Cultural enrichment and learning about diversity are things a lot of people want to do but don’t always know where to start. If you’re looking for family-friendly events and locations to visit in metro Detroit, here are a few to check out.
Native American Heritage Day (Westland)
Wayne County Parks and the North American Indian Association hosts its annual Native American Heritage Day celebration at Nankin Mills Recreation Center on Saturday, September 23rd from 1pm to 5pm. Watch live demonstrations, shop the craft market and more. This is a free event, open to the public.
Ofrendas @ The DIA (Detroit)
Learn about el Día de Muertos at the DIA’s annual exhibit showcasing 14 ofendas by local artists and community members. The annual exhibition, designed to familiarize visitors with ofrendas and the Mexican traditions of the Day of the Dead, builds a sense of community as visitors identify with the reasons and ways people honor the deceased while collectively taking part in the act of remembering. The popular annual Ofrendas exhibit runs from September 23rd to November 5th. The DIA is free to residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
Japan Festival (Novi)
The Japan Business Society of Detroit hosts its annual Japan Festival on Sunday, October 8th from 1pm to 4pm. The FREE event features musical and dance performances, cultural workshops (origami, calligraphy and tea ceremony) and traditional games and attractions.
Festival of Lights (Canton)
This Festival of Lights is a cultural celebration of lights that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. This event is Friday, October 27th and FREE. Learn and celebrate together with Indian cultural dancing, DJ music, Indian food, Henna body art. The evening will also culminate with a firework display.
DABLS MBAD African Bead Museum (Detroit)
Shop and learn at the African Bead Museum. The building’s exterior is a site to see, as are the exterior art installations! Afterwards stop into the shop and learn about beads from countries across Africa. Purchase jewelry or supplies to make your own.
Arab American History Museum (Dearborn)
Enjoy amazing tile work, beautiful artwork and so much more! Since 2005, the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn has been sharing Arab American contributions to the American society. That helped to shape it as it is today. See the impact they have had in political, creative arts, community, science. Learn about culture, food, and customs.
