20 fun concerts and events happening in Detroit you should check out

Check out our top picks of things to do in and around the city for the next seven days.

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Detroit Island Music Festival Wed., July 26, 7 p.m. and Thu., July 27, 8 p.m. This local festival is comprised of two parts: Wednesday nights Blues in the River followed by Thursdays A Musical History Journey. Night one will feature Grammy award-winning Bobby Rush and friends, while night two will feature storied bands War, Zapp, and Lakeside. Both nights of the festival will pack a punch of cultural immersion that you cant find anywhere else. $38 for Wednesday and $44 for Thursday Belle Isle (map) Belle Isle Park Greater Detroit Area   (313) 393-4075

Wed., July 26, 7 p.m. and Thu., July 27, 8 p.m. This local festival is comprised of two parts: Wednesday night’s “Blues in the River” followed by Thursday’s “A Musical History Journey.” Night one will feature Grammy award-winning Bobby Rush and friends, while night two will feature storied bands War, Zapp, and Lakeside. Both nights of the festival will pack a punch of cultural immersion that you can’t find anywhere else. $38 for Wednesday and $44 for Thursday

Belle Isle (map) Belle Isle Park Greater Detroit Area (313) 393-4075

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The Beach Boys

Freedom Hill (map) 14900 Metropolitan Parkway

Thu., July 27, 5:30 p.m. Over 50 years after their start outside of Los Angeles, the Beach Boys still performs the dreamy harmonies and summer sounds that made it one of the most enduring pop rock groups in history. The iconic ’80s band Righteous Brothers serves as the opening act.$11

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Piebald

Shelter 431 E. Congress Downtown Detroit

Fri., July 28, 6:30 p.m.Emocore rock band Piebald isn’t finished just yet. The band first called it quits in 2008, but came out swinging in 2016 with a reunion tour and one more album, aptly named Best of What’s Left. Their punchy sound feels as timely as ever. The Shelter date is the band’s first Detroit performance in a decade. $10

(313) 961-6358

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John Sinclair

Fri., July 28, 7-10 p.m. The late John Lennon was so awe-inspired by John Sinclair that he named a song after him. Lucky for us, the poet and activist (and one-time Metro Times contributor) is coming back to his roots for a performance of the music from his recording John Sinclair Mobile Homeland. Free with museum admission

Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) (map) 5200 Woodward Ave. Midtown (313) 833-7900

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War on the Catwalk

Fri., July 28, 7 p.m.

RuPaul’s Drag Race is coming to the Motor City with a night of the fiercest performances imaginable. War on the Catwalk stars a dream team of queens from Season 9. Catch Sasha Velour, Trinity Taylor, Aja Queen, Eureka O’Hara and Farrah Moan tearing it up on the runway, while host Trixie Mattel brings the party all night long. The Fillmore’s opulent interior is just the cherry on top of what will surely be a glamorous evening to remember. This all-ages crowd better be ready to werk. $22

The Fillmore (map) 2115 Woodward Ave. Downtown Detroit (313) 961-5451; (313) (FAX)

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Motor City Choreography Collective

Fri., July 28, 7:30 p.m

Dancers (and non-dancers who still appreciate the art form), rejoice: The bi-annual event of your dreams is back. Back in 2010, Motor City Choreography Collective took the Michigan dance community by storm with a massive collaboration of choreographers. Now at their 2017 summer showcase, over 20 locally and nationally recognized choreographers and dance crews will come together to show Detroit just what the human body is capable of. Come as a spectator, or join in on the fun yourself and dance the night away. Either way, you’re bound to have the time of your life. $13

<br> The Crofoot Ballroom (map) 1 S. Saginaw St. Downtown Pontiac (248) 858-9333 info@thecrofoot.com

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Demetri Martin: Let’s Get Awkward Tour

Fri., July 28, 8 p.m.

Known for his casual, deadpan delivery, comedian Demetri Martin is now making his rounds nationwide. The New York City native’s resume boasts work on The Daily Show, in addition to two seasons of his own show, Important Things With Demetri Martin on Comedy Central. Perhaps not the best place for a first date, think of the Let’s Get Awkward Tour as the perfect opportunity for a reunion of all of your wryest, most sarcastic friends. $25

Meadow Brook Theatre (map) 207 Wilson Hall Greater Rochester Area (248) 377-3300

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Negative Approach

Fri., July 28, 8 p.m

Would any other venue be as fitting for Detroit’s hardcore pioneers? With influences like the Stooges, Negative Approach is the city’s punk rock prodigal child that inspired generations of hardcore bands across the Midwest and globe with their minimalist 30-second tracks. Bloodclot, a supergroup made up of former members of Queens of the Stone Age, Danzig, and Cro-Mags, will warm up the pit. $18

Magic Stick (map) 4120 Woodward Midtown (313) 833-9700

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Deadbeat Beat

Fri., July 28, 9 p.m.

It’s a record re-release show! This local trio dropped their debut record When I Talk to You back in 2011, but that was a limited run on cassette tape. Now, some six years later, When I Talk to You is now making its vinyl debut on indie label Glad Fact. And you know what? These tracks still sound as good as they did in 2011, an expert mix of 1970s pop and punk influences (but don’t call it pop-punk). Fellow Detroit rock ’n’ roll acts Kickstand Band and Double Winter round out the bill. $8

UFO Factory (map) 2110 Trumbull Greater Detroit Area

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Torch With a Twist

Fri., July 28, 9 p.m.

The “Olde-Timey Vaudevillian Variety extravaganza” is back on full display at the Jazz Café this Friday. This 21 and older event features fire shows, danger, magic, and trickery. Since 2006 this group of whimsical characters has dazzled audiences across Detroit with a myriad of performances that range from “Down and Dirty” adult shows to family-friendly festivals. This event is sure to amaze once again with a promise that no two shows are ever the same. $10

The Jazz Cafe (map) 16334 Grand River Ave. Greater Detroit Area

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Detroit Maker Faire

Sat., July 29, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun., July 30, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

The “Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth” is happening at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn. Originally started in 2006 in San Francisco, the Maker Faire has grown into a worldwide collaboration of flagship and independent events. In Dearborn, hundreds of innovators and inventors will be showing off their DIY creations across the museum grounds. Attendees can explore 24 acres of imagination realized. The open air midway and the inside of the museum will feature robotics, animatronics, flaming carnival games, marshmallow shooters, clothing, food, games, and other mechanical wizardry. $28 for nonmembers and half off for museum members, children 12 and under free.

The Henry Ford (map)

20900 Oakwood Blvd. Greater Dearborn Area (313) 982-6001; (313)

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Michigan Comic Book Expo

Sat., July 29, 12-11 p.m.

Get your geek on at this year’s comic book extravaganza. From noon to 10 p.m. visitors can mingle with comic book celebrities and creators while also participating in contests and demonstrations through the day. Admission also gets you free entry to “Attack the Yack,” a wrestling competition and an opportunity to meet wrestling stars like Ron Simmons and Ken “Mr. Kennedy” Anderson. $10

Yack Arena (map) 3131 Third Greater Detroit Area (734) 324-7265

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Wavves

Sat., July 29, 9 p.m.

If you can’t make it to Mo Pop festival, the alternative indie rock band will play an official afterparty with a stacked lineup of local and national talent. In 2009, the drummer and bassist from the late Jay Reatard’s band joined Wavves, adding a chugging surf-rock sound and propelling the group into widespread popularity within the modern pop-punk scene. $15

<br>Magic Stick (map) 4120 Woodward Midtown (313) 833-9700

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Traverse City Film Festival

Wed., July 26, Thu., July 27, Fri., July 28, Sat., July 29 and Sun., July 30

Controversial filmmaker Michael Moore co-founded this festival and the board is a cast of venerable and award-winning directors, filmmakers, actresses, writers, and musicians. This year they will screen films about Detroit, Standing Rock, Bill Nye the Science Guy, James Rigato, transgender murders, and more. There will be documentaries, fiction, and even a screening of Cool Hand Luke. The festival offers more than just movies. There will also be after parties and activities for kids, too. $12

Various Locations (map) Main Street Greater Ann Arbor Area (734) 665-8863

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2017 Concours d'Elegance of America

Sun., July 30, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Founded in 1979, this celebration of cars is a premier car show unlike any other. This competition features automobile manufacturers, custom coachbuilders, and owners, whose works are all judged foremost by their beauty and design. Watch car enthusiasts showcase classic, rare, and wonderful automobiles while also enjoying the selection committee’s curated collection of displayed vehicles. $35

The Inn at St. John's (map) 44045 5 Mile Rd. Greater Plymouth Area (734) 414-0600; tjohnson@stjohnsgc.com

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Hijas de su Madre

Sun., July 30, 5 p.m. In his latest project, acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Juan José Alonso Millán celebrates the female spirit through a theatrical Spanish-language comedy that will charm mujeres and hombres alike. The story of three women’s cunning plan of revenge is brought to life by famed Latina actresses Patricia Reyes Spindle, Susana Dosamantes, and Luz Maria Jerez under director Ofelia Medina. $60

The Fillmore (map) 2115 Woodward Ave. Downtown Detroit (313) 961-5451;

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Korn
Sun., July 30, 5:30 p.m. The hardcore band be may in the heat of their “The Serenity of Summer” tour, but that hasn’t stopped them from curating an amazing set of guests to join them along the way. The tour’s Detroit leg will be graced with the presence of heavy metal group Stone Sour. Mosh out to your favorite songs in the general admission, or settle down on the sprawling DTE lawn cheap seats. $26

DTE Energy Music Theatre (map) 7774 Sashabaw Rd. Greater Detroit Area (248) 645-6666

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Mary J. Blige

Tue., Aug. 1, 6:30 p.m.

Mary J. Blige performs on her Strength of a Woman tour along with Lalah Hathaway. The “queen of hip-hop soul” is expected to perform songs from her newest album, as well as a few of her legendary hits. Get ready to belt out “No More Drama,” “Real Love,” and “Be Without You.” $15

Freedom Hill (map) 14900 Metropolitan Parkway Greater Detroit Area (586) 268-5100

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Spoon

Tue., Aug. 1, 7 p.m. Just when you thought they were finished, indie darlings Spoon return with a dynamic 2017 release, Hot Thoughts — a danceable, disco-indebted record that earned the band its second No. 1 spot on the Adult Alternative charts in its 20-plus year career.$24

The Fillmore (map) 2115 Woodward Ave. Downtown Detroit (313) 961-5451;

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Loving screening

Wed., Aug. 2, 8-11 p.m.

Part of New Center Park’s summer-long weekly movie nights, this film is about the landmark Loving vs. Virginia case that affirmed the right for interracial couples to marry. The movie follows the relationship between Richard and Mildred Loving (played by Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga) who fight for their right to live and love in their hometown. Part of a series of free screenings at the park on Wednesdays and Fridays. Free

New Center Park (map) 2990 W. Grand Blvd. New Center (313) 784-9475;

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