When the grind of the work week is temporarily through, it’s time to let loose and actually feel alive again. From comedy shows and art exhibits to concerts and sports, there’s no shortage of things to do in and around the city this weekend. Here’s a list of events going on this weekend to help you sort through the excitement:
Youmacon at the TCF Center and the Renaissance Center, weekend-long convention
Anime convention Youmacon is back at the TCF Center and the Renaissance Center this year. Brush off your best costume and see some of the biggest names in the industry speak at guest panels. Headliners this year include Megatokyo author and artist Fred Gallagher and voice actress Corinne “Megami33” Sudberg. Convention registration information here.
“Stop Making Sense” at the Detroit Film Theatre, multiple showings
One of the most critically acclaimed concert films of all time, “Stop Making Sense" captures the magnificence of the Talking Heads’ live performances over the course of several days. The film, directed by Jonathan Demme (also “Silence of the Lambs” and “Melvin and Howard”), premiered to a completely sold-out audience of 8,000 at DFT in 1984. Celebrate the film’s 35th anniversary this weekend, buy your tickets here.
Día de los Muertos at the Detroit Historical Museum, Nov. 2 at 1-4 p.m.
Take part in the celebration through the museum’s various workshops and new community gallery exhibit “Southwest Detroit: More Than a Place." Workshops include sugar skull decorating and making papel picado. The event is free and suitable for all ages. More information here.
Rihanna X Beyonce dance party at El Club, Nov. 2 at 10 p.m.
Celebrate two of the biggest stars of the millennium with free dance party at El Club this Saturday. The Southwest Detroit club will be offering “Drunk in Love” and “Lemon Drop” drink specials. Witness the magic of two queens coming together and hope for a cameo from fellow icons Cardi B or Nicki Minaj. More information here.
Sunday brunch with Detroit multi-instrumentalist Jarrod Champion at Cliff Bells, Nov. 3 at 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Add a bit of class to brunch with the jazzy tunes of Jarrod Champion, a self-taught vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jarrod Champion. Food, music, all that’s missing is good company. There is no cover charge for the event. More information here.
Pistons vs. The Brooklyn Nets at Little Caesars Arena, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.
Catch one of the only sporting events in the city Saturday night as both the Red Wings and Lions are away this weekend. Tickets can be found here.
Ofrenda exhibit at the Detroit Institute of Arts, through Nov. 10
Ofrendas are altars dedicated to those who have passed composed by loved ones. The altars feature traditional symbolic items, like marigolds and pan de muerto, as well as personal possessions of the deceased. A community exhibit of ofrendas will be on display through Nov. 10. More information here.
Baby Shark Live at the Fox Theatre, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m.
Buckle up, parents, it’s time to face the source of your irritation for what seems like years. Baby Shark came, saw and conquered our homes and safe spaces. And now it’s conquering our beloved Fox Theatre. Practice the choreography at home, too, because you’ll probably be up and do-do-do-do-doing the dance along with the sea creatures. Tickets can be found here.
Toro y Moi at the Majestic Theatre, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.
Chaz Bear, the producer/singer/songwriter behind Toro y Moi, will be livening up Midtown this Saturday with a performance at the Majestic Theatre with Channel Tres as the opening act. Tickets can be found here.
All-Star comedy showdown at Go Comedy! in Ferndale, Nov. 2 at 8 p.m.
The recurring improvised game show pits the club’s funniest and best in a head-to-head battle of the wits and gags. Tickets can be found here.