The holiday season is approaching and Detroit is ready to kick it off with tree lighting events and gift markets. If you’re not ready to think about Christmas yet though, there’s also open mics, fun parties, and other cool activities to attend in the area this weekend.
If you’re looking for even more to do every day of the week, visit the Metro Times events calendar, which is free to use if you have something planned that you’d like to advertise to Metro Times readers.
Light Up Beacon Park
When: Nov. 17 from 4-9 p.m.
Where: Beacon Park
What: A children’s tree lighting
Who: Downtown Detroit Partnership and local families
Why: A smaller tree lighting with ornaments decorated by local children. Opportunities to meet Santa and live reindeer, plus take a ride on the Polar Express. Credit: Courtesy of the Downtown Detroit PartnershipMerry & Bright: 20 Years of Holiday Lights
When: Nov. 17 from 4-9 p.m.
Where: Campus Martius
What: A tree lighting
Who: Downtown Detroit Partnership
Why: To kick off the holiday season and celebrate 20 years of Detroit’s Campus Martius tree lighting. Credit: Courtesy of the Downtown Detroit PartnershipRoyal Oak Market: Art Fair Edition
When: Nov. 17 from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: Royal Oak Farmers Market
What: An art market
Who: Around 60 artists
Why: A free, fun, and festive art market to purchase holiday gifts or view work from local artists. Credit:Facebook, Royal Oak Farmer's MarketThe Greatest Show On Earth
When: Nov. 17-19
Where: Little Caesars Arena
What: A circus
Who: The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey
Why: The company is returning with a bang for the first time since 2017 — without circus animals. Credit: Courtesy photoGroundcover News Open Mic
When: Nov. 17 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: The cafe at Argus Farm Stop on Liberty St., Ann Arbor
What: An open mic
Who: Groundcover News and community members
Why: To honor Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week by providing a platform for underrepresented people in the community to share their personal stories, writing, and poetry. Credit:Instagram, @groundcovernewsThe Market Over On Oakland
When: Nov. 17 from 6-10 p.m.
Where: Red Door Gallery
What: A local art market
Who: Local artists, designers, and vintage curators
Why: Start your holiday shopping and support local vendors. Credit: Uploaded by Bree McCormackOpen Mic Night
When: Nov. 17 from 6-11 p.m.
Where: Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation
What: Singing, comedy, spoken word, rap
Who: Fantazma Market and Cafe
Why: Cash prizes and building community. Credit:Instagram, @fantazmamarketandcafeWhiskey in the Winter presented by Metro Times
When: Nov. 17 from 6:30-10 p.m.
Where: Detroit Shipping Company
What: Food and drink sampling
Who: Metro Times
Why: A vendor marketplace, live music, drinks, food, and a good time. Credit: Dontae RockymoreDetroit Electronic Quarterly
When: Nov. 17 at 9 p.m.
Where: Spot Lite
What: An evening of music
Who: Waajeed, Jon Dixon, and Vince Patricola
Why: A soul-fueling night of Motor City rhythm. Credit: Viola KlockoCom Truise
When: Nov. 4 from 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Where: Big Pink
What: Dance music DJ set
Who: Com Truise
Why: Com Truise’s technicolor synth-wave vibes travel to Detroit for a night while he’s on his country-wide tour. Credit: Courtesy photoCollage Studio for Writers
When: Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m
Where: The Carhartt Workshop
What: A community event for writers
Who: Nourish
Why: For writers of any genre and experience level to explore the written word through visual media. Credit:Instagram, @nourish____Christmas Greeting Card Workshop
When: Nov. 18 from noon-1:30 p.m.
Where: Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation
What: A holiday workshop
Who: Local small business Vesey Lane Goods
Why: Materials provided with ticket purchase for Christmas cards. Light refreshments are also available. Credit:Facebook, Fantazma Market & CafePalestine: Communities of Resistance
When: Nov. 18 from 12 -3 p.m.
Where: UM-D University Center – Kochoff Hall C, Dearborn
What: A community space
Who: Palestinian Youth Movement
Why: For all ages to learn and reflect on resistance through art, history, and discussion. Credit: Viola KlockoSanta Skate Party
When: Nov. 18 from noon-4 p.m.
Where: Campus Martius
What: A family-friendly party
Who: Downtown Detroit Partnership
Why: Children can write letters to Santa and skate to holiday music spun by DJ Invisible. Credit: Courtesy of the Downtown Detroit PartnershipRedford Classic Cartoon Festival
When: Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Where: Redford Theatre
What: A kids cartoon festival
Who: Hosted by Jane Fleischer
Why: Two different family programs for a Fleischer Studios tribute. Credit:Facebook, Redford TheatreUgly Holiday Sweater Party
When: Nov. 18 from 6-11 p.m.
Where: Campus Martius
What: A family-friendly party
Who: Downtown Detroit Partnership
Why: Dress up in ugly sweaters and have fun ice skating. Credit: Courtesy of the Downtown Detroit PartnershipISSA Party
When: Nov. 18 at 8 p.m.
Where: Spot Lite
What: A fun dance night
Who: DJs JADALAREIGN, Julion De’Angelo, Andrea Ghita, and Aboudi Issa
Why: It’s the party’s one year anniversary. Credit: Viola KlockoPink Party
When: Nov. 18 from 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Where: Big Pink
What: A 21+ dance party
Who: DJ K Dirty and DJ Killa Squid
Why: Hip Hop and R&B all night. Credit: @sxrrealFrozen Skate Party
When: Nov. 19 from noon-4 p.m.
Where: Campus Martius
What: A skate party
Who: Local families
Why: Meet the cast from Disney’s Frozen and have a chance to win tickets to Broadway in Detroit’s winter Frozen shows. Credit: Courtesy of the Downtown Detroit PartnershipKota the Friend presents: Flowers For My Friends Tour
When: Nov. 19 at 7 p.m.
Where: Saint Andrew’s Hall
What: A live concert
Who: Kota the Friend
Why: A stop on the artist’s current tour. Credit:Instagram, @kotathefriend
Layla McMurtrie is the digital editor of Detroit Metro Times. She's passionate about art, music, food, and Detroit's culture and community. Her work has been featured in the Detroit Free Press, Between...
More by Layla McMurtrie
