historic bar tour detroit

Drunks of Antiquity: The Detroit Historic Bar Tour

It’s BACK! The most popular bar tour in Detroit’s history is on the road again. We’ll stop at some of Detroit’s oldest, most notorious and most interesting bars, sharing stories along the way- over a few pints, of course. Picks up in BOTH Ferndale and Detroit.

Runs 7:00PM on Fridays and 6:00PM on Saturdays.

Have a private group of 20+ people and want your own private group tour? Click here to get a private quote.

Description

• Reviews (24)

What is this Madness?

Simply speaking, it’s a guided bus tour aboard a cool renovated hand-painted bus that hits three of Detroit’s oldest bars. It’s so much more than that though. It’s a way of life. Come and find out.

Ever since Detroit was a mere French missionary outpost, the city’s history has been entwined with the story of its citizens’ drinking habits.

Countless stories have been shared over a pint, and a majority of the city’s major moments featured alcohol front and center: the early frontier day’s wild revelry, through the bloody freewheeling days of the Purple Gang & National Prohibition and beyond. We’ll stop at some of Detroit’s oldest, most notorious and most interesting bars, sharing stories along the way- over a few pints, of course.

Detroit’s got some serious chops when it comes to drinking history. So let’s go to that bar that’s been around since 1874.

Or that one that predates World War One. Actually, loads of Detroit bars are older than your grandparents, and we’re visiting as many as we can in the limited time we have. Some of them are snazzy; one or two may be a little dive-y–but in the best way possible. We like to keep the stops a secret because we don’t wanna ruin the surprise, but we promise you’ll have a great time. Matter of fact, we guarantee it.

The Details:

This tour runs most Fridays and Saturdays now. The tour is approximately three hours long. Book your tickets using the fancy “book now” button near the top of the page.

Pickups: This tour boards both in Ferndale and Detroit. Choose your pickup location at checkout.

The Ferndale pickup is at 6:15PM on Friday and 5:15PM on Saturday in front of One Eyed Betty’s at 175 W Troy, Ferndale.

The Detroit pickup is at 7:00PM on Friday and 6:00PM on Saturday in front of Checker Bar at 124 Cadillac Square, Detroit.

READ THAT AGAIN:  The pickup time is different on Friday and Saturday tours.  🙂

Refund Policy: We’ll gladly refund your tickets in full 14 days prior to the day of the event. After that, there’s no refunds. Sorry to be so mean about it.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What happens if I miss the bus? Will the bus wait for me if I’m late? If you miss your pickup in Detroit, you can hustle and make the pickup in Ferndale. We can’t hold the bus for you if you’re late, though. Sorry to be so mean about that. There’s a schedule to keep and we want everyone to have a good time.

Can I drink on the bus? Yes, but with great power comes great responsibility. What we mean is take it easy and don’t wear the proverbial lampshade. This is a 21+ tour only. You’re on a starting and stopping bus. No, you can’t pee on the curb. Also, please only bring things with lids; no open cups. Small coolers only, since the big ones are a safety hazard. And it’s just plain illegal to take any open container on or off the bus. Drink on the bus? Sure. At the bar? Absolutely. But no drinks in the no-man’s-land in between the two. It’s the law, dude.

What about food? We are hitting some bars that don’t have a whole lot of food options. We recommend, then, that you fuel up ahead of time and/or bring lots of snacks. Drinking and learning is hard work.

Do the bars take credit cards? Some do, some don’t. It’s probably easiest for everyone if you bring some cash along. It’s quicker anyway, and who doesn’t love making it rain?

What if I can’t show up? Will my friend be able to go instead? Totally. Just let us know ahead of time via [email protected] and we’ll update your tickets with the new name or send them with your printed tickets.

Will you be selling extra seats at the bus? Nope. Sorry. All passes gotta be bought online. There’s a limited number of seats and we want you to have plenty of room – no roof riders no matter how badass that might sound.

What about weather SNAFUs? We live in Michigan. Sometimes Mother Nature likes to throw us a curveball. We keep safety as our highest priority. In case of gnarly weather, you’ll receive an email the day of the event with a raincheck/snowcheck date. If you cannot make the rescheduled date, you’ll get a voucher good for a future tour with us.

PSST! We also offer a  private tour  version of this experience. Reach out to us to book for your group.

24 reviews for drunks of antiquity: the detroit historic bar tour.

Chris (verified owner) – August 7, 2016

This was an awesome time. We had a group of 6 , and will.definitely be doing it again. Our tour guide was great, and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend.

Curt Johnson – August 14, 2016

Kudos to Roland and Maurice! Had a blast! Great group of people. Even got my name on the buyers board

Julie Wilkie – September 25, 2016

14 of us did this last night. What a blast!!! Highly recommended. All the bars were fantastic, full of fun and history. Maurice and Roland were awesome.

Robert – October 2, 2016

We booked a tour with the Detroit bus Company. It was a rainy night but the tour and our guide Maurice made up for the weather. It was fun, informative and we had a blast with the folks on board. If you’re in Detroit, don’t miss this tour to see some of Detroits more interesting watering holes.

Gina – October 16, 2016

Who’s your driver? Roland! Who’s your tour guide? Karen! ❤️ Obey the house keeping rules! These two are just awesome! Karen is very informative and fun! Roland, you couldn’t ask for a better driver! Both of them are personable and friendly !Good times! Add this tour to your bucket list!

Darlene Lumma – November 20, 2016

Nov 19, 2016 first freezing cold night of the season. Had a great time with Justin and Roland. Would absolutely recommend it to everyone.

Katy – March 7, 2017

This was an amazing evening! Got to discover some hidden jems while taking a tour through the city.

hcancun – October 16, 2017

This bus company is phenomenal! We had a group outing for the Drunks of Antiquity tour and had an absolute blast. I honestly haven’t found anything quite as unique for team outings and found some new bars to take my friends to.

People who complain about it being a “party” bus instead of a history tour: It is well advertised that this is a drinking excursion, as well as a history tour. We definitely received a healthy balance of both.

People who complain who missed the bus: Don’t miss the bus. You’re not the only customers 🙂

I wish I could remember our tour guide and bus drivers’ names, but our tour was back in February 2017. We’re going on the one this Friday AGAIN because we had such a blast the first time around.

I highly recommend this company, especially for team outings! 5 five, 2 thumbs up, high five.

kkarwowska – December 27, 2017

Seriously, whether you are visiting or a local, you MUST take one of their tours!!!!! I did the “Drunks of Antiquity” tour with friends and it was AWESOME!!! The tour guide and driver were SO much fun! I can’t wait until my next visit “home” to try another of their tours.

Tiffany – December 30, 2017

Awesome time with Maurice and Gail! Can’t wait to do it again!

dandy – January 3, 2018

We’re so glad you had an awesome time! Please consider leaving your honest review on Yelp and TripAdvisor too! Honest reviews help our tiny company survive and thrive.

Denice Brown – January 18, 2018

As a lifelong Detroiter, I appreciate the chance to visit bars that have a history! It’s perfect for visitors to the city. And a chance to find a new hangout place! If you get a chance, take it. Fun!

Brenda – January 21, 2018

Our group of 15 had a fantastic time on this tour! The only thing that was problematic was finding parking in Ferndale as we got on at Rosie O’Grady’s (the meters are only for 2 hours…we finally just parked in the back of the Post Office lot and prayed our car wasn’t going to get towed…It didn’t). The tour was great though and we all thoroughly enjoyed the four bars that we went to (don’t want to list the names as I don’t want to ruin the surprise!). If you are looking for a fun night out and have a group of friends, mark this on your calendar to do!

Jon – April 8, 2018

We had a group of 40 and all had a fantastic time. I’ll be booking this again for my corporate event soon. Very, very cool.

Lori Mabee – April 8, 2018

Went on the tour last night and haven’t had that much fun in a long time!! Absolutely worth every cent…plus the mission of this company is outstanding with their Ride for Ride program. Our guide Monique King was phenomenal both informative and funny. Loved this event!

Jan Wellman – April 22, 2018

Six of us took the Drunk tour on Friday April 20, 2018. All of us agreed that it was a wonderfully fun time! Everyone on the bus was there to have fun and join in the party. Monique was our tour guide, and she was great! Histerically funny! Wonderful on the inside also, as we had the opportunity to speak privately with her. I highly recommend taking this tour. In fact, we are going to try to book a private bus in the future…and we will definitely request Monique! Well done, Detroit Bus Company!!

Dan – April 29, 2018

Excellent time.

Pam – May 20, 2018

Our group of 22 chartered a private Drunks of Antiquity Tour. We hit 4 fun, unique spots… definitely Detroit hidden gems. I won’t ruin the surprise by naming any bars here, but we ended the night at a place with some live music which was absolutely perfect for our dancing queens! Special thanks to Harvey, our driver, and Heather, our guide for helping make this night so much fun. I would highly recommended this bar crawl!

Christie – August 24, 2018

There were about 20 of us who did the tour for my birthday. Monique, our tour guide, was fantastic! Hilarious, helpful and informative! Definitely recommend the tour to anyone interested in getting buzzed up, while learning some Detroit history! Thanks again, Monique!!

Doreen M – November 5, 2018

Calvin was a fantastic guide, and fun was had by all. The bars were all staffed well expecting our arrival!

kwel2016 – November 6, 2018

This is the third time I’ve taken this tour and each time was just as much fun. Calvin our guide was very knowledgeable about the Bars and the city of Detroit. The whole experience was a ton of fun! Highly recommend for birthdays and just good group fun. Best Birthday so far!

larpjr – November 19, 2018

This tour was fun I saw 4 bars I would never know even existed. Tour guide was fun and informative all 4 bars were cool, and I like the amount of time we spent at each one! There was a fund raiser at one of the bars for the high school kids and a program for books, the one in Mexican town, and I won the 50/50 raffle, they were so appreciative when I returned the winnings to the charity I almost cried! That made the trip even more fun! There’s a big huge dog at the bar and he was so sweet and cute. The bar with the band was great too. Take this tour, its fun. The bus was really warm and we had bundled up thinking it would be cold but it was hot. Even on a really cold night, Bus driver did and excellent job and bus was in top condition. I think most people are into the ride and the bars, keep the stories very short.

Emma – February 17, 2019

The tour was so much fun! Our guide was Patrick, and he did an amazing job. He was very knowledgeable, fun, and professional. Will definitely do this tour again.

Kristi – March 11, 2019

Ok Debbie Downer here. Don’t get me wrong. This was a blast! Tons of fun! Loved our guide Monique and our fantastic driver (sorry. Forgot his name). Great bus! Great bars! Great history! I just can’t figure out why we needed to get on in Detroit, drive to Ferndale to pick up four people, then drive back to Detroit to finally hit the first bar an hour after the tour started. ??? Five stars otherwise!

Lisa – October 27, 2019

We had a great time Friday on our private Drunks of Antiquity tour to celebrate a milestone birthday with the fabulous Monique as our guide, and the kind Charlie Brown (Larry) as our driver. Great insight into history, great bar stops, lots of fun. And love the Ride for Ride mission that helps children get to school safely. Members of our group will be back for another ride!

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The 7 best detroit tours.

Get to know the historic and quirky side of Motor City.

The Best Detroit Tours

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Detroit's rich and varied history is best explored on a guided tour led by an enthusiastic local.

If you only think of the auto industry when you think of Detroit , then it's time you acquaint yourself with this fascinating and complex city. Its many attractions include museums, parks, impressive buildings, public art and numerous watering holes. Rather than exploring on your own, begin your trip with the help of an informative local. U.S. News determined the following tours as some of the best available based on traveler opinion and expert input. No matter how you choose to tour – whether by antique vehicle, a bus or your own two feet – you're sure to leave with a new appreciation for Motor City.

City Tour Detroit – See the D: Downtown Detroit Walking Tour

In addition to its distinctive skyscrapers, downtown Detroit features notable public art, including the Spirit of Detroit statue and the Monument to Joe Louis. These are just two of the spots visited on this 2 1/2-hour walking tour, which also encompasses The Belt (an art-adorned alleyway), the riverfront, the Greektown entertainment district and, of course, the city's famous skyscrapers. Walkers enjoy the informative, enthusiastic guides' commentary. Tickets costs about $30 for adults and $15 for anyone 17 or younger. From late April through September, tours depart every day at 10 a.m. with an additional 6 p.m. start on Wednesday and Sunday. From October through December, tours are offered less frequently, and only private tours are available the rest of the year. City Tour Detroit also runs a tour about the city's involvement in the Underground Railroad.

[ View & Book Tickets .]

Show Me Detroit Tours – Daily Sightseeing Tours

You can glimpse many of Detroit's most popular attractions during this two-hour van ride, which moves through the downtown area and beyond. Among the sights visted are the district where the city's ballpark and arenas are located, Midtown, Eastern Market and Belle Isle. Visitors regularly praise drivers for their insights about the city's architecture, history and culture. Tickets start at $65 for adults and discounts are available for students, seniors and children. The price includes round-trip transportation from select hotels . Excursions are offered daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Show Me Detroit also runs private outings.

Courtesy of Antique Touring Company

Explore Motor City in a classic vehicle during a trip with the Antique Touring Company.

Antique Touring Company – The Motor Cities Heritage Tour: From Tinkerers to Titans in the Auto Age

Explore Detroit's automotive heritage while riding in an antique Model A Ford. This tour focuses on car manufacturing in the early 20th century by visiting sites of factories, company offices and homes of leaders who oversaw the transportation revolution. You'll also visit the factory where Ford built its famous automatic assembly line. Car enthusiasts find this a fun way to learn about Detroit's legendary car history. The 2 1/2-hour tours are offered from mid-April to early November. Tours typically run Wednesday through Sunday multiple times daily. Prices vary depending on how many tickets you book. Antique Touring Company also offers tours of Belle Isle in its antique Fords.

The Detroit Bus Company – Drunks of Antiquity: The Historic Bar Tour

Visit four of Detroit's oldest bars along this four-hour ride in repurposed school buses. As you drink your way around, you'll visit a bar that's been open since 1874 and learn of the city's drinking history and culture from expert guides. You're also welcome to bring your own beverages for the bus ride. Participants regularly praise the bars visited and are complimentary of guides and drivers. Tours take place on most Fridays and Saturdays around 7 p.m., though area pickups begin a bit earlier. Tickets cost around $45 with discounts for seniors and groups. All revelers must be at least 21 years old. The company also runs a prohibition-themed tour, as well as a sightseeing tour of the city.

Detroit Segway – The Whole Shebang

Ideal for travelers short on time, this three-hour Segway tour covers approximately 5 miles of downtown Detroit. It departs from the Eastern Market, Detroit's main farmers market, and then proceeds along the Dequindre Cut Greenway. You'll then zip alongside the river, see the Campus Martius and Grand Circus Park before heading through the redeveloped Brush Park neighborhood on the way back to the starting point. Riders enjoy the tour, calling it a fun way to see the city. Tickets cost around $90, which includes the use of the Segway. Tours are available from May through mid-November on Wednesday at noon, Saturday at 10 a.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Rider restrictions may apply. Detroit Segway offers a number of other tours around the city, including one that glides around Belle Isle

Riverside Kayak Connection – Belle Isle Blue Heron Lagoon Tour

Paddle your way through Blue Heron Lagoon to observe its beautiful wildlife on this kayak excursion. In addition to the natural scenery, you'll also get a glimpse of some of Belle Isle's historic structures, including the Detroit Yacht Club and the William Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse. Kayakers find the guides knowledgeable about the area's history and say the excursion is well organized. Tours last approximately two hours; there is an additional 30 minutes of preliminary preparation and instruction. It costs about $45 to tour; the price excludes the entrance fee to the park. Outings are available starting at 9:30 a.m. on select Saturdays and Sundays during the summer. Participants must be at least 14 to tour, but no previous kayaking experience is required. This company also offers several other kayaking trips near and around Belle Isle.

Detroit History Tours – Wild Women of Detroit Bus Tour

This 4 1/2-hour bus ride spotlights the integral role women played in Detroit's history, from the wife of its French founder to the female stars of Motown. It also stops for drinks at two area bars. Because of the adult nature of some of the stories, as well as the bar stops, participants must be at least 21 years old. Reviewers rave about the tour, saying they learn a lot from the guides, who are expert storytellers. Buses depart from the historic Eastern Market on select Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost roughly $50 and do not include drinks at the bars. The company also runs a Detroit food tour as well as a Detroit mobsters bus tour.

Tags: Travel , Tours , Vacations , Detroit

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The Detroit Bus Company - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Where to Find Hidden Bars and Speakeasies in Detroit

Back alley bars, Prohibition-era watering holes, and classic cocktails

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Not all swanky bars are speakeasies, and not all true historic speakeasies are swanky. Detroit is lucky enough to have a wide range of hidden, historic, and otherwise memorable Prohibition-era bars. That only makes sense, as Detroit was a hotbed of activity during Prohibition a century ago, supplying up to 75 percent of the country’s booze from 1920 to 1933. Cozy up to the bar at any one of these magical places and find inspiration behind clever cocktails, hidden entrances and historic bars.

Abick's Bar

Owned and operated by the same family for more than a hundred years, this neighborhood bar is a trip back in time. From the terrazzo floor, recently refinished to its former glory, to the polished walnut bar to the gleaming 19th-century cash register, Abick’s remains beloved by southwest Detroit residents and visitors. Expect friendly, casual service, simple drinks and a large bottled beer list — and please note, Abick’s is still proudly cash only!

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Finding Shelby is a challenge for first-timers: no signage marks the entrance to the bar. Instead, guests should head for Coffee Down Under and ask for Shelby ( reservations recommended). Hosts will usher guests into the stunning 1920s-era bank vault, complete with separate vault room in royal blue and gilt. The bar boasts a full food menu and a collection of daring cocktails, from frothy and light to deeply nuanced.

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The Library

Downtown’s Detroit Club operates as a private, member-only hotel, but its Library Bar is fortunately open to the public. Serving texture-oriented cocktails, wine and beer, the Library evokes Parisian salon vibes with airy ceilings, heavy curtains and glittery chandeliers. Sip a “Oui, Oui” with gin, champagne, apple and lemon and ponder the array of bottles.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Library (@thelibrarydet)

The Sugar House

The Sugar House was the cocktail bar that launched an empire of bars for the Detroit Optimist Society. After more than 10 years, The Sugar House continues to set the bar for meticulously crafted drinks, and its rigorous bar training program ensures that a vast library of historical cocktails are available at any given time.

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A speakeasy-style bar has revealed itself on the upper level of the building that houses Jacoby’s Bar in downtown’s Bricktown area. Guests here can try a variety of Michigan-made craft beers, premium spirits — including an absinthe service — and cocktails like the The 1904 Lip Service Rye, citrus cordial, cherry liquer, bitters, and absinthe. A selection of small bites like bruschetta tapenade, beet salad, and chicken skewers are also available.

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Bad Luck Bar

Head down the back alley behind the Albert to find the snake-adorned entrance to Bad Luck. Inside, the rich gold tones and hexagon motif invite intimate conversations over experimental cocktails. Bad Luck is the spot to impress a date with theatrical, intricate, and innovative cocktails.

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Downstairs from Times Square restaurant Savannah Bleu, Willow is the most recent Black-owned speakeasy in town. The cozy space is dominated by a massive faux willow tree, with enchanting fairy lights nestled in its branches. The bar is an ode to Black history and culture in Michigan and prominently features historic spirits and cocktails influenced by 19th-century bartender Tom Bullock.

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Cafe D'Mongos Speakeasy

Owner Larry Mongo is a Detroit treasure. He has hosted the sometimes chaotic but always fascinating collection of people and objects in his not-so-hidden spot for decades and has the stories to show for it. The bar is an eclectic and energizing spot for great conversation and classic drinks like the Detroit Brown, with Crown Royal, Vernor’s and bitters.

Evening Bar

Located in the basement of the Shinola Hotel and accessed via a door in Parker’s Alley, this upscale, secluded lounge serves classic cocktails as well as a solid list of well-balanced nonalcoholic cocktails. There are also in-between options with lower alcohol intensity to keep the evening going without suffering the next day.

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Cliff Bell's

Cliff Bell’s is a true Detroit revitalization success story; after the building lay vacant and damaged for 20 years, it was painstakingly restored to its original glory in 2005, right down to the very last detail in the wall murals. Serial Prohibition speakeasy owner Cliff himself would be proud of that his tradition of hospitality and libation continues, with world-class jazz artists performing regularly.

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Castalia at Sfumato

One of the cleverest concepts to appear in Detroit in recent years, Castalia is housed in the basement of a Victorian mansion on Alexandrine (the same building that houses Stadt Garten ). By day, the space is a perfumery; at night, the shelves and display cases transform into Castalia, a sensory delight that pairs taste, texture and scent for an immersive experience.

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The Ebenezer

West side suburbanites rejoiced in 2020 when The Ebenezer opened in the basement of a former bank in downtown Plymouth. The large space of the vault is a great place to relax on leather couches and pretend you’re a roaring 20s banker or gangster. Classic cocktails like the Widow’s Kiss and Boulevardier are featured alongside new twists like the refreshing gin-based Cryptic Message and the complex and spicy Blood Ritual, which pairs mezcal and cinnamon with grenadine, lime, and Ancho Reyes chili liqueur.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Plymouth Bar + Speakeasy (@the_ebenezer_plymouth)

The Upright

Nestled underneath Eater Award-winning Milwaukee Junction restaurant Oak & Reel, the Upright is a cozy, classy bar ideal for an after-dinner night cap, featuring banquette seating, a few intimate tables, and a bar stocked with classic cocktails and an extensive wine list. Snacks such as bolognese arancini, and cacio e pepe pasta fritti are also on hand for a midnight snack.

Cadieux Cafe

Flemish bar Cadieux Cafe once operated as a prohibition-era speakeasy, and remains a go-to destination for Belgian ales and feather bowling. Book a lane ahead of a visit and bring a group to roll some wheels while sipping beers and eating bowls of steamed mussels.

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Two Way Inn

Two Way Inn is the real deal. The saloon opened their doors in 1876 as a stagecoach stop and tavern, and little has changed since. Ring the doorbell to enter Detroit’s oldest watering hole and enjoy a large selection of craft beers while you admire the original American Chestnut bar, placed there back when the place was an official Stroh’s-sponsored bar.

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The oakland art novelty company.

Back when speakeasy-style bars were a novelty, the Oakland Art Novelty Company was a pioneer in craft cocktails. The swanky Ferndale spot is lush and dimly lit, with overstuffed chairs and couches scattered to encourage small groups. The Oakland regularly hosts pop-up concepts, including the over-the-top Christmas-themed Miracle at the Oakland, with kitschy drinks and an explosion of winter decor.

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Getting into Johnny’s requires a little extra effort. Reservations are required for this basement bar, so call or text ahead to get the secret code. Once there, guests enjoy a full farm-to-table dinner menu with Thai and Indian inspired cuisine, alongside craft cocktails and more than 100 whiskies.

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Each season, the Detroit Historical Society hosts special Behind the Scenes tours of historic locations and other venues throughout metro Detroit. Let our expert guides show you these places in ways you’ve never experienced before!

These weekly tours normally take place on Saturdays, but some do take place on weekdays. On average, tours last from 90 minutes to two hours. To ensure the safety of our guests, tours require you to meet at the tour location.

Because reservations are required and many tours are only able to accommodate a very limited number of guests, we recommend that you make your plans well in advance - and  become a member  and create an online account to get the earliest access to tickets. Tour information is released quarterly and posted on the 1st of January, March, June and September for each upcoming season. Tickets will become available to members about two weeks later (please see postings for exact on-sale dates).

The Detroit Historical Society continues to monitor the COVID-19 public  h ealth situation  closely.  You can purchase Behind t he Scenes Tickets with confidence .  If any tour is cancelled or postponed due to the virus, your ticket price can be transferred to the new date, refunded or kept on credit for  a future  tour .   However, tickets are non-refundable in all other circumstances; if you need to cancel, we will make every effort to reschedule you for a future tour but cannot offer refunds.

To take advantage of your Detroit Historical Society membership benefits online, you must create an online account by clicking here .

After your one-time sign up, you can shop for discounted  Behind the Scenes  tour tickets through the listings below. (Please sign in to access your discount.) Thank you for your continued support! 

Need to buy or renew your membership?  Click here.

Current Behind The Scenes Tours:

Alger Theater

June 8 2024 | 10:00am to 11:00am.

Limited tickets remaining! Tour the historic theater, currently under renovation, and learn about its evolution from a...

Book Tower Tour #2

June 14 2024 | 10:00am to 11:00am.

SOLD OUT! Two tour dates! The wait is over. . . Book Tower has been restored to its former glory and is officially open. The...

Devries & Henry the Hatter

June 16 2024 | 10:00am to 11:00am.

Limited tickets remaining! Visit two of Detroit’s oldest businesses, located in Historic Eastern Market. Devries & Co. has...

The Schvitz Tour #1

June 22 2024 | 10:00am to 10:30am.

SOLD OUT! Two tour dates! Open to guests since 1930, The Schvitz is Detroit’s original urban health club and the only historic...

The Schvitz Tour #2

June 29 2024 | 10:00am to 10:30am.

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10 Iconic Detroit Dive Bars

Story by michelle fusco.

Detroit is in the middle of a restaurant and bar renaissance, so there is no shortage of chic cocktail bars, craft breweries, wine tasting rooms and distilleries.

Check out our drinking itinerary if that’s more your style. But if you’re more of a Bud Light, greasy fries, dim lights, friendly regulars kind of person, then check out these iconic Detroit dive bars.

Corktown Dive Bars

Detroit’s Corktown, named for early Irish immigrants to the area, is the city’s oldest neighborhood, and fittingly offers a healthy assortment of “shot and a beer” establishments that qualify as dive bars in the most affectionate sense of the words.

• Nancy Whiskey holds one of the oldest liquor licenses in the city (113 years!) and is famous for its Friday night fish fry.
• Nemo’s is big on sports and offers a shuttle (an old, painted school bus, that is) to games and other major downtown events. Their menu is simple –mostly just burgers and fries. But they are oh-so-tasty.
• Choose PJs Lager House for live ‘n’ local music and a Cajun-inspired menu sprinkled with some unexpected vegetarian options.

Nemo's in Corktown

Downtown Detroit Bars

Downtown has seen a lot of growth in the craft cocktail scene, but there are still some great dive bars to stop by before a game or for after work happy hour.

• Anchor Bar is family-owned and makes the dive list for its storied past (someone did write a book about that!), requisite pool table and dart board, internet juke box and Friday night back-room karaoke. The bar was recently sold to a new owner, but they promise to still keep the soul of the place.
• For a sporty spot, check out Coaches Corner , near Comerica Park and Ford Field. Besides pool and darts, this place has a dance floor, photo booth, arcade games and an outdoor patio.
• Tommy's has a long Detroit history to learn if you can spare 25 minutes. The building itself was built in 1840 and has an underground tunnel entrance that was used to smuggle in liquor from the Detroit River during prohibition. There is also rumors that is was used as part of the Underground Railroad. On top of all of that, they serve solid beers and burgers.

Eastern Market Dive Bars

Eastern Market has seen some growth in new restaurants and bars, but check out these old standbys.

• Vivio’s welcomes everyone in historic Eastern Market, the place to go for Bloody Marys.
• Thomas Magee's Sporting House Whiskey Bar might not even be considered a dive bar. But this Eastern Market staple is always filled with fútbol-loving regulars. No food is served here, but you can order delivery to the bar from neighboring Stache International or Supino's Pizzeria.

Thomas Magee's Sporting House Whiskey Bar

Midtown Detroit Dive Bars

• The Old Miami started as a hangout for Vietnam War vets. Now it is filled with cozy couches, a backyard fire pit and live music.
• And we can't forget about Honest? John's . Although the menu has definitely ramped up over the years, come here for the locals, the neon lights, and classic brews and spirits.

Honest? John's

Dimly lit? You bet. Sticky? Maybe. But Detroit’s dive bars are always easy-on-the-wallet, root-for-the-home team and come-as-you-are. Count me in!

Read more about Detroit restaurants .

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Detroit's historic Temple Bar, founded in 1927, partially collapses

Video on social media shows a partial collapse of Detroit's Temple Bar Friday.

The historic dive bar was founded in 1927 by a Greek immigrant and has long served diverse clientele.

Damage appears to the building's roof, with the area blocked off with orange and white construction cones and yellow caution tape, according to Metro Times video.

The Temple Bar could not be immediately reached for comment.

Located on 2906 Cass Avenue, the bar is typically open 1 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. daily and hosts regular DJ shows.

Local News | Things to do in Detroit area, May 24 and beyond

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On sale now

• The Beach Boys, John Stamos: July 5, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, Rochester Hills, ticket prices vary.

• Kirk Franklin “The Reunion Tour”: Sept. 15, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, with Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, and The Clark Sisters, ticket prices vary.

On sale 10 a.m. May 24

• Jon Pardi: Sept. 13, Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill, Sterling Heights, ticket prices vary.

• All-Star Comedy Festival: Oct. 19, Fox Theatre, Detroit, starring Michael Blackson, Lavell Crawford, Earthquake, Jess Hilarious, Arnez J and Kevin Tate, ticket prices vary.

Note: Events are subject to change; check with venues for updates. Tickets on sale at 313Presents.com, LiveNation.com, Ticketmaster.com or the XFINITY Box Office at Little Caesars Arena.

• Ari Hest: 8 p.m. May 24, at 20 Front Street, Lake Orion, 248-783-7105,  www.20frontstreet.com, doors at 7:30 p.m. all ages, $25+.

• The Detroit Doors Tribute Act: 8 p.m. May 24, Crofoot Complex, 1 S. Saginaw St., Pontiac, thecrofoot.com, $20+.

• Michigan Left: May 24, The Loving Touch, 22634 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 248-820-5596, thelovingtouchferndale.com, doors at 7 p.m., $12+.

• X Ambassadors: 6:30 p.m. May 24, Saint Andrews Hall, 431 E Congress St., Detroit, www.saintandrewsdetroit.com, livenation.com, ticket prices vary.

• Dr. Fresch: May 24, Magic Stick, 4140 Woodward Ave., Detroit, doors at 9 p.m., www.majesticdetroit.com, ages 18+, $30-$40+ adv.

• Forever Foo (Foo Fighters Tribute): 7-11 p.m. May 25, special guest Stone Temple Echos (STP Tribute), at the Diesel Concert Lounge, 33151 23 Mile Road, Chesterfield Township, 586-933-3503, www.dieselconcerts.com, $15+.

• West Coast Takeover: 8 p.m. May 25, Fox Theatre, Detroit, featuring E-40 & B-Legit, Too Short, DJ Quik, Tha Dogg Pound, Mack 10 and Above the Law, 313presents.com, ticket prices vary.

• Echo & The Bunnymen: 7 p.m. May 25, The Fillmore Detroit, livenation.com, ticket prices vary.

• Movement Electronic Music Festival: May 25-27, Hart Plaza, Detroit, https://movementfestival.com, ticket prices vary.

Festivals/Shows

Ya’ssoo Greek Festival: May 24-26, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church 43816 Woodward Ave., (just north of Square Lake Road) Bloomfield Hills, Greek culture, customs and cuisine, live music including Dave Bennett Quartet-6:30 p.m. May 24, The Magic Bus-3 p.m. May 25, and STiGMA, www.yassoogreekfestival.com, $3 admission, free for ages 12 and younger. Purchase tickets to buy food and beverages.

• Novi BBQ Fest-Ribs & Whiskey: May 24-27, Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk Mall, 44175 W. Twelve Mile Road, Novi, BBQ, live music, family-friendly activities, www.novibbqfest.com.

• The Hazel Park Memorial Weekend Festival is May 24-27 in Green Acres Park, 620 W. Woodward Heights, carnival, live music, facebook.com/HazelParkRecreation. The parade starts at 10 a.m. May 27, at Hazel Park Junior High School to Hazel Park Community Center to Green Acres Park, 620 W. Woodward Heights, 248-547-5535.

• Kensington Metropark Art Fair is May 25-27, along the beach at Kensington Metropark, 4570 Huron River Pkwy., Milford, Memorial Day Weekend (Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.), Metropark entry pass required, KensingtonArtFair.com.

• Greater Rochester Heritage Days: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. May 25 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. May 26, at Rochester Municipal Park, 400 6th St., Rochester. Heritage Rod & Custom Car Festival is 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 25, and Festival of Cars is 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 26, proceeds benefit Leader Dogs for the Blind and other Lions Club charities, rochesterheritagedays.org.

• A Day at the Races: Monaco Grand Prix Formula 1 and Indy 500 races viewing on multiple giant screens is 8 a.m.-5 p.m., May 26, M1 Concourse in Pontiac, along Woodward Avenue, includes breakfast, lunch and snacks from Andiamo, and access to high end driving simulators, https://m1concourse.com/viewing-party, $105+.

• Michigan Jewish Family Festival: 3-6 p.m. May 26, in honor of the Jewish Holiday Lag Baomer, petting zoo, laser tag, bounce houses, Touch a Truck, Franklin Community House, 26225 Carol Ave., Franklin, free admission, but RSVP is required at http://www.jewishfamilyfestival.com/rsvp, wristband for activities starting at $10 in advance, menu prices vary.

• Dino and Dragon Stroll: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through May 26, Canterbury Village, 2359 Joslyn Ct., Orion Twp., general admission is $14.99+ adv. CanterburyVillage.com.

• June Fest Family Fun Day: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 1, on Greater Mack, the first block south of 9 Mile Road in downtown St Clair Shores, www.facebook.com/DowntownStClairShores, street fair includes craft fair, petting zoo, entertainers, inflatables, sidewalk sales, free admission.

• Farmington Author & Book Festival: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 1, Memorial Park 33430 Grand River Ave., downtown Farmington, https://kickstartfarmington.org/fab-fest.

• Ferndale Pride Festival: 12:30-10 p.m. June 1, downtown Ferndale, https://ferndalepride.com, free admission.

• Canterbury Village Medieval Faire: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 1-2 and June 8-9, Canterbury Village, 2325 Joslyn Ct., Orion Twp., general admission is $16.99+ adv., $7.99 per child, canterburyvillagemedievalfaire.com.

• Shakespeare in Detroit: 7 p.m. May 24, Danto Lecture Hall, inside the Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, 10 student matinees of “As You Like It,” free admission with registration, for residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, dia.org/events/shakespeare-detroit-you-it.

• “Sincerely-the Musical Odyssey of an Original Moonglow”: Through May 25, McCree Theatre, 4601 Clio Road, Flint, www.thenewmccreetheatre.com, 810-787-2200, ticket prices vary.

• “Anansi and the Moss Covered Rock”:  9:45 a.m. May 29 and 6 p.m. May 30, Einstein Elementary School, 14001 Northend Ave., Oak Park, Einstein Elementary drama club production, www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085598081716&locale=hi_IN.

• “Ella, First Lady of Song”: May 29-June 23 at Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, MBTheatre.com, tickets are $37-$46+ at Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or www.ticketmaster.com.

• “The Sound of Music”: May 31-June 15,at the Outdoor Greek Theatre, 400 Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Hills, www.StDunstansTheatre.com. Presented by St. Dunstan’s Theatre, tickets are $27+ for adults and $25+ for students and seniors.

• “Sunset Boulevard”: May 31-June 23, presented by Stagecrafters, at Baldwin Theatre, 415 S Lafayette Ave, Royal Oak, www.stagecrafters.org, 248-541-6430, ticket prices vary.

• Southside Summer Series – Watercolor Workshop:  Thursdays, May 23-July 18, The SHAC at River’s Edge Brewing Co.,125 S. Main St., Milford, doors at 6 p.m., www.milfordvfaa.org, every other week, rotates between a full concert and an art workshop with acoustic music.

• 87th Annual Detroit Public Schools: Community District Student Exhibition is through May 26, Detroit Institute of Arts, Art-Making Studio, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, www.dia.org.

• “Public Lecture-The Making of “Regeneration”: 6-7 p.m. May 29, presented by co-curators with behind-the-scenes insights, at the Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, dia.org, free with registration.

• Drink & Draw Poolside at Cranbrook: 4:30-7:30 p.m. May 30, Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, https://cranbrookartmuseum.org/events/drink-and-draw-poolside-may. Sip and sketch at Cranbrook Art Museum’s grounds for free Thursday. Basic drawing materials and drawing boards will be available for checkout at the museum’s front desk, food and beverages to purchase.

• Alice Frank “The Visual World of Alice”: Through May 31, Lawrence Street Gallery, 22620 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 248-544-0394, www.lawrencestreetgallery.com, (Museum open noon-5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Friday, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday).

• Art on the Grand: June 1-2, downtown Farmington June 1-2, annual juried fine art fair, along Grand River Avenue in historic downtown Farmington. (10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday), art to purchase, activities, www.artonthegrand.com.

• “Regeneration”-Black Cinema, 1898-1971: Through June 23, at the Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, dia.org, free with general admission.

• BBAC art exhibits: John McLaughlin “Paper Trail”; Laura Mazar “Lover of the Light”; Michael Brzozwski “Urban Waters” and art by the students of Andrea Tama, exhibits are on display through May 30, Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, 1516 S. Cranbrook, Birmingham, BBArtCenter.org, free admission. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Also, registration is open for classes, workshops and summer camps at BBArtCenter.org.

• Japanese Friendship Dolls exhibit: Through June 5, Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, 313-833-4005, dia.org/art/exhibitions.

• Annual Michigan Regional Glass Exhibition: Through June 26, at Janice Charach Gallery, 6600 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield, presented by Michigan Hot Glass, featuring contemporary glass works by emerging and established artists including Oakland County Mosaic Artist Michelle Sider’s latest mosaic, “Anna”, a tribute to her heritage, gallery.jccdet.org, free admission.

• Mosaic Artist Michelle Sider-”Perspectives”: Through the month of May, at Southfield City Hall, 26000 Evergreen Road, in recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month, www.cityofsouthfield.com.

• Wendy Fournier-”Weaving of Light and Color”: Through June 28, at Farmington Hills City Hall, 31555 W. Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, free, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., non-holiday.

• Cranbrook on the Green: Artist-designed mini-golf is open weekends throughout May and September, and during regular museum hours throughout the week in June, July and August, one round of mini-golf-$15 adult non-members, includes admission to Cranbrook Art galleries, $8 for ages 12 and younger, Cranbrook Academy of Art, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, register for a time slot at https://cranbrookartmuseum.org/mini-golf.

• Tiff Massey-“7 Mile + Livernois”: On exhibit through May 11, 2025, Detroit Institute of Arts Rivera Court, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, dia.org.

• Thursdays at the Museum: 1 p.m. Thursdays, Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, self-guided visit of our collections for adults 55 and older. Groups of 25 or more in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties can receive free bus transportation, www.dia.org/events/thursdays.

• The Hawk Makerspace: The Hawk – Farmington Hills Community Center, featuring craft space, specialized equipment including a laser cutter, 3D printer, and sewing lab. Makerspace users may purchase passes to use the equipment during Open Studio hours. Classes are also offered, fhgov.com/play,-explore-learn/the-hawk/amenities/makerspace.

• Drop-in Design: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, self-guided art-making activities in the Cranbrook Art Museum, Art Lab, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, cranbrookartmuseum.org, general admission-$10.

• University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 South State St, Ann Arbor, 734-764-0395, umma.umich.edu.

Beats, continued

• 21 Savage, J.I.D, Nardo Wick and 21 Lil Harold: 7 p.m. May 28, Pine Knob Music Theatre, Independence Twp., 313presents.com, ticket prices vary.

• Lauren Daigle, Ellie Holcomb: 7 p.m. May 29, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, 313presents.com, ticket prices vary.

• Needtobreathe, Judah & the Lion: 7 p.m. May 29, Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill, Sterling Heights, 313presents.com, ticket prices vary.

• Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls: 5:30 p.m. May 29, The Fillmore Detroit, livenation.com, ticket prices vary.

• Shawn Phillips: 8 p.m. May 29, The Ark, Ann Arbor, The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor, doors at 7:30 p.m., theark.org, $25+.

• The Allman Betts Band: 7 p.m. May 30, The Fillmore Detroit, livenation.com, ticket prices vary.

• Little Big: 7 p.m. May 30, Saint Andrews Hall, Detroit, livenation.com, ticket prices vary.

• George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic: 8 p.m. May 30, Sound Board at MotorCity Casino, Detroit, 313presents.com, ticket prices vary.

• Mr. Big: May 30, District 142, 142 Maple St., Wyandotte, doors at 7 p.m. district142live.com, ages 21+, $35-$55+.

• That Arena Rock Show: 8 p.m. May 31, Emerald Theater, 31 N. Walnut St., Mt Clemens, 586-630-0120, TheEmeraldTheatre.com, doors at 7 p.m., ages 18+, $20+.

• Captured Detroit – Journey Tribute: 8 p.m. May 31, Younger’s Irish Tavern, 120 S. Main St., Romeo, www.youngerstavern.com/showroom,  ages 21+, $30+.

• Re-Cure-The Cure Tribute: June 1, The Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, www.themagicbag.com, doors at 7 p.m., all ages, $25+ adv.

• Ginuwine and Dru Hill: 8 p.m. June 1, Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison St. Detroit, www.hollywoodgreektown/entertainment, $50+.

• Andrew Dice Clay: June 1, Andiamo Celebrity Showroom, 7096 E. 14 Mile Road, Warren, andiamoshowroom.com, doors at 6:30 p.m., $35-$110+.

• River Strings of St. Clair County: 7 p.m. June 1, Rochester First Congregational Church, UCC, 1315 N. Pine St., Rochester. Mountain dulcimer group concert, free will offerings will be collected, http://fccrochester.org.

• Motown Night featuring The Crasherz: 8 p.m. June 7, The Roxy, 401 Walnut Blvd., Rochester, 248-453-5285, theroxyrochester.com, doors at 7 p.m., ages 21+, general- $25+.

EMA Singers: 4 p.m. June 2, Central United Methodist Church, 3882 Highland Road, Waterford Twp. Tuesday Musicale of Greater Pontiac’s 100th Anniversary concert, https://tuesdaymusicaleofgreaterpontiac.org, tickets at the door are $25 for general admission and $15 for ages 18 and younger, proceeds help support student awards.

Classical/Orchestra

• Detroit Symphony Orchestra-“Brahm’s Violin Concerto”: May 24-26, Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit, dso.org, $19-$105+.

• The Rochester Symphony Orchestra: 8-10 p.m. May 31, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo Road, Rochester. The Rochester Symphony Orchestra presents “What A Wonderful World”, tickets are $30 for adults and $5 for students at 248-651-4181 or www.rochestersymphony.com/event/what-a-wonderful-world.

• Detroit Symphony Orchestra-Strauss’s “An Alpine Symphony”: May 31-June 2, with violinist Nemanja Radulović at Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit, dso.org, $19-$105+.

• One Night Stans: Rob Little-May 23-25; Josh Adams-May 30-June 1; at 4761 Highland Road, Waterford Twp., OneNightStans.Club, 248-249-1321, ages 18+, ticket prices vary.

• Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle: Jason Jamerson-May 23-25; Steve Byrne-May 30-June 1; Kristina Kuzmic-2:30 p.m. June 1; at 310 S. Troy St., Royal Oak, www.comedycastle.com, 248-542-9900, ages 18+, ticket prices vary.

• Charity Comedy Show: 7:30 p.m. May 25, the Flagstar Strand Theatre, 12 N Saginaw St. Pontiac, hosted by Josh Adams, featuring Comic J Will, T Barb and Ant Gee, to benefit Youth Are Bigger Than Life nonprofit, www.flagstarstrand.com/event-details/yab-charity-comedy-show, ticket prices vary.

• Dusty Slay: June 1, Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 West 4th St., Royal Oak, www.royaloakmusictheatre.com, ticket prices vary.

• Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two-Woman Show is 3 p.m. June 16, (rescheduled date), Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Twp., www.macombcenter.com,  586-286-2222, $50.50-$72+.

• Open caption screenings for individuals with hearing impairments: Sunday and Wednesday throughout May, at select Emagine Theatres, Emagine-Entertainment.com, ticket prices vary.

• Detroit Film Theatre at the Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, dia.org, ticket prices vary.

• Farmington Civic Theater, 33332 Grand River Ave., Farmington, www.theFCT.com.

• Milford Independent Cinema: 945 E Summit St., Milford, milfordcinema.org/tickets, $5+.

• The Redford Theatre, 17360 Lahser Road, Detroit, redfordtheatre.com, ticket prices vary.

Fundraisers

• Art & Vintage Fashion Show: 7-9 p.m. May 31 at former Skyline Club, located on the 28th Floor of 2000 Southfield Town Center, hosted by The Friends of the Southfield Public Arts, proceeds to benefit Nine Mile Corridor Connectivity, Recreation, and Placemaking Project. Advance tickets-$50 available through PayPal at [email protected] or by check made payable to Friends of Southfield Public Arts and mailed to the City of Southfield, c/o Mayor’s Office, 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield, MI 48037-2055.

• Lighthouse presents the 8th Annual Rent Party presented by Flagstar Bank, 5-9 p.m. June 2, at the historic Meadow Brook Hall, featuring a jazz concert, tours of the historic home, food, proceeds benefit Lighthouse efforts to alleviate homelessness, poverty, and food insecurity, https://lighthousemi.org/events/the-rent-party.

• Disco Night Fundraiser: 8 p.m.-midnight, June 8, the Detroit Public Theatre, 3960 Third Ave., Detroit, dancing, small bites, cash bar, silent auction and prizes, fundraiser for the Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan, $100 each, www.furniture-bank.org/disco-night, 248-332-1300.

• “Bullying Is No Joke 8”: 8 p.m. June 14, Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit, featuring actor/comedian, Jeremy Piven, to benefit Defeat the Label nonprofit, www.ticketmaster.com, ticket prices vary.

• Motown Museum, 2648 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, motownmuseum.org, 313-875-2264. Motown Mile outdoor, walkable art installation, “Pushin’ Culture Forward,” open May 20-through early fall, along the Detroit Riverwalk, free admission.

• Royal Oak Historical Society Museum: Judson Center centennial art exhibit, “Museum of Care,” 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, through May 30, 1411 W. Webster Road, Royal Oak, royaloakhistoricalsociety.com, 248-439-1501. Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast is 7-11 a.m., May 27, at Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E Eleven Mile Rd, Royal Oak, to benefit the Royal Oak Historical Museum, all you can eat-adults $10, ages 10 and younger-$5.

• OPEN Live, Michigan Central Station: June 6, outdoor concert headlined by Detroit musical artists, in celebration of the reopening of Michigan Central Station. In addition, OPEN House is June 7-16, with exhibits, tours and entertainment. Registration for free events at michigancentral.com.

• Cranbrook Institute of Science: 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, https://science.cranbrook.edu, $14 general admission, $10.50 for ages 2-12 and seniors 65+, free for children under age 2.

• Detroit Historical Museum: 5401 Woodward Ave. (NW corner of Kirby) in Midtown Detroit, detroithistorical.org. Permanent exhibits include the famous Streets of Old Detroit, the Allesee Gallery of Culture, Doorway to Freedom: Detroit and the Underground Railroad, Detroit: The “Arsenal of Democracy,” the Gallery of Innovation, Frontiers to Factories, America’s Motor City and The Glancy Trains, museum gen. adm. is $10. Kresge Foundation’s “Kresge at 100-A Century of Impact, a Future of Opportunity” exhibit.

• The Underground Railroad exhibit, a four-panel traveling exhibit highlighting local underground railroad history in Oakland County, will be on display throughout May and June (8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday to Friday) at Birmingham City Hall, 151 Martin St., Birmingham. The exhibit will be moved around Oakland County municipal settings and libraries over the next two years, https://ugrr.mioaklandhistory.org.

• Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci): 5020 John R. St., Detroit, museum gen. adm. is $18+. Standard Mi-Sci films are available as a $6 add-on to general admission tickets. Mi-Sci is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday and until 8 p.m. the first Friday of each month, 313-577-8400, www.mi-sci.org. Mi-Sci participates in several programs that provide reduced admission to patrons: Museums for All-When patrons show their SNAP EBT card and picture ID, general admission tickets are only $3/person for up to four people in their party. Museums on Us-Bank of America cardholders receive free general admission on the first full weekend of every month. Other members of the party must pay general admission. Blue Star Museums program-Provides free admission to currently-serving U.S. military personnel and their families, through Labor Day, www.mi-sci.org, Discount is available in person only.

• Ford House: Historic estate of Edsel and Eleanor Ford, 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, fordhouse.org/events, 313-884-4222.

• Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm: Drop in tours on Fridays and Saturdays from noon-3 p.m., at 1005 Van Hoosen Road, Rochester Hills, with a guided tour of the Van Hoosen Farmhouse at 1 p.m., www.rochesterhills.org/musprograms, museum members-free, non-members-$5/adults, $3/seniors and students, no registration needed.

• The Wright: The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit, 313-494-5800, open Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and open until 7 p.m. on Thursday, closed on Mondays, reserve timed tickets at thewright.org, $30+ gen adm., $20 for seniors 62+, $15 for youth, ages 5-17, free for under 5.

• The Zekelman Holocaust Center: New permanent exhibit at the center, 28123 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, www.holocaustcenter.org, 248-553-2400.

• The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village: 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, Ford Rouge Factory Tours Monday-Saturday, purchase tickets online, prices vary, thehenryford.org.

• Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society: Open 1st/2nd/4th/5th Sundays of the month and 3rd Fridays, 1-4 pm, (holidays excluded) with exhibits including “Four Communities” exhibit at The Orchard Lake Museum, 3951 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake. Admission is free, donations are welcome, www.gwbhs.org, 248-757-2451.

• Dossin Great Lakes Museum, 100 Strand Drive, Belle Isle, Detroit, detroithistorical.org.

• Meadow Brook Hall offers Guided House Tours and Self-Guided Tours, check available times and purchase tickets at meadowbrookhall.org/tours, ticket prices vary. Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Drive, Rochester, on the campus of Oakland University.

• Sloan Museum of Discovery: 1221 E. Kearsley St., Flint, www.sloanmuseum.org, 810-237-3450, admission prices vary.

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7 must-do activities as detroit becomes global techno mecca for movement festival, amber ogden, staff writer.

• May 24, 2024

Photo Credit: Movement Festival (movementfestival.com)

Every Memorial Day weekend, Detroit pulses with the electrifying beats of Movement Electronic Music Festival, transforming the city into a global techno mecca where thousands of music aficionados converge to celebrate the genre’s rich history and vibrant future. There is much to do, see, and experience; check out these 7 must-do activities during Movement Festival.

Enjoy Detroit’s Culinary Scene – Take advantage of the city’s renowned food scene. From food trucks at the festival to acclaimed restaurants, there are plenty of options to satisfy your culinary cravings. A must-try is  PUMA , located in Core City, less than a 10-minute drive from Hart Plaza: all weekend, cocktails, chóripan, DJs, and a good time.

Attend the Afterparties – Movement’s afterparties are legendary, taking place in various venues across Detroit. These parties often feature surprise guest DJs and extended sets that last into the early morning. Some official afterparties are going down at Magic Stick, where the creator and founder of techno, one of ‘Belleville Three’ members, Kevin Saunderson, will DJ along with Coco & Breezy, will perform.

Check Out Local Art Installations – Movement often features art installations and interactive exhibits. Explore the various artistic displays scattered around the festival grounds. Ensure you visit the ‘Respect the Architects’ exhibition curated by the Underground Music Academy at the Underground Amphitheater in (old underground stage)

Experience Detroit’s Nightlife – Beyond the official afterparties, Detroit boasts a vibrant nightlife with numerous clubs and bars. Venues like  TV Lounge  will host Soul Clap’s House of EFUNK Detroit’s 10th Anniversary on Saturday and Sunday.

Enjoy the Local Attractions— If time allows, explore other Detroit attractions, such as the Detroit Institute of Arts, Belle Isle Park, and the Motown Museum. Visit the  Detroit Historical Museum  and delve into the fascinating history of Detroit, from its early beginnings to its crucial influence on the development of techno music.

Dive in Some Crates at Local Record Shops – Detroit is home to a treasure trove of iconic record stores, including  Submerge Detroit ,  Paramita Sound ,  and People’s Records . These unique shops are a vinyl enthusiast’s paradise, offering the perfect opportunity to explore and uncover rare musical gems.

Take a Detroit Techno Tour – Participate in a guided tour focused on the city’s techno heritage, visiting landmarks and critical sites that contributed to the genre’s development. As mentioned above,  Submerge Detroit  is a record shop, but it’s also the “World’s First Techno Museum” that will teleport you through the movement’s history. The tours are free, but please consider donating during your visit.

For more information on the happenings and updates all weekend for Movement Festival, visit movementfestival.com

About Post Author

Amber Ogden, a native of Detroit, is an experienced journalist with investigative reporting, feature writing, and multimedia storytelling skills. She covers various topics related to the Black community, from human interest stories to racial injustices to community happenings. Amber is currently a staff writer and can be reached via email at [email protected].

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Tags: Detroit , Dj , Movement Festival , Music , records , techno

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Jill Biden to stump in Michigan this week ahead of President Biden's return

First lady Jill Biden is slated to stump across Michigan this week in a push for her husband's reelection, days ahead of President Joe Biden's third campaign trek to the state this year on Sunday.

Her arrival will kickoff a Women for Biden-Harris event in Marquette on Thursday, before heading to Midland and Detroit in the latest effort to "protect affordable health care from Donald Trump," the presumptive Republican presidential nominee in the 2024 election year, the Biden-Harris campaign said Tuesday. The first lady will be joined by second gentleman Douglas Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris.

At 2 p.m. Thursday, the first lady and Emhoff will arrive at Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport in Gwinn in the Upper Peninsula. They will deliver remarks at a political event in Marquette at 3 p.m., according to the White House.

At 6 p.m. Thursday, they are scheduled to arrive at Chippewa County International Airport in Kincheloe and deliver remarks at a community event with the Bay Mills Indian Community and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

At noon Friday, Jill Biden and the second gentleman will join a community listening session about health care with members of the Bay Mills Indian Community and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the White House said. At 1 p.m., they are slated to highlight historic investments through President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda and will tour the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, then head to Midland for a political event at 5:15 p.m.

The White House said the first lady and second gentleman will touch down at Detroit Metro Airport at 7 p.m. Friday and will deliver remarks at a political event at 11:30 a.m. Saturday before heading to New York to wrap up the tour.

Event locations were not released.

The first lady's visit to the state will mark her second time in the Great Lakes State in less than a month , following a stop in Grand Rapids for the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation’s annual First Ladies Luncheon on April 26.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, alongside community leaders, launched Michigan’s Women for Biden-Harris group in Detroit on March 1, the Biden-Harris campaign said. Harris visited Detroit on May 6 to promote the Biden administration's assisting of small businesses, and Grand Rapids in February as a part of a "nationwide reproductive freedoms tour, highlighting extreme abortion bans and underscoring the danger in seemingly 'safe' states like Michigan," the campaign said.

The Women for Biden-Harris tour in Michigan will come days before the president returns to the state on Sunday to deliver the keynote address for the NAACP Detroit Branch's 69th annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner at Huntington Place in Detroit.

It will be Democratic president's third campaign trip to Michigan this year and his first since March 14 when he made stops in Saginaw, a Democratic stronghold  within a bellwether Michigan county , greeting volunteers at a private home in the city's Cathedral District neighborhood before dining with a family at a golf course in Saginaw Township.

The president was also in Michigan on Feb. 1 when he addressed a crowd of about 200 people at a United Auto Workers hall in Warren and courted Black voters at a sports bar in Harper Woods.

The Fight For Freedom Fund Dinner this year will mark 69 years that the massive social gathering — among the region's largest sit-down dinners, hosting nearly 10,000 guests — has ushered in voices of some of the most renowned civil rights, faith and elected officials from Michigan and across the nation.

Biden spoke at the dinner in 2015 , praising Detroit's comeback following its 2013-2014 municipal bankruptcy, saying it was on the road to economic recovery.

Biden's speech to the NAACP in Detroit is part of his campaign's efforts to engage Black voters in swing state Michigan, where turning out Black voters in Detroit and the first-ring suburbs is expected to be key to his running up the score against Trump.

Trump last month made a stop in his third state campaign visit to Freeland, about 14 miles northwest of Saginaw, where he thanked U.S. Supreme Court justices for overturning Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that allowed for a woman's right to terminate a pregnancy. He has said he'll leave policy decisions on abortion access to the states.

The battleground state of Michigan enshrined abortion rights in its constitution in 2022. It is expected to be key focus for Trump and Biden, who won the state in 2020 by nearly 3 percentage points, 51%-48%, or 154,000 votes. Trump won Michigan in 2016 by two-tenths of a point or 10,703 votes.

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X: @wordsbyjakkar

Staff Writer Craig Mauger contributed.

36 Hours in Traverse City, Mich.

By Stacey Nield Brugeman May 23, 2024

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By Stacey Nield Brugeman Photographs by Michelle Litvin

Stacey Nield Brugeman writes about food and travel from a 19th-century farmhouse north of Traverse City.

The tranquil beauty of northern Michigan — turquoise freshwater lakes bordered by thousands of miles of sandy, dune-grass-studded coastline and towering white pines — has lured visitors Up North, as the region is known, since the late 19th century. Many flock to Traverse City, at the head of Grand Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan, for the city’s annual cherry festival , vistas that have inspired artists and writers for generations and a seasonally driven culinary scene. Lately, some visitors are staying. Pandemic-era transplants are bringing a new, creative energy: renovating cafes and hotels, selling prints of watercolors at area markets and championing biodynamic winemaking. Thanks to a runway expansion, visitors can now fly nonstop into Cherry Capital Airport from 20 U.S. cities during the summer, when this still blissfully unspoiled and laid-back destination shimmers.

Recommendations

• Compass Rose Sailing Co. takes visitors for an elegant sail on Grand Traverse Bay aboard its historic yacht, Althea.
• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers protected, unencumbered vistas of Lake Michigan, facing west.
• Farm Club , a market, restaurant and brewery, shows the close relationships between farms and kitchens in this region. (It’s also a scenic bike ride from town.)
• Paddle TC rents kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to take out onto Grand Traverse Bay.
• Glen Haven Village , within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, features historic buildings, a dune hike and access to Lake Michigan.
• Traverse Area Recreation Trail (TART) is a paved path for walking, running, biking and skating throughout Traverse City and beyond.
• Brick Wheels Bike Shop rents road bikes, electric bikes and accessories such as trailers.
• Dennos Museum Center is a small museum that houses contemporary Inuit art and rotating works by Great Lakes artists.
• Modern Bird is an informal but elevated restaurant where a husband-and-wife team, recently relocated from Chicago, scours area farmers’ markets to cook with the seasons.
• The Little Fleet is an open-air spot with multiple food trucks, seasonal cocktails and late hours.
• Bubbie’s Bagels not only boils and bakes its own bagels in-house, it also makes its own seasonal cream cheese.
• The Mill is a recently restored grist mill in Glen Arbor that houses a cafe and restaurant, and displays local art and antiques.
• Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate sells ethically sourced Ecuadorean chocolate and, in the summer, small-batch gelato.
• The Cooks’ House serves five- and seven-course tasting menus that showcase northern Michigan’s agricultural diversity.
• Crocodile Palace offers Sichuan takeout dishes like lip-numbing chicken wings and dan dan noodles.
• NoBo Mrkt serves breakfast sandwiches and coffee in a community cooperative overlooking the Boardman River.
• M22 inks apparel and home goods with the logo of the highway that traces the waterside edges of Leelanau County, a peninsula.
• Becky Thatcher Designs sells jewelry made with a local treasure known as Leland bluestones.
• Sara Hardy Farmers Market gathers farmers and ranchers from all over the region on Saturday mornings.
• Lake District Wine Co offers a thoughtful selection of the best bottles from the Old Mission Peninsula and Leelanau County wine regions.
• Delamar Traverse City , a waterside hotel, recently changed hands and benefited from an impressive remodel. It offers both an indoor and outdoor pool, and its restaurant, Artisan, open for dinner and Sunday brunch, has a sprawling patio overlooking the boat traffic on the west side of Grand Traverse Bay. Rooms start at $290 in June.
• Hotel Indigo Traverse City set off a lodging boom in the area when it opened in 2016. In the Warehouse District and just across Route 31 from the water, the property has 107 rooms, many facing West Bay. In the summer, a rooftop patio is open to all and can be a great place to catch the sunset, which happens late this far north. Rooms start at $270 in June.
• Alexandra Inn , run by second- and third-generation members of a Traverse City hotelier family, is a new property with Nantucket-meets-northern-Michigan vibes. A welcome respite from the hustle of the East Bay Beach District, the hotel offers elevated views of the bay’s ombré blues and convenient beach access at an affordable price point. Rooms start at $175 in June.
• For short-term rentals , Traverse City and its surrounding area are home to many Airbnbs that provide a modern Up North vibe. Many such rentals, however, require a three-night minimum stay (or more) during peak season.
• A rental car is the easiest way to explore the region. While you can take taxis and use ride-hailing apps like Uber at the airport and within Traverse City proper, both can be spotty farther afield. In town, you can ride the BATA bus ($4.50 daily, city loop routes) or rent bicycles to get around.

Kayak rentals from Paddle TC.

Many first-time visitors marvel at how clean and clear the water is in Grand Traverse Bay, which is split into East Bay and West Bay by Old Mission Peninsula. Take a two-hour sunset sail with Compass Rose Sailing Co. aboard a 46-foot racing yacht built by the decorated yachtsman and naval architect Ted Hood in 1963. Once you’re under sail power, listen as the crystalline West Bay waves slap against the navy hull and exhale as the sun sets behind Leelanau County, another peninsula to the west. The private sail costs $430 and accommodates up to six guests. Looking for something that burns more calories and less cash? Rent kayaks ($30, one hour) from Paddle TC and paddle around the sailboats moored in front of the Grand Traverse Yacht Club.

For dinner, reserve seats at the bar at Modern Bird , an informal but elevated restaurant open since 2022 on Traverse City’s west side. Its chefs and owners, a husband-and-wife team, represent a talented new cohort pushing the culinary traditions of the Great Lakes region beyond its fried-fish roots. Try dishes like cold-smoked local carrots with arugula, labneh and spiced almond crunch ($16), and trout crudo with Suttons Bay Shiro plums, pickled serrano chiles and smoked soy sauce ($18). In season, don’t miss the dark chocolate cake served with whipped almond mascarpone and cherry jam ($13), akin to Black Forest gâteau, which is also a nod to the area’s cherry production. (Michigan produces some 70 percent of the country’s tart cherries.)

Locals love the open-air spot the Little Fleet not only for its food trucks (like Juicy Oistre , a traveling fish shack from Ann Arbor), but also for staying open until midnight on weekends. Have a nightcap at the indoor bar, where the drinks change with the seasons. Order whatever sounds as if it was conceived at a roadside farm stand: The All Good, Sweet Pea ($12) is as bright and fresh as snap-pea tendrils, while the dusty purple Concord Negroni ($13) is infused with local grapes. There’s live music on Fridays, so it can be crowded as people first roll into town that evening, but as things cool down, huddle around the outdoor fire pit and see which constellations you can spot this close to the 45th parallel, where you are as close to the North Pole as you are to the Equator.

Lining up at Farm Club’s outside bar on a sunny Sunday.

The Midwest isn’t exactly known for banner bagels, but the ones at Bubbie’s Bagels are the real deal: fermented over two days, boiled and baked in an unassuming strip mall at the foot of Old Mission Peninsula across from Civic Center park. Skip the lines and place an online order for pickup. This summer, select the caraway rye or whole wheat bagel, both of which are now made with locally grown and milled flour. Be sure to ask for a schmear of seasonal cream cheese, which is appropriately generous and made with foraged ramps or area-grown strawberries, depending on the week ($6).

Hit Front Street, Traverse City’s main drag and home to the State Theater , programmed by the filmmaker Michael Moore. Join the crowds at M22 , a store that sells hoodies, water bottles, even candles inked with the name of the highway that nearly circumnavigates the pinkie finger of Michigan’s mitten-like shape. Seek out a more artisanal keepsake at Becky Thatcher Designs , a jeweler known for using Leland bluestones (a byproduct of the iron ore furnaces that operated in the nearby fishing village of Leland until the mid-1880s, which can still be found on area beaches). Ogle a bluestone necklace, bracelet or ring (from $75 to $800). Those who prefer edible purchases can wander over to the Sara Hardy Farmers Market , a few blocks away. You betcha you can grab a pint of wild black raspberries or other micro-seasonal treasures there.

Hop in the car and head northwest toward Glen Arbor, a small resort community of fewer than 1,000 residents when the snow flies. Bob up and down the region’s drumlins (rolling glacial hills), meander past cherry farms and vineyards, and see the boat tie-ups beginning to swell on Leelanau County’s inland lakes. Stop in at the cafe within the Mill , a former grist mill from 1879 on the Crystal River. It reopened last year after a painstaking restoration and features behemoth oak posts and beams and original milling equipment, as well as artwork (check out the giant gherkin pickles painted onto local coffee bags by the Northport artist Jesse Hickman). Order a simple lunch of panzanella salad ($12) and wander out to the back deck, seemingly suspended above the river.

Continue west to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore , a 70,000-acre stretch of protected forests, sand dunes and shoreline named for a legend of the Anishinaabek (a collective of Native American peoples that live in the Great Lakes region, and beyond); one-day pass, $25. Many tourists flock to the steepest sand dune, known as the Dune Climb, and a seven-mile auto loop called Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. But Glen Haven , a restored 1920s village north of both, offers history, dune hiking and vistas of Mama Lake, as some locals call the open waters of Lake Michigan, all in one stop. See Glen Haven’s vintage cannery building, boat museum, blacksmith shop and general store before proceeding to the Sleeping Bear Point trailhead to hike about 15 minutes across rolling dunes to the water’s edge. Spot Petoskey stones, fossilized coral unique to the region; take a quick (brisk!) dip; and skip stones toward North and South Manitou Islands in the distance.

Instead of doubling back to Traverse City the way you came, make a loop by continuing south to the town of Empire, stopping in at Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate , a confectionary shop in a Granny Smith green building that hugs the side of the road. The co-owner Jody Hayden, who sells ethically sourced chocolate that is molded into bars, barks and even sleeping bears, added a gelato shop next door in 2022 (opens for the summer on May 25). Ask for a scoop of Ecuadorean milk chocolate or the olive-oil gelato that is made with oil from Fustini’s , a Traverse City importer ($5.50, one scoop). Those who are dairy-free should try the seasonal sorbets, like peach or saskatoon (also known as serviceberry).

The Cooks' House

Back in town, settle into the good care of the hospitality wizards at the Cooks’ House , a 26-seat gem. Respect for ingredients shines in each dish by the chefs, Jennifer Blakeslee and Eric Patterson, who have unmatched relationships with regional farmers and winemakers. The two tasting menus (five or seven courses, $87 or $104) change daily and have inventive, globally inspired touches: A recent asparagus dish came with lentils, smoked whitefish, chive and an aioli made using fried eggs. Didn’t score a seat? Place a to-go order of lip-numbing Sichuan chicken wings ($12) from Crocodile Palace . Grab a bottle of any of the area wines sold at Lake District Wine Co (ask about BOS , by a biodynamic winemaker who recently moved to Michigan from Napa) and throw down a picnic blanket near, but not too near, the beach volleyball nets at Clinch Park.

Music lovers and locals don’t let summer pass without catching a recital or performance at Interlochen Center for the Arts , a boarding school and performance campus 15 miles southwest of Traverse City that attracts teenage prodigies from all over the globe. Travelers tight on time can find world-class music in Traverse City proper as well. Inside Commongrounds Cooperative, a new community-owned development , see a show at the Alluvion , an intimate 150-person performance space with stellar acoustics that hosts funk acts, jazz bands, piano trios, guitar ensembles and more, from Interlochen and well beyond. This summer, its Alluvial Nights series brings together D.J. sets and projections to guarantee dancing well after the late northern Michigan sunset.

Members of a cold-water swim club gathering in Lake Michigan at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Commongrounds Cooperative

Revisit the Commongrounds building for a completely different experience during daylight hours. Inside is a coffee bar and market in one, NoBo Mrkt , a gathering place where the community conversation is as exciting as the food. Order a cortado and an eggy breakfast sandwich made with 9 Bean Rows ciabatta ($12), settle into a plush stool that overlooks the Boardman River and the north end of Boardman Lake, and eavesdrop as Michiganders compare notes on everything from kitesurfing and freshwater fishing to regenerative farming and Line 5 (the oil and gas pipeline, opposed by environmentalists and tribal nations , that runs under the Straits of Mackinac).

Benjamin Maier Ceramics at Farm Club

Rent a bike from Brick Wheels ($35, four hours) and ride north on the Traverse Area Recreation Trail (TART) . Pedal past the Leelanau Conservancy ’s 191-acre DeYoung Natural Area, a historic farmstead. At Lake Leelanau Drive, take a right on the boardwalk, downshift and push up the gravel path to Farm Club , equal parts produce market, restaurant and brewery, to be first in line for lunch at noon. Hit the onsite market for ceramic tableware by the area artist Benjamin Maier before cruising back to town. A 14-mile round-trip bike ride not in your wheelhouse? Stop at the Dennos Museum Center , which has a permanent collection of contemporary Inuit art, as well as rotating installations: See the colorful, often-floral paintings of the Detroit-based Chinese American painter Louise Jones, also known as Ouizi , from June 21 through Sept. 1.

Because of an editing error, an earlier version of this article misstated the name of a trail. It is the Traverse Area Recreation Trail, not the Traverse City Recreation Trail.

Have a weekend to explore a destination? We’ve got the perfect travel itinerary.

Colorado Springs: ​​Colorado’s second-largest city, which brims with outdoor activities , is enticing visitors with a new museum and revamped hotels.

Minneapolis: Springtime is best for exploring this Midwestern city’s lakeside trails, robust arts scene and top-notch restaurants .

Maui: The beauty and hospitality of this Hawaiian island, still recovering from last year’s wildfires, remain as vibrant as ever .

Toronto: Savor the diversity of this lakefront city through its hidden bars, small-but-fascinating museums and vibrant restaurants .

Cape Town: Take a food and storytelling tour, cruise one of the world’s most beautiful coastal drives and see contemporary African art in this city with stunning views in every direction .

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Minnesota Law Students Brianna Attamante ’25, Yessenia Gutierrez ’26, Noah Madoff ’26 and Caleb Waugh ’26 Awarded 2024 Peggy Browning Fellowships

Minnesota Law Students Brianna Attamante ’25 , Yessenia Gutierrez ’26 , Noah Madoff ’26 , and Caleb Waugh ’26 have been awarded 2024 Peggy Browning Fellowships in workplace justice advocacy. Over 3,950 law students nationwide applied for the fellowships with 117 students receiving the awards. These fellows are distinguished students who have not only excelled in law school, but who have also demonstrated their commitment to workers’ rights through their previous educational, organizing, work, volunteer, and personal experiences. 

Brianna Attamante is the granddaughter of a former IBEW member and has always had an interest in workers’ rights. After graduating from Rutgers University with a bachelor’s degree in history, she did a service term with the National Civilian Community Corps, AmeriCorps NCCC. Along with her team, Brianna traveled across the United States, working on a farm, restoring historic buildings, and rehabilitating refugees. At Minnesota Law, she has volunteered with the Minnesota Justice Foundation and Asylum Law Project, advocating for immigrant and asylum seekers’ rights. She will be working as a Browning Fellow this summer with the Kraw Law Group in Mountain View, CA.

Before law school, Yessenia Gutierrez worked as a compliance investigator for the Philadelphia Department of Labor, where she earned a 2023 Integrity Icon award. She is from a Central American working-class family and earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania in biology and Latin American and Latino Studies. Yessenia previously worked with reproductive justice and immigration nonprofits and as a union organizer. At Minnesota Law, she is active in the American Constitution Society, and the Asylum Law Project and was a 1L representative for both the Student Employment and Labor Law Association and Minnesota Plaintiffs’ Law Association. This summer she will be working as a Browning Fellow with the United Auto Workers in Detroit, MI.

Noah Madoff received a degree in literature from Harvard University and previously worked for nearly a decade in journalism and documentary film. He first became interested in the labor movement and labor rights in the long aftermath of the Great Recession. In addition, he developed interests in law and political economy and has provided legal support to Trader Joe’s United Union. He has also served on the executive board of Minnesota Law’s student labor law organization. He will be working as a Browning Fellow with the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers this summer.

Raised in Pittsburgh, PA, from a long line of union members, Caleb Waugh’s passion for protecting workers’ rights developed from his family who instilled in him a deep appreciation of the power of collective action. He worked with the Communications Workers of America locals while an undergraduate at Indiana University. At Minnesota Law, he has been the communications director for the Student Employment and Labor Law Association and a member of the East Side Freedom Library Labor Advisory Committee, which provides programming for local immigrant workers in the Twin Cities. He will spend the summer as a Browning Fellow with the United Steelworkers in Pittsburgh, PA.

Congratulations, Brianna, Yessenia, Noah, and Caleb!

From L to R: Brianna Attamante ’25 , Yessenia Gutierrez ’26 , Noah Madoff ’26 , and Caleb Waugh ’26

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