The Metro Events Guide: Where to watch the eclipse in Detroit, and more to do this weekend

This week, we’ve got world-renowned classical musicians, groundbreaking film festivals and local comedy lineups.

Plus, where to watch the upcoming eclipse in Detroit. Read on to learn more.

Eclipse watch party

Watch the near total solar eclipse from Cullen Plaza in Detroit on Monday, April 8 at 2 p.m. Hosted by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, the Outdoor Adventure Center and Huron Clinton Metroparks, guests will receive a free pair of viewing glasses while supplies last, as well as themed snacks like SunChips and Moon Pies. Guests can also view the eclipse through a large telescope with Huron Clinton Metroparks staff, or go on a self-guided planet walk with the Outdoor Adventure Center. The eclipse will come into view around 1:58 p.m. and reach 99% totality at 3:14 p.m., weather permitting. Registration is free and all ages are welcome. For more information, visit detroitriverfront.org/eclipse.

Read more: Small corner of Michigan awaits total solar eclipse »

Film festivals

Saturday, April 6 is the 9th Annual Detroit International Festival of Animation, featuring an eclectic 90-minute mix of animated shorts showcasing vibrant works from both local and international animators. The festival will take place at the historic Senate Theater in Detroit, featuring a Wurlitzer Pipe Organ Pre-Show by the Detroit Theater Organ Society beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 online and doors open at 7 p.m. with the main show starting at 8 p.m. For more information, visit difestofanim.com.

Then, the Freep Film Festival kicks off on Wednesday, April 10, featuring four days of films with strong connections to the issues, people and places in and around Detroit. Highlights of this year’s lineup include ‘23 Mile,’ an experimental nonfiction film following Michigan voters in 2020, ‘A Two Hearted Tale,’ a heartfelt look at the history of the iconic trout label adorning Bell’s Two Hearted Ale, and ‘The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit,’ which explores the dynamic story of the city’s innovative and influential jazz musicians. Tickets range from $12 to $80 and are available online. For more information, visit freepfilmfestival.com.

Classical concerts

This weekend, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra welcomes Wu Man, known as the best pipa player in the world, to Orchestra Hall. She’ll perform new music by groundbreaking Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Du Yun, as well as classical selections from Debussy and Rachmaninoff. Performances will take place on Friday, April 5 at 10:45 a.m., Saturday, April 6 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 7 at 3 p.m. Tickets start at $19. For more information, visit dso.org.

Hailed as a “post-millennial Mozart” by Time Out New York, composer Missy Mazzoli makes Detroit Opera history with her modern masterpiece “Breaking the Waves,” an unforgettable emotional experience based on the film by Lars von Trier. In this new production, Bess undergoes a spiritual journey when her husband, Jan, survives a paralyzing accident, exploring the boundaries of love and social conventions. Performances will take place on Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 14 at 2:30 p.m. Please note that this production includes explicit language, nudity and sexual content, some of a violent nature. For more information, visit detroitopera.org.

Comedy shows

On Friday, April 5, Best Case Scenario’s Comedy at the Congregation is back with a fresh set of comedians from across the Midwest. This month’s lineup includes “What’s So Funny About Detroit” alums Brad Wenzel and Melanie Hearn, as well as Amen Alyasiry and Abbie Lemke. Doors open at The Congregation Detroit at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 online or $20 at the door. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/april-tickets.

Then, on Saturday, April 6, The Hawk Black Box Theatre in Farmington Hills is hosting an evening of comedy hosted by Farmington Hills Artist in Residence Mark Boyd. The lineup includes talented comedians from across metro Detroit, and food and drink will be available for purchase on-site. Tickets are $20 online or $25 at the door, and the show starts at 8 p.m. For more information, visit thehawktheatre.com.

Small business celebrations

On Sunday, April 7, All Things Detroit is celebrating their 10 Year Anniversary at Eastern Market. Welcoming over 12,000 shoppers twice a year, All Things Detroit events are a curated shopping experiences that feature over 200 small business vendors. The event will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Sheds 3, 4 and 5. For more information, visit easternmarket.org.