Music, Horror & Comics: Spring Festivals in the D

By: Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers | April 23, 2014
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Spring brings about many things. The end of seasonal sadness from the winter tops my personal list. A lot of rain, warmer temperatures, blossoming flowers and some sunshine are also common traits of spring. Don’t forget about festivals and conventions! We tend to celebrate everything in Metro Detroit. I’m talking music, culture, comics, even horror films. This is one of many reasons that Detroit and its surrounding areas are such fun places to live.

Here is a list of what is going on this spring:

Motor City Nightmares takes place at its normal location in the Novi Sheraton, starting on Friday, April 25 and runs through Sunday, April 27. If you’re a fan of horror movies then this is the place to be! A plethora of horror films will be screening and you can also shop around for some of the newest and rarest horror memorabilia; such as shirts, toys, posters, DVDs, masks and more! Nearly 30 celebrity guests will be in attendance to sign autographs and partake in panels. Just keep in mind, some autographs may cost extra. You can purchase tickets online. Check out the movie schedule for film, workshop and panel information. I plan on attending for the first time, so I hope to see you there!

Metro Times Blowout is in its 17th year and this year promises more artists than any year in the past. The music starts playing on Wednesday, April 30 and continues until Saturday, May 3. There are far too many bands to name, but Motion City Soundtrack, Electric Six and Death are a few of the bigger names to mention. This is a multi-venue event taking place at bars and restaurants in Detroit, Ferndale or Hamtramck. Uber, the event’s official transportation sponsor will offer one free ride for each Blowout attendee, which can normally cost up to $30! You can purchase a $25 all-access wristband for the Blowout.

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Motor City Comic Con celebrates its 25th anniversary at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. Comic Con kicks off on Friday, May 16 and goes until Sunday, May 18. The first thing you need to know is that there are a ridiculous amount of celebrity guests, both from the media world and comic world. The second thing you need to know is that all sorts of events will take place. Said events include: costume contests, movie screenings and the 25th Anniversary Saturday Night Bash. Did I mention that art, comics, anime and other pop culture merchandise will be on display all over the place? For your convenience, tickets are available for purchase online.

The unofficial pre-party is the night before on Thursday, May 15, “A Knight to Remember” at AMC Livonia. A special screening of the Batman-themed documentary “Legends of the Knight” will be shown. In addition to the movie screening, announcements from guest speakers and trivia (with prizes) are also happening. Tickets cost $11 and can be purchased online only. The best part is that proceeds go to the Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan.

Detroit Electronic Movement Festival (DEMF)  at Hart Plaza in Detroit takes place during Memorial Day weekend, as usual. This is something very close to the heart of Detroiters because of the techno and electronic music legacy that originated right here in the Motor City. DEMF features five stages equipped with impressive music technology and instruments. More than 100 artists are slated to perform and you can expect a party! Free Wi-Fi is accessible for guests on the Hart Plaza grounds and there is also an interactive technology center featuring the latest and greatest gear and equipment. Last year’s event saw more than 107,000 people, so I would suggest buying tickets as soon as possible!

99.5 WYCD Downtown Hoedown is sure to have the grounds surrounding Comerica Park lively! As a huge country music fan, this is an event I have often attended. Hoedown starts on Friday, May 30 with gates opening at 5 p.m. and runs through Sunday, June 1. The lineup this year is full of big names. Dierks Bentley headlines on Friday night, newcomer Tyler Farr is the main act Saturday night and The Band Perry closes down the 2014 Hoedown on Sunday night. Three day passes sold out quick (before I could get my hands on them), but single day passes are still available!

Clearly, with all these events happening this spring there is something for everybody. Whatever you do, have fun and be safe!

 

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