40 things to do in Detroit before you die

21. Watch supercharged watercraft compete for the oldest trophy in motorsports
Detroit Hydrofest is a chance to see some of the fastest, most souped-up, tricked-out hydroplanes, capable of speeds faster than 100 miles per hour, compete right before your eyes. The prize is the oldest active trophy in motorsports, the APBA Gold Cup.
Detroit Hydrofest takes place Aug. 25-26, 2018, on the Detroit River.
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22. See Detroit as Cadillac first saw it: from the water
What a difference the distance of a couple hundred yards makes! From the river Detroit first obtained its sustenance, its commerce, its very name. Now the waterway provides an excellent vantage point to see the city. Not only is it always 10 degrees cooler on the river, as those who’ve turned into the wind aboard such pleasure crafts as Diamond Jack’s or the grand, three-story Detroit Princess know, it carries a bracing energy all its own.
Photo via Flickr, OZinOH

23. Take your bicycle up to high speeds indoors at the Lexus Velodrome
The Lexus Velodrome is not Detroit’s only velodrome — the long-abandoned Dorais Velodrome remains at East Outer Drive and Mound Road — but it’s the best. It’s a brand-spanking new indoor arena for cycling, with an oval track that features two steeply banked 180-degree curves, allowing cyclists to reach speeds of 50 miles per hour. This 64,000-square-foot, $4 million facility is a project of the Detroit Fitness Foundation.
The Lexus Velodrome is at 601 Mack Ave., Detroit.
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24. Be a soccer hooligan for an afternoon at Hamtramck’s Keyworth Stadium
For years, the future of Keyworth Stadium, a reinforced concrete venue built by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s, was in doubt. Then Detroit City FC, the city’s semi-professional soccer club, raised enough money to get the facility back in working order. And there’s no crowd rowdier than a DFCFC crowd. Beginners, take the western bleachers. Feeling rowdy? Head east and get ready to shout.
Keyworth Stadium is at 3201 Roosevelt St., Hamtramck. First home game is April 14, 2018.
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25. Learn the history of African beads at an art space dedicated to African art
When he started his museum, Olayami Dabls was an African bead collector and salesman who spent time working at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Today, 22 years later, he runs the best-known low-budget museum in the city, pulling in celebrity visitors eager to learn from the intense, affable host who uses his collection to spin ancient stories.
Dabls African Bead Museum is at 6559 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-898-3007.
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26. Hunt down a rare book at John K. King Books
With four stories and nearly 1,000,000 titles, it’s no wonder you need a map to navigate Michigan’s largest used and rare book store. Snag a familiar book or get lost in thought, John K. King Books is a literary treasure hunt.
John K King Books is located at 901 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit; 313-961-0622
Photo via Flickr, Tom Roche

27. Spend months creating your costume for Theatre Bizarre
The freaks come out at night — for two whole weekends at one of the spookiest historical properties in Detroit. Dubbed “The Greatest Masquerade on Earth,” Theatre Bizarre is the underworld reimagined. Ultimately a Halloween celebration, Theatre Bizarre dazzles and disgusts with fire eating, burlesque, and something called the “fistatorium.”
Theatre Bizarre takes place during two weekends in October at the Masonic Temple; 500 Temple St., Detroit
Photo by Trevor Long,

28. Participate in Detroit folklore with Marche du Nain Rouge
Wrangle your crimson garb, the Marche du Nain Rouge is the most devilish time of year. For the ninth year running, a group of Detroiters will gather to chase away Nain (after he performs some quirky stunt and gives a speech, of course) and bar him from casting wicked curses about town.
Marche du Nain Rouge 2018 takes place on Sunday, March 25 at noon at the corner of Canfield and Second, parade begins procession toward the Masonic Temple at 1 p.m; event is free
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29. Bundle up and take in the sights of America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Before you get stuffed, trot on down to historic Woodward Avenue and watch America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from the sidelines. Larger than life floats, balloons, as well as performances from marching bands, dancers, and Santa himself promise to ignite the holiday spirit.
America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2018 will take place on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018
Photo by John Tavernier.

30. Get lit during Dlectricity
The walkable, biannual outdoor Nuit Blanche-style festival of lights launched in Midtown in 2012. In addition to the Light Bike Parade, artists from all over the world present projections, sculptures, and interactive installations that light up the streets.
Delectricity takes place every other year in Midtown, Detroit. Details for the 2019 are to be announced.
Photo by Joe Gall

31. Dance like no one’s watching at Movement
Even if you're not into techno, Movement is an out-of-this world experience you must take in at least once. The three-day electronic music festival held each year in Hart Plaza during Memorial weekend draws tens of thousands of people from across the globe, along with all of their variant styles and dance moves. Let world-renowned DJs take you on a space odyssey with help from state of the art speakers that bring unparalleled sound quality to Detroit. Descend into the belly of the beast at the underground stage, where the storied raves of the ‘90s come to life. If the thumps aren't for you, let the sounds of various stages mingle in euphony as you take in Detroit River views on one of Hart Plaza’s grassy knolls. Or enjoy the people watching; ravers are a fascinating breed, and, like snowflakes, no two are alike.
Movement takes place Saturday-Monday, May 26-28, 2018
Photo by Dontae Rockymore

32. Get lit(erary) at the Detroit Public Library
The main branch of the Detroit Public Library may be one of the most beautiful and least celebrated places in the city of Detroit. This place is home to the Burton Historical Collection, a huge collection of news stories on microfilm, popular novels, children’s books, and more. Plus, the architecture is absolutely stunning.
Detroit Public Library is located at 5201 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-481-1300
Photo via Flickr, Jason Mrachina

33.Nerd out at Youmacon
Youmacon isn't your typical comic con. Instead of focusing solely on comic books, it is a celebration of Japanese pop culture and all the exciting fandoms that come along with it. The sprawling convention takes over the GMRenCen AND Cobo Center throughout an entire weekend in November. You're encouraged to wear your best cosplay costume, play Magic the Gathering into the wee hours of the morning, and dance at themed parties all night long.
Youmacon takes place November 1-4, 2018 at Cobo Center and the GMRenCen
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34. Enjoy the opulence of the Detroit Opera House
Whether you’re taking in their annual production of The Nutcracker or enjoying a limited run of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s seminal musical Phantom of the Opera, the Detroit Opera House is the place to see a stunning stage show.
Detroit Opera House is located at 1526 Broadway St., Detroit; 313-237-7464
Photo via Flickr, wyliepoon

35. Stroll through Tyree Guyton’s Heidelberg Project
Trash or treasure, Tyree Guyton’s Heidelberg Project has become part of Detroit’s iconography. You can stroll through this outdoor art exhibit any time — it’s free and always open to the public.
The Heidelberg Project is located at 3600 Heidelberg Detroit; 313-458-8414
Photo copyright Dave Jordano, courtesy The Cultural Landscape Foundation.

36. Enjoy the lush beauty of the Dequindre Cut
This urban recreational path opened in 2009, offering a a pedestrian link between the East Riverfront, Eastern Market and several residential neighborhoods in between. In its former life, it served as a Grand Trunk Railroad line. Now, it’s adored with murals, offers bike racks, and has plenty of seating on which to enjoy the mixture of natural and man-made beauty.
Dequindre Cut is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
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37. Skate The Rink at Campus Martius
Grab your skates and get bundled up — cascading around The Rink at Campus Martius is a wintertime tradition in Detroit. It's open daily during the winter months.
Campus Martius Park is located at 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit. The Rink is open November through March.
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38. Catch a black and white flick at the historic Redford Theatre
The Redford Theatre is yet another of Detroit’s under-celebrated gems. This historic theater has been immaculately restored, and shows classic films like Casablanca and hosts The Three Stooges marathons. Plus, concessions are super cheap here.
The Redford Theatre is located at 17360 Lahser Rd., Detroit; 313-537-2560
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39. Celebrate Oktoberfest at Dakota Inn Rathskeller
This authentic German restaurant gets quite lively during the autumnal celebration of Oktoberfest. Raise your stein while wearing a chicken hat and make a prost to all your beer-loving compatriots.
Dakota Inn is located at 17324 John R St., Detroit; 313-867-9722
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40. Get sprayed with Faygo at Hallowicked
Insane Clown Posse’s annual Halloween concert is so much more than a live music event. You can generally expect a lot of clown-inspired costumes, gore-tastic imagery, and intermittent Faygo showers.
Hallowicked takes place on Halloween, details to be announced
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