Sunset watch, skate party and shed building: What to do this week in Detroit

Rendering of the E. Warren Marketplace — help build it into a reality this Saturday.

I don’t know about you, but I am still recovering from the Rolling Stones’ epic performance at Ford Field on Monday. Mick Jagger’s hip swivels were making me tired, and I am 46 years his junior. But, we can’t let a little Monday Funday get in the way of all the incredible stuff going on this week. In addition to our sold out DoGooders event this Friday, the week is jam-packed with holiday festivities and shopping (already!?), activities to support local organizations and opportunities to dance your little toesies off.  

Wednesday

✍🏼Need a little self care and quiet time before the busy holiday season ahead? Join PIPED (Power in Poetry Experience of Detroit) on Facebook Live this Wednesday and tune into this eclectic group of poets and writers. They will perform thoughts and inspirations for self-care to remind us that we cannot give from an empty cup. Namaste. Nov. 17, free, info.

🧠 Put your thinking caps on — Quizzo Trivia is going down every Wednesday night at Firebird Tavern. Stretch those brain muscles while enjoying the best big pretzel in town and a few brewskis. Plus, the winners take home great prizes! Nov. 17, free, info.

🗺️ Where my nerds at? We’re looking forward to Wayne State University’s GIS Day (Geographic information system), really lasting all week with workshops on GIS programs, panels on data feminism and city GIS projects, and a book talk with Alex B. Hill, WSU GIS director and author of the new book “Detroit in 50 Maps,” at Pages Bookstore on Wednesday. If you love maps, geography or Detroit history, this event was made for you. Now through Nov. 20, free, info.

🎶You cannot deny the jammy beats and sultry voice of Ann Arbor native turned famous crooner Mayer Hawthorne. He has had me hooked since his “How Do You Do” album dropped in 2011. Put your dancin’ shoes on and don’t miss him next Wednesday at El Club! Nov. 17, $32.50, info.

Thursday

🌅 The sun may be setting reeeeeallly early these days, but the sunset is still worth witnessing. Join a collective viewing of the sunset over the Detroit River at Rise Together on Thursday at Cullen Plaza. Featuring music and guided meditation, Rise Together hopes to provide the community a moment of reflection while connecting Detroiters with a network of resources for social, emotional and grief support. Nov. 18, free, info.

🏳️‍🌈 Get warmed up for the weekend at The Royce’s monthly Skin Contact party on Thursday. This recurring #LGBTQ wine-centric party happens every third Thursday of the month and features rotating local DJs and extended hours. Nov. 18, free, info.

🍣Hungry, but also like to work hard? This Thursday Dr. Sushi is hosting a sustainable sushi workshop at Brooklyn Street Local. In this hand-on class, guests are shown how to make four different kinds of sushi rolls using a wide array of ingredients, all the while snacking along the way. Yum! Nov. 18, $50, info.

🛹 Vans is partnering with local nonprofit organization Community Push to host Checkerboard Day(s), a celebration of all things skateboarding this weekend. Thursday is opening night at the Motor City Brewing Works warehouse (right across the street from the brewery) in Midtown. Take a look back at skateboarding in Detroit through the lens of local skate photographer Evan Hutchings, play skate trivia, drink beer, hear live music and sign up to volunteer! Nov. 18-20, donation based, info.

Friday

🛍 Located on Gratiot since 2016, Well Done Goods has recently moved their retail store, maker space, print production studio, jewelry workshop, warehouse and order fulfillment to one ground floor on Division Street. This Friday, tour the new space, get started (or finish) that holiday shopping and support local artisans while you enjoy tunes and great company! Nov 19, free, info.

🎭We all need a few extra laughs these days. This Friday at Go Comedy! in Ferndale, participate (or just watch) a highly interactive improvised game show — one part “Whose Line is it Anyway,” one part “Match Game PM.” Nov. 19, $20, info.

🔔 There is a new interactive installation at Beacon Park that starts this weekend. It’s called “Swinging Bells” and not even Grinch himself can deny the joy this colorful holiday display brings to the whole family. Throughout history, bells have been rung out across the world as a symbol of celebration and peace and have brought people together to commemorate important events. I think we could use some bells after the past couple years. More (cow)bell! Nov. 19, free, info.

🎄A Detroit tradition for families is back in-person and it will be bigger, brighter and better than ever. The 18th annual Detroit Tree Lighting is the official kick-off of the holiday season and will be held at Campus Martius Park this Friday. Enjoy live music, a figure skating show, holiday shopping and Santa! Nov. 19, free, info.

Saturday

🧘🏻‍♀️People for Palmer Park and Yoganic Flow are still offering Saturday morning yoga classes at the Palmer Park Community House. Start your day with some stretching and a community flow before the chaos of the weekend ensues. Nov. 20, $10, info

🛠All hands on deck this Saturday at the East Warren Development Corp. headquarters. Lend a hand for an hour or two all day to help the organization build sheds in the adjacent parking lot for the new E. Warren Marketplace. Nov. 20, free, info.

🌸Feeling crafty? Flex your flower power this Saturday at a make-and-take pressed flower workshop. Create a unique composition with the beauty of locally grown flowers while being guided through the tradition of using pressed flowers for preservation and display. Take home your beautiful display to hang in your home or give as a Christmas gift! Nov. 20, $75, info.

👚Freshen up your wardrobe thriftily and sustainably at Unity in Our Community TimeBank’s fall clothing swap. Bring the pieces gathering dust in your closet to Bridging Communities and take home someone else’s. Nov. 20, free, info. 

💼Local dance party Haute to Death is bringing back their annual Boss & Secretary edition this Saturday at Marble Bar. Meet us at the office for drinks, dancing and other team-building exercises. “Attendance is mandatory, overtime will be clocked and business-sexual attire is encouraged.” Nov. 20, $5, info.

Sunday

🔮See a witchier side of science at this month’s edition of the Profs and Pints series at Ant Hall, where Wayne State University history professor Eric H. Ash will trace the modern scientific method’s roots to the world of the occult. Nov. 21, $12, info.

🎁The beloved Holiday Markets are back at Eastern Market starting this Sunday (and Tuesdays) until Christmas. Sunday markets primarily feature Michigan-made gift options including clothing, art, jewelry, beauty products and more. Support real people this holiday season! (Not Jeff Bozo!) Nov. 21, free, info.

Next week

✋🏽 On Monday, connect with some of Michigan’s top employers at the free Let’s Detroit Back to Michigan Virtual Career Fair from 4-6 p.m. The career fair will match young professionals and recent or soon-to-be college graduates one-on-one with employers who have current talent needs. Various industries and sectors will be included in the virtual fair, including IT, engineering, finance, manufacturing, health care, art and design, professional services, government, hospitality, and more. Nov. 22, free, info.

💻 The Black Scroll Network & Tours has been hosting monthly virtual tours of Black History in Detroit. The series wraps up this Monday with a virtual tour of Conant Gardens. Tune in to hear from Detroit’s first official historian, Jamon Jordan, about the history of this important Black community that has had a thriving middle class for nearly a century. Nov. 22, $30, info.