Close your eyes for a second. Imagine the coldest of coldest winter days — we're talking an icebox cold day. Now imagine a friend beckoning you to come with them on an adventure. "Let's just meander around the city," they tell you. Would you do it? Chances are — and we're going off our own experience here, so maybe you're a super adventurer — but chances are you're going to say "No." It's too cold! The idea of stuffing your feet into thick socks and boots, grabbing a scarf, donning a jacket — it sort of kills spontaneity. Summer, however, is totally different. A friend wants to go on an adventure? Who isn't game! With that in mind we present you with fun and affordable activities to try out this summer that will allow your inner adventurer to roam free. Have fun!
The 18th Annual Allied Media Conference
June 16-19 at Wayne State University
Held each summer in Detroit, the Allied Media Conference is an opportunity for weirdos (we say this in the best possible way), geniuses, creatives, and media-makers to meet from around the globe. The conference typically attracts filmmakers, radio producers, technologists, youth organizers, writers, entrepreneurs, musicians, dancers, and artists — but is also cool enough that it doesn't get bogged down in labels. If you're an interesting and interested person, the conference is for you. Daytimes are spent attending sessions such as: "Say Her Name/Black Trans Lives Matter" and "Rebuilding Technology: Community Wireless Around the World." Evenings are meant for partying and schmoozing with all your new friends.
Standard ticket: $150, low-income reduced rate: $75. Little-known tip: Volunteer to work the event and admission to the conference and parties is free. Visit alliedmedia.org for more information.
Coconut Babylon
MotorCity Wine
This island-style Detroit party, featuring DJs Monty Luke, Jeff Risk, and Daisuke Hughes, is free — but we can't promise you won't spend some dough. A festive gathering filled with good people, chill music, a glowing bonfire, and lots of dancing — it's hard not to want to buy a bottle or two from the popular wine bar.
6 p.m.-2 a.m. on the last Sunday of each month at MotorCity Wine, 1949 Michigan Ave. in Detroit. Call 313-483-7283 or visit motorcitywine.com for more information.
Brightmoor Farmers & Artisan Market
Brightmoor Artisans Cooperative Community Kitchen
What better way to start off a summer weekend than a farmers market where you can stock up on delicious, freshly grown good? Accepting EBT and Double Up Food Books through September, this inclusive market aims to get healthy and clean food into your home.
The Brightmoor Artisans Community Kitchen is at 22735 Fenkell Ave., in Detroit. Call 313-687-4463 for more information.
Royal Oak Vintage Artisan Market
Over 50 vendors are cramming into the Salvation Army Church parking lot on Saturday June 18, for a totally groovy day of shopping and perusing. Find one of a kind, Michigan-made gems either for yourself or for friends. Vendors will include sellers of antiques, vintage wares, shabby chic furniture, jewelry, hand-lettered cards, ceramics, garden art and food. While admissions is free, a portion of the proceeds for sold goods will go towards the Salvation Army Women's Ministries.
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 18 at 3015 N. Main St. in Royal Oak; free.
Light Up the Riverfront
Gabriel Richard Park
Hosted by Rivière28 — a coalition within the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy — this barbecue aims to provide a fun and inviting social space for "active professionals who live, work or play in the city." This is the group's fifth annual Light Up the Riverfront event; however, it's the first time they've hosted the event at the Gabriel Richard Park. The park is "one of the riverfront's best-kept secret spots," according to Riviere28. Even if you can't make it to the barbecue — which is a BYOB-QUE — remember this location for future fun times this summer.
6 p.m.-10 p.m. on Friday, June 17 at Gabriel Richard Park, 7400 E. Jefferson Ave., in Detroit; $25.
Shakespeare in the Arb
Nichols Arboretum
Love's Labor Lost, one of Shakespeare's early comedies, is being directed by University of Michigan's Residential College Drama faculty member Kate Mendeloff. The 2 ½-hour performance is sure to be like nothing you've ever seen, as audience members are asked to move through sections of the arboretum as the play progresses. This means the actors can take advantage of the vistas and valleys within the arb. This is the 15th year of this festive and fun play experience.
6:30 p.m. on Thursdays through Sundays, June 9-June 26; general admission is $20; students and youths 5-17, $10; seniors 62-and-up are $17. 1610 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor; call 734-647-7600 for more information.
