Thursday, December 21, 2023

Head Dowtown for Some Winter Fun at the Monroe Street Midway

The weather outside is... surprisingly nice for this time of year! So take advantage of this mild winter that we're having and enjoy the outdoors at the Monroe Street Midway! Located adjacent to Campus Martius, this fun outdoor space has once again been transformed into a winter wonderland this year. Fun seekers of all ages can take a ride down the Arctic Slide, play a game of Puck-Putt (a hockey/mini golf hybrid), play on seesaws, swings, bumper cars, or even play their favorite arcade games! Admission to the Midway is free as are most activities, with the exception of the bumper cars that are $5 per session and the arcade games which range from $0.50- $3. In addition to the fun attractions, there are also concessions including hot chocolate, and bonfires to warm up by. 

The Monroe Street Midway has extended hours now through the end of their season, which is January 7th. Those hours are:


Mondays – Thursdays: 11AM – 8PM
Fridays – Saturdays: 11AM – 10PM
Sundays: 11AM – 8PM

Christmas Eve: 11AM – 4PM
Christmas Day: Closed
New Year’s Eve & Day: 11AM – 8PM


Head downtown, take a picture in front of the Campus Martius Christmas Tree, shop the Markets at Cadillace Square, and have some fun at the Monroe Street Midway!


~C

Monday, December 18, 2023

Cold As Life, Earthmover, Koffin Kats, Mustard Plug and More Play Black Christmas 2023 (Podcast)

 

There are a few shows that have become staples in the Detroit music scene and Black Christmas tops that list! The annual event is a welcome escape from holiday festivities with your family, for a night of music, fun, and craziness with your chosen family! This year's show is somehow even bigger than year's past, with 30 bands on the bill. The headliners this time around include Cold As Life, Earthmover, Koffin Kats, and Mustard Plug. Regulars to Black Christmas probably have noticed that The Suicide Machines aren't on the list, but fret not because the guys will still be included with their side projects, J. Navarro & The Traitors, The Boreouts, and Bastardous. Some other acts that stand out on the list are Bill Kozy's Rising Force, Detroit 442, PT's Revenge, The Mizzerables, Macho, Norcos Y Horchata, and well, just about everyone on that flyer up above. 

It's all happening on Saturday, December 30th at the entire Majestic Complex, including The Magic Stick, The Garden Bowl, and The Majestic Theatre. To get all of the details about the show, we had Ramona from Black Iris Booking and Jeff from Cold As Life come by to chat about Black Christmas. Give the podcast a listen below through Soundcloud or on Spotify here.


Tickets for Black Christmas are $34.99 and can be purchased online here. As Ramona mentioned in the podcast, you can also purchase the tickets fee free at The Garden Bowl or at Edgemen Printing. All ages are welcome, doors open at 3 p.m., and the show starts at 4. So get there early and stay late! Trust us, you aren't going to want to miss anyone on this bill! Get all of the details on this year's Black Christmas here


~C

Monday, December 11, 2023

Friday, December 8, 2023

Hip in Detroit's Picks for the Weekend: December 8-10

Friday, December 8th & Saturday, December 9th - Outer Limits Records Showcase - Holiday Party: Get in the Holiday Spirit at Outer Limits Lounge this weekend during the Outer Limits Holiday Record Showcase! Friday & Saturday night OLL will have shows with bands from the Outer Limits Records' Family with four bands each night for just $10. Friday night's lineup includes New Twenty Saints, Loose Koozies, Tin Foil, and Menage Detroit. Saturday night will feature Hentchmen, CC Nobody, Prude Boys, and 208. Doors open at 8 p.m. each night and the bands start at 9. 

Saturday, December 9th - Against the Grain @ Small's: We weren't sure if it would ever happen again, but Against the Grain is returning to the stage at Small's this Saturday night! The band will be playing a retrospective set, with songs spanning their whole career. Joining them for the night are Bill Kozy's Rising Force, Manic Outburst, and Pepper & The Heavy Boys. Cover is $20 and doors open at 7 p.m. A lot of tickets are already sold for this one, so there's a good chance it will sell out! So, if you don't already have tickets, make sure you get there early! 

Saturday, December 9th - Wreck the Halls @ Lager House: Join Dear Darkness and friends this Saturday night for the fifth annual Wreck The Halls at The Lager House. The evening will include music from Gusher, Werewolf Jones, Dark Red, Womb Worm, Sex Scenes, and Pet Psychic. $10 gets you in, doors open at 6 p.m. and the music starts at 7. 

Saturday, December 9th - Bear vs. Shark @ The Majestic: Saturday night is the night for good shows this weekend, and The Majestic has a doozie lined up for you! Bear vs. Shark will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of Right Now, You’re In The Best of Hands and joining them are Heads Will Roll. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in advance here. All ages are welcome. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the music starts at 8 p.m.


Saturday, December 9th - Creepy Cheapy Holiday Treat @ The Crofoot: If you're a fan of Creepy Cheapy, don't miss The Crofoot's holiday version of the event this Saturday night! Creepy Cheapy Holiday Treat is a holiday masquerade where holiday themed costumes are highly encouraged! The night will feature live music from The Strangers Unlimited (Throwback Holiday Hits Live (80s-00s)) and tunes from DJ Chaddy Daddy. There will also be photos with Santa, the Christmas Cookie Eating Contest of Doom, Holiday Cocktail Specials, and free Holiday Candies & Goodies. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance here. 18+ are welcome and doors open at 8 p.m.

Saturday, December 9th - Santa on the People Mover: This Saturday afternoon you have the unique opportunity to take a ride with Santa on The People Mover! The big guy himself will be riding the loop from noon - 4 p.m. and you can take a ride with him and even get a picture together for the low cost of a ride token which is just 75 cents. Before you head down to ride, check out the schedule of where he is expected to be throughout the day here



~C


Thursday, December 7, 2023

Win Tickets to See Aqua at The Fillmore Detroit

Who: Aqua

What: Performing Live at The Fillmore Detroit on Sunday, December 10th, 2023

Tickets are $50-$150 in advance and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #Aqua.


~C

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Win Ticket to See Boys of Fall at The Shelter


Who: Boys of Fall w/ Shallow Truths, Plainview, and As We Divide

What: Playing The Shelter on Saturday, December 9th, 2023

Tickets are $18 and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #Boys.


~C

Win Tickets to Emo Night Brooklyn at St. Andrew's Hall


Who: Emo Night Brooklyn (18+)

What: Saturday, December 9th at St. Andrew's Hall

Tickets are $18-$20 in advance and they can be purchased here.

Or you can enter to win a pair!

How? Email your full name to hipindetroit@gmail.com with the subject line #EmoNight.


~C

Experience the Holiday Magic at Miracle Pop-Up Bar in Detroit's Dragonfly and The Oakland in Downtown Ferndale

  

The holiday season in Detroit just got a whole lot merrier! Embracing the festive spirit, Dragonfly in Detroit and The Oakland in Ferndale have transformed into enchanting Christmas wonderlands with the arrival of the Miracle pop-up bar. This limited-time experience, running through December 30th, promises a delightful escape into a winter wonderland brimming with seasonal cheer and tantalizing drinks.

Step into a Christmas-themed paradise as both Dragonfly and The Oakland don their holiday best. The décor is a delightful blend of cozy and spirited, with twinkling lights, garlands, and charmingly adorned spaces that instantly transport you to the North Pole. The ambiance is as inviting as it gets, making it the perfect spot to revel in the holiday magic.

At the heart of this seasonal celebration are the expertly crafted drinks. The Miracle pop-up bar offers a delightful array of Christmas-themed cocktails served in the most adorable Miracle-themed mugs. Whether you're craving a classic seasonal concoction or a unique twist on a holiday favorite, their menu is sure to have something to tantalize your taste buds.

Moreover, for friends seeking the fun without the buzz, there's a thoughtful selection of non-alcoholic wine and cocktails that promise all the flavor without the kick. It's the perfect opportunity to share the joy with everyone, regardless of their drink preferences.

For those eager to join in on the holiday revelry, here are the hours and locations:

Dragonfly (2929 E. Grand Boulevard) operates from Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday, welcoming guests from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, the doors stay open a little longer, until 12 a.m.

The Oakland (201 West Nine Mile Road) invites guests Tuesday through Sunday, creating magic from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Given the popularity of this seasonal spectacle, reservations are recommended to secure your spot in this winter paradise. Whether it's a cozy evening with friends or a memorable date night, ensuring your reservation guarantees a seamless entry into the holiday joy.

Cheers to the holidays and the wonder of Miracle pop-up bar in Detroit!


~S

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Shop Local or Die 2023!

Shopping local isn't just about transactions; it's about preserving the heart and soul of our communities. Each dollar spent within our local businesses is an investment in our neighborhoods, a commitment to their growth and sustainability. It's the difference between vibrant streets teeming with unique shops and the hollowing out of cherished places. 

Beyond the economic impact, there's a magic in discovering something handcrafted or uniquely curated that evokes genuine joy in the recipient. That moment of delight when they ask, "How did you find this?" speaks volumes about the power of local discovery. Small businesses aren't just shops; they're repositories of knowledge and passion, eager to guide us to the perfect gift.

In the spirit of fostering thoughtful and meaningful connections through gifts, we've compiled a curated list of our beloved local spots in Metro Detroit. This holiday season, let's champion the local artisans, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs who make our communities flourish. 

Join us in embracing the spirit of giving by choosing the local path. And if there's a gem we've missed, share it with us at hipindetroit@gmail.com. 

Together, let's build a thriving network of local treasures, ensuring that the gift of shopping locally continues beyond this holiday season.
Pictured here: Coup D'état

Detroit
Shop at Cadillac Square (10 local makers)

Pictured here: Cabresto Tequila at Lopez Tire

Eastern Market


Hamtramck


Ferndale
The Rust Belt (40 local makers in one spot)


Royal Oak

Pictured here: Downtown Detroit Markets at Cadillac Square

Other Cities in Metro-Detroit


~S

Friday, December 1, 2023

Hip in Detroit's Picks for the Weekend: December 1-3

We already told you about Detroit Urban Craft Fair! Here are some other fun things happening this weekend! 

Friday, December 1st - Ben Sharkey Holiday Soiree @ Willis Show Bar: If you're looking to get in the holiday spirit, look no further than Willis Show bar this Friday night! Ben Sharkey will be hosting a holiday soiree where he will sing some of your favorite holiday classics the way only Ben can. Dress up and head out for a fun night on the town! 


Friday, December 1st - Flamingo Vintage Five Year Anniversary: This Friday night, Flamingo Vintage Celebrates a half a decade of existence at their Five Year Anniversary Party! It seems like Flamingo Vintage was just the cool new vintage store in town yesterday, so it's crazy to think that five years has already passed! Come out and celebrate with them this Friday night because they will be throwing an epic party at the store with music from DJ Sheefy McFly and Detroit Party Marching Band! Sheefy will also have an art pop up, and there will be pop ups from Lockhart Designs and Sewical Anxiety Clothing. Plus, Flamingo Vintage will be holding a 30% off sale all day!


Saturday, December 2nd - The Idiot Kids Chapels Album Release Party: The Idiot Kids are celebrating the release of their new LP this weekend at Outer Limits Lounge. Chapels is out now on Jett Plastic Recordings and will be available at the show on CD and vinyl. Joining The Idiot Kids for the big album release party are The Cult of Spaceskull and Carmel Liburdi & Friends. Cover is only $10 and doors open at 8 p.m. Give Chapels a listen online here



Saturday, December 2nd - Noel Night: Noel Night takes over the streets of Midtown and the Cultural Center this Saturday evening for the 49th year! During this annual event, businesses, churches, and galleries open their doors to the public for a festive night of holiday cheer. There's live music, shopping, make & take crafts for the family, art, Santa, and more. Check out the map of all of the participating venues here. Admission is free and there are also free shuttles helping you get from place to place. Noel Night goes from 5-10 p.m. in Midtown and 5-9 p.m. in the Cultural Center. Head to NoelNight.org for more details. 


Saturday, December 2nd - The Suicide Machines @ St. Andrew's Hall: Talking about time flying, somehow it has been 20 years since The Suicide Machines released their album A Match and Some Gasoline!!! This Saturday night, the band will be celebrating this anniversary with a big show at St. Andrew's Hall with their friends Frank White, Kill Lincoln, and ska legends Against All Authority! The show technically is sold out, but there are resale tickets available starting at just $35.



~C