DETROIT – It’s a hopping weekend in Metro Detroit with Easter festivals and the return of Marche du Nain Rouge.
10 things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit
Funky Rivertown Festival (Riverside Arts Center), through Saturday: Looking for some new music? Then head on over to downtown Ypsilanti for a week of live music from some of the best homegrown bands. The artists are carefully curated highlighting local musicians across all genres. Some of the acts include Heat Above, Killer Diller, the Ypsilanti Youth Choir, Maddy Ringo and more. Schedule and tickets here.
The Cher Show (Fisher Theatre), through Sunday: One of music’s greatest living legends gets the Broadway treatment. Relive six decades of the pop star’s life through 35 of her biggest hits including “If I Could Turn Back Time,” “Believe,” “I Got You,” and so much more. Using the Tony Award-winning costumes designed by Bob Mackie, The Cher Show will have audiences dancing through the music of a generation. One week only. Showtimes and tickets here.
Spring Bash (UWM Sports Complex), Saturday noon to 2 p.m.: Spring is officially here and there’s a hopping party for the whole family and you’re invited. Kids can jump in the bounce houses and get their faces painted. There will also be colorful photo opportunities, food trucks, a live DJ, goody bags and an Easter egg hunt. Admission is free but attendees are required to register and sign a waiver. More info here.
16th Annual Motor City Blues Festival (Fox Theatre), Saturday 7 p.m.: What better way to share in the raw, guitar-driven emotion than with an audience of avid listeners. Feel the groove of the blues with legendary acts Tucka, King George, Pokey Bear, Theodis Ealey, J-Wonn and West Love. Tickets start at $99. Get tickets here.
Olivia Rodrigo (Little Caesars Arena), Saturday 7:30 p.m.: International sensation Olivia Rodrigo made waves when she released “Drivers License” leading to a sold out run of her first solo tour “Sour.” Fresh off her sophomore album release “GUTS,” Rodrigo is returning to Detroit, this time in a much bigger arena. She’ll be joined by up-and-coming artist Chappel Roan. Get tickets here.
Eggstravaganza (Canterbury Village), Saturday & Sunday: It’s a bird, it’s a plane… it’s brightly colored Easter eggs! Grab your basket and get ready to run as hundreds of eggs are dropped from above by helicopter. Collect them and trade them in for candy and prizes from the shops inside the Village. Then, stick around for the petting zoo, character meet and greets, blowup bunnies and your chance to meet the Easter Bunny. Separately ticketed Brunch with Bunny events are also available. Admission is $12.99. Get tickets here.
Wood Carving Show (Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site), Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Experience the craftsmanship and artistry of professional wood carving. Discover one-of-a-kind designs for you or a loved one. For the crafty ones, you can find tough-to-find tools and supplies. All guests can vote for the People’s choice Competition. Admission is $7 for adults, free for 12 and under. More info here.
Bunny Brunch and Helicopter Drop (The War Memorial), Sunday 10:30 a.m.: Celebrate Easter with a delicious brunch buffet featuring all your breakfast favorites. The Easter Bunny will hop in to invite the children over for the big helicopter egg drop. Grab as many as you can to redeem for sweets and prizes. A professional photographer will be on hand for photos. Reservations required. Make reservations here.
Marche du Nain Rouge (Cass Corridor), Sunday 1 p.m.: Midtown’s annual tradition of scaring away the harbinger of doom returns. On the first weekend of spring, revelers come dressed down Second Avenue for a spectacle that is purely Detroit. The parade kicks off around 1:30 p.m. after opening ceremonies at 1. A costume is not required and is free to attend and participate. More info here.
Marche du Nain Rouge Afterparty (Masonic Temple), Sunday 2:30 to 5 p.m.: The party doesn’t stop at the parade. Head on over to the world’s largest Masonic Temple for a devilishly good time with the characters that have spilled on over from the Marche. Dance and play with live music from DJ Vourteque and Ladylike and don’t miss the Nain Rouge tribute. The after party is free and open to the public. More info here.
Find more events with our Live Guide calendar here.