Downtown Detroit is gearing up for an electrifying start to March. In Detroit, more than 800 custom vehicles will be on display at Huntington Place, hundreds of tattoo artists will showcase their skills at the Renaissance Center and live performances inspired by an animated preschool series will be at the Fox Theater. In Novi, enthusiasts of building blocks can meet stars from Lego Masters. And Shipshewana On the Road offers a treasure trove of unique finds in Warren.
Here are five things to do for the weekend of March 1-3
Detroit Autorama
The 71st annual Meguiar’s Detroit Autorama is set to display more than 800 hot rods, customs vehicles, unique trucks, and motorcycles from around the world. Among the highlights, attendees can expect a tribute to Evel Knievel featuring three of his iconic daredevil vehicles. The event will also feature five generations of Batmobiles from the renowned movie franchise; and GM’s 50 millionth car — a gold plated 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Coupe.
More: Detroit Autorama custom car show to feature Batmobiles, vintage cars
There will also be appearances by Dee Snider, lead singer of “Twisted Sister;” and Noel Gugliemi, known for his role as “Hector” in the “Fast & Furious” series.
Noon-10 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday at Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd. in Detroit. Admission for adults are $27; children 6-12 years old are $10. Discount tickets are available at O’Reilly Auto Parts.
28th Annual Motor City Tattoo Expo
This tattoo convention is expecting more than 300 artists and vendors. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in seminars, contests and more activities throughout the event.
Noon-Friday to 7 p.m. Sunday at Renaissance Center, 400 Renaissance Dr. W. in Detroit. One-day pass is $30; two-day pass is $50; three-day pass is $70.
Brick Fest Live
Brick fans will enjoy hands-on building activities and attractions; marvel at life-size models crafted from tens of thousands of plastic construction bricks; and have the chance to meet TV stars from Lego Masters, as well as cosplayers. There will also be opportunities to construct and race your own car down tracks spanning 35 feet.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi. Tickets start at $19.99.
Shipshewana On the Road
Explore Shipshewana On the Road, a traveling marketplace that visits locations in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio offering an array of unique gifts, crafts and food items for visitors.
9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Macomb County Sports & Expo Center, 14500 Twelve Mile in Warren. One-day ticket is $5; two-day ticket is $8; Free for children 12 and younger.
PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure”
This live, action-packed, music-filled production will entertain children with familiar theme music and new songs exclusively for this show based on the top-rated animated preschool series.
10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Fox Theatre in Detroit.
Brendel Hightower is an assistant editor at the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at bhightower@freepress.com. Support local journalism: Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press.