Detroit Moxie's Weekend Roundup

Thunderdrome!There always seem to be cool, and sometimes unusual, things to do in Detroit. This weekend isn’t any different. How would you like to start your weekend off with decadent “Adults Only” treats?

Head to Campus Martius on Friday, June 29^th and you’ll be pampered with a Dove Ice Cream Bar, a 5-minute massage and a manicure. Yep, all for free! The event starts at 11:30 a.m. and will last until they run out of supplies. Leave the kids at home, this is for adults only.

Weekend Roundup

1. Downtown Detroit Days - The Somerset Collection CityLoft shops will be joined by an outdoor marketplace on the empty lot where the J.L. Hudson department store once stood. Entertainment, artists and Detroit & Michigan based brands will be represented. June 28—30.

2. Patti Smith: Camera Solo - The performer's photography takes center stage at this exhibit featuring 70 prints and Polaroids from Smith's personal collection. Through September 2nd.

3. Stars & Stripes Festival - This annual fest in Mount Clemens features your normal festival fare along with entertainment by Rhythm Corps, Eddie Money, Skid Row, Tesla and more. June 29—July 1.

4. Thunderdrome - Welcome to another edition of Thunderdrome! Watch everything on two wheels race, from mopeds and scooters to mountain bikes and fixed gears. Plus, there's a rocking afterparty, food trucks and more. June 30th.

5. Salute to America - Now in its 20th year, this metro Detroit tradition should be attended at least once in your life. An outdoor concert with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, fireworks, lawn games and more. June 30—July 4.

Bonus: Motor City Funk Night

Double Bonus: Casablanca

Do you know of a great event going on in Metro Detroit this weekend? Add it to the comments and share it with us!

Photo credit

Go fish at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium

Ally Fang McFluffypants and a smiling turtle at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium.

Our beloved Belle Isle Aquarium in Detroit has been closed for many years but it is making progress to reopen. It’s been open for the annual “Shiver on the River” and, more recently, for other special occasions. People are working very hard to make this happen and I can’t wait!

In the meantime, where do you go if you want to visit an aquarium? Shedd in Chicago is a bit too far so might I suggest the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. I had the pleasure to visit this new Cleveland attraction two weeks ago and they’ve got a pretty good thing going on.

It’s housed in a former powerhouse in the Flats district of Cleveland. The 35 tanks are nicely laid out and I would say a family with kids could spend a good hour and a half to two hours here—it’s perfect for the younger kiddos.

The glass tunnel—very similar to the one in the polar bear exhibit at the Detroit Zoo—is a delight to walk through and offers some pretty cool photo ops.

Besides the beautiful aquarium exhibits, they have some creative programming. You can do yoga with the sharks! To be fair, the sharks aren’t doing yoga; you just get to watch them as you do your best downward-facing dog. Other experiences include Zzz’s in the Seas—an overnight where you can sleep with the fish, back of house tours and a chance to feed the sharks and stingrays.

They also have “animal encounters” where they get you up-close-and-personal with one of their own. We had the pleasure of meeting a year-and-a-half-old baby alligator. She was damn cute but I was sad that she didn’t have a name. (Not that anyone cares but I’ve named her Ally Fang McFluffypants.)

Near the end of the exhibits you’ll find yourself at a touch pool where you’re encouraged to touch the starfish, stingrays and a few other creatures. Yes, you’re allowed to touch the fishy fish! The kids—and adults too—really enjoyed this and I have to say, I’ve never seen this kind of interaction allowed before.

I hope that when the Belle Isle Aquarium does reopen for good—and it will—that they have the same type of creative programming as the Greater Cleveland Aquarium to keep generations coming back and supporting the aquarium for years.

This was our first time in Cleveland and besides the aquarium we also took in the West Side Market, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the restaurants and nightlife of East Fourth Street. Whenever I venture into another city, I am reminded about what Detroit is doing right and what it could improve on. Our visit to Cleveland wasn’t any different but more on that at another time.

Disclosure: My husband and I received a free visit to the aquarium with a one-night hotel stay as part of a blogger event. Words and opinions are my own.

Detroit Moxie's Weekend Roundup

Hello summer! I mean real “official” summer, not those weird Michigan days where it’s 80 degrees in March. Yeah, that happened this year.

So, let’s kick this summer off with a bang. The Detroit fireworks, officially known as the 54^th Annual Target Fireworks, are this Monday, June 25^th. Heading downtown? Don’t forget to check parking and street closure information before you go.

Get out there and enjoy all the cool things to do in Detroit!

Weekend Roundup

1. 4th Fridays at Campus Martius - This popular summer series kicks off with the fabulous Jessica Care Moore performing in the evening. Live music & events starting at noon. June 22.

2. 2012 Detroit River Days Festival - Head down to the Riverfront for three days of live concerts, tall ships, family-friendly events, sand sculptures and more. June 22—24.

3. Tec-Troit (Facebook link) - Harmonie Park is home to this FREE 3-day electronic music festival. They will also be collecting canned and non-perishable food for local families in need. June 22—24.

4. Belle Isle Public Art Exhibit (Facebook link) - Our beautiful island park will be filled with art, nestled against nature to encourage viewers to explore different areas. June 23—29

5. Summer Beer Fest - This benefit for local kids with cancer returns to the Royal Oak Farmer's Market and features almost 100 different beers, food and music. June 23rd.

Bonus: Detroit Drunken Historical Society

Double Bonus: Log Cabin Day

Triple Bonus: Michigan Challenge Balloonfest

Do you know of a great event going on in Metro Detroit this weekend? Add it to the comments and share it with us!

Detroit Moxie's Weekend Roundup

The fountain at Campus Martius

Weekend Roundup

1. Jazzin' on Jefferson - Dancing in the streets! Head to East Jefferson for Jazz, Blues, BBQ, food, arts & crafts and more. June 15—16.

2. Arab International Festival - Dearborn is home to this cultural celebration featuring Middle Eastern food, live music, carnival rides, henna designs and crafts and jewelry. June 15—17.

3. Ferndale Pride 2012 - A family-friendly walking tour, the Rainbow Run and a street festival are just a few of the highlights in this weekend celebrating diversity. June 15—17.

4. Spaulding Court's 100th Birthday Party (Facebook link) - The 20-unit townhouse complex was built in 1912. They'll have DJ's and bands, table games and beer and wine. June 16th.

5. BRU Fest 2012 - Burgers, wings and craft beer! This is a benefit for the Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan. June 16th.

Bonus: Michigan Glass Project (Facebook link)

Double Bonus: Father's Day at the Farm or Hot Dogs and Wagon Rides with Dad

Do you know of a great event going on in Metro Detroit this weekend? Add it to the comments and share it with us!

Detroit Moxie's Weekend Roundup

The diversity of things to do in Detroit is fantastic! A hoedown, a dog party and screen printing await you this weekend. Get out there and enjoy Detroit!

Weekend Roundup

1. Light up the Riverfront - Rivière28, a new group organizing fun events on the riverfront and Dequindere Cut, launches with it's first event at Milliken State Park featuring music, a pig roast and campfire treats. June 7th.

2. 2012 WYCD Downtown Hoedown - Yeehaw! Pull on your cowboy boots and check out over 40 country acts on the grounds of Comerica Park. June 8—10.

3. Small Craft: Pop Up Shop & Screen Print - Join the lovely people from Perfect Laughter for a screen printing talk and demonstration. Plus, you leave with an art print that you make yourself! June 9th.

4. Lemonade Day Detroit - This fun event teaches kids how to start their own business by setting up their own lemonade stand. Find one near you and support their endeavors by buying some lemonade. June 9th.

5. Dog Party at old Tiger Stadium 3 (Facebook link) - The dogs are having a party and you're invited too! Support Detroit Dog Park and let the pups mingle. June 9th.

Do you know of a great event going on in Metro Detroit this weekend? Add it to the comments and share it with us!