CultureShift Events Guide: Noel Night, artisan gifts and more

WDET has a jam-packed schedule this weekend, and I don’t just mean on our broadcast. Our team will be dining with some of Detroit’s best chefs at the Motown Mansion on Friday, then welcoming listeners from all over into our studios during Noel Night on Saturday. Hope to see you there!

Plus, lots of holiday shopping ideas from local makers. Read on to learn more.

Warm up with WDET

Join us for a celebration of diversity in Detroit on Friday, Dec. 1 at the first-ever Colors of Detroit benefit for WDET and the Concert of Colors. We’ll have live performances, DJ sets, a silent auction and food by five of Detroit’s most celebrated chefs in the historic Motown Mansion — the former home of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy. Plus, guests will watch Ann Delisi and Don Was record an episode of The Don Was Motor City Playlist, which will be broadcast on 101.9 WDET FM at 10 p.m. later that night. For tickets and more information, visit our events page.

Then, come visit our Midtown studios during Noel Night! Our doors will be open to the public from 5-10 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, and we’ll have tours led by your favorite on-air hosts, warm refreshments and vintage WDET merch on sale at discounted prices — perfect for the public radio nerds in your life. Stop by to warm up between visits to other Cass Corridor spots like Third Man Records, Bon Bon Bon and Source Booksellers. Admission is free, and we’re excited to welcome you!

Farmington festivities

This Saturday, Dec. 2, the Farmington Farmer’s Market will return to Riley Park one last time for the holiday season. The Greens, Gifts & Giving market will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring over 40 farmers and vendors with holiday decor, artisan gifts, hot beverages and hot food. For more information, visit their website.

Then, stick around in Downtown Farmington for their Holly Days events, featuring free movies from the Farmington Civic Theater, photos with Santa and the Light Up the Grand Parade at 5:30 p.m. followed by the tree lighting ceremony. For more information, visit the Greater Farmington Area Chamber’s website.

Holiday shopping

For more holiday shopping ideas, visit Coup D’etat for an in-store trunk show on Thursday, Nov. 30. Guests will be able to browse the latest collections by Detroit-based hat maker Boswell and Paris-based handbag designer LeSnob from 6-9 p.m. To learn more about the Detroit boutique, take a listen to Ryan Patrick Hooper’s recent conversation with Coup D’etat’s Angela Wisniewski for CultureShift.

Or, visit Lawrence Street Gallery’s “Think Small” exhibit featuring juried all-media works under 12 inches in size. The show highlights over 30 artists with over 60 small pieces of art available for purchase starting Wednesday, Nov. 29 and going through Jan. 14, 2024. An opening reception will take place on Sunday, Dec. 3 from 2-5 p.m. at their Ferndale gallery. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

You can also shop for hand-crafted ceramic pieces at the 46th Annual Southfield Potters Market this weekend. This unique show features works by more than 140 artists, daily pottery demonstrations, free parking, an on-site cafe and more. A preview night will take place on Thursday, Nov. 30 from 6-9 p.m. with $10 admission, followed by free admission Friday through Sunday with the market opening at 10 a.m. daily. Proceeds will be donated to the nonprofit Leader Dogs for the Blind. For more information, visit their website.

Show tunes

’Tis the season for Detroit Public Theatre’s Holiday Cabaret featuring festive music, funny stories and musical theatre favorites. Opening night is Friday, Dec. 1 with pick-your-price previews on Nov. 29 and 30. For more information, visit their website.

Punk rock

Detroit punk band The Idiot Kids are having an album release party at Outer Limits Lounge on Saturday, Dec. 2 for their new record Chapels. The show will feature special guests The Cult of Spaceskull and Carmel Liburdi & Friends (who was also featured in WDET’s Sounds Like Detroit showcase this summer). Cover is $10, doors open at 8 p.m. and music starts at 9 p.m. For more information, visit their Facebook event page. 

Watch: The Idiot Kids perform Live on WDET

Comedy

The final Comedy at The Congregation show of the year is this Friday, Dec. 1, hosted by Sarah Lynn. This month’s lineup includes Midwest comedians Jason Jamerson, Kevin Johnson, Diana Graham and Vivian Burgett. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the basement of The Congregation in Detroit. Tickets are $15 online or $20 at the door. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page.