Marche du Nain Rouge, South Asian comedy and more to do this weekend
The arrival of spring brings parades, Easter egg hunts and plenty more reasons to explore what metro Detroit has to offer this weekend.
From the Marche du Nain Rouge to arts and craft shows, a wood carving exhibit and comedy events, here are five things to do for the weekend of March 22-24.
Marche du Nain Rouge
The streets of Detroit's Cass Corridor will be alive with vibrant colors, music, storytelling and celebration Sunday as the community gathers to confront and banish the mythical Nain Rouge, symbolizing the expulsion of negativity from the city. This annual event stands as a testament to the city's resilient culture and creative resistance against adversity.
The free festival kicks off at the intersection of Second Avenue and Canfield Street in Detroit, where music and entertainment will start at noon Sunday. The parade’s opening ceremonies will commence at 1 p.m., followed by a march down Second Street to the steps of the Masonic Temple.
The Marche du Nain Rouge welcomes everyone, encouraging participants to dress in extravagant costumes and take part in the pageant of artist-crafted floats and displays by Caribbean Mardi Gras Productions.
Local businesses are integral to the event, with some offering Nain-Rouge-inspired merchandise, brunches and after-parties. "We hope that marchers will explore and visit them when they participate in the parade," said Francis Grunow, co-founder of the Marche du Nain Rouge.
South Asian Queens of Comedy: A Unique Holi Celebration
Former Michigan state Rep. Padma Kuppa will host this comedy show, presented by Community Unity Bank, blending the cultural significance of Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, and the celebration of Women’s History month with joy and laughter.
The lineup of comedians will include Alisha Dhillon, Priya Patel and Divya Gunasekaran.
The show is from 7-9 p.m., with a meet and greet from 9-10 p.m. (limited availability), Saturday at Flagstar Strand Theatre, 12 N. Saginaw in Pontiac. Tickets start at $35 and are available at Ticketmaster and the Flagstar Strand Theatre box office. Profits from the event will be donated to the Abhi Shah Foundation.
Wood Carving Show
More than 50 participants will display and sell their creative wood carvings at the 42nd
Artistic Creations in Wood Carving exhibit. The event will also feature wood carving demonstrations, raffle draws, door prizes and more.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke in Shelby Township. Admission is $7 for adults; children under 12 are free.
Native Gardens at Meadow Brook Theatre
This play by Karen Zacarías at Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University is a comedy about a couple excited about moving into their dream home, albeit one in need of renovation. However, a disagreement over a long-standing fence line spirals into a hilarious war of taste, class, privilege and entitlement. Native Gardens is recommended for audiences high school-age and up.
The play runs through April 14 at Wilson Hall, Room 207, 378 Meadow Brook Road in Rochester. Tickets start at $37.
Spring Arts & Craft Show
Explore a variety of homemade and madein-Michigan products from more than 40 vendors at this inaugural Spring Arts & Craft Show at White Lake Oaks. The show will have an array of offerings including home décor, framed art, soaps, blankets, crocheted items, woodwork, jewelry and more for sale.
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at White Lake Oaks Golf Course, 991 Williams Lake Road in White Lake. Free admission.