Drag Queen Bingo
@ Five15
If you haven't gone yet, you have to try bingo at Five15. It's nothing like a VFW hall, old-timey setting of the game. Check this: The host of the evening is a drag queen who spits vile, crude humor at the crowd all evening. It transcends bingo; it becomes an experience of its own. We suggest grabbing a few drinks prior to sitting down for the fun, as Five15 is a simple coffee shop and there's no booze allowed. If you win, don't expect to score cash, just some neat prizes. You might get made fun of, but it's all in good fun.
515 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak; 248-515-2551; five15.net
Macho City
@ Menjo's
Macho City DJs Mike Trombley and Scott Zacharias have one of the best reputations in town for delivering a solid night of disco. After taking a break for over a year-and-a-half, the duo revived Macho City at the Menjo's complex. As Trombley put it to MT last year, "Really the whole incentive for creating Macho City was to create an event where everyone is welcome — gay or straight, male or female, old or young." If that shouldn't make you feel welcome, well, it should!
928 McNichols Rd., Detroit; 313-863-3934; newmenjoscomplex.com.
Check Macho City Facebook page for event dates.
Slow Roll
@ Detroit
If you like riding your bike around town, it'd be literally insane if you haven't heard of Slow Roll yet. The massive weekly bike ride has drawn the attention of Detroit City Council, a testament to how large it has become. An average of 3,000 riders turn out regularly, so bear in mind, things get a little congested. But it's a good time! Good music, good people, and great vibes.
slowroll.bike; check the website for event times and dates, usually every Monday night
Brillig Dry Bar Pop Up
@ Mighty Good Coffee
Who says you need to drink booze to have a good time? The do-gooders at Mighty Good Coffee have done the teetotalers of the world a favor in launching its Brillig Dry Bar Pop Up event. Mighty Good brings out a light menu of original and non-alcoholic beverages, including its slew of speciality coffee drinks. Imagine that: a bar-like atmosphere where you won't feel strange to bring the kids along!
217 N. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-222-4514; brilligdrybar.com
Check website for dates and times for pop-up events
Jenny Jr. Karaoke
@ UFO
Local musician, music teacher, and co-owner of the soon-to-open Third Wave Music Store, Jen David (aka Jenny Jr.) leads you through a torrent of song-covering awesomeness at UFO every Sunday evening. She calls it "Jennyoke." Anyone knows that, second only to what songs are in the book, the person running a karaoke show is so very important. Jenny Jr., who calls herself "Detroit's premier karaoke hype man," dresses up in costumes and pairs you with a built-in duet partner for your song. Remember, friends: the best karaoke is always performed by people who can't sing too well, but are super and unironically into the song. This can be fueled by liquid courage or not (though science tells us that 99 percent of the time, karoake is alcohol-inspired, of course).
Karaoke occurs every Sunday, unless canceled for a special event; it's best to call first to confirm. It starts at 8 p.m.; 2110 Trumbull, Detroit; ufofactory.com; entrance is free.
Penny Stamps Speaker Series
@ Michigan
Named for the generous University of Michigan alum who funded the program, this series has a mandate to bring serious and respected innovators from a wide variety of fields to interact with not just the university but also the public at large. They're generally brought here from across the globe, and it's a very well-curated program, and not stuffy at all. Previous speakers have included the psychedelic artist Fred Tomaselli, feminist punk icons Pussy Riot, filmmaker Penelope Spheeris, Whole Earth Catalog founder Stewart Brand, and author and animal rights activist Temple Grandin.
The series runs while school is in session, from September until April. Events start at 5:10 p.m.; 603 S. State Street, Ann Arbor; stamps.umich.edu; admission is free.
Drink X Design
@ Various Locations
Once a month, Metro Times sponsors this networking event that brings together hundreds of young metro Detroit professionals for drinks, light snacks, music, and mingling. No, this isn't a shameless plug — it's actually an awesome event with each installment held at a new location. Sometimes it's a historic building like the Guardian and sometimes it's a funky new space like Sit on It Detroit. Wherever it's at, you know you're going to meet a ton of new peers and you'll probably even spot some old friends in the crowd too. Another added bonus? It's always free.
The series takes place year-round; event runs from 5:30-8 p.m.
Soul Deep
@ The Rockery
Once a month, Wyandotte's The Rockery hosts a night of old-school music and dancing. A DJ spins classic Motown hits and you'll likely spot young patrons doing the twist on the dance floor. It's one of this bar's most popular nights, so you can bet it's going to be packed. The music is good, the drinks are stiff, and everyone is a friend. Oh, and the kitchen is open too. Don't forget to stop by early for an ooey-gooey gourmet grilled cheese. You're going to need your strength.
Soul Deep takes place every third Friday; starts at 10 p.m.; 1175 Eureka Road, Wyandotte; 734-281-4629; free.
