The Metro Events Guide: Dally in the Alley, Detroit Month of Design and more to see this weekend

This week, we have celebrations for several of Detroit’s cultural legacies, from jazz and Techno to block parties and art deco.

Plus, the first fall festivities of the season. Read on to learn more.

Unique music festivals

This Saturday is arguably the most iconic event Cass Corridor has to offer — Dally in the Alley. Now in its 45th year, Dally is entirely volunteer-run and Detroit-based, showcasing some of the best local music and art you can see in one place in one day. This year’s festival includes five performance stages and a community area featuring a yoga class, a button-making workshop, a dog show and a drag show. Performers include Eddie Logix, Eddie Fowlkes, Ohly, Double Winter, pia the band, DJ 3000 and Sounds Like Detroit finalist Kenyatta Rashon. Gates are open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and all events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit dallyinthealley.com. 

Read more: Getting ready for Dally in the Alley with music from Na Bonsai, Noveliss, Ilajide

Also on Saturday is the 17th annual Strange Beautiful Music festival, a celebration of contemporary music from a wide range of genres. This year’s performers are Dominant Hand, Hub New Music, Balance Duo, Onyx Ashanti, Ahya Simone, New Music Detroit and My Brightest Diamond. Doors open at Andy Arts in Detroit at 3:30 p.m. and shows run from 4-11 p.m. General admission is $35, or $17 for students with a valid student ID. For more information, visit ra.co.

Read more: Spotlights on Dally in the Alley and Strange Beautiful Music festivals

Celebrating Detroit legacies

September marks the 14th annual Detroit Month of Design, and the theme is “Creative Currents.” This citywide collaboration gathers designers, consumers, residents and the greater community to celebrate Detroit’s role as a national and global design capital. Spaces across the city are offering a range of experiences, including exhibitions, installations, product launches, talks, tours, workshops and parties. To see the full list of events, visit detroitmonthofdesign.org.

The Upright, Oak & Reel’s underground cocktail lounge, is introducing a new cocktail menu inspired by the history of jazz in Detroit. Starting on Friday, Sep. 6, guests can enjoy nostalgic tunes from different jazz periods while sipping corresponding themed drinks like an Old Fashioned or an Espresso Martini. The Upright is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m. to midnight. For more information, visit oakandreel.com.

On Saturday, Sep. 7, Spot Lite is hosting an all-white party to celebrate Techno legend Kevin Sanderson’s 60th birthday. He’ll be DJing from open to close, and guests are asked to dress their best in all-white attire. Doors open at 9 p.m. and tickets are $25. This event is 21+. For more information, visit their Facebook event.

Showcasing local talent

Friday, Sep. 6 is the second installment of Best Case Scenario’s Variety at the Congregation, featuring comedians Dave Mishevitz, Sam Rager and Mike Boone as well as drag performers Eve Vale, Jezebel and Sidonie Bella. Doors open at 7 p.m. at The Congregation Detroit and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 online or $25 at the door. This event is 18+. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page. 

Early fall festivities

This weekend is the 2024 Art & Apples Festival at Rochester Municipal Park. This long-running fine arts fair features over 200 juried artists, stage entertainment, food trucks and more. This event is free and open to the public, but a $5 donation is suggested at entry. For more information, visit pccart.org.

This weekend is also the annual Donut & Cider Fest at Canterbury Village in Lake Orion, featuring fall festivities, family entertainment and lots of donuts and cider from Yates Cider Mill. There will be Michigan-made items for sale, free bounce houses and yard games, a petting zoo and more. Tickets are $4 with cash or $5 with card at the door, and kids under 3 and military personnel get in free with valid ID. For more information, visit canterburyvillage.com.