Entertainment
Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit
![Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/authoring-images/2024/06/07/PDTN/74008485007-dsc-7272.jpg?auto=webp&crop=1762,989,x2,y183&format=pjpg&width=1200)
Here are a few ideas for getting out and about in Metro Detroit this weekend
Wyandotte Street Art Fair in downtown Wyandotte
The 63rd installment of this outdoor festival is billed as one of Michigan’s largest fine art fairs, and attracts talent from across the country. More than 200,000 visitors are expected to attend over the four-day event, which kicked off Wednesday. In addition to the art, folks can also enjoy the Wyandotte Social District with food and drink, plus there are live bands and kids’ activities. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily through Sat. Free. Downtown Wyandotte. wyandotte.net/arts_and_culture/street_art_fair/index.php.
“The Little Mermaid” at Matrix Theater
Follow the adventures of Ariel played by a cast that defies singular type casting and goes beyond entertainment to be an inclusive, safe space. The kid-friendly production, which is a collaboration with Part of Your World Princess Co. and Opera MODO, runs this weekend and next. 2 and 6:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sun. and also July 17-21. $25 general admission. 2730 Bagley, Detroit. operamodo.com.
Uncle Sam Jam in Downtown Woodhaven
This action-packed, family-friendly summertime festival has something for everyone. There are live bands including Hinder, Fuel, a Queen tribute band and more rock shows, all free of charge. The 13th annual Uncle Sam Jam also has monster truck rides, a fireworks show (Friday night only), carnival, petting zoo and a cornhole tournament. 4-11 p.m. Thurs., 4 p.m.-midnight Fri., noon-midnight Sat. and noon-11 p.m. Sun. Free off-site parking and shuttles available at Kohl’s, 20840 West Road, Woodhaven, otherwise on-site parking is $10-$15. unclesamjamfest.com.
African World Festival at Hart Plaza
Celebrate the music, food, fashion, art and culture of Africa at this annual festival, organized by the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Among the staged and roving performers are Larry Lee & Back in the Day Band (5:30 p.m. Fri.), Sheefy McFly & Donovan Glover (9:30 p.m. Sat.) and the Detroit Youth Choir (3:30 p.m. Sun.). Fri.-Sun. Tickets start at $15 for nonmembers. Jefferson at Woodward, Detroit. thewright.org/africanworldfestival.
Lavender Festival at Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill
Take a deep breath and inhale the sweet scent of relaxing lavender at this annual open-air event. The Lavender Festival has more than 200 Michigan artisans, a make-and-take workshop and lavender-infused food like ice cream, doughnuts, cupcakes, hard cider and beer. There will also be educational sessions about aromatherapy, gardening and natural wellness. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri.-Sun. and also July 19-21. 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada. Blakeshardcider.com.
Pig & Whiskey in Ferndale
Expect a lot of barbecue vendors, whiskey brands as well and other food and beverage with wide appeal. Musical headliners are Lucero on Friday night, the Black Lips on Saturday and Too Many Zooz on Sunday. New this year, the event is charging an admission fee after certain hours, and is offering VIP access to the main stage concerts. See website for details. 4 p.m.-midnight Fri., 11 a.m.-midnight Sat. and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun. Downtown Ferndale. pigandwhiskeyferndale.com.
SwifitieFest at Wildwood Amphitheatre
Hear your favorite Taylor Swift songs performed by a Chicago-based tribute act called Sparks Fly: The Taylor Swift Experience. Proceeds from the concert will benefit two local charities: the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester to support victims of the Brooklands Splash Pad shooting and Mission Oakland, a nonprofit supporting law enforcement in Oakland County that is raising funds for the family of ambushed deputy Bradley Reckling. 7 p.m. Fri. and noon Sat. $20 general admission tickets for adults, two children 12 and younger admitted free with each adult ticket. 2700 Jocelyn Court, Lake Orion. wildwood.events.
Fantasia and Joe at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre
After her electrifying performance of “Shakedown” during the Bob Seger tribute at the Michigan Central Station reopening celebration concert last month, singer Fantasia is back in Detroit for a full concert of her own material, along with R&B singer Joe. 8 p.m. Fri. Few tickets remaining; verified resale tickets start at $231. 2600 Atwater, Detroit. thearetha.com.
Hot Wheels Live at Walmart Supercenter
This traveling care show features custom cars and their builders, who have the unique opportunity to have their project turned into the next Hot Wheels die-cast toy car. The event has 100 unique vehicles, things for kids to do and special-edition Hot Wheels products. 8 a.m.-noon Sat. Free. 5851 Mercury, Dearborn.
Berkley Street Art Fest in downtown Berkley
This one-day community event will have works by professional and amateur chalk artists, a kids’ activity area, food vendors, pet adoptions and more. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. Free. Coolidge Highway between Catalpa and Beverly, Berkley. Berkleystreetartfest.com.
George Strait at Ford Field
Grab your finest Stetson and head down to the city for one of the biggest country concerts of the summer. Known as the King of Country Music, George Strait headlines along with Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the show starts at 5:45 p.m. Sat. $150 and up. 2000 Brush, Detroit. Fordfield.com.
Melody Baetens