The Metro Events Guide: Día de los Muertos celebrations, live performances and Election Day in Detroit

Día de los Muertos celebrations

In celebration of Día de los Muertos, the Detroit Institute of Arts, in partnership with Detroit’s Mexican Consulate, the Southwest Detroit Business Association and Mexicantown CDC, presents their twelfth annual community Ofrendas exhibition. The Day of the Dead is the time when Latin American cultures celebrate the lives of close relatives, friends and community members who have passed away. Objects important to lost loved ones are collected and incorporated into elaborate displays that include pan de muerto (bread of the dead), sugar skulls, candles, flowers, papel picado (paper cutouts) and other decorations. The DIA’s Ofrendas exhibition is on display now through Sunday, Nov. 3. For more information, visit dia.org.

On Sunday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m., there will also be a special discussion with the artists behind the altars on display at the DIA’s Ofrendas exhibition. The event will begin with a presentation by members of the Mexican Consulate, exploring the rich history of Día de Muertos and the tradition of Ofrenda altars. Following this, each artist will share the inspiration and significance of their altar and will be available to answer questions. This program is free with museum admission, and includes ASL interpretation. For more information, visit dia.org.

La Jalisciense Supermercado y Taqueria in Detroit is also hosting their second annual Día de los Metros festival from Thursday, Oct. 31 through Sunday, Nov. 3. There will be cultural workshops, themed art activities, live Folklórico dance performances and an interactive graveyard experience. Tickets range from $4-$30 with discounts available for those dining in. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page.

On Saturday, Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy will host their annual Día de los Muertos Celebration at Valade Park. This free, family-friendly event will feature food, live music, ballet folklórico, vendors, children’s activities and more. Guests can participate in the community ofrenda by leaving a name or message for a lost loved one. For more information, visit detroitriverfront.org.

Live performances

On Friday, Nov. 1, Comedy at the Congregation presents a Chicago Takeover. This show features guest host Ali Ahmed, producer Sarah Lynn, and three of Chicago’s most talented comedians. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $15 online or $20 at the door. Please note that this event space is not ADA accessible. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page.

This weekend is your final chance to see Fat Ham at the Detroit Public Theatre. The story’s reluctant hero, Juicy, is a Black, queer, young man just trying to get his online degree in HR when his father’s ghost shows up, demanding that Juicy avenge his murder. But can Juicy do what his father commands? A family cookout becomes a compelling examination of love and loss, pain and joy, and a strange, surprising and often hilarious journey. Remaining performances are on Friday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. For more information, visit detroitpublictheatre.org.

This weekend only, Mark Morris Dance Group will present “The Look of Love” at the Detroit Opera House. This performance is a wistful and heartfelt homage to the chart-topping songs of Burt Bacharach, known for his soaring melodies and unique orchestrations influenced by jazz, rock and Brazilian music. The show features original choreography by Mark Morris and new musical arrangements by Ethan Iverson, performed live by an ensemble of piano, trumpet, bass, and drums, with Broadway star Marcy Harriell on lead vocals. Performances take place on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 3 at 2:30 p.m. For more information, visit detroitopera.org.

Holiday shopping

The All Things Detroit Holiday Shopping Experience and Food Truck Rally returns to Eastern Market on Sunday, Nov. 3. Founded by Jennyfer Crawford-Williams of Ask Jennyfer, this event marks the start of the holidays in the city and is the ideal place to shop local. This year’s market features free photos with Santa, hourly giveaways and over 200 small business vendors with a wide range of gifts, from art to accessories. General admission is $5 and is open from noon to 5 p.m., or you can beat the crowd from 10 a.m. to noon for $10. For more information, visit allthingsticketing.org.

Democracy in action

Tuesday, Nov. 5 is the last day to vote in the general election! If you haven’t already submitted your ballot, you’ll want to make a plan to do so on Election Day, as early voting has already ended in some communities. Several nonpartisan organizations are offering free rides to the polls, which will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. You can learn more about national and local races as well as proposals with our 2024 Voter Guide (available in English y en español). We’ll be posting up-to-date election results once the polls close on our website and social media pages.