Who: AWOLNATION w/ Bryce Fox and Makua
What: The Phantom Five Tour Live @ St. Andrew's Hall on Saturday, April 26th, 2025
Tickets are $64 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 #phantom
~C
Spring is finally here, and with it comes one of the coolest grassroots art events in Metro Detroit — the Backyard Art Fair. Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 10th, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., because this year's fair is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet. (If the weather doesn't cooperate, no worries — the rain date is set for Sunday, May 11th.)
Started by local artists Carey Gustafson and Kelly Kaatz during the early days of the pandemic, the Backyard Art Fair was designed to give artists and makers a safe, outdoor space to share their work with the community. What began as a small, homegrown event has blossomed into a beloved annual tradition, full of small-town charm and serious creative energy.
This year, the fair will feature over 200 artists and makers spread across 37 yards in the Ferndale and Oak Park neighborhoods between 8 Mile and 10 Mile, and from Hilton to Scotia. It’s a self-guided, open studio-style event, where you can walk, bike, scooter, or skateboard your way from house to house, discovering new art at every stop.
Each "Host House" will have three or more vendors set up in their yards, offering everything from handmade jewelry and ceramics to paintings, textiles, vintage finds, and more. Whether you're looking for unique gifts, original art for your walls, or just a fun way to spend the day outdoors, the Backyard Art Fair has something for everyone.
Beyond the shopping, what really makes the Backyard Art Fair special is its vibe — it’s casual, friendly, and deeply connected to the neighborhoods that host it. It’s a chance to meet the artists face-to-face, hear their stories, and see the passion that goes into every piece they create.
If you’ve never been, trust us — this is the year to go. Grab your walking shoes (or your skateboard), bring a tote bag for all your new treasures, and spend a day soaking up some serious creative inspiration.
Backyard Art Fair 2025
🗓️ Saturday, May 10th (rain date: Sunday, May 11th)
🕚 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
📍 Between 8 Mile & 10 Mile and Hilton to Scotia, Ferndale & Oak Park
For updates, follow Backyard Art Fair on social media and get ready to shop local, support artists, and celebrate the spirit of this amazing community tradition.
~S
Friday, April 18th - Spring Stunr Fest @ Lager House: The third annual Spring Stunr Fest takes over the Lager House this Friday for a night of Femme punk! The lineup includes 3 The Hard Way, Wild Shape, Rot Knot, Seahag, Pillow Princess, and Meek. There will also be a bunch of great vendors there. $10 gets you in the door and things kick off at 7 PM.
Friday, April 18th - The Lowcocks @ The Garden Bowl: Things are always better when they're free! And this Friday night the Garden Bowl has a great free show! Check out The Lowcocks, The Tin Can Collective, and Endless Mike & The Beagle Club. 21+ are welcome and the show starts at 8 PM.
Saturday, April 19th - Punk Rock Prom @ The Congregation: Pretty yourself up and head to The Congregation Saturday night for Punk Rock Prom! Dress to impress because you'll be taking sassy prom photos that you'll want to hang on your wall! But, don't worry about picking up a corsage for your date because there will be a DIY corsage station on site! Music for the night will be provided by Hayley & The Crushers, Duende, and Antibuddies. There will also be burlesque, spiked punch, prizes, and more. Doors open at 8 PM and $20 gets you in at the door.
Saturday, April 19th - Open Studios: 40 West Howard Studios in Pontiac will be opening its doors to the public this Saturday afternoon! Check out four floors of local art, live music from The Morrison Brothers, wine, snacks, and more! The event goes from 1-7 PM and is free to attend.
~C
Who: half•alive w/ The Walters and Mehro
What: Persona World Tour @ St. Andrew's Hall on Tuesday, April 15th, 2025
Tickets are $53 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 #alive
~C
Friday, April 4th - Detroit Tigers Opening Day: The streets of Downtown Detroit will be filled with sports fans this Friday for Tigers Opening Day! The Tigers will be taking on the Chicago White Sox for the home opener, with a 1:10 PM game time. Pretty much every bar in the area will be having an opening day party too! So skip out of work early or head downtown if you have the day off and you're looking to party!
Saturday, April 5th - Detroit Zine Fest @ Jam Handy: Celebrate zine culture in Detroit with over 100 zine-makers this Saturday at Detroit Zine Fest! The event will take place at The Jam Handy from Noon - 6 PM. Admission is free and free parking is available too! Come hungry, because Hero Villain Food Truck will be there from 1-4 PM. Don't forget your mask too, because masks are required for entry. Get all of the details here.
Friday, April 4th - Sunday, April 6th - Astronomicom: Astronomicon brings your favorite wrestling stars, movie stars, and pop culture icons to town this weekend! The event has a new home this year, the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest. Some of the big names appearing this weekend include Jason Lee and all of his sidekicks from My Name is Earl, Tommy Chong, Bruce Campbell, wrestling legend Sting (not the singer), and Bret "The Hitman" Hart. Check out the full list of stars that will be in attendance here. Tickets start at $30 a day, with weekend passes, VIP, and combo passes available. Get yours here. The convention runs from 5-10 PM on Friday, 11 AM - 7 PM on Saturday, and 11 AM - 5 PM on Sunday.
~C
