The Metro Events Guide: Opening Day, special screenings and award-winning jazz in Detroit

Discover unique arts and culture events in metro Detroit happening March 29 – April 5, 2024.

Photo of the Detroit Tigers statue at Comerica Park.

A photo of Comerica Park in downtown Detroit in July 2022.

This week, we’ve got a star-studded lineup in Detroit, including critically-acclaimed filmmakers, comedians and musicians.

Plus, where to tailgate the Tigers’ first home game of the season. Read on to learn more.

Movies

On Friday, March 29, the Redford Theatre is hosting an ‘8 Mile’ Reunion Event featuring a screening of the 2002 film, live music and special guests emceed by WDET’s own Tia Graham (co-host of The Metro weekdays 11 a.m. to noon). Guests can expect a panel discussion with folks involved in the Detroit-based shoot, including DJ Head, who will also perform live sets before the movie and at intermission. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the movie starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12. For more information, visit redfordtheatre.com.

Then, on Saturday, March 30, Emagine Royal Oak is hosting a special screening of ‘Mean Girls’ (2024) featuring a meet and greet with actor Marc Evan Jackson and a Q&A with Detroit’s own Tim Meadows. Tickets range from $20-$48 and will benefit The Detroit Creativity Project’s free improv programs in Detroit public schools. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.

Related: Tim Meadows talks ‘Mean Girls’ anniversary screening and coming back to Detroit on The Metro »

Music

On Friday, April 5, NEA Jazz Master and three-time Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis returns to the DSO Orchestra Hall with his quartet. One of the most revered figures in contemporary music, Marsalis presents a one-night-only concert with virtuosic improvisations and uncompromising interpretations of jazz classics and original music. The show will take place at 8 p.m. and tickets start at $19, though limited seats remain. For more information, visit dso.org.

Mental health

On Friday, March 29, Detroit Musix is hosting a Higher Ground Music Hip-Hop and Mental Health Symposium aiming to explore the intersection of hip-hop culture and mental health, offering a platform for open conversations and creative expression. Guests will hear from industry professionals, artists and mental health advocates who are passionate about destigmatizing mental health in the hip-hop community. The symposium goes from 6-9 p.m. at the University of Michigan Detroit Center. This event is free with a reservation. For more information, visit eventbrite.com. 

Opening Day

On Friday, April 5, the Downtown Detroit Partnership is hosting a Detroit Tigers Opening Day Tailgate Party presented by Miller Lite and Bally Sports Detroit. Guests will celebrate the return of baseball to Detroit at Grand Circus Park from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring games, food trucks, giveaways and an appearance by Paws himself. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit downtowndetroit.org.

Open mic

The next Moth StorySLAM is Thursday, April 4, and the theme is “green.” Prepare your best 5-minute story about passing “GO” and collecting $200, the unripe and inexperienced, or a time when nature nurtured you. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and stories start at 7:30 p.m. at the Marble Bar in Detroit. Tickets are $17.50. For more information, visit wdet.org/events.

Support local journalism.

WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

Donate today »

Author