DETROIT – The unofficial start of summer kicks off in Detroit with Movement taking over the city, the White Sox playing the Tigers and Memorial Day parades around the community.
10 things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit
Novi BBQ Fest (Twelve Oaks Crossing), through Sunday: Nothing like the smokey scent of mouthwatering BBQ to kick off Memorial Day weekend. Dig into some of the best ribs, brisket, riblets and more from national and local trucks, and don’t forget about the sides! Enjoy live music, games, face painting and magic shows. The event is free to attend and will be situated next to Emagine Theater. Open 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. More info here.
Tigers vs. White Sox (Comerica Park), through Sunday: Batter up for a weekend full of baseball when Detroit takes on Chicago for a 4-day series. Celebrate Polish American Night on Friday Night Party in the Park followed by Friday fireworks. On Saturday, it’s Kids Club Day, plus the first 15,000 fans can get a free Riley Greene floppy hat. Schedule and tickets here.
SIX (Fisher Theatre), opening weekend: Get ready for the histo-remix. One of Broadway’s biggest hits comes to Detroit for the first time ever. The Tony Award-winning musical gives the microphone to Henry VIII’s six wives as they sing their side of her-story. Tickets start at $49. Showtimes and tickets here.
RESPECT: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin (Detroit Symphony Orchestra), Friday to Sunday: Celebrate the Detroit icon and the Queen of Soul with the music that made her legendary. From “Natural Woman” to “Chain of Fools,” The DSO will be joined by vocalists Tamika Lawrence, Shaleah Adkisson and Blaine Krauss. Tickets start at $29. Get tickets here.
Movement (Hart Plaza), Saturday to Monday: Motor City transforms to Techno City as thousands of music lovers flock to the riverfront stage for three days of world-renowned DJs and acts. This year’s lineup includes Basement Jaxx, Three 6 Mafia, Dom Dolla, Skrillex and so much more. Three day and single day passes still available. Lineup and passes here.
Greater Rochester Heritage Days (Rochester Municipal Park), Saturday & Sunday: A Memorial Day weekend tradition returns for the Rochester community. Motor heads won’t want to miss the 15th annual Heritage Rod & Custom Car Festival on Saturday, as well as the 42nd annual Festival of Cars on Sunday. Shop for original artwork made by local artists at the Crafts Along the Creek Artshow and find your next shrub at the plant sale. Opens 9 a.m. each day, closes at 6 p.m. on Saturday and 5 p.m. on Sunday. Free and open to the public. More info here.
Jokes & Jams Comedy Tour (Fox Theatre), Saturday 8 p.m.: What better way to start the holiday weekend with the best in comedy and music. Deray Davis headlines along with Nephew Tommy, Tony Roberts, Donnell Rawlings, Capone, Red Grant and Kelly Keitz. “Slow Motion” rapper Juvenile will bring the hits to the stage. Tickets start at $79. Get tickets here.
St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade, Sunday 1 p.m.: Celebrating 70 years of “two miles of smiles,” the annual parade draws tens of thousands annually and is bigger than ever with over 180 groups participating this year. There will be a special flyover before the parade kicks off at Jefferson and 9 Mile and travels up to 11 Mile. You’ll find a stunning military showcase, classic cars, dogs and plenty of bands. The parade is free to attend. More info here.
Dearborn Memorial Day Parade, Monday 9:30 a.m.: One of the oldest and largest Memorial Day parades returns for its 97th year with dozens of groups participating including officials, marching bands, community groups and more. Due to construction, the parade has moved to West Dearborn along Michigan Ave. This year’s theme is Arab Americans who serve. The parade concludes with a Remembrance Ceremony on the lawn of Dearborn Historical Museum’s McFadden Ross House. More info here.
Ferndale Memorial Day Parade, Monday 10 a.m.: One of Michigan’s oldest continuous Memorial Day parades is celebrating over 100 years of honoring our fallen heroes. The parade has a new route this year due to construction and will kick off at Livernois and West Maplehurst. The route then continues to West Oakridge and then heads down Pinecrest to West Nine Mile finishing off at Memorial Mall. The parade is free to attend. Map and more info here.
Find more events with our Live Guide calendar here.