11 Things to Do in Metro Detroit This November

From plays and parades to holiday lights and football games, check out these events happening around Metro Detroit this November.

By Eden Lichterman

Youmacon

Nov. 1-4

Starting 6 p.m. Nov. 1 through 2 p.m. Nov. 4.

Cobo Center

1 Washington Blvd., Detroit

In celebration of Japanese popular culture, Youmacon is a weekend-long anime convention featuring Japanese animation, video games and Japanese-style artwork and comics. Participants typically dress in costumes and attend interactive events, celebrity guest panels and live musical performances. Tickets cost $65 for a three-day badge and $155 for a platinum badge, which includes line priority, a 2018 Youmacon T-shirt and additional admission to events. One-day badges can be purchased at the door. For more information, visit youmacon.com.

Purrlates (Pilates with cats!)

Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24

9-10 a.m.

Catfe Lounge

821 Livernois Ave., Ferndale

Open to both seasoned pilates-goers and first-timers, Purrlates gives attendees the opportunity to work out while playing with adoptable feline friends. Pilates is a series of movements designed to boost strength, sculpt muscles and increase flexibility. The instructor recommends wearing comfortable clothing and bringing a yoga mat. Tickets cost $15.

Social SEEN

Nov. 8

5:30-7 p.m.

Vinotecca 

210 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham

Meet the SEEN team at Social SEEN 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8 at Vinotecca in Birmingham. Vinotecca features a wine bar, small plates menu and world cuisine along with live musical entertainment. Social SEEN guests will enjoy complimentary appetizers and a cash bar. Sign up to attend here.

Shakespeare in Detroit’s “Twelfth Night”

Nov. 8-11

7 p.m.

Detroit Opera House

Daimler-Chrysler Black Box Theatre

1526 Broadway St., Detroit

For its final production of the 2018 season, the nonprofit theater Shakespeare in Detroit will perform the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s translation of “Twelfth Night” by Alison Carey. One of Shakespeare’s comical works, “Twelfth Night” focuses on the aftermath of a shipwreck, during which twins Viola and Sebastian are separated. The show runs for two hours and 15 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Tickets cost $45.

Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony

Nov. 16

5 p.m. to midnight

Campus Martius

800 Woodward Ave., Detroit

Watch Campus Martius fill with light as a 60-foot Norwegian spruce Christmas tree wrapped in thousands of lights and ornaments illuminates. The event also marks the opening of the seasonal Campus Martius ice rink. Detroiters can catch of a glimpse of the tree for the remainder of the holiday season. Admission to the lighting is free.

Walking Brewery Tour

Nov. 17

11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery

441 W. Canfield St., Detroit

Experience the best brews and eats Detroit has to offer on a Motor City Brew walking tour. The event includes stops at Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery, Traffic Jam & Snug and Motor City Brewing Works. Participants will learn brewery history, tour breweries, sample beers at all three stops, eat lunch and receive a free Motor City Brew Tours gift. Tickets cost $42.50.

Detroit Zoo Wild Lights

Nov. 17-18, 23-25, 30

Weeknights and Sundays 5:30-9 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays 5:30-10 p.m.

Detroit Zoo

8450 W. 10 Mile Rd., Royal Oak

Get into the holiday spirit this November with a display of more than 5 million LED lights covering trees, buildings and over 230 animal sculptures throughout the front half of the Detroit Zoo. The event also includes holiday entertainment, special activities and concession sales. Tickets range from $11 to $17 on detroitzoo.org, and children under 2 get in free. Parking costs $8.

America’s Thanksgiving Parade

Nov. 22

8:50 a.m.

Woodward Ave., Detroit

Kick off your Thanksgiving morning with one of the nation’s biggest holiday parades. Since 1924, thousands of people have flocked downtown each turkey day to watch extravagant floats, colorful character balloons, marching bands and specialty acts travel down Woodward Avenue. The procession will begin on the corner of Woodward Avenue and Kirby Street at 8:50 a.m. Admission is free.

Detroit Lions v. Chicago Bears

Nov. 22

12:30 p.m.

Ford Field

2000 Brush St., Detroit

It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving Day without a football game downtown. Catch the Detroit Lions face off against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Tickets start at $81 on Ticketmaster.

“Frozen”-Inspired Tea Time

Nov. 25

Noon to 1:30 p.m.

The Townsend Hotel

100 Townsend St., Birmingham

Grab your little ones and head to The Townsend Hotel for an afternoon of “Frozen” filled fun. Perfect for birthday parties, the event will include visits from Elsa and Anna, singing and dancing and tea-time treats. Tickets cost $45.

Holiday Shop & Champagne Preview Party

Nov. 28, 29 – Dec. 20

Shop & Champagne Preview Party

Nov. 28 6:30-9 p.m.

Holiday Shop

Nov. 29 – Dec. 20

Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday noon to 4 p.m

Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center

1516 S. Cranbrook Road, Birmingham

Join the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center for its annual Shop & Champagne Preview Party kicking off its Holiday Shop artisan market. The party will include a strolling dinner, champagne and wine bars. Guests will receive a 10 percent discount on all Holiday Shop purchases that evening. The Holiday Shop features hand-made pieces by more than 100 artists from Michigan and across the country skilled in ceramics, jewelry, home décor, greeting cards, stationery, glass, painting, candle-making and more. All proceeds from the party and shop benefit the artists and BBAC’s ArtAccess and education programs. Shop & Champagne tickets cost $85 in advance or $100 at the door. Holiday Shop admission is free.