8 Spots Showcasing Detroit’s Best This Week

Detroit is brimming with talent, and this week's lineup of events is a testament to that.

 

From live music and comedy to art exhibitions and storytelling, here are eight showcases you won't want to miss.

 

CONTAINER TOUR KICKOFF

 

📍 Cadillac Square Park, Detroit

 

🗓️ Friday, Oct. 3

 

🎟️ Free

 

Kick off the weekend with a vibrant display of Detroit's creative scene.

 

Enjoy live music from La Cecille, a DJ set by Darryl DeAngelo Terrell, and fashion activations featuring designers like Ali Evans, Nabeela Najjar, and Taylor Childs.

 

The event runs from 5–9 p.m., and admission is free.

 

COMEDY AT THE CONGREGATION SECOND ANNIVERSARY SHOW

 

📍 The Congregation Detroit

 

🗓️ Friday, Oct. 3

 

🎟️ $18–$20

 

Celebrate two years of laughter with the Comedy at the Congregation series.

 

Hosted by Sarah Lynn, this special anniversary show features comedians Drew Harmon, Alana Gonzalez, Rio Riojas, and Tim Reaburn.

 

Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show starting at 7:30 p.m.

 

Tickets are $18 online or $20 at the door.

 

TROUPE VERTIGO WITH THE DETROIT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

 

📍 DSO Orchestra Hall

 

🗓️ Friday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Oct. 5

 

🎟️ $20–$119

 

Experience a mesmerizing blend of acrobatics and orchestral music as Troupe Vertigo performs alongside the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

 

The program includes selections from Star Wars, Star Trek, Disney’s Up, and more.

 

Tickets start at $20, with four performances scheduled throughout the weekend.

 

FREAK FEST 3

 

📍 Downtown Ypsilanti, various locations

 

🗓️ Friday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Oct. 5

 

🎟️ $0–$15

 

Embrace the Halloween spirit at Freak Fest 3, a three-day celebration featuring live music, local vendors, and spooky vibes across multiple Ypsilanti venues.

 

Most events are free and open to the public, though some at Ziggy’s have a $15 cover.

 

15TH ANNUAL HAMTRAMCK NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS FESTIVAL

 

📍 Hamtramck, various locations

 

🗓️ Saturday, Oct. 4

 

🎟️ Free

 

Discover the rich creative community of Hamtramck at this community-organized festival.

 

Artists open their home studios, front porches, parks, and coffee shops to the public.

 

Admission is generally free, though donations are welcome to support the festival.

 

SEEN/SCENE: ARTWORK FROM THE JENNIFER GILBERT COLLECTION

 

📍 The Shepherd, Detroit

 

🗓️ Sunday, Oct. 5 through Saturday, Jan. 10

 

🎟️ Free

 

Explore contemporary art from 36 artists in Jennifer Gilbert’s private collection.

 

Curated by Laura Mott and Nick Cave, the exhibition delves into themes of perception and identity.

 

The opening celebration on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., features artist talks, a film screening, interactive workshops, and retail pop-ups.

 

DETROIT STORY FEST

 

📍 The Detroit Opera House

 

🗓️ Thursday, Oct. 9

 

🎟️ $25–$35

 

Immerse yourself in a night of performance art and storytelling by Detroit artists, reporters, and community members.

 

This year’s theme, “No Small Wind Is Blowing,” highlights stories of immigration, transition, and the unseen forces that inspire movement.

 

Stories begin at 8 p.m., followed by a DJ set from Waajeed, host of The Boulevard.

 

TÉMATÉ INSTITUTE’S 2025 CONVENING FOR DANCE & CULTURE

 

📍 The Andy Art Center and Detroit School of Arts Ford Theatre

 

🗓️ Saturday, Oct. 18 through Sunday, Oct. 19

 

🎟️ $95–$120 ($45 with WDET discount code)

 

Celebrate African diasporic traditions through dance workshops, community classes, a signature concert, and a vendor marketplace.

 

This year’s theme, “Ritual: Rhythms of Life & Legacy,” emphasizes preserving traditions while fostering innovation.

 

WDET listeners can use code WD3T25 before Thursday, Oct. 9, for discounted tickets.

 

Don't miss these opportunities to engage with Detroit's dynamic arts and culture scene this week.