In May, the US celebrates Memorial Weekend, a national holiday to celebrate those soldiers who fell in war. During this weekend, the country gathers to celebrate with family, remember, and enjoy our hard-earned freedom, and no other city does it like Detroit, the birthplace of techno. Ahead of this weekend’s Movement Festival, the city’s Mayor Mike Duggan has declared this week “Detroit Techno Week” once again. Tributes are happening all across the Metro area to pay respect to veterans, and EG is proud to share some select ways to wave the flag and enjoy this special date.
Here are 10 of the best events, festivals, and parties to attend during Detroit’s Memorial Weekend.
Thursday, May 26th
Women In Music Detroit Chapter Launch
Join Women In Music as they celebrate the launch of their new Detroit Chapter. The evening of communion will begin with an invitational reception where guests will get the chance to learn more about Women In Music, meet the Detroit Chapter Committee, and network with other prominent ladies in the industry.’
Friday, May 27th
Motor City’s flagship festival returns with a stacked lineup. Throughout 3 days, Movement will showcase the talents of E-Dancer (AKA Kevin Saunderson), Carl Craig, Derick Carter, Delano Smith, Maya Janes Coles, DJ Holographic, James Murphy, Maceo Plex, Soul Clap, ANNA, Adam Beyer, Stacey Pullen, Sama’ Abdulhadi, and many more.
2 stages to serve whatever state you’re in, with sounds from Mike Servito back-to-back Justin Cudmore, Eli Escobar, Gay Marvine, Heidi Lawden + Lovefingers, Vicki Powell, Shigeto, Charles Trees, and Haute To Death.
‘Return to the Source 2022’ is an organic evolution of the original concept, with careful attention to detail put in at every level. Once the music starts at No Way Back on Sunday night, it won’t end until Tuesday morning — 32 hours of continuous music featuring performances by Underground Resistance, Daniel Bell, Derek Plaslaiko, Mike Servito, and more. A weekend wristband will allow you to experience all this with no interruptions.
Saturday, May 28th
Soul Clap’s House of EFUNK Detroit
Soul Clap’s House Of EFUNK is returning to Detroit’s TV Lounge with live performances by Detroit electro/techno heavyweights AUX88, Canadian-born/LA-based future R&B vocalist Rochelle Jordan, and DJ sets by Derrick Carter, Stacey Pullen, Todd Edwards, Soulclap, and more.
Tresor travels from Berlin to pick things up where Daniel Bell left them back in 2019. Underground Resistance presents Wavejumpers, debuting a brand new show in the Ballroom, presenting the edition of their next record, UR-097 – Wavejumpers. In the Gallery Room, Russell E.L. Butler and Adab come together for a rare Boyz II Them appearance, supporting a slew of legendary Detroit figures, Anthony “Shake” Shakir, Claude Young, and Whodat. Mirrored into the future, Daniel Bell plays the garden and calls on the sun to rise up for one more day.
Detroit Love Movement Afterparty
Spot Lite Detroit invites you to get down to the sounds of Al Ester, Carl Craig back-to-back Seth Troxler, DJ Holographic, Recloose, Stacey Hotwaxx Hale, and Waajeed.
Sunday, May 29th
Where Are My Keys – 2 days in Detroit
The long-awaited Memorial Day weekend party is back and it’s going to be a 31hr non-stop music marathon. Featuring music by Moodymann, Aurora Halal, Brad Strickland, Cinthie, Coffintexts, Dan Bain, Danny Daze, DJ Pierre, Dru Ruiz, Edo, Heidi Lawden, Jonny From Space, Juan Ramos, Loren, Lovefingers, Mystic Bill, Optimo (Espacio), Paranoid London (live), Peter Croce, Powder, Puma (US), Punisher, Sharif Laffrey, Sister System, Terence Tabeau, Titonton Duvante, Traxx, Wata Igarashi, and Will Renuart.
OK Cool – Heidi, Chez Damier, Ardalan, Tim Sweeney, Delano Smith
OK Cool returns to Detroit to host their legendary Movement after-party at the infamous TV Lounge. With residents Dax Lee, Mister Joshooa, Ataxia, exclusive performances by Chez Damier, Dangerous Dan, Fortune, Heidi, Navbox, Tara Brooks, Tim Sweeney, and many more.
Marble Bar welcomes Omar S, Danny Tenaglia, Tama Sumo & Lakuti, Ron Trent, Move D, Marcellus Pittman, Dubtribe Sound System, H-Foundation, Analog Soul, Nitin, DJ BEIGE, Father Dukes, The Bernabela Project, Eddie Fowlkes, Norm Talley, and Ataxia.
DJ Minx & Friends Official Afterparty
DJ Minx, Detroit’s own ‘First Lady Of Wax’, wraps up Memorial Weekend with DJ Tennis, Eli Soul Clap (45s Set), Justin Martin, Kyle Hall, Octo Octa, and Rimarkable.