What to do in Detroit right now: Help Hurricane Ida victims, Sofa Stories, zoo run and more

Promo image from Sofa Stories Detroit. Credit: Shekinah Shazzam Photography

If you’re coming off major Labor Day weekend fun, there’s plenty to do this week to keep your spirits up! From Detroit farmers markets to food-and-music-filled events for a good cause, grab a friend and head to these (mostly) outdoorsy events happening this week.

Wednesday

🌳 Sidewalk Detroit “Stickwork” Installation Volunteering: Sidewalk Detroit is excited to be hosting world-renowned artist Patrick Dougherty as he creates a brand new installation at Eliza Howell Park. Volunteers are needed to help Patrick with harvesting sapling branches, stripping them of leaves and in the actual construction of the sculpture. Gloves, tools, water and snacks will be provided! Through Sept. 25, free, info.

🦐 Taste the Diaspora Pop-Up Event: Detroit Chef Ederique Goudia is collaborating with Detroit-area small businesses to host a week of popups to raise money for Hurricane Ida’s victims in Wallace, La. Stop by Wednesday’s awesome Gabriel Hall pop-up at Batch Brewing Co. for live beats and delicious Creole eats — then stop by a bounce workout, more festivities and a pig roast. Sept. 8-11, $20 (proceeds will also benefit displaced musicians), info/full week’s schedule.

🍅 Nighttime Farmers Market: The West End Hazel Park business coalition (WEHP) market is back this week. You’ll find produce, produce and more produce, a dumplings pop-up and live music from Marbrisa. Sept. 8, free/donation optional, info.

Thursday

👩‍⚕️ Caregivers on the Front Lines Public Forum: Whether they are paid workers or family members, people who provide care for older adults face numerous challenges, from physical burdens and economic hardships to loneliness and depression. Check out this forum on Facebook Live exploring strategies for caregivers and the community to provide the support our seniors deserve. Sept. 9, free, info.

🎶 ARAB: A Real Arab Blueprint : MUSIC: Take in a free night of music and culture at Spot Lite Detroit, with Tammy Lakkis, Aboudi Issa, Meftah and Jhouse & Măsquenada. Sept. 9, free, info.

🎨 Detroit Month of Design — “All of the Above” exhibition feat. Kaylie Kaitschuck + Toomas Toomepuu: The Detroit Month of Design is underway, and there are tons of events happening this month. Playground Detroit is hosting this unique exhibition featuring artwork by Kaylie Kaitschuck and Toomas Toomepuu. Now through Oct. 9, free, info.

🌇 YaYaLand Takeover: Head to the College for Creative Studies throughout this month at sundown to witness a vibrant, eye-catching installation like you’ve never seen. Now through Sept. 30, free, info.

🍕Cooking with Clergy Virtual Pizza Making Event: The Pope Francis Center is hosting a virtual pizza-making sesh with Pie-Sci Pizza. Your ticket includes pizza ingredients and a bottle of wine! Sept. 9, $50, info.

💈Free Cutz for Kids: Bring the kiddos to the Northwest Detroit Farmers’ Market for a free back-to-school haircut courtesy of Cutz Lounge. Tips are welcome! Sept. 9, free, info.

This weekend!

🛋️ Sofa Stories Detroit: Developed by 2020 Kresge Artist Fellow Andrew Morton, Sofa Stories prevents live, outdoor performances to raise awareness and funds to benefit youth experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. At each performance, you’ll hear a selection of monologues created with the input of individuals from the Detroit Phoenix Center. Sept. 11-12, free, info.

🥕 Woodbridge Farm Stand: Eastern Market Partnership is hosting a brand new mid-neighborhood farm stand with Michigan produce and much more. All currencies accepted including Double Up Food Bucks and EBT/SNAP. Sept 10, free, info. 

🍸 Fort Shelby Residences Happy Hour: Looking to live downtown or explore a beautiful Detroit building? Check out the Fort Shelby Residences in Detroit, where nine condos remain available. Cocktails and appetizers will be served in the grand lobby. Sept. 11, free, info.

🌱 Grow Where You’re Planted: The Michigan Urban Farming Initiative (MUFI) is hosting a family-friendly event on its three-acre urban farm. Expect fun grafts, a kid-friendly gardening workshop and a clean-up project thanks to Shryne Group Inc. Sept. 11, free, info.

🦁 Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo: ​​Lace up your running or walking shoes and head to the Detroit Zoo for an unforgettable 5K event. A virtual option is also available! Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo raises funds for the Ruth Toby Flancy Animal Health Complex and veterinary care for the animals at the zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center. Sept. 12, $35/$40, info.

🌼 Dahlia Fest at Detroit Abloom: Celebrate a favorite flower and hang at the flower farm for drinks, kid activities, food and plenty of musical performances. Sept. 12, $5 suggested donation, info.

Next week

🎤 Phoebe Bridgers at Aretha Franklin Amphitheater: The Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter is headed to the Motor City for an outdoor show. Grab your tickets ASAP. Sept. 14, $35+, info.

🥫 Volunteer at First Baptist Church Food Pantry: Forgotten Harvest is partnering with the First Baptist Institutional Church Resource Center as a mobile pantry site every first and third Wednesday of the month. Sept. 15, free, info.

💃 Salsa Detroit’s Annual Latin Independence Day Bash: Celebrate the Independence Days of Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua with Bachata Lessons and music until midnight at City Tavern in Royal Oak. Sept. 15, free, info.