Create your own pencil drawing to take home while exploring the collection up close. No experience necessary, and all supplies are provided. Open to ages 6 through adult (children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult). Space is limited.

Learn how sugar skulls are used in Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexican and Mexican American communities, then decorate one of your own.

All materials are provided; capacity is limited.

Learn how sugar skulls are used in Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexican and Mexican American communities, then decorate one of your own.

All materials are provided; capacity is limited.

Travel across the varied and beautiful regions of Mexico with Ballet Folklórico de Detroit—a Detroit-based community group of passionate dancers dedicated to preserving Mexican culture and traditions through dance. With each unique style of dress, music, and footwork, their performances aim to delight audiences and spark appreciation and respect for Mexican heritage. For families of all ages. (60 min.)

This program is free with museum admission. Capacity is limited—seating begins 30 minutes before the performance.

After the performance, don’t miss the 13th installment of Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos, on view from September 27 to November 2, 2025. Free with museum admission.

Thomas X, an accomplished Native hip-hop artist from the Red Lake Nation in northern Minnesota, has embarked on a remarkable career journey. Beginning as part of Rez Rap Records, he has grown into a formidable solo artist, captivating audiences with his distinctive style and powerful lyrics.

Beyond music, Thomas X is deeply committed to his community. He serves on the Red Lake School Board and as Executive Director of the Red Lake Boys & Girls Club, underscoring his dedication to the well-being and development of local youth.

Thomas X’s impact extends far beyond the stage. He is a powerful example of how art, education, and community engagement can come together to create meaningful change. Through his music, leadership, and unwavering commitment to young people, Thomas X continues to uplift and inspire both his community and a global audience.

Presented with American Sign Language interpretation

Come together to celebrate the public opening day of the new exhibition Contemporary Anishinaabe Art: A Continuation. This special event will feature an official dedication ceremony for artist Jason Quigno’s sculpture Maawandoonan (Bring Them Together) on the Woodward lawn, along with performances, hands-on activities for all ages, and self-guided tours.

Artmaking in the studio will run from 12 – 2 p.m.

Join us for the third annual Educators Night, a free evening designed to connect teachers, school administrators, and educators from across Southeast Michigan with the rich educational and cultural resources of the Detroit Cultural Center and its nonprofit partners. Visit seven museums and cultural institutions across the Detroit Cultural Center. This district-wide open house invites educators to explore field trip opportunities, meet institutional professionals, and discover hands-on learning programs and student well-being resources.

The event includes free admission for all educators, light refreshments, teacher giveaways, and classroom-ready materials from participating organizations. Pre-registered guests will receive a Detroit Cultural Center tote bag, and fun teacher freebies will be available while supplies last. Educators can explore seven cultural institutions, connect with peers and nonprofit partners, discover field trips, workshops, traveling programs, and summer opportunities, attend live performances and professional development talks, and access curriculum-aligned resources to support creative and inclusive education.

This event is free to attend, but registration on Eventbrite (opens in a new tab)is required.

Participating Cultural Institutions:

The Carr Center

• Focus: Music
• Address:  15 E. Kirby St.

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

• Focus: Culture, History, Theatre
• Address: 315 E. Warren Ave.

Detroit Historical Museum

• Focus: History Resources, Natural History, Geography
• Address: 5401 Woodward Ave.

Detroit Institute of Arts

• Focus: Art and Design
• Address: 5200 Woodward Ave.

Detroit Public Library

• Focus: Early Childhood Development and Literacy
• Address: 5201 Woodward Ave.

Michigan Science Center

• Focus: STEM
• Address: 5020 John R St.

Wayne State University – Welcome Center

• Focus: Educational Well-being – Elevating, Innovating, and Transforming for the Public Good
• Address: 42 W. Warren Ave.

Please join us for this educator-exclusive morning of relaxation and refreshment. Detroit Yoga Lab will lead a yoga session in the historic Rivera Court, no experience necessary. Participants will also enjoy a complimentary smoothie bar and an art-making session.

All educators are welcome. Dress comfortably and bring a yoga mat or thick blanket.

Join DanceAbility Detroit for an afternoon of movement and sound improvisation at the DIA on Thursday, August 14, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

We’ll gather at 1 p.m. inside the museum’s Great Hall. At this “All Aboard” spot, we’ll get to know one another through movement and sound improvisation with our live musician, King Sophia. After a bathroom break, we’ll head outdoors (weather permitting) to the sculpture located to the left of the John R entrance. We’ll wrap up by 4 p.m., though you're welcome to leave earlier if needed.

Wear shades of blue since we are the water and the boat flowing through.

Part of DCF’s Master Class series, Dance for the Camera is the perfect opportunity for dancers and aspiring dance for camera filmmakers to learn skills within choreography, performance, camera work and editing skills.

For dancers 13 or older of all experience levels.

Prior registration is required. Visit their website to register. (opens in a new tab)

Dance City Festival (DCF) is an annual community building event that celebrates dance in its various forms and disciplines. Now in its thirteenth year in Detroit, and first year in Chicago and New York, DCF-Detroit includes performances, master classes, and networking opportunities all held in the vibrant city of Detroit at the festival’s central venue, Detroit Institute of Arts. Our mission is to educate diverse audiences about the impact of dance, provide opportunities for artists to share their work, and create an artistic network linking Detroit, the greater US, and the world!

Click here for full festival schedule. (opens in a new tab)

Sponsored by ArtLab J and Dance City Festival