Hamtramck ain't really the best neighborhood. Nonetheless, it's an opportunity for folks to learn…read moremore. They've got the Disneyland art installation that's def worth seeing. My GPS led me right in front of the house. Head out back. It stretches only across two backyards. You'll see lots of random things, like an old TV, the top half of a mannequin, paintings, an airplane, etc. Not sure what it all means. At the end of the day, we could invest more in neighborhoods like this.

Honestly thought this place was going to be interesting and fun but it was very small located in…read morethe heart of Hamtramck and very unique but could tell they had kind of let the place fall apart. But still a experience at least stop by and see for yourself. Does have a strong artistic vibe.

I hadn't been to Theatre Bizarre in a couple of years but this year was aces. Adding a second night…read morereally seemed to alleviate a lot of the congestion I spoke about in my first review. It was way easier to get from one place to another this time, despite it being sold out, and I never felt crushed or overwhelmed like I had in the past. Performers were still incredible and the set up is just visually stunning. I spent a lot of the night just taking video or pictures, I just couldn't help myself! It's all so so cool. The only complaint I have from this year is the line to get in was wild. We had tickets and it still took an hour to get in. Maybe because we came at peak time around 9pm? But I was a doozy. Luckily they make the line engaging with performers out front. It helped that this year was a warm night. When it's cold it's not so fun! But either way, it's a blast to watch all the costumes walk by and chat with fellow attendees in line, so while it's kind of a bummer standing outside for so long it could definitely be worse! If you've never been, mark you calendars for October 2018. It's something everyone in the Detroit area should experience at least once!

Just plain fun. Spooky, creative, entertaining as hell. Hope to go again if it ever returns.read more

Do you know how lucky we are to have such a wonderful holiday pop up in the heart of downtown…read moreDetroit? Because WE ARE! Starting in mid-December (through the first week of January), Cadillac Square is taken over by a beautifully constructed set of glass walled shops housing popups from wonderful local business, from brick and mortar shops a curating a specific experience (like the POST sponsored gift wrapping area) to local brands without storefronts showcasing their wares, there's plenty to see here. I popped in last week and saw so many wonderful things, from artisan snacks from Folk, pet friendly items, baking supplies, (I may have dropped a pretty penny on their beautiful sprinkles), accessories made from reclaimed wood, gifts for kiddos, hair products, permanent jewelry, board games, and so much more (see all the vendors for 2023 here https://www.deckedoutdetroit.com/winter-markets). And the vast majority of the businesses are women and/or Black-owned! Oh, and there are delicious smelling Belgian waffles, though I had just come from dinner and was too full to enjoy that particular offering. In addition to the markets you can enjoy the Cadillac Lounge, a cozy pop up ski lodge with seasonal food and beverages, loads of vignettes to take holiday photos at, and the Monroe Winter Midway which has an arcade, a massive arctic slide, bumper cars, art installations, concessions, and more. Oh yeah, and there's the skating rink and the massive lit tree and menorah across the road in Campus Martius. Weekends get pretty batty here but hours extend later into the evening. But if you're able to make it on a weeknight I recommend that as you'll likely have an easier time navigating all the fun things without the crowds.

I'm jealous! I can't stop thinking: "how will I bring this model to Indy?"... watch out, ya'll, I'm…read moreserious. There are so many things to celebrate about this new holiday tradition in the heart of downtown Detroit: -fun fact from my research: 22 of the 30 local makers represented in the glass greenhouse booths are minority owned businesses (yeah!) -the Cadillac Lounge tent is home to stunning clusters of couches, long communal tables, woodland decor, heaters, a long bar filled with hot cocktail options (shout out for the delicious hot Toddy) and eats from a local restaurant like butternut squash soup -outdoor ice skating rink standing in the shadow of the huge and gorgeous twinkling tree -Christmas music playing for all to hear -family friendly options like Jenga and event programming for the kiddos -twinkling lights over the streets leading up to the market

Hamtramck Banksy Authenticated…read more (Posted on April 1, 2014 by Hillary) A stencil on the corner of Sobieski and Commor in Hamtramck was painted by none other than British street artist Banksy. This work is based on an earlier piece, "Laugh Now", commissioned for a Brighton night club in 2002. The new message can only be a reference to the 555 Gallery and their intention to sell part of a wall taken from the Packard Plant in Detroit. We couldn't believe it either, but when we heard from a friend of a friend that Banksy had again visited Detroit to make a statement about "commercialism, capitalism and the mechanics of the art market", we sent a request to Pest Control, a service that issues certificates on behalf of the artist. Despite their promise of a "lengthy and challenging process", they were quick to reply in this case. "Graffiti art has a hard enough life as it is - with council workers wanting to remove it and kids wanting to draw moustaches on it, before you add hedge-fund managers wanting to chop it out and hang it over the fireplace." "For the sake of keeping all street art where it belongs I'd encourage people not to buy anything by anybody unless it was created for sale in the first place." This entry was posted in Hamtramck by Hillary. This proved to be an April Fool's joke, but we had tons of fun visiting and discussing Albert Kahn, the Packard Plant, Banksy, the Packard Banksy, the 555 Gallery, and this "Banksy".

Right behind CCS in Peck Park, Walk in Movies provides excellent times with cult classics with your…read morefriends in downtown Detroit. this is a great "hidden" feature of the big city, and relies a lot of word-of-mouth. Definitely keep an eye on the always-current MySpace because the event is not planned very far in advance. Usually the movies start a few minutes after dusk, with the screen set up and a few blankets out at sunset. The first movie tends to be a "family friendly" feature followed by a more mature feature. The first one of this season featured cult classics "The Neverending Story" and "The Apple". Past movies include: -Shampoo -Carmen: The Hip-Hopera -Creepshow (with a different live band providing score for each chapter) -E.T. -How to Draw a Bunny -Fritz Lang's Siegfried (with Darling Imperial providing score) -Jayne Mansfield double-feature "The Girl Can't Help It" and "Dog Eat Dog"

Grab a blanket, load a picnic basket with beer and snacks and take a trip to Detroit's Peck Park to…read morecheck out Walk-In Movies. Located in the Wayne State University area, this is a must for anyone looking to experience something uniquely Detroit. I first heard about Walk-In Movies when my boyfriend's band wrote an original score and performed while Fritz Lang's Siegfred was projected onto a gigantic screen. Not always a band to play an original score, Walk-In Movies has offered some fantastic films like a Jayne Mansfield double feature. Movies start at dusk and the crowd is always friendly and willing to share their popcorn and other goodies. Check out the myspace page for more information.

Detroit is covered in graffiti murals but a great place to find a lot- right around Eastern Market…read more I LOVE graffiti. I will say the artist in Detroit do a good job but can't top places like NYC and Miami. But this is not a sleeper graffiti city. Colorful, realistic images but some subject were just not in my wheelhouse of executed to a high level of graffiti art. But I like what you are doing Detroit. Keep doing it.

A wonderful place to visit and check out the creative side of Detroit. This place contains an array…read moreof great street art and creative place with fun things to look at. There were extensive graffiti art and murals spread out around this place. They have accumulated murals over years by many different artists and their own styles. They are very colorful, detailed and brightens up the neighborhood. We had fun adventuring and observing the beautiful street art around the market. Free and very entertaining something everywhere. Nice spot for some photography to click some vibrant art. This is a definitely a place to visit as there are many different variety exhibits. Even my 5 year old enjoyed it here, worth a visit !

Must see spot in the city. The artists rotate and with each rotation is a great party hosted in the…read moregallery. The building itself is beautiful and just a short stumble from the Sheds in Eastern Market. My favorite night of all my experiences at RBHOA was the Secret Walls live mural competition. It was an amazing night where (4) teams of 3-4 artists painted murals to be judged at the conclusion of the night by the crowd. Amazing to see the artists at work. Being that the building and events are sponsored by Red Bull there is always all you can drink Vodka Redbulls (plus a few other selections, miller light, gin & tonic, etc.) Great experience every visit. This is definitely a spot I like to introduce slowly to friends from outside of the city.

One of my favorite parts of Detroit's art scene. Red Bull HoA selects resident artists that rotate…read morethrough the studio, where they focus on producing what they love and then displaying it to the public on Saturdays during the Eastern Market. The building is basically a gentrified warehouse and the first floor is where the residents work. If you go on a Saturday, you can hang out with the resident artists and talk with them as they paint, etc. After that, head downstairs to the gallery. There, completed works are displayed next to a tiny number on a thumb tack that you can use to look up each work's price if you are interested. You can browse the whole gallery in about ten minutes, but the art in invariably outstanding and I highly recommend it. It draws from a lot of College of Creative Studies talent in Detroit, and a lot of the art has contemporary and urban undertones. I've heard that they also throw parties about once a month. I can't go to the one in July, but will update this review as soon as I'm able to attend! Stop by the Red Bull House of Art whenever you are in the Eastern Market!

The Z-Lot and it's adjoining alley, know as the Belt is a great place in Detroit to enjoy a wealth…read moreof public art, something the city has a lot of. Both the Z-Lot and the Belt Alley contain a wide range of artwork, from artists around the globe. A lot of it is quite edgy,fun and colorful. This is one of those unusual places I enjoy visiting in cities. The Belt Alley also has an outdoor bar called the Skip. The Z-Garage has artwork on all it's floors and you don't have to park there to see it. The view from the top of this parking lot is awesome. You get an amazing view for free. You can see many city sites from here. It is a must see point for great pictures. On a Sunday evening, this garage is reasonably priced at $10. We were able to park, and walk all the levels to see the murals. The garage is split, and you can cross over between levels 4-10. The view from the top is pretty great, too.

What an amazing area in detroit !! We saw Van Gogh immersion then delicious cuban cuisine at…read moreVicenntes Then oeople wztvh in the alkey

Maybe it's nostalgia, but I only still like the Red Pop best…read more Faygo had a stand in the middle of downtown in Plymouth. We tried the new sodas, green apple, forgot the red one and blue one. None of them were too good to me. The blue one tasted like bad cough medicine. I think using cane sugar in all of the Faygos might make them taste just as good. Looking back the coloring of these sodas are quite off-putting. Faygo still holds a special place in my heart, reminds me of my youth.

We were driving through Detroit and we stopped at the Faygo plant just to say we've been there…read morecause I'm a huge insane clown posse fan so I have always wanted to go to the Faygo store because I always wrap about Faygo and throw faygo at their concert so this is kind of a sentimental thing the beverage itself anytime I've gotten it is not very good to be honest but it's just kind of cool because being a fan for 25 years and actually get to see the heart of Detroit where they're from in the Faygo itself is very special for me

What. A. Blast. The…read moreMarche du Nain Rouge was easily one of the most fun events I've been to in Detroit in recent memory. Due to a late brunch I missed the opening festivities at the Third Street Saloon but some friends and I picked up the marche along Cass and partied down with all the costumed revelers down to Cass Park. Folks were glittered up, painted up, wigged out, riding decorated bikes, dressed in drag, walking their costumed dogs (doxie in a grass skirt was my favorite) and marching to the sounds of the Detroit Party Marching Band to banish the red dwarf! Once at the park, people congregated around the stage and watched/cheered as the Nain got what he deserved--a banishment from Coleman Young, The Spirit of Detroit, and Cadillac from the Detroit city limits. Detroit is now free of negativity and bad luck for the next year. Huzzah! Celebrations continued with food from Slow's, Avalon, and beer from Detroit Beer Company while City Bird was on hand selling some great Nain memorabilia (I got a Nain shirt a few days prior and I love it so!). I saw a bunch of friends, made some new ones, and had a great time as people congregated around and showed each other some serious good will. Honestly one of the warmest receptions you could ask for. Great of all those midtown businesses to band together to support this fabulous new tradition. I hope it continues and keeps growing each year. We all need a little fun and positivity (and beer!) come spring time, yeah? Get outta here, Nain! Detroit is ready to party!

Last year (2010) was the first year of the Marche du Nain Rouge rebirth…read more Directly from the website: La Marche du Nain Rouge is an annual Detroit tradition that purportedly dates back to shortly after the city's founding by the French in 1701. Annually held on the Sunday closest to the Vernal (Spring) Equinox, it is parade and street theater similar in sensibility to Mardi Gras and other Carnival celebrations. However the impetus for La Marche is different. La Marche drives Le Nain Rouge (The Red Dwarf) out of Detroit, preventing its evil spirit from plaguing the people of the city for the rest of the year. By forcing Le Nain Rouge from the city (and into the spirit plane), Le Nain is banished, transforming Detroiters' fears and doubts into the hopes of new life and the coming Spring season. So. Much. Fun. The festivities begin behind the Third Street Saloon at Third and Forest. The best part? Third Street has a wonderful Bloody Mary bar. I was a Bloody Mary bar virgin, but quickly became a pro - head to the bar and pick your poison then head to the extensive bloody mary bar to concoct your perfect bloody mary. The bar is filled with all sorts of mixes, shrimp, pickles, celery, spices and more. Super fun and super delish. The parade begins with a brief history of the tradition and then proceeds down Cass Ave to Cass Park (across from the Masonic). The Detroit Party Marching Band is on hand and adds to the festivities. Once in Cass Park, there is a big ceremony and everyone ends up at the Temple Bar. I am being somewhat vague on purpose - so you can experience the fun on your own. BTW, lots of people brought their dog and/or kids - there was plenty of fun for everyone! My suggestion? Put it in your calendar and plan to go. It was a huge success and I am confident that each and every year will bring more and more merriment to the festivities. Already looking at this years event on the website, they have added lots more fun to include a ton of Midtown in the mix.