The Metro Events Guide: International celebrations to check out in Detroit this week
Discover unique arts and culture events in metro Detroit happening July 12 – July 18, 2024.
A group of children perform a traditional latin dance at the African World Festival, on Sunday July 17, at Hart Plaza.
This week, we’re celebrating arts and culture from around the world, starting with the African World Festival and leading up to next week’s Concert of Colors.
Then, bringing it back home with an exhibit inspired by J Dilla. Read on to learn more.
International arts and culture
The 41st Annual African World Festival kicks off on Friday, July 12 and goes through Sunday, July 14 at Hart Plaza. This 3-day celebration highlights the beauty, strength and spirit of the African Diaspora featuring live performances, vendors, food, clothing, health products, visual arts, live demonstrations, community resources and more. Online tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and free for children under 13 years old. For more information, visit thewright.org.
Then, the 33rd Annual Concert of Colors returns to venues across Detroit July 16-21. This free diversity-themed music festival was created by WDET’s own Ismael Ahmed (host of This Island Earth, Sundays 3-5 p.m.) to unite metro Detroit’s diverse communities and ethnic groups through music and dance from around the world. In addition to music, the Concert of Colors also offers global food and merchandise vendors, movies, poetry, children’s activities and more. To see the full events lineup and learn more, visit concertofcolors.com.
Read more: Reflecting on the inclusive beginnings of the Concert of Colors
As part of the Concert of Colors, the mesmerizing 4-piece band Silver Chord is performing in the Scarab Club Garden on Wednesday, July 17 with WDET’s own Liz Warner (host of Alternate Take, Thursdays 8-10 p.m.) and Shigeto (host of The New Music Show, Saturdays 8-10 p.m.). Doors open at 7 p.m. and music starts at 8 p.m. Admission is free and open to all ages, but reservations are required. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page.
Honing in on France during this week of international festivities, Oak & Reel is offering a special 6-course tasting menu to celebrate Bastille Day. From Sunday, July 14 through July 28, guests can experience limited-edition dishes inspired by Chef Jared Gadbaw’s recent travels to some of France’s most adored regions. The tasting menu is $109 per plate and will be available in addition to their regular menu. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Hometown talent
Shifting the focus back to Detroit, Wayne State University is hosting an exhibition celebrating two uncompromising innovators of contemporary hip-hop — J Dilla and DJ Screw. Through carefully curated music, exclusive artwork and historic equipment, “I Got Beats in These Fingertips” uncovers the distinctive traits and often overlooked connections between Detroit and Houston hip-hop. The exhibition is on display now through Sept. 20. For more information, visit cfpca.wayne.edu.
Read more: Co-curators talk “I Got Beats in These Fingertips” exhibition on The Metro
Saturday, July 13 is the Chandler Park Community Arts and Music Festival featuring hands-on arts and music-making, free food, and performances from DSO musicians and local artists. This free, family-friendly event will take place from 1-4 p.m. at the old Chandler Park tennis courts near the northwest corner of Frankfort Street and Gray Street. For more information, visit dso.org.
Backyard beauty
On Friday, July 12, the Farmington Hills Nature Center is hosting a Full Moon Friday experience at Heritage Park. Starting at 9:30 p.m., staff will guide participants on a guided hike to observe the night sky and look for nocturnal animals. Admission is $5 and is open to visitors over five years old. For more information, visit mifarmingtonhillsweb.myvscloud.com.
Then, the Annual Lavender Festival returns to Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill for a special extended celebration spanning the weekends of both July 12-14 and July 19-21. Guests can stroll through tranquil fields of lavender and explore an open-air market featuring over 200 Michigan artisans. There will also be DIY make-and-take workshops, a children’s activity tent, and educational sessions on aromatherapy, gardening, and natural wellness. The festival is open between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $14 or free for children under two years old. For more information, visit blakefarms.com.
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