Whisker Circus, holiday shopping, Heidelberg installation and more to do in Detroit this week

“Rise Up and Be Beautiful” installation at The Heidelberg Project, via Facebook.

Halloween festivities have come to an end, but apparently that means it’s time to start shopping for Christmas presents?! There’s a few local shopping events on the calendar this weekend. Beyond the retail therapy, there are multiple opportunities coming up to do indoor yoga, hunker down with a good book, and enjoy Detroit artist creations. Or maybe you’ve been grooming your beard for a chance to compete in the Circus of Whiskers? There are events this week for everyone, enjoy! 

Thursday

💒 This Thursday, Pages Bookshop in Southwest Detroit is hosting award-winning Detroit Free Press journalist, Patricia Montemurri to discuss her latest book, “Mercy High School of Michigan.” This book commemorates Mercy High’s 75th anniversary and reflects the impact of “Mercy Girls” on their communities, country and around the world. Nov. 4, free, info.

🎶 El Club is kicking off a pretty packed month of music with Neal Francis this Thursday. I am personally disappointed to miss this one, because the album Changes has been on heavy rotation for the last year or so. The vintage vibes and Francis’ soulful voice are guaranteed to get your feet moving on the dance floor. Nov. 4, $20, info.

🥬 Explore meatless world cuisine at the VegBash Global Cuisine fair at the Royal Oak Farmers Market this Thursday. Beyond a good meal, you’ll find plant-based products from local manufacturers (vegan baked goods, yes please) and a cruelty-free shopping bazaar.  Nov. 4, $10, info

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This weekend

🖼MOCAD is launching its fall exhibitions this Friday, featuring works from John Kørner, Jeannette Ehlers, Jane Jin Kaisen, Hannah Toticki and Jan Tichy. Members can get a sneak preview before the masses, otherwise after 6 p.m. they’re open to the public to come explore and enjoy modern art in Midtown, with talks and gatherings throughout the weekend. Nov. 5, $5 donation, info.

🛍 New Center has had a number of new businesses open over the last year, and has really strengthened its small biz corridor. Get started early on your holiday shopping on the First Friday in New Center from 6-8 p.m. Shops and restaurants will be open late, with live music and specials. Nov. 5, free, info.

🎨Before the snow comes, head over to The Heidelberg Project to see artist in residence Nawili’s new installation. The newest addition to Heidelberg Street is called “Rise Up and Be Beautiful” and will be revealed at an outdoor community event this Saturday at The Grove. Nov. 6, free, info.

🧘🏻‍♀️I am a big fan of Yoganic Flow after attending a few of the classes they hosted at Eastern Market this summer. They are also bringing back in-person classes to the Palmer Park Community House. What better way to begin the weekend than with some sun salutations? Nov. 6 and Saturdays through Dec. 18, $10, info. 

🎄 Bring the family out to Beacon Park this weekend to decorate ornaments and trim the trees in preparation for the holiday season. Keep warm in the lodge by sipping on copious amounts of hot cocoa. ‘Tis the season! Nov. 6, free, info.

☕️ If you’re not already obsessed with Sylvan Esso’s song “Coffee,” I suggest you put it on and turn it up. That jam is one of my go-to’s for a boost, but the talented duo’s other material certainly doesn’t disappoint either! Enjoy their angelic voices IRL this weekend at Royal Oak Music Theatre. Nov. 6, $29.50+, info.

🧔Calling all epic beard owners! This Saturday is the 6th Annual Circus of Whiskers at Tangent Gallery in New Center. The facial hair competition and naughty carnival is held to raise money for the Detroit Animal Welfare Group and hosted by Detroit’s favorite facial hair club, the Murder City Facial Hair Crew. Start applying that beard balm, fellas. Time to show off those locks! Nov. 6, $25, info.

👒On Sunday, shop til you drop at the November Fleatroit Flea Market at Outer Limits Lounge in Hamtramck to find vintage clothes, records, jewelry and housewares. Before spending $$ on new things, why not take a look at what’s already out there? Nov. 7, free, info.

🎁 The All Things Detroit Holiday Experience will return this November with a curated lineup of 100 local makers offering handcrafted and holiday-themed goods and treats. Nosh at an array of food trucks, shop local wares and spend a joyful day wandering Eastern Market.                                   

“We want to put small businesses in front of customers – and small businesses really need the support now more than ever,” said founder Jennyfer Crawford. Nov. 7, $5-$15, info.

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Next week and beyond

🥃 Manifest Movement will be hosting an all-level yoga class at The Whiskey Factory’s amazing event space on Nov. 9. Detroit City Distillery will provide post practice craft cocktails and there’s an opportunity to do some early holiday shopping with great  local Detroit vendors! Nov. 9, $35, info.

🎤 New Orleans R&B and jazz songstress Ledisi comes to the Masonic next week for a soulful evening on the tail of her July album paying tribute to Nina Simone, “Ledisi Sings Nina.” Nov. 10, $35+, info.

🏃🏻‍♀️Girls on the Run is a nonprofit organization that encourages positive emotional, social, mental and physical development in young girls through physical fitness. At the end of the curriculum participants run in a noncompetitive 5k, which is coming up on Nov. 14. The organization is recruiting running buddies to support the org and join in! Better start stretching now, because I have a feeling these middle school kids are going to give me a run for my money. Nov. 14, $100, info.

💻 The Detroit Regional Chamber and Pure Michigan Business Connect are hosting a free webinar about how diversity, equity and inclusion can benefit small businesses and the ways Detroit residents can receive priority consideration for business opportunities. Nov. 16, free, info.