Mutt Strutt, Victorian parade, DIY fest: 5 things to do in metro Detroit this weekend

Brendel Hightower, Detroit Free Press
Updated ·3 min read

The primary draw to Detroit this weekend will be the final days of this year's North American International Detroit Auto Show, but there's plenty more to do across the region.

For those who prefer outdoor experiences, celebrate the bond between humans and dogs at Dearborn's Mutt Strutt, or visit downtown Northville as it comes alive with a parade and festival celebrating its Victorian heritage. Several art festivals are also on tap, with a few providing opportunities to engage in creating art.

Here are a few things to do for the weekend of Sept. 22-24.

Mutt Strut

Sprinkles, a 2-year-old hound, in a 2019 file photo.
Sprinkles, a 2-year-old hound, in a 2019 file photo.

This event celebrates the five-year anniversary of the grand opening of Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit in a gatheirng hosted by the MaryAnn Wright Animal Adoption and Education Center. There will be food trucks, exhibitors, a raffle and fun activities for the family.

Proceeds will go toward FAMD’s general operations fund, dedicated to providing animals with the best medical care, food and love until they are adopted.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at MaryAnn Wright Animal Adoption and Education Center, 16121 Reckinger Road in Dearborn. The registration fee is $35 and includes an official Mutt Strut T-shirt. Admission without a T-shirt will be available with a suggested $5 donation.

Victorian Festival

This festival presented by The Northville Chamber of Commerce, will celebrate the town's Victorian heritage with a parade at 6:30 p.m. Friday, continuing Saturday and Sunday with live music, theatrical performances, Victorian-era reenactors, educational presentations, craft vendors, duck races and more.

Local history celebrated at Northville's 2022 Victorian Heritage Festival.
Local history celebrated at Northville's 2022 Victorian Heritage Festival.

6:30 p.m. Friday parade; 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday in downtown Northville at Main Street and Center Street.

Common Ground’s Birmingham Street Art Fair

Approximately 100 juried artists will be at this fair presented by The Guild of Artists & Artisans and Common Ground. This annual fundraiser for Common Ground will feature jewelry, ceramics, paintings, glass, photography, fiber and more.

There will also be food vendors, a children’s activity area and live performances by students from Axis Music Academy and Mayflower Music; Donatella Pompeo and more.

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10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at Shain Park in Birmingham. Free to attend.

Funky Ferndale Art Fair

This juried art show will have nearly 140 artists with art mediums that will include paintings, sculptures, jewelry, mixed media, fiber, clay and functional art.

David Zinn and his chalk art illustrations in cracks in the sidewalk, bricks on buildings or manholes will be on display at the Funky Ferndale Art Fair.
David Zinn and his chalk art illustrations in cracks in the sidewalk, bricks on buildings or manholes will be on display at the Funky Ferndale Art Fair.

Join the DIA to make an art project; visit Bikers Against Child Abuse for a temporary tattoo; join the Ferndale Arts and Culture Commission in creating a giant chalk installation; and help decorate a blanket for Little Amal.

There will be chalk art illustrations created in cracks in the sidewalk, bricks on building or manholes throughout the fair by chalk artist David Zinn; an authors tent, an acoustic jazz stage and street musicians.

Hours are 3-7:30 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday on Nine Mile, west of Woodward in Ferndale. Free to attend.

DIY Street Fair

Surround yourself with a diverse array of 150 artist vendors featuring original handcrafted art that will include paintings, handmade furniture, ceramics, photography, jewelry and sculptures along with different businesses, nonprofits, organizations providing information and others who live and work with a do-it-yourself ethic. There will also be food, live music, Michigan breweries, wineries, distilleries and more.

An artist showing jewelry at the DIY Street Fair in 2022.
An artist showing jewelry at the DIY Street Fair in 2022.

Music line-up will include Ted Leo, Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers, The Beggars and more.

6 p.m.-midnight Friday; 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday; and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday on Nine Mile, east of Woodward Avenue in Ferndale. Free to attend.

Brendel Hightower is an assistant editor at the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at bhightower@freepress.com. Support local journalism: Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Mutt Strutt, Victorian parade, DIY fest: 5 things to do this weekend