48 Hours: Best things to do in Metro Detroit
TODAY
p.m. Stand-up comedian and author Amer Zahr brings his second annual "1001 Laughs Dearborn Comedy Festival" once again to the Arab American National Museum (AANM). Zahr, who finds humor in politics, society and culture, draws from his days of growing up as a child of Palestinian refugees. 7, 9 tonight. $20 (general), $18 (museum members). Call (313) 582-2266 or visit arabamericanmuseum.org.
p.m. Shop for handwoven gift items at the Michigan Weavers Guild Winter Market at Costick Center in Farmington Hills. A wide variety of possible gift items will include wearable accessories, framed wall pieces, home decor, sculpture and jewelry. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today. Free. 28600 W. Eleven Mile, Farmington Hills. Call (248) 473-1856 or (248) 473-1859.
TODAY / SUNDAY
a.m. Get in on the opportunity to adopt from a wide variety of pet rescues from across the region at the 11th annual Novi Pet Expo at Suburban Collection Showplace. The Michigan Humane Society will be on site. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. today and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. $10 adults ($2 discount with donation of pet food or supplies), $5 children 5-11, and free for those younger than 5. 46100 Grand River, Novi. Call (248) 348-5600 or visit NoviPetExpo.com.
p.m. Be there for the first-ever Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees at the Rochester Community House, where you'll see over 80 trees, wreaths, stockings and tablescapes designed by local businesses, organizations, school, individuals and families. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. today and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. (You can take photos of the kids with Santa both days from noon-5 p.m.) Admission is $5, free for kids 10 and younger. 816 Ludlow, Rochester. Call (248) 656-0060 or visit DowntownRochesterMI.com.
p.m. Treat the kids to a holiday light display at the Detroit Zoo, featuring over two million LED lights illuminating trees, buildings and animal sculptures along a trail through the front of the zoo. Highlights include live entertainment, seasonal refreshments, arts and crafts, storytelling and ice carving. 5:30-9 p.m. today and Sunday. (This event continues Nov. 28-30, Dec. 5-7, 12-14, 19-23 and 26-31). $8 advance, $10 at-the-gate, free for those ages 2 and younger. Parking is $6 per car. Ten Mile at Woodward, Royal Oak. Call (248) 541-5717 or visit detroitzoo.org.
p.m. "Peter Pan," by J.M. Barrie and adapted by Janet Allard, will be presented by the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance at Bonstelle Theatre. 7 tonight, 2 p.m. Sunday. $10-$28.50. 3424 Woodward, Detroit. Call (313) 577-3010 or email felix.tm@finearts.wayne.edu.
p.m. Drive the family through more than four miles of twinkling light decorations at Hines Park for the Wayne County Lightfest. 7-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 6-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday (through Dec. 31). Entry is $5 per car. Enter at 7651 Merriman, Westland, between Warren and Ann Arbor Trail. Visit metroparent.com.
SUNDAY
p.m. The Detroit Institute of Arts presents author and sociologist Sarah Thornton for a book signing and talk as part of its new "contemporary art world 101" series. Thornton's newest book, titled "33 Artists in 3 Acts," will be available for sale. Free, however a reservation is required. 5200 Woodward, Detroit. Free admission to the museum for Wayne, Oakland and Macomb county residents and DIA members. All others: $8 adults, $6 seniors ages 62-plus, $4 ages 6-17. Visit tickets.dia.org.
Jocelynn Brown
1. 'The Great Detroit: It was-It is-It Will Be' at Detroit Public Library:
This documentary takes a look at Detroit in a positive light. It covers the city's rich automotive and musical history, and features interviews with more than 50 historians and community leaders. Producer Anthony Brogdon will answer questions after the screening. 3-6 p.m. Sat. Free. 5201 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 481-1300.
2. Hunter Hayes at The Palace of Auburn Hills:
Country star and Grammy nominee Hunter Hayes brings his "Tattoo (Your Name) Tour" to town this weekend. The 23-year-old has been hailed by Billboard as the "leader of country music's youth revolution." 7 tonight. $34.50-$47.50. 6 Championship, Auburn Hills. (248) 377-0100.
3. Chris Tucker at Fox Theatre:
Star of the "Friday" and "Rush Hour" film series, comedian and actor Chris Tucker brings his boisterous stand-up set to the Fox Theatre. 8 tonight. $45.50-$75.50. 2211 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 471-6611.
Melody Baetens