DETROIT – Start your engines: it’s a high-octane weekend in Detroit with the Auto Show and plenty of family-friendly festivals.
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10 things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit
NAIAS Detroit Auto Show (Huntington Place), through Sept 25: Experience the future of the automotive world right in the heart of Motor City. For the first time ever, the Auto Show will happen both indoors and outdoors with activations around Downtown Detroit. See the latest in innovations from GM, Ford, Stellantis, Jeep and more, as well as the technology driving the future. Take off-road rides inside the show floor or hop on a virtual reality simulator. Hart Plaza is the place to be for free live entertainment each day. Public tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children 3-12. Map, schedule, info and tickets here.
Troy Family Daze (Troy Civic Center), through Sunday: Celebrating 52 years of bringing the Troy community together, Family Daze is a weekend full of rides, animals, food and even fireworks. Sunday is International Day with a full line-up of cultural acts and entertainment. Kids can also play in the children’s tent with special performances including Rosco the clown. Admission is $5 per person and free for 10 and younger. Entertainment schedule here.
Fall Fest (Heritage Park), Friday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Say goodbye to summer with a fun day for the family in Taylor with free face painting, bounce houses, pumpkin decorating, games and more. Catch the Mad Science Show at 4 p.m. and take photos with Beauty and the Beast from 6 to 8 p.m. More info here.
Kid Rock (Pine Knob), Friday & Saturday 7 p.m.: The Detroit rockstar is headlining two nights at Pine Knob to wrap up his “Bad Reputation Tour,” his first time back in three years. Joining him will be special guest Foreigner and Trey Lewis. Kid Rock currently holds the record for highest ticket sales in Michigan. Get tickets here.
Disney On Ice: Let’s Celebrate! (Little Caesars Arena), Friday to Sunday: The Disney magic makes its way to Detroit with an ice spectacular to some of the most beloved stories of all time. Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse leads a parade of over 50 characters including Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Cinderella, Rapunzel and Tiana. Audiences will be transported to Arendelle with Elsa, Anna and Olaf. See family-favorite tunes come to life on the ice like “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and “Hakuna Matata.” Multiple shows each day with tickets starting at $25. Schedule and tickets here.
Chris Rock (Fox Theatre), Friday to Sunday: One of the greatest comedians of all time is performing a three-day long residency of his “Ego Death World Tour” here at the Fox Theatre. Originally scheduled for one-night-only, the SNL-alum quickly had to add two more shows after the infamous Oscar-slap. The show will be a phone-free Yondr experience. Friday and Saturday shows will be at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. Schedule and tickets here.
FrankenFest (Historic Fort Wayne), Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.: You know it’s the start of spooky season when Frankenfest returns to the historic barracks of Fort Wayne. Over 200 artists will line the frightfully fun festival with magical and monstruous wares. All afternoon, catch a spooky-themed presentation including “Paranormal: Real or Fake,” “Myths & Legends of Detroit” and more. The festival is free to attend and open to all ages, though parental supervision is advised. Admission inside the barracks is $5. Maps and vendors here.
Rockin’ the Shores (9 Mile & Mack Ave), Saturday 1 p.m. to 12 a.m.: The streets of St. Clair Shores transform into a rockin’ music festival with two stages of favorite local acts. This year’s headliners are Vertical Horizon and Sponge, along with a dozen Detroit-based artists. There will be plenty of food trucks to keep rockstars dancing including BBQ Daddy, Grampies Clam Shell and more. Wash it all down with a hefty craft beer selection as well as a full bar. Hang out at the Faygo Fun Zone for cornhole, giant Jenga and Connect 4. Tickets are $5 after 5 p.m. and will be 21+ after 9 p.m. More info here.
The Valkyries (Detroit Opera House), Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday: Advanced technology meets Richard Wagner’s classic opera with an innovative, one-of-a-kind performance that utilizes green screen technology to transport the actors and audiences into their retro-futuristic world. Utilizing Unreal Engine, the 3D computer graphics game engine used in Fortnite, the performers act in front of a green screen and in real-time are rendered into a digital environment on immersive 20-foot screens. It’s an opera experience unlike any other set to some of the most famous music like “Ride of the Valkyries.” Tickets start at $29. Showtimes and tickets here.
Birmingham Street Art Fair (Shain park), Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m.: Celebrating 48 years of fine art, over 150 juried artists will be featured at this year’s fair. Check out unique works by local talent and chat with the artists themselves while strolling through the streets of Downtown Birmingham. You’ll find everything from jewelry to paintings, as well as ceramics and woodwork. Live entertainment includes Ellen Wallenfang and Jeremiah Mack & the Shark Attack. Little artists can create their own masterpieces at the children’s activity area. The fair is free to attend. Map and more info here.
Find more events with our Live Guide calendar here.
