One of the city’s most anticipated events, the Detroit Design Festival, is back for 2016 with a wide range of activities. As a creative myself, I thought I’d share my top 8 events to you should be sure to check out this weekend for the festival. If you have a favorite, we’d love to hear it – leave it in the comments and we’ll add it.
1. Eastern Market After Dark
Thursday, Sept. 22 | 7:00pm – 11:00pm
The Eastern Market is going to be transformed into a creative district at night with more than 30 studios and galleries open late. Shed 2, 3, 4, and 5 will be open with brand activations with Detroit’s up-and coming designers, designer spotlights, interactive experiences, installations and parties.
A list of participating galleries and studios can be found at www.detroitdesignfestival.com/event/emad/
2. Metabolism II: Presented by Cristin Richard
Friday, Sept. 23 | 6:00pm – 10:00pm
This intimate one-night exhibition is housed within one of Detroit’s historical banks building, Grand On River, and utilizes performance, installation, sounds and video to explore the idea of out perception of the self and that of the other. A monetary donation of your choice is only required to attend this event.
RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/metabolism-ii-at-the-2016-detroit-design-festival-tickets-27589221103
3. Detroit Afrikan Funkestra
Friday, Sept. 23 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Detroit Afrikan Music Institution (DAMI) presents the SOUND SPACE spectacular, “Detroit Afrikan Funkestra to celebrate the North End’s influential funk music legacy. This event features Detroit’s leading Afrofuturist music innovators, broadcasting Live from an interstellar performance environment.
Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/events/1188384661225946/?notif_t=plan_user_joined¬if_id=1471556642443843
4. Youth Day: Presented by Ford Motor Company Fund
Saturday, Sept 24 | 11:00am – 5:00pm
The next generation of designer can connect for an afternoon of design education and explorations. Learn human scale weaving, lyrical dexterity, cardboard construction, printmaking with the sun and much more. This free event is for children 5-16.
RSVP at 2016youthday.eventbrite.com
5. The Detroit Wine Stroll: Presented by the Detroit Area Art Deco Society
Saturday, Sept. 24 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Angelina Italian Bistro
If you love architecture and wine then this event is for you. Join the DAADS as they view Detroit’s architectural buildings; partake in a variety of wines that are paired with delicious appetizer at each unique venue. Advance tickets are $45.00 ($55 at the door)
Purchase your tickets at www.eventbrite.com/e/detroit-wine-stroll-tickets-26099515353
6. Parducci Film Screening
Saturday, Sept. 24 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
University of Detroit Mercy, School of Architecture
The 59 minutes documentary Parducci: The Man Who Made Detroit Beautiful is a story of an Italian immigrant who became one of our country’s top architectural sculptors. Parducci decorated the exteriors of many significant buildings in Detroit such as the Guardian and Penobscot Buildings.
Tickets are $12. To learn more and RSVP visit www.parduccidocumentary.com
7. Light Up Livernois
Saturday, Sept. 24 | 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Livernois Avenue between 6 Mile and 8 Mile
Join DDF for it’s third edition of Light Up Livernois on Detroit’s Historic Avenue of Fashion. This event will include open businesses, fashion vignettes, urban redevelopment plans, musical performances, and small business highlights. For more information visit lightuplivernois2016.eventbrite.com
8. Detroit Soup
Sunday, Sept. 25 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Jam Handy
Make a difference and vote for the best idea for community. Join local residents as they pitch their ideas for design-base interventions for their community over soup and salad. The winning idea will receive a matching donation from the Detroit Creative Corridor Center. Learn more at detroitsoup.com
