The best things to do around Detroit (and from your home), Nov. 18-24

Dive into history tours, good food and holiday-themed events this week!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner — and plans are being adjusted big time right now. But, there are still plenty of events you can safely take advantage of this week. No matter what, you’re bound to find things to do that feed your body, mind and soul.

Detour is glad to bring you a glorious array of safe, no-contact virtual events where you can ensure you avoid exposure to COVID-19. We’re also highlighting socially-distanced outdoor events. Still, these events are suggestions, not endorsements, and subject to change as the state rolls out new COVID-19 restrictions. We encourage you to check with event organizers directly to ensure your safety; always stay home if you’re sick, think you might be or may have been exposed; and to follow all city, state and federal guidelines. 

Wednesday

📰 How Are You Practicing Racial Equity? A discussion with media members Kat Stafford, Phillip Lewis and Orlando P. Bailey, hosted by the Urban Consulate. Nov. 18, virtual, free, info. 

🏎️ “Detroit Style: Car Design in the Motor City”: Detroit car designers are highlighted in this special DIA exhibit, featuring the best coups and sedans from 1950 to today. Open now through June 27, free for Oakland, Macomb and Wayne County residents, DIA, info and tickets (reserve ahead of time).

Thursday

🖥️ Career Changes in Covid: A Cyberside Chat with Grand Circus. Are you thinking about transitioning into a tech career? Get advice from experts in the field on interviewing tactics, tech industry trends and more. Nov. 19, virtual, free, info.

🛒 Free food distribution in Detroit (drive-up or walk-up): Southwest Solutions is partnering with Gleaners Food Bank to provide free food distribution. Nov. 19, St. Anthony’s at 3553 Vernor Hwy. W., free on first come, first served basis, no registration required, info.

👩‍🍳 Detroit Kitchen Connect Application Workshop for food entrepreneurs interested in applying for Eastern Market kitchen space and licensing. Nov. 19, virtual, $15, info. 

This weekend!

📸 A Short History of Racism in Detroit: Join the Detroit Experience Factory for a tour focused on impactful events in Detroit over the last 100 years that shed light on racism in the past, present and future. Nov. 20, virtual, free, info.

🎄 Light Up Beacon Park: Ring in the holiday season with kid-friendly activities among thousands of twinkling LED-lights. Nov. 20 through mid-January, Beacon Park, free, info. 

🎤 Rent Party Detroit Poetry Reading & Zine Release Party to support housing security, with readings from poets francine j. harris, Nandi Comer and Zoya Gurm and Rent Party Detroit zine release from Lucy Cahill. Nov. 22, virtual, donations encouraged to support United Community Housing Coalition Detroit, info.

Next week

🥨 Holiday Markets at Eastern Market spotlight on food vendors. Nov. 24 (and more dates through Dec. 22), Eastern Market, free to attend, info. 

🗺️ Indigenous Peoples in Detroit Virtual Tour: Delve into the history of Indigenous Peoples in Detroit and learn about the community’s continued positive impact with the Detroit Experience Factory. Nov. 24, virtual, free with suggested $5-50 donation to support Detroit Indigenous Peoples Alliance, info.

Thanksgiving

🦃 Detroit’s Annual Thanksgiving Parade: Due to heightening COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s parade, presented by Channel 4 (WDIV), will be broadcast on TV and online only. The theme is “We are One Together” in honor of our frontline heroes. Nov. 26, virtual, free, info.