Introducing the CultureShift Events Guide

As we move into a new fiscal year at WDET, we’re also moving our events newsletter to a new home. The CultureShift weekly events guide will now live here on wdet.org, so you can see what’s happening in Detroit from wherever you are, on any device, no sign-up required! We’ll be sharing the best and most unique arts and culture events in this blog series each week.

This first guide includes a tribute to Sixto Rodriguez, Oktoberfest celebrations and a queer-focused country festival. Read on to learn more.

Special screening

• Join us at the Detroit Film Theatre on Wednesday, Sept. 27, as we honor the legacy of the late Sixto Rodriguez with a special screening of Searching for Sugar Man. This 2012 Oscar Award-winning documentary follows two South Africans’ pursuit to find their musical hero — Detroit’s own Rodriguez, who passed away at the age of 81 this August. He was a musician, a pillar in our community and a dear friend to WDET. Tickets are $10.50 and the show begins at 7 p.m. For more information, visit our events page.

Y’allternative

• This Friday, The Old Miami is hosting Howdy Saloon for Detroit’s second ever Howdy Fest, an LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC inclusive honky-tonk event. Starting at 5 p.m., there will be live music from local bands, gender neutral square dancing by the Detroit Square Dance Society, a mechanical bull and more. Barbecue and beverages will be available for purchase on-site. Tickets are $20 and the event is open to anyone over 21. For tickets and more information, visit their Eventbrite page.

Cooking with care

• The Halal Ribfest is coming to Dearborn this Friday through Sunday. Promising to be Michigan’s largest Halal food event, the festival features traditional southern barbecue that’s all 100% Halal. There will also be a pop-up market, games, a kids zone and more. A prayer area will be available on-site. Tickets start at $5 per day with discounts for children under 12 and seniors over 65. For tickets and more information, visit their website.

Oktoberfests

• Supergeil is bringing back its Oktoberfest celebration this weekend featuring pierogi, bratwurst, beer and more in Corktown. There will be live polka music, cornhole and giveaways Friday through Saturday. Tickets range from $20 to $45 and include varying amounts of food and drink. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
• Copper Hop Brewing Company in St. Clair Shores is also celebrating this weekend with their first ever Oktoberfest kicking off on Saturday at 3 p.m. There will be live music, German food, prizes for best-dressed and limited edition Copper Hop beer steins. Lederhosen are encouraged. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Moon meditation

• Celebrate the full harvest moon in Milliken State Park this Thursday with a Full Moon Meditation from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Members of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, the Outdoor Adventure Center and Afro Moone will be present to discuss the moon’s phases, facilitate sonic meditation and guide breath work. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, cushions or chairs to sit on the hill. All ages are welcome and registration is encouraged but not required. To RSVP and learn more, visit Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s website.

Starting new seasons

• Detroit Public Theatre is kicking off their ninth season with “Eight Nights,” set during the eight nights of Hanukkah in December 1949. This award-winning, lyrical play by Jennifer Maisel illuminates brutal cycles of oppression and erasure across time amongst Jewish, African American, Japanese American and recent Middle Eastern refugee communities. Performances begin Wednesday and run through Nov. 5. For tickets and more information, visit their website.
• This Saturday, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra is also kicking off their new season with an Opening Night Gala featuring Yo-Yo Ma. This world-renowned cellist is one of the most acclaimed artists of our time, and he’ll be performing with the DSO at Orchestra Hall at 7 p.m. Limited tickets available. For more information, visit dso.org.

Night at the museum

• The Dearborn Historical Museum’s 10th Annual Party at the Museum fundraiser is this Friday, and the theme is “Brews and Boos.” There will be a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from local restaurants and breweries, as well as treats, yard games, a DJ and tarot readings. The event goes from 6 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door, and proceeds support the museum’s community programming and ongoing renovations. For tickets and more information, visit their Eventbrite page.

Mark your calendar

• Next week is the October Moth StorySLAM, and the theme is “adulting.” Prepare your best five-minute story about the highs and lows of coming of age, and the trials and tribulations of getting there. This StorySLAM will take place on Thursday, Oct. 5 at the Marble Bar. For tickets and more information, visit our events page.