Hey friends, Jer here.
I love the art of classic car design as much as the next Detroit-born guy. But sitting for hours bumper-to-bumper on Woodward listening to revving engines just isn't quite my vibe.
So if you're like me and looking for some great local spots to hit up around Metro Detroit, here's a solid lineup of things happening across the city and surrounding areas.
Before we get started, a final reminder that our Studio Summer Open House & Detroit Community Coffee is Saturday morning.
We’re opening up the studio for a summer open house and community coffee this Saturday, August 15 from 10a to 1p.
Whether you want to chat about local stories, check out where our podcast comes together, or just grab a cup of coffee and connect with fellow listeners and Detroiters, we’d love to see you there.
Just a few slots are left! Please RSVP so we know how much coffee and donuts to pick up. [Eventbrite]
🏖️ All Weekend Long
Northville Art House Market: Downtown Northville is turning into an open-air art market all weekend long. It’s a great walk-around spot if you want to browse local art, craft goods, and take in the small town downtown atmosphere. Hours run Friday 3p to 8p, Saturday 10a to 8p, and Sunday 10a to 3p. [Northville Art House]
Magic & Music on Monroe Street: Greektown is keeping the Monroe Street Summer Series rolling Friday through Sunday from 6p to 10p with Magic & Music on Monroe. It’s set up for outdoor dining, strolling, and entertainment each night.
Strolling magician Just Joe brings interactive magic on Friday, the Dancing Mirror Man performs Saturday during family-friendly night, and Sunday wraps up with live music. [Greektown Neighborhood Partnership]
🍝 The "Just A Little Shady" podcast by Hailie Jade is popping up at Mom's Spaghetti in downtown Detroit when it opens tomorrow (Friday) at 11a. They're celebrating the start of their 5th season, with the first episode dropping that afternoon.
Hailie and her podcast crew will be meeting and greeting listeners and have a merch truck. [Instagram]
🗓️ Saturday & Sunday Picks
Incredible Insects and Friends at the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center: Kyle Kandilian, commercial entomologist and owner of Roach Crossing, will bring a selection of live invertebrates for guests to view up close, learn and ask questions about, and in some cases even hold! Much to the joy of my gothic-inspired nephew, specimens may include large millipedes, beetles, isopods and roaches. Saturday, 10:30a - 12:30p or 1:30p - 3:30p. [Facebook]
Detroit Bass Day: Think music at the Motown Museum, not fishing. Detroit Bass Day is back this Saturday from 12p-4p, and this year’s theme is psychedelic. It’s a celebration honoring Motown bass icon James Jamerson and the legacy of Detroit bass players right at the Esther Gordy Edwards Centre for Excellence. [Motown Museum]
Saturday Socials at the Belle Isle Commons: From 12p to 6p on Belle Isle, the Saturday Social kickback is happening at the White House across from the Belle Isle Aquarium. It’s an all-ages summer chill event with drinks, music, and games. Keep in mind minors need to be accompanied by an adult (21+) and you’ll need a Recreation Passport for vehicular access to the island.
Rose’s Fine Food One-Year Anniversary: The award-winning spot on East Jefferson in Detroit is celebrating one year as a Polish-forward concept with a Saturday party starting at noon. Stop by for kielbasa, coffee from Alba, local produce, bread from Lillian, tarot readings, and local pop-up vendors selling vintage rugs, glassware, and polish scrunchies. [More]
"Luminaries of Detroit" Opening at The Congregation: The Congregation is hosting an opening reception for a new art exhibit painted by Timothy Orikri and curated by Dr. Chanel Beebe. Stop by 9321 Rosa Parks on Saturday from 3p - 5p. [Eventbrite]
Detroit City FC "Youth Night" at Keyworth Stadium: Le Rouge is back at home this Saturday night against Loudoun United! Kick-off is 7p, but pre-game events start early for Youth Night featuring face painting, balloon art, and a book swap with Mr. D Reads. Plus, the first 500 fans through the gate grab a limited Faygo x Friendly tote bag. [Tickets]
Hospitality Included Festival: Entering its fifth year with its biggest footprint yet, the Hospitality Included Festival brings together more than 50 of Metro Detroit’s top restaurants and bars on Sunday from noon to 9p. It'll happen at the Detroit People's Food Co-Op in the city's North End.
Partnering with local community development groups and food organizations, this family-friendly festival features music, activities, and food from spots like Waka, Mabel Gray, Vecino, Street Beet, Leila, and Dutch Girl Doughnuts. [More]
Detroit in Context: Downtown Walking Tour (Sunday afternoon): If you want to dive deeper into the history, architecture, and evolution of the city center, consider taking a 2.5 hour guided walk through downtown. [Tickets]
BONUS: Two New Spots Open In One at Street Beet
The vegan spot Street Beet is launching two new concepts out of their 1800 Michigan Avenue home in Corktown.
☕️ Inside at the main counter, they’ve opened Pour Decisions, a neighborhood coffee and pastry bar serving espresso drinks, matcha, fresh pastries, and breakfast sandwiches from 8a to 3p Thursday through Sunday.
🍦 Meanwhile, at their walk-up window, they’re previewing Soft Spot. It's a 100% plant-based soft serve with dirty sodas, slushes, and soft floats. It's running limited preview hours this weekend, Thursday through Sunday from noon until sellout each day.
🎨 While you're out and about, head over to Eastern Market to check out a new mural by Detroit Eastside artist Tony Whlgn in partnership with Marrow.
The artwork pays tribute to Moses "Mose" Primus Sr. — the first known Black butcher at Gratiot Central Market — celebrating the craft and the people in the community who shaped the market's history.
The dog was a nice extra touch and made me smile.
👓 Elsewhere: Here's a great guide to downtown Detroit's best rooftop spots. [Detroit News]
🎧 Need a friendly voice while you're driving around town?
In our latest podcast episodes, Norris and I dig into the data center fight across Southeast Michigan, Ryan Southen shares what it’s like walking the new Gordie Howe International Bridge, and Lori Singleton breaks down Greektown’s people-first streetscape transformation.
You can listen to all of them on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your shows.
That's it for today. Our work is made possible thanks to our members.
Thanks to Steve, Trace, and Addison for joining us! You can too, for as little as $3.13 a month on Patreon. Keep this coverage happening in the heart of the 313.
Thanks to Big Lucci for helping out behind the scenes to put this list together.
Remember that you are somebody and see you on Saturday,
-Jer
