Pair this week’s Detroit events roundup with “Mrs. Officer” as a preview to a “vinyl tasting” that will pair an iconic Lil Wayne album with an opulent feast. If that’s a little too hearty, get festive at cozy holiday markets and the downtown tree lighting, embrace your inner kid at a Cantastoria extravaganza, taste prize-winning mole and find plenty of art and film to keep you busy all weekend long. 

See you out there! 

Holiday markets and shopping

The holiday markets are coming on strong this year. And why not — a bit of local shopping paired with entertainment and food sounds like a good weekend afternoon anytime. Getting holiday shopping checked off in November? That’s just a bonus. 

Now through Jan. 7 downtown: Wednesday-Sunday, Downtown Detroit Markets are back with local shops popping up in Cadillac Square, not to mention the extremely festive and cozy Cadillac Lodge.

Thursday in Corktown: Shop goods from Detroit Dye House, clothing, candles and offerings from other vendors.

Friday in the North End: Find snacks, drinks, tunes and wares from local artists, designers and vintage curators at Red Door Digital.

Saturday in Grandmont Rosedale: Shop small from vendors at Grand River WorkPlace while you listen to stories and songs and fill up on s’mores and charcuterie.

Saturday and Sunday in Ferndale: Find more than 60 vendors, a DJ and drinks at the Ferndale Underground Market.

Tuesday in Eastern Market: Get your Thanksgiving grocery shopping set and buy some food gifts in the Eastern Market sheds.

Thursday 

📽️ See “Tales of Geometry,” a documentary about the art that came out of Cass Corridor, at the MOCAD Café. Stick around for a Q&A with directors Deb Agolli and Robert Sestok after the film. Plus, music by Infinite River with visuals by Renalien. Free. 

🖼️ “Community Power: Artists Demand More from DTE” opens at Swords into Plowshares Peace Center and Gallery. The art show will feature pieces that respond to the impact of DTE’s underinvestment in the community. Free.

“Community Power. Artists demand more from DTE. Swords Into Plowshares Peace Center and Gallery. Nov. 13 - Dec. 16. Opening: Nov. 16, 6-9 p.m., 33 East Adams, Detroit, MI.” Flyer includes black-and-white illustrations of a lightning bolt and outstretched hands in front of a rose-toned blue sky with clouds.
Artists respond to DTE Energy’s impact on Detroit in a gallery show opening Thursday. Image credit: Via Swords Into Plowshares Peace Center and Gallery 
Credit: Image credit: Via Swords Into Plowshares Peace Center and Gallery

This weekend 

🎄 Don’t miss Friday night’s holiday celebration at the 20th Annual Detroit Tree Lighting in Campus Martius featuring, figure skating performances by 2022 Olympic gold medalist Nathan Chen and others, as well as musical performances, holiday shopping, food trucks, holiday games and festivities. Free.

🎬 Trans activist and writer Paul B. Preciado responds to Virginia Woolf’s 1928 novel “Orlando” and uses it as a jumping-off point to examine the lives of trans people past and present in his film “Orlando: My Political Biography,” playing Friday through Sunday at the Detroit Film Theatre. $10.50. 

🎭 It’s showtime! Join artists and storytellers for the Detroit Cantastoria Fest on Friday and Saturday at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Corktown, where the Flying Cardboard Theater will bring the historic street theater art form to life. $10-$20 suggested donation.

“Detroit Cantastoria Fest. Nov. 17th and 18th. Doors 7:30, showtime 8:00. St. Peter’s Church, 1950 Trumbull. $10-$20 suggested donation. Info: FlyingCardboardTheater.com.” Colorful collage flyer includes cutout letters and images.
See a historic form of street theater this weekend. Image credit: Via Flying Cardboard Theater Credit: Image credit: Via Flying Cardboard Theater

🎶 Reg Pettibone, a powwow dancer from the Ho-Chunk Nation, will bring his tribe’s culture and dance to the Detroit Institute of Arts on Saturday. Free.

⛰️ Check out the opening reception for “When Nature Calls,” featuring art that “celebrates the beauty and diversity of our natural world,” at Public Pool in Hamtramck on Saturday. Free.

📺 Nothing beats a good cartoon on a Saturday. The Redford Theatre will host a Classic Cartoon Festival, where you can start the day with classic kids cartoons like Felix the Cat, Mr. Magoo and Flip the Frog, and then check out iconic black-and-white cartoons like Popeye and Betty Boop in the evening. Tickets start at $5.

⛸️ Ready to bust out the ugly Fair Isle sweater? Head over to Campus Martius on Saturday for the Ugly Holiday Sweater party at the skating rink. Tickets are $8-$12, and skate rental is $6.

🫔 Live your Food Network judge dreams and head to Southwest Detroit for the Mole Contest and Tamales Fair, on Sunday. Entrance is free and tasting is open to all who attend.

🍽️  What dish pairs with “Mrs. Officer”? Wonder no more — it’s a black pepper-Gruyère donut with Creole sauce. Try it for yourself at a vinyl tasting, Sunday at Spot Lite, that will pair “Tha Carter III” with a six-course meal drawing inspiration from songs on Lil Wayne’s album. $75, $95 with wine pairing.  

Alex (she/her) believes that the best journalism is done by members of the community being served, and the stories should always reflect those people. When it comes to Detroit, the city is her playground, but her favorite place to go is the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Lynelle (she/her) likes working with Documenters because she thinks it’s important for us to share our news and our voices with our neighbors and networks. Her favorite spaces in Detroit are the urban gardens that promote peace, hope, health and healing.

Kate (she/her) is passionate about journalism that involves Detroiters from the start and helps readers solve problems and find joy in their daily lives. Her favorite Detroit spot to watch the sunset, play soccer, watch the freighters go by and feel a little haunted is Historic Fort Wayne.