The Metro Events Guide: Beer releases, benefit brunches and more to enjoy in metro Detroit this week

This week, we’ve got plenty to do that crosses cultural borders — beer release parties for public radio, benefit brunches for the preservation of Black artistry, comedy shows for election season and more.

Plus, where you can best enjoy crisp air, crunchy leaves and apple cider. Read on for details.

Meaningful meals

Join us for the next installment of Ann Delisi’s Essential Cooking at TAKOI on Sunday, Oct. 13. Chef Brad Greenhill will prepare a special 5-course meal with a beverage pairing for guests to enjoy as part of TAKOI’s Ten-Year Anniversary Tour. Located in Corktown, TAKOI is known for modern Thai cooking accented with Michigan seasonality, a DIY mentality and a penchant for local food production. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and seating is at 6 p.m. Limited spaces remain! To learn more, visit our events page.

Then, on Sunday, Oct. 13, The Black Canon is hosting an exclusive brunch and art experience designed to help preserve and elevate Black artistry in its many forms. This inaugural fundraising event will feature a curated art exhibit, a panel discussion with emerging artists, a silent auction, and brunch selections by award-winning chef Rashard Carodine. This benefit brunch will take place at Taylor’d Garden in Livonia from noon to 4 p.m. Tickets are $65 and guests are asked to dress in “Black Chic” attire. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page.

Related: Black film history treasures coming to Livonia – The Metro

Election entertainment

On Saturday, Oct. 12, actor and comedian Tim Meadows (Saturday Night Live, “Mean Girls”) is headlining Comedy Caucus, an evening of stand-up comedy and live music in support of Gretchen Whitmer’s Fight Like Hell PAC. Hosted at the Flagstar Strand Theatre in Pontiac, guests will enjoy performances by nine up-and-coming female comics from around the country, as well as live music by actor/musician Michael Shannon (George & Tammy, Boardwalk Empire) and Jason Narducy (Verböten, Superchunk). Tickets start at $48 and doors open at 6:45 p.m. For more information, visit timmeadowslive.com.

Related: Tim Meadows’ Comedy Caucus coming to Pontiac this weekend – The Metro

Then, keep the election entertainment going at a live recording of our weekly politics podcast, MichMash! In partnership with Gongwer News Service, co-hosts Zach Gorchow, Alethia Kasben and Cheyna Roth will be at UrbanBeat in Lansing’s Old Town neighborhood on Wednesday, Oct. 16 to share their insights and interview guests about all things politics as the November election nears. This free event goes from 7-8:30 p.m. For more information, visit our events page. 

Birthday celebrations

Head to Spot Lite Detroit on Saturday, Oct. 12 for a special edition of House Your Life in celebration of DJ Minx’s birthday! She’ll be spinning tracks from open to close starting at 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 and the event is 21+. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Related: DJ Minx brings deep house delicacies, plus Sun Ra, Marvin Gaye + Rock Steady Disco exclusives – In The Groove

Speaking of birthdays, this year marks WDET’s 75th! To celebrate, we’ve teamed up with Batch Brewing in Corktown to create a custom beer just for you. Join us at Batch Brewing for the official release party on Friday, Oct. 18 from 7-11 p.m., hosted by In The Groove’s Ryan Patrick Hooper. In addition to beer tastings and mingling, there will also be live performances by Sugar Tradition, Winestoned Cowboys and the Allen Dennard Trio. Doors open at 6 p.m., the show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $25. For more information, visit our events page.

Cultural experiences

For the first time in over 10 years, the Mexican Irish Festival returns to Southwest Detroit on Sunday, Oct. 13. This festival brings together two vibrant Detroit sub-cultures, featuring ballet folklórico and Irish step dancing, Mexican mariachi and Irish folk music, and more cultural collaborations (corn beef empanadas, anyone?). The festival goes from noon to 5 p.m. at El Mercado on Bagley St., and is free and open to the public. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Fall festivities

Saturday, Oct. 12 is the third annual Pontiac Harvest Festival, featuring pumpkin bowling, rock climbing, bounce houses, a DJ, and of course, apple cider and donuts. Festivities are open from 1-5 p.m. at Pontiac City Hall, and admission is free. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Then, head over to the Farmington Hills Nature Center on Sunday, Oct. 13 at for a Fall Color Walk. This guided hike will highlight the beauty of the season under a canopy of color through Heritage Park and Woodland Hills. Participants will learn why and how leaves change color and search for animals preparing for winter. The guided hike is open to all ages, admission is $3 and advance registration is required. For more information, visit their website.