7 Things to Do This Weekend (Oct. 29-31)

Halloween and Día De Los Muertos fun — plus a concert from Black Violin
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Bookley Nights 2 PC Catalyst Media Factory
Downtown Berkley is all decked out for Bookley Nights. // Photograph courtesy of Catalyst Media Factory

Youmacon

Youmacon is a fantastical festival of nerdom that brings together fans and creators of anime, videogames, internet culture, and Japanese artwork and comics in one place. For 17 years, the convention has brought interactive games, celebrity guest panels, and live musical performances to downtown Detroit. Highlights for the 2021 event include large videogame and table-top gaming rooms, a Charity Masquerade Ball, and a 150,000 square-foot merchant’s hall, where attendees can shop anime, artwork, figures, and other collectibles. Among this year’s guests will be Cricket Leigh, the voice of Mai in Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender; Anairis Quiñones, known for voicing characters in Pokemon: Twilight Wings and Attack on Titan; and Keith Silverstein, who has lent his voice to works including Genshin Impact, OverwatchHunter x Hunter. $30+. Through Oct. 31. TCF Center, 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit,

Shen Yun

Witness a celebration of ancient China’s rich spiritual heritage this weekend through the art of classical Chinese dance. The Shen Yun dance company will perform 20 arrangements, transporting audiences to magical realms, dynamic battlefields, and elegant imperial courtrooms that span various regions and dynasties. Elaborate costumes, high-tech backdrops, and a live orchestra help to bring these ancient legends to life. $80+. Through Oct. 31. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit;

Día De Los Muertos Celebration PC
A Día De Los Muertos celebration will be held at Robert C. Valade Park this weekend. // Photograph courtesy of The Detroit Riverfront

Bookley Nights

Downtown Berkley has been hosting a variety of Halloween-themed events this month to celebrate the spooky season. The Bookley Nights festivities continue this weekend. From noon to 3 p.m. on Oct. 30, participating downtown businesses — many of which have decorated their storefronts — will pass out candy during the Trick or Treat Stroll. And from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., locals can check out the Monster Mash street party at Dorothea and Coolidge. The event will feature games ,crafts, music, and other family fun. Downtown Berkley;

Día De Los Muertos

The Detroit Riverfront will host a celebration of the cultural traditions of the Hispanic holiday Día de los Muertos on Saturday. The family-friendly event will feature vendors, live music, children’s storytelling and crafts, a ballet folklórico dance performance, and refreshments from the Tres Leches N’ Snacks food truck. Plus, be sure to stop by the city’s ofrenda, honoring all those lost to COVID-19. You can participate by leaving a message for a loved one. No cost. Oct. 30. Robert C. Valade Park, 2670 Atwater St., Detroit;

Halloween Spooktacular PC Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Enjoy the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Halloween Spooktacular this weekend. // Photograph courtesy of Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Halloween Spooktacular

Families are invited to don their creepiest costumes and head to Orchestra Hall this weekend for symphonic tricks, treats, and surprises. Conductor Kelly Corcoran will guide guests on a journey through some of the most popular spooky songs from throughout the years. $20+. Oct. 30. Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit;

Battle of the State

The best way to watch the big game is on the big screen. This Saturday, six metro Detroit Emagine locations are screening the Michigan vs. Michigan State football game. Tickets for this free special event are first-come, first-serve and will only be available at the box office on the day-of. Doors at 11:30. Plus, be sure to stop by the concession stand and bar for game day specials. No cost. Oct. 30. Emagine Entertainment, multiple locations;

Black Violin

Classically trained string instrumentalists Kev Marcus and Wil B. Kev make up Grammy-nominated hip-hop duo Black Violin. For nearly two decades, the pair has been fusing urban and classical music styles to create a sound all their own. $30+. Oct. 30. Michael A. Guido Theater, 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn;