and Scraps]

Sunday

The Detroit Sandwich Party at Eastern Market's Shed 5 is this Sunday! I know I mentioned it before, but this is a "In case you missed it."

This one-day festival celebrates Detroit's best sandwich makers with small-format sandwiches (both sweet and savory) available. There will be more than 30 different places showcasing their best between bread — and in one case, between pickles.

There will be beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages and the chance to hang out with fellow sandwich enthusiasts from 11a to 5pm. [Sandwich Party]

Monday

The Hamtramck Labor Day Festival has been around forever on Joseph Campau… and you can check it out all weekend… but for me, the highlight is the Yacht Club races on Monday.

And you might ask, Jer... this is Hamtramck. Where is the water?

Fair question.

But see, this is the magic of the event. There is no river or lake. There are no yachts.

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A clip from the 2023 race

The crowd lines the route and brings the water in balloons to hurl at contestants pushing canoes on wheels down the street.

Now, this is a race where I have a favorite. Our podcast contributor Fletcher Sharpe is on the team for Whiskey in the Jar.

But honestly — and I’ve been a couple times to this — this is hilarious. The energy is wild.

Again, this will be on Monday, Labor Day, at noon. BTW, the race will be north (instead of south) of the carnival this year. [Facebook]

And of course, three other big events you should think about, but I kind of assume you already know:

The Detroit Jazz Festival is always a fun and chill time. Lots happening by Campus Martius in Detroit. You might just catch the Prince of Brightmoor, Norris Howard, out and about. [Website]

Arts, Beats, and Eats. Kind of self explanatory. Takes over Downtown Royal Oak. [Website]

And last but definitely not least, the Labor Day Parade in Detroit's Corktown on Monday. Steps off at 9a and runs 'til noon. Starts basically the Lodge and Michigan Avenue, and will go west down Michigan to Roosevelt Park, outside of Michigan Central.

🎼 I do have a track for you tonight. I re-discovered “Archibishop Harold Holmes,” from Jack White’s No Name album from last year. This track has that big dirty guitar energy, and the music video featuring John C. Reilly is a masterpiece, despite being very simple in concept.