Here are 10 things to do in Metro Detroit this weekend besides the Dream Cruise.
GreekFest at the Greek Orthodox Church of Assumption
This four-day festival draws thousands of people each year with live entertainment, Greek dancing, church tours, kids’ activities and, of course, Greek cuisine. Enjoy kebabs, spinach pie, coneys, gyros, pastitsio, lamb shakes, pastries and more at the festival or head to the drive-thru for express pickup (view menu on website and order by phone). There’s also a tavern with alcoholic beverages. Thursday 4-10 p.m., Friday 4-11 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission $3; children under 12 are free. 21800 Marter, St. Clair Shores. (586) 779-6111. Assumptionfestival.com.
Bush at the Michigan Lottery Amphitheater
Grab your bucket hat and ball chains because on Friday night Sterling Heights will become a ’90s nostalgia factory when rock hitmakers Bush bring their “Loaded: The Greatest Hits Tour” to town, with a support lineup that includes Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains, Candlebox and Bones. Friday, 6 p.m. Starting at $39.50. 14900 Metro Parkway, Sterling Heights. (313) 471-7000. 313presents.com.
Gladys Knight at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater
Enjoy one of the last remaining Friday nights of the summer with an evening under the stars with Gladys Knight at this riverfront venue. The empress of soul and former Motown Records artist has received just about every honor that can be bestowed on an American artist, including Grammy Awards, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a National Medal of Arts and Kennedy Center Honors. Friday, 8 p.m. Starting at $45. 2600 Atwater, Detroit. Thearetha.com.
Grosse Pointe Art Fair at Ford Estate
Stroll through this historic property and browse the creations of more than 100 highly skilled artists. Visitors can see jewelry, paintings, ceramics, glass art, sculptures and more, and everything is available for purchase. There will also be live acoustic music and food and drinks will be sold. Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $7 adults, $5 ages 4-12, free for ages 3 and younger and Ford House members. 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores. Artfairfun.com.
Michigan Renaissance Festival in Holly
It’s opening weekend of the 2024 Michigan Ren Fest, and the theme is pirates and puppies. Appropriately registered dogs can accompany their owners for medieval cosplay, giant turkey legs, grog, shopping, full-contact jousting and endless people-watching. Sat.-Sun. (and select days through Sept. 29). General admission for adults starts at $23.95. 12600 Dixie Hwy., Holly. (248) 634-5552. michrenfest.com.
Afro Nation at the Douglass Site
Headliners for this two-day open-air festival are Rema, Lil Wayne, Asake, Partynextdoor, Adekundle Gold, Kizz Daniel, Omah Lay and Shenseea. All day Sat.-Sun. From $70. Wilkins Street, Chrysler Dr., Detroit. deckedoutdetroit.com/afro-nation.
Detroit Bass Day at Motown Museum Rocket Plaza
The annual Detroit Bass Day is a multi-genre, multi-generational day of music. Dozens of musicians come together to pay homage to the great bassists of all time. Participants perform songs together, including “Get Ready” by the Temptations, “Brick House” by the Commodores and “Square Biz” by Teena Marie. Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Admission free. 2648 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit. Motownmuseum.org.
Childish Gambino at Little Caesars Arena
Childish Gambino, the musical alter ego of actor Donald Glover, is on tour to promote what is believed to be the project’s final album, “Bando Stone & the New World.” Glover told the New York Times that he no longer fulfills Childish Gambino. Catch him this weekend, probably one last time, in concert at the LCA with opening act Willow, whose sixth studio album, “Empathogen,” was released earlier this year. 8 p.m. Saturday. $104.50 and up. 2645 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 471-7000. 313presents.com.
Benefit event for Tony Romeo at Small’s Bar
Friends have organized a benefit concert to help Detroit-based musician Tony Romeo, a longtime veteran of the punk and rock scene, with some recent medical bills. The lavish lineup includes Ricky Rat Pack, Super Devil, DBO, Norcos Y Horchata, Pirate Love, I Are Citizen, Dr. Haj and Timmy’s Organism. Saturday, 7 p.m. $20 donation. 10399 Conant, Hamtramck. Smallsbardetroit.com.
Trucks Without Borders at the Eastern Market
Trucks Without Borders celebrates global cuisine and the local food trucks and caterers that serve it. The goal is to offer limitless flavors from around the world. Expect food from Nu Deli, Pink Flamingo, Relish Experience, the Drunken Rooster and many more. A portion of each chef’s proceeds will be donated to a global charity of their choice. Sun. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Shed 5, 2810 Russell, Detroit.
— Melody Baetens
