The Metro Events Guide: Art exhibits, maker markets and more to explore this weekend in Detroit

Discover unique arts and culture events in metro Detroit happening Oct. 17-25, 2024.

A tote bag with "Buy art from artists" printed on it

A tote bag by Betsy Stecker of Big Mitten Linocuts at the Michigan Makers Market

This weekend, we’ve got last-chance art exhibits, early holiday shopping and lots of beer.

Plus, 101.9 Day! Read on to learn more.

Sip some brews

This Friday, Oct. 18 is our beer release party with Batch Brewing! Ryan Patrick Hooper (host of In The Groove weekdays noon to 3 p.m.) will be your host for the evening as you get to be the first to try “It’s So Kölsch In The D,” an easy-drinking German-style lager designed to appeal to the masses — just like the programming at WDET. Guests will also enjoy live music from Sugar Tradition, Winestoned Cowboys and the Allen Dennard Trio while cozied up on Batch’s heated patio. Doors open at 6 p.m., the show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $25. For more information, visit our events page.

Related: Winestoned Cowboys perform Live On WDET

Then, keep the brews flowing at the 15th Annual Detroit Fall Beer Festival at Eastern Market on Saturday, Oct. 19. Guests will get to sample Michigan-made beers while listening to a lineup of local musicians between 1-6 p.m. Food from Detroit-area restaurants will also be available for purchase. Tickets are $60 in advance or $70 at the door while supplies last. For more information, visit mibeer.com.

Rep your radio station

Saturday, Oct. 19 is also 101.9 Day, which is the perfect opportunity to join Team DET! Show off your public radio pride with a Team DET t-shirt, baseball hat or zipper tote bag when you make a sustaining gift of $10.19 per month at wdet.org/give. Your gift supports Detroit’s legendary public broadcaster during our 75th year of service to the community.

Start your holiday shopping

On Saturday, Oct. 19, the Michigan Makers Market returns to The Hawk in Farmington Hills. This indoor juried art fair features more than 50 local artists across various disciplines, including painting, sculpture, jewelry and other wearable art, fiber art, ceramics, printmaking, and more. This year’s market features an Oktoberfest feel with live music on The Hawk patio and beer, wine and hot pretzels available to enjoy while shopping. The market goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free and open to the public. For more information, visit their Facebook event.

Explore new music

This week through Saturday, Oct. 19 is Edgefest 28, an annual avant-jazz festival at the Kerrytown Concert House in Ann Arbor. This exploration of new music — both improvised and composed — features a diverse roster of innovative international and local artists. Day passes are $60 to $80, and packages are available starting at $200. For more information, visit kerrytownconcerthouse.com.

Catch this exhibit

This weekend is your last chance to see Double ID at The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Through the lens of W.E.B. DuBois’ work, Double ID showcases striking contemporary artworks that focus on the inner self, identity and evolving spirt of Black men. The exhibit features works from the CCH Pounder-Koné collection, where artists across the diaspora capture the images of Black men amid a myriad of influences. For more information, visit thewright.org. 

Walk with purpose

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is holding annual community walks across the country this weekend, allowing people to remember loved ones who died by suicide while also working as a community to create more mental health support. The Metro Detroit Out of the Darkness Walk will take place at Cricket Field on Belle Isle this Saturday, Oct. 19. On-site registration starts at 8 a.m. and the program starts at 10 a.m. For more information, visit support.afsp.org.

Related: Out of the Darkness Walk on Belle Isle aims to shine a light on mental health, suicide

If you or someone else needs support, a trained counselor can be reached by calling or texting the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Save the date

Mark your calendars — The Rock & Roll Horror Show is coming back from the dead on Friday, Oct. 25! Now in its second year at the Cadieux Cafe, the show will feature live performances from garage rock royalty, The 3-D Invisibles and Eastside Elvis & the Motor City Mafia, as well as tarot readings from Moon Club (featuring our own Amanda LeClaire), all hosted by Modern Music’s Jon Moshier. Join us for a night of spooks and scares, and wear your best costume to be featured on stage as best dressed! This event is 21+ and tickets are $25. For more information, visit our events page.

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