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Detroit's JW Marriott staffs up for opening

The 601-room riverfront hotel has already booked more than 50 events.

News

Detroit&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newest luxury hotel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/06/hotel-boom-events-conventions" data-vars-content-id="0d48d5d2-92b8-4cd6-b245-37f536d2c49b" data-vars-headline="Detroit&#x27;s JW Marriott staffs up for opening" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/06/hotel-boom-events-conventions" target="_self">newest luxury hotel</a> is staffing up ahead of its February opening.The latest: JW Marriott Detroit Water Square recently announced its executive leadership team, led by general manager Joleisha Bradley, who previously oversaw the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reopening of the Dearborn Inn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2025/03/19/dearborn-inn-reopens-after-renovations/82538817007/" data-vars-content-id="0d48d5d2-92b8-4cd6-b245-37f536d2c49b" data-vars-headline="Detroit&#x27;s JW Marriott staffs up for opening" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2025/03/19/dearborn-inn-reopens-after-renovations/82538817007/" target="_blank">reopening of the Dearborn Inn</a>.

Nonprofit pays people $15,000 to call Detroit home

The first Move Detroit grants are helping new and longtime residents move here or stay.

Politics

A new business-funded nonprofit that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="aims to grow Detroit&#x27;s population" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/06/coalition-incentives-attract-residents" data-vars-content-id="59e36ad1-2f50-46a9-9fd3-b0df125b859f" data-vars-headline="Nonprofit pays people $15,000 to call Detroit home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/04/06/coalition-incentives-attract-residents" target="_self">aims to grow Detroit&#x27;s population</a> is giving money to people who pledge to move to or stay in the city.The latest: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Move Detroit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.movedetroit.com/" data-vars-content-id="59e36ad1-2f50-46a9-9fd3-b0df125b859f" data-vars-headline="Nonprofit pays people $15,000 to call Detroit home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.movedetroit.com/" target="_blank">Move Detroit</a> announced the first 13 winners of its Make Detroit Home grants on Tuesday. They&#x27;ll get $15,000 each.

Girls flag football is a fast-growing high school sport

Participation has surged more than 550% nationally in the past four years.

Sports

Girls in Michigan and beyond have transformed flag football into one of the fastest-growing high school sports in the country. Why it matters: Few girls high school sports have moved from niche to mainstream so quickly, broadening athletic opportunities in the process.

1-minute voter guide: Michigan's Senate race

Compare Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers before Election Day.

Michigan&#x27;s nationally watched U.S. Senate race pits rising progressive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Abdul El-Sayed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/31/el-sayed-rogers-piker-jewish-antisemitism" data-vars-content-id="397a5ff0-27c4-49cc-94cc-32985a0af279" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan&#x27;s Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/31/el-sayed-rogers-piker-jewish-antisemitism" target="_self">Abdul El-Sayed</a> against Republican <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mike Rogers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/22/mike-rogers-aipac-michigan-senate" data-vars-content-id="397a5ff0-27c4-49cc-94cc-32985a0af279" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan&#x27;s Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/22/mike-rogers-aipac-michigan-senate" target="_self">Mike Rogers</a>, a former congressman making his second straight Senate run.Why it matters: Michigan is one of a handful of battlegrounds that could determine control of the Senate, where Republicans hold a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="53-47 majority" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/2026-midterms-congress-house-senate-predictions" data-vars-content-id="397a5ff0-27c4-49cc-94cc-32985a0af279" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Michigan&#x27;s Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/2026-midterms-congress-house-senate-predictions" target="_self">53-47 majority</a>.

Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Oct. 9-11

Woodbridge porch festivals, Zoo trick-or-treating and more

Things to Do

🎸 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Woodbridge porch concerts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.woodbridgendc.org/porch-concerts" data-vars-content-id="7bb8b862-5918-4339-b57c-3e2ba666e5b4" data-vars-headline="Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Oct. 9-11" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.woodbridgendc.org/porch-concerts" target="_blank">Woodbridge porch concerts</a>: Walk around the Woodbridge neighborhood as local artists take over front porches with folk, rock, blues, soul and more.<ul><li>Noon-6pm Saturday; free!</li></ul>

Slutty Vegan nears Detroit opening

We sampled the viral chain's burgers, wings and peach pudding.

Slutty Vegan, the viral and vulgar plant-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurant chain" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/10/05/bad-brads-bbq-otus-supply" data-vars-content-id="ad7fbbbb-6f30-48d4-920e-a03326458af9" data-vars-headline="Slutty Vegan nears Detroit opening" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/10/05/bad-brads-bbq-otus-supply" target="_self">restaurant chain</a>, is getting closer to opening its first Detroit location.Dig in: During a recent Axios work retreat in Atlanta, Georgia native and repeat customer Kristen Swilley took Axios&#x27; Casey Weldon and editor Tyler Buchanan to see what all the fuss is about.

Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Oct. 2-4

Cry during "The Notebook" musical or go see the Heidelberg Project founder's art exhibition.

Detroit&#x27;s grand riverfront park that opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly a year ago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/03/ralph-wilson-park-detroit-riverfront" data-vars-content-id="2149347c-9119-4081-844b-680666ccc2c2" data-vars-headline="Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Oct. 2-4" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/03/ralph-wilson-park-detroit-riverfront" target="_self">nearly a year ago</a> — Ralph Wilson Park — will fill with trick-or-treaters, pumpkins and food trucks this weekend.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit Harvest Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitriverfront.org/plan-your-visit/special-events/detroit-harvest-fest" data-vars-content-id="2149347c-9119-4081-844b-680666ccc2c2" data-vars-headline="Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Oct. 2-4" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitriverfront.org/plan-your-visit/special-events/detroit-harvest-fest" target="_blank">Detroit Harvest Fest</a> used to take place at the Dequindre Cut, but since last year it&#x27;s moved to the new-and-shiny west riverfront park.

Where to celebrate Halloween in Metro Detroit

Find scary haunted houses, tranquil pumpkin patches and everything in between.

Whether you love being scared out of your wits or prefer perusing pumpkin patches, we have ideas for how to spend your Halloween season.Here are all the ways we&#x27;re celebrating spooky month in Metro Detroit:

"Toddler Rave" to come to Metro Detroit

Picture this: A concert venue filled with glow sticks, dance beats and tiny hands in the air.

Have you ever been dancing at a rave, looked around and thought: My toddler would love this.The big picture: That&#x27;s the concept for the country-wide &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Toddler Rave" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/lenny-pearce-tickets/artist/3598894?landing=c&amp;awtrc=true&amp;c=SEM_TMMCONCERTS_ggl_23980377564_198956346418_lenny%20pearce%20dates&amp;GCID=0&amp;gclsrcshybbb=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23980377564&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD_KsMKtKhJ-4l0i-JGUEamukNM76&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwkt_UBhDMARIsALpnOAwOjvePx74Z5Zzb9p1wlcrUWpWwA0e_EWq47vOYjMCyOWL_g6eHxwAaAkKbEALw_wcB" data-vars-content-id="62b3f86c-9a27-4b9e-818f-9bda8921efbf" data-vars-headline="&quot;Toddler Rave&quot; to come to Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/lenny-pearce-tickets/artist/3598894?landing=c&amp;awtrc=true&amp;c=SEM_TMMCONCERTS_ggl_23980377564_198956346418_lenny%20pearce%20dates&amp;GCID=0&amp;gclsrcshybbb=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23980377564&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD_KsMKtKhJ-4l0i-JGUEamukNM76&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwkt_UBhDMARIsALpnOAwOjvePx74Z5Zzb9p1wlcrUWpWwA0e_EWq47vOYjMCyOWL_g6eHxwAaAkKbEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Toddler Rave</a>&quot; tour with Australian DJ Lenny Pearce that&#x27;s coming to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Royal Oak Music Theatre" data-vars-click-url="https://gotickets.com/tickets/1720303/lenny-pearce-tickets/royal-oak-music-theatre-royal-oak-mi-10-14-2026?orderBy=Price%3A+Low+to+High&amp;quantity=2" data-vars-content-id="62b3f86c-9a27-4b9e-818f-9bda8921efbf" data-vars-headline="&quot;Toddler Rave&quot; to come to Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gotickets.com/tickets/1720303/lenny-pearce-tickets/royal-oak-music-theatre-royal-oak-mi-10-14-2026?orderBy=Price%3A+Low+to+High&amp;quantity=2" target="_blank">Royal Oak Music Theatre</a> on Oct. 14.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Detroit

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" data-vars-content-id="47f2f808-ad1a-488c-979a-cc84eb6d49db" data-vars-headline="Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" target="_blank">Axios Social Club</a> is bringing readers together for dinner to Detroit&#x27;s Corktown neighborhood on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Sept. 25-27

Funky Ferndale art fair, nostalgic rap music and a Día de Muertos exhibition.

🎨 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Funky Ferndale" data-vars-click-url="https://www.funkyferndaleartfair.com/art" data-vars-content-id="d7ddc18f-80e3-4cb6-b0d1-6bfa8c434f62" data-vars-headline="Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Sept. 25-27" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.funkyferndaleartfair.com/art" target="_blank">Funky Ferndale</a> + <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="DIY Street Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ferndalediy.com/" data-vars-content-id="d7ddc18f-80e3-4cb6-b0d1-6bfa8c434f62" data-vars-headline="Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Sept. 25-27" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ferndalediy.com/" target="_blank">DIY Street Fair</a>: Downtown Ferndale basically becomes one giant arts-and-music festival this weekend, with Funky Ferndale west of Woodward and DIY Street Fair to the east. Friday-Sunday.<ul><li>Free!</li></ul>

ArtPrize 2026 draws Metro Detroit visitors, artists

Detroit-area artists are bringing mosaics, installations and more to the festival.

Culture

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ArtPrize" data-vars-click-url="https://www.artprize.org/" data-vars-content-id="2da0eb1f-3547-45df-9244-5fad20340bf1" data-vars-headline="ArtPrize 2026 draws Metro Detroit visitors, artists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.artprize.org/" target="_blank">ArtPrize</a> is taking over Grand Rapids soon, drawing artists and visitors from Metro Detroit.Why it matters: The free citywide festival is a giant showcase for Michigan&#x27;s art scene, showing artists to new audiences and giving new art lovers an accessible way to experience it.

Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Sept. 18-20

Banana ball, FrankenFest at Fort Wayne and more.

🍌 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Banana Ball at Comerica Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/tigers/tickets/events/banana-ball" data-vars-content-id="2d8b4954-5b98-48c6-b00b-d6f45bf2bd56" data-vars-headline="Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Sept. 18-20" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/tigers/tickets/events/banana-ball" target="_blank">Banana Ball at Comerica Park</a>: The Party Animals face the Firefighters in this fast-moving, trick-play-heavy spin on baseball. The viral tour drew more than 2 million fans last year.<ul><li>7pm Friday and Saturday. The games are officially sold out, though <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="limited premium seating" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/tigers/tickets/events/banana-ball/premium" data-vars-content-id="2d8b4954-5b98-48c6-b00b-d6f45bf2bd56" data-vars-headline="Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Sept. 18-20" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/tigers/tickets/events/banana-ball/premium" target="_blank">limited premium seating</a> may still be available.</li></ul>

Unrivaled basketball is coming to Detroit

The 3-on-3 league will make its Detroit debut at Little Caesars Arena in January.

Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 pro women&#x27;s basketball league, will play its first-ever games in Detroit this winter.State of play: The Jan. 11 matches at Little Caesars Arena will take place during the opening weekend of the league&#x27;s third season.

Things to Do 🗓

Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Oct. 9-11

Slutty Vegan nears Detroit opening

Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Oct. 2-4

Where to celebrate Halloween in Metro Detroit

"Toddler Rave" to come to Metro Detroit