15 things to do in Detroit this weekend (April 25-28)

By Layla McMurtrie on Mon, Apr 22, 2024 at 10:37 am

It’s a big week for Detroit, as the NFL Draft will be in our city for the first time, set to draw over 400,000 football fans downtown. We have an NFL Draft guide for you if you plan to attend, which includes a schedule of events and some unique activities. If you’re not interested, it’s probably best to stay out of downtown, since it will be very, very packed. Either way, there are tons of fun events and markets happening around the city, some as a way to celebrate the big weekend, and some just for a usual good time to end your week.

If you’re looking for even more to do every day of the week, see 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.

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Black Business Pop-Up Shop & NFL Draft Watch Party

When: April 25-26
Where: Sacred Heart Activities Building (Detroit)
What: A pop-up market and draft watch party
Who: Hosted by the Thursday Business Luncheon Group
Why: Over 30 local Black-owned businesses will sell products to NFL fans at this two-day event. Food and plenty of screens for watching the NFL Draft will be provided, with music by Detroit DJ Bruce Bailey. The event is free and open to the public.

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Facebook, Batch Brewing Company

MI HOMEcoming Tailgate

When: April 26 from 2-6 p.m.
Where: Batch Brewing Company (Detroit)
What: A NFL Draft tailgate
Who: Michiganders and visitors
Why: Celebrate local music, art, community and craft beverages at this free, family-friendly event. Presented by Let’s Grow Michigan, the tailgate aims to showcase the communities and opportunities that make Michigan great to live in.

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Facebook, Pontiac Creative Arts Center

Mad Tea Party - 4th Annual Bunny Benefit

When: April 26 from 6-11 p.m.
Where: Pontiac Creative Arts Center (Pontiac)
What: A tea party and fundraiser
Who: Presented by the Lawrence Street Project
Why: The fourth Annual Bunny Benefit will be raising funds for Hay Monsters Rabbit Sanctuary. The Pontiac Creative Arts Center will be transformed into a garden of interactive art, music, shopping, good eats, cocktails, and freshly brewed tea. Plus, entry into the event is free.

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Facebook, Fantazma Market & Cafe

Funk Night

When: April 26 from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Where: Fantazma Market & Cafe (Detroit)
What: A night of heavy funk and deep soul
Who: DJ Frank Rains
Why: Celebrate NFL Draft weekend with funky music and dance.

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Courtesy photo

Knotty

When: April 26 from 9 p.m.-3 a.m.
Where: Leland City Club (Detroit)
What: A kinky dance night
Who: Sounds by Kenjiro, Latex Girl, Nick Burgess, Sphinx, and The Rubber Man. Rope Performances by Scummiezzz.
Why: This unique event will feature a live Shibari rigger, fun outfits, kinky games, and dance music.

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A Walk at the Zoo

When: April 27 from 7 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Detroit Zoo (Royal Oak)
What: A benefit walk
Who: Presented by Shades of Pink Foundation
Why: This annual family-friendly event aims to bring together more than 3,000 participants to support those undergoing breast cancer treatment in Southeast Michigan by raising funds for everyday living expenses.

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Facebook, People of Palmer Park

Palmer Park Earth Day Celebration

When: April 27 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Palmer Park Community Building (Detroit)
What: An Earth Day celebration with an art show and park clean-up
Who: Community members, plus local artists and musicians
Why: The event will include the inaugural “Art in the Trees,” show which will feature large art installations and solo musicians throughout the park’s 70-acre Witherell Woods. Additionally, community members will have the opportunity to participate in a spring clean-up by picking up trash, weeding, sweeping, and raking.

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Instagram, @nextchapterbooksdetroit

Independent Bookstore Day at Next Chapter Books

When: April 27 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Next Chapter Books (Detroit)
What: A celebration for Independent Bookstore Day
Who: Local readers
Why: Celebrate reading and shopping locally in the East Warren community. There will be complimentary dessert, a book raffle, a children’s storytime, a taco truck, and more.

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Instagram, @zupaclaw

Outdoor Flea Market

When: April 27 from 12-4 p.m.
Where: 1719 Crooks Rd. (Royal Oak)
What: A flea market and celebration
Who: Zupac Law and Art Night Detroit
Why: The annual outdoor market will celebrate five years of Zupac Law, plus feature a variety of local vendors, music, and a food truck. This year’s non-profit collaboration is with Art Night Detroit and all raffle proceeds will be donated to help the organization fund art supplies and more local events.

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Instagram, @fantazmamarketandcafe

Detroit’s Got Talent Open Mic

When: April 27 from 12-6 p.m.
Where: Fantazma Market & Cafe (Detroit)
What: An open mic competition
Who: Performances by local singers Mia Simone and Barlitos
Why: Celebrate the NFL Draft with local talent. The event is free, plus a first place winner will take home $300.

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Instagram, @tdecafe

Baddies on Business Day Party

When: April 27 from 1-5 p.m.
Where: The Deep End Cafe & Gallery (Ypsilanti)
What: A women-owned business market
Who: Local women entrepreneurs
Why: To celebrate local woman-owned businesses and support a woman-owned cafe. There will be music, food, desserts, cocktails, cannabis, art, and performances.

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Facebook, Mitten Vintage Flea Market

The Mitten Vintage Night Market

When: April 27 from 5-10 p.m.
Where: The Royal Oak Farmers Market (Royal Oak)
What: A local vendors market
Who: Hosted by Resurrected Threads
Why: There will be food trucks and 60+ vendors selling vintage, streetwear, and more.

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Instagram, @icreateportals

Paint With Venus

When: April 27 at 6 p.m.
Where: Location revealed through Instagram to anyone interested
What: A guided painting class
Who: Hosted by Pretty Girls Collective DET and local artist Venus
Why: Bring your own canvas, paint with a group, and make new friends.

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Viola Klocko

Jerk x Jollof

When: April 27 from 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: Big Pink (Detroit)
What: An Afrobeats dance night
Who: You and your friends
Why: Dance the night away to some good music with food from Yum Village included with your ticket.

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Facebook, Urban Arts & Eatery Expo

Urban Arts and Eatery Expo

When: April 28 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Eastern Market Shed 2 (Detroit)
What: An art and food market
Who: Over 150 vendors and DJ Don Q
Why: There will be food, drinks, arts, crafts, and music, alongside traditional Mardi Gras activities.

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