Top Metro Detroit Events for June 2024

Ella, First Lady of Song

Follow the inspiring 60-year career of jazz great Ella Fitzgerald at the Michigan premiere of this biographical musical by Lee Summers. Grammy-nominated artist Freda Payne will star in the titular role, performing some of Fitzgerald’s greatest hits along the way — including “Sweet Georgia Brown” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).” May 29-June 23. $37. Meadow Brook Theatre, 378 Meadow Brook Road, Rochester ; mbtheatre.com .

Detroit Grand Prix

This annual IndyCar race is taking to the streets of downtown Detroit for another year of speed, sound, and family fun. Beyond the racing, attendees can access the Riverwalk, Hart Plaza, and Spirit Plaza to enjoy games, food, music, and entertainment. May 31-June 2. Prices vary by day and seating. Downtown Detroit; detroitgp.com .

Dusty Slay

Known for a clean, relatable brand of Southern-style comedy that bridges political and cultural divides alike, this Nashville, Tennessee-based comedian has appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel Live and was listed as one of 10 comics to watch by Variety in 2019. He co-hosts the We’re Having a Good Time podcast with his wife, Hannah, as well as the popular Nateland podcast with fellow funnyman Nate Bargatze. June 1. $35+. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. 4th St., Royal Oak ; royaloakmusictheatre.com .

Maggie Rogers

This up-and-coming pop singer-songwriter got her big break in 2016, when she played her song “Alaska” for Pharrell Williams during a master class at New York University. A video of the star being visibly moved by the performance went viral, culminating in millions of views for Rogers — who signed a recording contract with Capitol Records later that year. Hear tracks from the star’s newest album, Don’t Forget Me , when she makes a stop in Sterling Heights with support from indie pop artist The Japanese House. June 9. $35+. Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, 14900 Metro Parkway, Sterling Heights ; 313presents.com .

Melanie Martinez

Following her fame-making appearance on season three of the reality competition show The Voice , this alternative-pop phenom went on to release her double-platinum-selling debut album, Cry Baby , which spawned several successful singles, including “Pity Party” and “Soap.” She’ll support her newest album, Portals , when she arrives at Little Caesars Arena with special guests Beach Bunny and Sofia Isella in tow. June 14. $150+. Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit ; 313presents.com .

Daniel Tosh

Audiences became acquainted with Daniel Tosh’s dark, deliberately offensive brand of humor during his 11-year run as host of Comedy Central’s Tosh.0, a satirical variety show where the comic offered hilariously bleak commentary on viral videos, internet memes, and trending pop culture topics. He launched his own podcast, Tosh Show — which features a blend of comedic banter and guest interviews — in November. June 15. $45+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit ; 313presents.com .

Gregory Alan Isakov

This Johannesburg-born singer-songwriter uses elements of folk and indie rock music to explore topics ranging from the beauty of nature to the importance of introspection. A formidable presence in the indie folk scene, Isakov boasts six critically acclaimed studio albums, a Grammy Award nomination, and appearances at some of the finest concert halls in the country. June 17. $39+. Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor ; theark.org .

Pixies and Modest Mouse

Fans of vintage indie rock are in for a treat when two genre heavyweights perform on the same night at the Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre. Credited with helping to launch the early ’90s alt-rock boom, Pixies garnered a cult following with songs like “Monkey Gone to Heaven” and “Here Comes Your Man.” For Oregon-based indie outfit Modest Mouse, success came roughly a decade later, when its 2004 album Good News for People Who Love Bad News launched the hit single “Float On.” Influential solo artist Cat Power will open the show. June 18. $35+. Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, 14900 Metro Parkway, Sterling Heights ; 313presents.com .

Michigan Glass Project

Watch the country’s best glass and visual artists create stunning pieces right before your eyes during this three-day celebration at Detroit’s Russell Industrial Center. Live music, local vendors, and plenty of food options will also be on-site. Art created throughout the weekend will be auctioned on Sunday, with proceeds benefiting Art Road — a metro Detroit-based nonprofit that works to provide arts education in the Detroit Public Schools Community District. June 21-23. $30+. Russell Industrial Center, 1600 Clay St., Detroit ; themichiganglassproject.com .

World Ballet Festival

Witness dazzling performances by some of the world’s most lauded ballet dancers during this three-day program. On day one, enjoy an opening gala that features a world premiere of a brand-new piece. Well-loved selections from classic ballets like Swan Lake and Carmen will fill the program on day two. The third and final day features an eclectic mix of old and new, culminating in an exciting grand finale that will feature a surprise guest star. June 21-23. $40+. Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison St., Detroit ; musichall.org .

Wayne County High School Art Exhibition

This annual juried exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts recognizes exceptional work by emerging student artists in grades nine to 12 throughout Wayne County. Approximately 70 pieces will be on display, ranging from paintings and textiles to sculptures, ceramics, photography, and more. June 21-July 21. No cost with museum admission. Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit ; dia.org .

Hank Williams Jr.

After starting his career by following in his father’s classic country footsteps, this singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist evolved into a unique performer in his own right, releasing a stunning 56 studio albums and 25 compilation albums over the course of his 60-year career. His best-known singles include “A Country Boy Can Survive,” “Family Tradition,” and “Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound.” June 22. $44+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, 33 Bob Seger Drive, Clarkston ; 313presents.com .

Ford Fireworks

The Ford Fireworks is bringing a world-class firework show to downtown Detroit for the 66th year. Any spot near the Detroit River is the best seat in the house. June 24. Free. On the Detroit River, Detroit; theparade.org .

Santana and Counting Crows

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Carlos Santana will celebrate his 50-year career alongside the Grammy- and Academy Award-nominated band Counting Crows when the Oneness Tour comes to Pine Knob Music Theatre this month. Counting Crows is best known for its 1993 multiplatinum breakthrough album, August and Everything After , which turns 31 this year. Meanwhile, Santana will celebrate the 25th anniversary of his 1999 airwave-dominating smash hit Supernatural , which featured Matchbox Twenty singer Rob Thomas in “Smooth.” June 25. $49.50+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, 33 Bob Seger Drive, Clarkston ; 313presents.com .

This story originally appeared in the June 2024 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Our digital edition will be available on June 6.

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