DETROIT – Mo Pop is back along with several other summer festivals to check out this weekend.
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10 things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit
Hastings Street (Music Hall), through Sunday: This locally produced musical explores Detroit’s Black Bottom community. Set in 1949, Hastings Street tells the story of a family fighting for their own city as urban renewal initiatives start to uproot their lives. With a creative team and cast of local artists, don’t miss the world premiere of a story that showcases the true Detroit spirit. Showtimes and tickets here.
Sterlingfest (Sterling Heights City Center), Thursday to Saturday: The art and music fair is back with plenty of live entertainment, carnival games, rides and a KidZone. Grab bites from some of Sterling Heights’ best at Restaurant Row as well as several other delicious food vendors. Main stage acts include Uncle Kracker and The Springsteen Experience. Springfest is free to attend including the concerts. More info here.
Detroit Whiskey Festival (Eastern Market), Friday 6 to 10 p.m.: Your passport to whiskeys from around the world is right here in Detroit. Each ticket includes 10 samples of whiskeys, bourbons, ryes and even cocktails from renowned distilleries and brands including Traverse City Whiskey, Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve and much more. Get tickets here.
The O’Jays & Gladys Knight (The Aretha), Friday 8 p.m.: All aboard, it’s the last stop on the Love Train! The O’Jays are hitting the road for their farewell tour. Catch the Grammy Hall of Famers for the last time in Motown. Joining the legendary group is another legend herself, Gladys Knight. Get tickets here.
Mo Pop Festival (Hart Plaza), Saturday & Sunday: Mo Pop, the wide-ranging music and arts festival, is back in a bigger venue after a two-year hiatus. This edition’s headliners include Big Sean, Jhene Aiko and Glass Animals. The riverfront festival will feature a craft bazaar and arcade games, as well as an exciting line-up of local food trucks. Weekend and single day passes are still available. A free pre-party will be at The Skip Friday night from 6 to 10 p.m. Schedule and passes here.
Harry Potter’s Birthday Celebration (Canterbury Village), Saturday & Sunday: Wizards and witches can don their Hogwarts’ best with a celebration of the ‘boy who lived.’ From costume contests to scavenger hunts, magical vendors and more, Harry Potter fans can live out their ultimate wizarding dreams. The experience is even complete with favorite Potter character sightings and, of course, butterbeer. Admission is $7 and free for 2 and under. Timed reservations required. More info and tickets here.
Greektown Heritage Festival, Saturday 12 to 9 p.m.: Celebrate Greek culture and heritage at the iconic downtown alley. Enjoy festive Greek music, traditional dancers, food and drinks. Take a bite out of the street-side lamb roast on rotating open-pit spits. Live entertainment includes Aegan Roots, Enigma and DJ Nico Blu. The festival is free to attend and for all ages. More info here.
Mi-Sci: Back to the 80′s (Michigan Science Center), Saturday 5 to 8 p.m.: Travel back in time to the 80s for a night of pop culture, fandom and music. Create your own Ghostbusters slime and holograms. Live your Jedi dreams with the science of Lightsabers. Check out the wickedly cool Back to the 80s Laser Show at the IMAX Dome Theatre featuring the greatest hits of the decade (separate ticket). Admission is $15 and includes access to the museum’s galleries. More info and tickets here.
Ypsi Jazz Fest (Riverside Park), Saturday 6 to 9 p.m.: It’s the final weekend of free jazz shows. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the sultry sounds of Kern Brantley, as well as food trucks, local vendors, arts and crafts and more. More info here.
Taco Showdown (Eastern Market, Shed 5), Sunday 12 to 5 p.m.: 15 of the best taco purveyors in town compete for the ultimate prize. Each ticket includes three tacos to try as well as 5 margarita samples. Catch wrestling action from the luchadores and local DJs spinning music all afternoon. In between bites and sips, enjoy a photobooth, a vendor market and interactive games. A fully stocked bar will also be available for purchase. Tickets start at $25. Get tickets here.