1 Troy Family Daze
Sept. 11-14
This blowout has entertainment, midway rides, games, contests, food and a new Adventure Theatre (Sunday only), where kids get in costume and join the play. 4-9 p.m. Thursday, 4-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. $2. Sunday. Zion Christian Church grounds, 3668 Livernois Road. 248-918-4559 or troyfamilydaze.com.
2 Shrek the Musical
Sept. 11-14
Who can resist a big grumpy green ogre with a heart of gold? Follow this fun kids stage show as the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre brings it to life. 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $19-$25/adults, $13/students. Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, U-M campus, 911 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor. 734-971-2228 or a2ct.org.
3 Boating and Outdoor Festival
Sept. 11-14
Beyond the boats, celebrate the last shred of summer with live music, art, a kids zone, new “bark park” swimming and more. Noon-7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. $10/adults, free/12 and under, $7/vehicle entry. Lake St. Clair Metropark, 31300 Metropolitan Parkway, Harrison Township. 734-261-0123 or boatingandoutdoorfest.com.
4 DLECTRICITY
Sept. 26-27
Two free evenings of dazzling temporary light art displays: It’s a great reason to be a night owl in Midtown Detroit. The Light Bike Workshop and Parade also returns. 7 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday. Woodward Avenue, between the Detroit Institute of Arts and Max. M Fisher Music Center. 313-420-6000 or dlectricity.com.
5 Great Lakes Bat Festival • Sept. 27
Bats get a scary rap, but they make our lives better. Learn how at this free event – and have some hands-on fun building bat houses, meeting Stellaluna author Janell Cannon and, of course, encountering live bats! 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor. 248-645-3232 or batconservation.org.
