20 things to do in Detroit this weekend (May 3-5)

By Layla McMurtrie on Mon, Apr 29, 2024 at 3:15 pm

The weekend is full of openings for new art shows and Cinco de Mayo celebrations, plus a couple of derby events, and lots more. Whether you want to get creative or have some tacos and tequila, this weekend is sure to be a fun one.

If you’re looking for even more to do every day of the week, see the Metro Times events calendar, which is free to use if you have something planned that you’d like to advertise to Metro Times readers.

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Layla McMurtrie

Grand Opening of Ypsi Bloom Studio

When: May 3 from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Where: Bloom Studio (Ypsilanti)
What: A grand opening on the new community arts space
Who: Local artists
Why: To celebrate the opening of Bloom Studio with art and creative activities during Ypsi’s monthly First Fridays celebration.

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Instagram, @cranbrookfiber

Notions of Materiality Opening Reception

When: May 3 from 5-8 p.m.
Where: Playground Detroit
What: An art opening
Who: Cranbrook Academy of Art’s 2024 Fiber Class
Why: The show examines the collective sourcing of symbolic materials and fiber processes, serving as a reflection on the last two years of discussion, critique, and collaboration within the Fiber department at Cranbrook Academy of Art.

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Instagram, @realluchaboom

Lucha Boom! Live Lucha Libre

When: May 3 at 6 p.m.
Where: Big Pink (Detroit)
What: A lucha libre event
Who: Mexican luchadores
Why: To highlight the Mexican wrestling tradition in the United States and celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

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Facebook, Ziggy's

Punk Rockabilly Tiki Surf Fun Night

When: May 3 from 7-11 p.m.
Where: Ziggy’s (Ypsilanti)
What: A punk rockabilly tiki dance party
Who: Atomic Bombcatz, Otto Parts, and Rum & Bones
Why: Each band will bring a unique energy and sound to the venue

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Layla McMurtrie

Next Gen

When: May 3 at 9 p.m.
Where: Spot Lite (Detroit)
What: A night of music
Who: Ahya Simone, Kesswa, Tammy Lakkis, and other local musicians
Why: To celebrate the next generation of Detroit talent and hear sounds that are spearheading the city’s dance music scene.

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Courtesy photo

M1 Concourse’s Cars & Coffee

When: May 4 from 8-11 a.m.
Where: M1 Concourse (Pontiac)
What: A free car show
Who: Local car enthusiasts
Why: It’s Michigan's largest award-winning outdoor car show of its kind, this month with a focus on Japanese domestic market and Asian brand vehicles. Plus, the all-ages show is free and will have complimentary coffee.

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Courtesy of Pewabic Pottery.

Pewabic Spring Student Sale

When: May 4 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Pewabic Society (Detroit)
What: A day of shopping and supporting local makers
Who: Pewabic student artists
Why: The sale is open to the public and proceeds from this event will help support Pewabic’s studio.

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Courtesy photo

Community Autonomy Fest

When: May 4 from 11-4 p.m.
Where: Bloodroot Herbshop (Ypsilanti)
What: A community mayday event
Who: Community members
Why: There will be family-friendly activities such as sticker and flower crown making. Plus, there will be skill-sharing surrounding topics like radical menstruation, fertility awareness, consent and relationships, climate justice, carpentry, and art.

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Facebook, UWM Sports Complex

Mental Health Summit: My Mental Health Is My Business

When: May 4 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: UWM Sports Complex (Pontiac)
What: A mental health awareness summit
Who: Presented by the Restoration Village Therapeutic and Holistic Services
Why: This year’s event aims to unite mental health practitioners, service providers, residents, public servants, and businesses in a mission to address the mental health challenges amplified by recent global crises.

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Carhartt/Yelp

Art & Chill

When: May 4 from 1-4 p.m.
Where: Carhartt Flagship Store, 2nd Floor (Midtown, Detroit)
What: A community art event
Who: Local creative people
Why: It’s a free event where you can create your own DIY vase out of recyclables. Some supplies will be available, but bringing your own is encouraged.

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Layla McMurtrie

The Loser Show Opening Reception

When: May 4 from 3-6 p.m.
Where: Andy Arts Center (Detroit)
What: An art show opening
Who: Artist Laura Quattrocchi and community members
Why: See an awesome, impactful, and interactive art show made out of tons of Lotto tickets. Plus, it’s free!

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Facebook, Marygrove Conservancy

2024 Detroit Kentucky Derby Day Party

When: May 4 from 4-10 p.m.
Where: Marygrove Conservancy (Detroit)
What: A day party
Who: Local fashion lovers
Why: The tradition brings “classy women and distinguished gentlemen” of all ages together to showcase high fashion with a focus on elaborate hats.

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Instagram, @333midland_annex_gallery

Anthropocene Transmissions

When: May 4 from 4-7 p.m.
Where: Annex Gallery (Highland Park)
What: An art opening
Who: Marat Paransky
Why: The solo exhibit, which reflects on the nuclear power/weapons industries with objects and images created since 2010, blends with a group show of new works by 19 Detroit-area artists and makers.

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Google Maps

Talk Derby to Me featuring Hannah Ellis

When: May 4 at 5 p.m.
Where: Diamondback Music Hall (Belleville)
What: A Kentucky Derby event
Who: Nashville country singer Hannah Ellis and local musician Louie Lee
Why: There will be free line dancing classes, derby viewing, awards, and performances.

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Moon/Lunar Haus

Pencils, Paper, and People by Phillip Simpson

When: May 4 from 1-6 p.m.
Where: Harper Galleries of Art and Interiors (Detroit)
What: An art show opening
Who: Phillip Simpson
Why: See the smile man’s new body of work of all pencil on paper, including portraits of some of his favorite artists, collectors, and friends.

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Facebook, Lager House

Detroit Anarchy V Punk Rock Festival

When: May 4 from 7 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: Lager House (Detroit)
What: A punk festival
Who: Bands include Cherry Drop, Black Swan Dive Bomb, Busby Death Chair, Stacked Deck, and more
Why: The event will feature six bands of varying styles of punk, plus artists, vendors, and free stuff.

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Justin Milhouse

Tiff Massey ‘7 Mile + Livernois’ DIA opening

When: May 5
Where: Detroit Institute of Arts
What: An art exhibit opening
Who: Tiff Massey and local art lovers
Why: Support a local artist at her impressive new exhibit highlighting Detroit’s Black culture and style.

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Facebook, Tacos N Tequila

Cinco de Mayo Margarita Fest

When: May 5 from 12-7 p.m.
Where: 166 Oak St., Wyandotte
What: A Cinco de Mayo celebration
Who: Local bartenders
Why: Listen to live music and drink lots of margaritas. Vote for the best margarita in the event’s competition to help choose the “Margarita Master.”

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Facebook, The Backdoor

Cinco de Mayo with The Backdoor Tacos & Tequila

When: May 5 from 2-10 p.m.
Where: Backdoor Tacos & Tequila (Rochester)
What: A Cinco de Mayo celebration
Who: Tequila lovers
Why: There will be over 150 types of tequila, a $20 taco bar, and entertainment.

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Instagram, @fiestavibesdetroit

Cinco de Mayo Fest 2024

When: May 5 from 3 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: El Club (Detroit)
What: A block party for Cinco de Mayo
Who: Presented by We Are Culture Creators and Fiesta Vibes Detroit
Why: To celebrate Cinco de Mayo with lucha libre, food, music, vendors, and culture.

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