What’s going on in metro Detroit this week (July 2-8)

Salute to America

Here’s a fun way to celebrate Independence Day, steeped in U.S. history. A collaboration between The Henry Ford Museum and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the annual Salute to America takes guests back in time through our nation’s history with costumed performers in period attire, rides on a 1913 Herschell-Spillman carousel, vintage automobiles, and the climax — an orchestral performance of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” complete with firing cannons and fireworks.

From 5-10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2-Saturday, July 5 at Greenfield Village; 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn; thehenryford.org.

“Weird Al” Yankovic

The chart-topping musical comedy act is on the road for his “Bigger & Weirder 2025 Tour,” a big production that includes hilarious parodies, costume changes, and lots of polka. (His single “Polkamania!” is a medley of some of the last decade’s biggest hits, including Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish, Adele, and Taylor Swift.) According to a press release, this leg includes a mix of Yankovic’s biggest hits and some rare tracks that have never been performed live before. Puddles Pity Party, an actual clown, is also on the bill.

Starts at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2; Pine Knob Music Theatre, 33 Bob Seger Dr., Clarkfest; ticketmaster.com. Tickets start at $53.

Royal Oak Taco Fest

Now in its fourth year, this event is set to feature more than 50 food trucks, live music, lucha libre wrestling, a Kids Zone, and more in downtown Royal Oak. New this year is a mechanical bull attraction, while JARS Cannabis will return with a cannabis lounge for adults age 21 and older. (We suggest doing the mechanical bull before hitting up the cannabis lounge.) The festival will be held east of Main Street between 11 Mile Road and Fourth Street.

From Thursday, July 3-Sunday, July 6; Centennial Commons, Royal Oak; royaloaktacofest.com. Tickets are $10 advance or $12 at the door.

Babymetal

This one’s for metal fans who don’t take themselves too seriously. Since 2010, this Japanese “kawaii metal” girl group has mixed heavy metal with J-pop to deliciously delirious effect. (See hit single “Gimme Chocolate!!”) At Freedom Hill, the band is joined by Hollywood’s Black Veil Brides and Indian heavy metal act Bloodywood.

Starts at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 3; Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill; 14900 Metro Pkwy, Sterling Heights; ticketmaster.com. Tickets start at $49.

Composer John Williams is the sound of classic cinema, scoring blockbusters like Star Wars, Jurassic Park, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jaws, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, and many more. Led by Enrico Lopez-Yañez, the DSO brings your favorite films to life at the scenic Meadow Brook.

Starts at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 6; Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, 3554 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills; ticketmaster.com. Tickets are $27-$105.