“Can’t stop, won’t stop” seems to be a running theme running for Detroiters during the COVID-19 outbreak — Detroiters like Mav, who told us that’s the spirit he’s bringing to Motor City Street Dance Academy these days. This mentality seems to be driving workers, parents and so many others to continue pushing forward, despite plenty of roadblocks.

The inspiring people featured in this guide continue to bring you content, activities and connection… no matter how hard things get. Consider doing your part by not only checking out a new activity or workshop from one of these orgs, but also donating to them when you can, or giving your time to a person or group in need.

Oh, and if you happen to be a metro Detroit-based small business or nonprofit, read about our newly-launched Keep Detroit Local program and sign up to throw your hat in the ring for a free ad (no strings attached) in Detour.

Want to recommend a virtual event or share an activity for an upcoming weekly guide? We love tips! Send them to events@detourdetroiter.com.

Raise your voice:

💡 Pitch your brilliant idea: Has time indoors led to a brand new business idea, or are you looking for that push to get your concept off the ground? Hop in to Bamboo Detroit’s monthly Startup Detroit Open Pitch Night on Thursday, May 14 from 6 to 8 p.m., where three founders and creators will pitch an idea, followed by a Q&A. Register to share your idea next month by emailing pitch organizer Jeff Jeung: jeff@techelevator.com.

️🗣️ Share your story: Detroit’s Black Bottom Archives is committed to preserving media (like oral histories and op-eds) created by Black Detroiters, and they’re not stopping during quarantine. On Friday, May 15 from 5 to 6:30 p.m., sign up and get support so you can get your story off the ground.

🥣 Soup for you: The Build Institute’s May citywide SOUP event is coming to you virtually on Sunday, May 17 from 5 to 6:15 p.m. Learn about innovative projects happening right now, and choose your favorite. It’s just $5 to vote, which goes towards funding the winning project!

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Get moving:

🕺🏽 Just keep dancin’: The Motor City Street Dance Academy (MCSDA) owner Benito Vasquez (better known as Mav) and his team are committed to bringing you hip-hop, yoga and breakdancing moves every Monday through Thursday at 6 p.m. They’re also hosting the â€œBloom Bodies” poetry slam virtually on Sunday, May 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. 

 👯 Exercise doesn’t have to suck: Break a sweat this week with Hamtramck-based studio, Aerobics Underground. They believe that “exercise is for everyone, and it doesn’t have to suck!” Check out their Facebook page for live-streaming workouts Tuesdays at 5:15 p.m. — no equipment needed!

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Connect & collaborate:

💻 What’s up, web designers? In case you haven’t heard, The Detroit Writing Room hosts weekly “Coaches and Cocktails” happy hours with experts in journalism, digital media, the arts and more. This week’s edition on Thursday, May 14 from 5 to 6 p.m. is led by design coach Amanda King. If you have big web design questions or just want a little feedback on a project, this is a great opportunity! It’s just $5 to join the conversation.

🕴🏿Business owners unite: The Build Institute is pushing ahead with the weekly webinar series Coffee and Conversations. These sessions zero in on Detroit entrepreneurs and experts sharing stories on business solutions during this challenging time. The next discussion is Thursday, May 14 from 1 to 1:30 p.m.

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Watch & learn:

🦁 Virtual vitamin Z: The Detroit Zoo is bringing wild creatures right to your screen. Learn some super cool facts about the zoo residents you know and love — who hail from the Amazon to the Arctic! Get an extra dose of #VirtualVitaminZ on their Instagram page, and consider donating if you can.

📊 Become a data wizard: With so many stats being thrown around related to the pandemic, it can be challenging to make appropriate business-related decisions. If you’re a leader who’s eager to get a handle on the numbers, consider sitting in on the Responsible Data Consumption webinar hosted by Co.Act Detroit on Wednesday, May 13 from noon to 1 p.m. 

🍹 Drinks and good deeds: Want to class up your drinking-at-home routine? Local bartender extraordinaire Melanie Mack is walking you through how to whip up cocktails nightly on Facebook around 9 p.m. We highly recommend the Cinco de Mayo and Star Wars-themed cocktail vids — and if combining plum wine and White Claw is wrong, we don’t wanna be right. Better yet, Mack is collaborating with service industry pals to help gather supplies for workers in need through the Instagram account @Split_Base_Detroit.

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Snuggle up & read:

🦕 A splash from the past: For years, scientists have argued against the likelihood of dinos splashing around in the water. Well, they better believe it. Recently, University of Detroit Mercy professor and National Geographic Explorer Nizar Ibrahim led a research team that found evidence supporting the existence of a swimming dinosaur. Head to the National Geographic and settle in for a long, absorbing story about Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, an aquatic dinosaur that used tail-propelling swimming locomotion to hunt its prey.

📖 Brand new releases from local writers: Literary geniuses with Detroit roots like Nandi Comer, Lolita Hernandez and Terry Blackhawk shared some special work with the Metro Times, and we simply can’t get enough. 

✨ Bedtime just got that much better: This one’s for the hardcore HP fans. Famous actors, athletes and more are keeping busy at home by releasing videos of themselves reading J.K. Rowling’s famous tale aloud, and Daniel Radcliffe kicks off the series with the first chapter of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Videos will be released gradually, so stay tuned to see which actor is up next!