Looking for something to do this week? Check out one of these upcoming local events.
"The Patio Prom" by A.M. Dean — May 8-10, 2026
This May, the Neighborhood Theatre Group is bringing A.M. Dean's comedy "The Patio Prom" to life! The NTG website explains the plot: in this show, outdoor furniture salespeople attend Chicago's Merchandise Mart to buy, sell, and meet each other and possible customers. However, things go sideways when the Mart gets locked down. The salespeople left inside must make it through a chaotic night.
Performances will take place at The Back Office Studio on Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 8 p.m. There will also be an afternoon show May 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $12 for students. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit the NTG website.
For those unable to attend a show May 8-10, performances will also take place at 8 p.m. May 15 and 16 and at 2 p.m. May 17, 2026.
The Back Office Studio is at 13 N. Washington St., Ypsilanti.
YpsiWrites Writer in Residence Celebration — May 9, 2026
On Saturday, May 9, 2026, YpsiWrites will honor current Writer in Residence Angelica Esquivel with a celebration at the Whittaker branch of the Ypsilanti District Library. Esquivel will read work created over the past year and reflect on her time as Writer in Residence. At this celebration, YpsiWrites will also announce the 2026 Writer in Residence. Afterward, attendees can participate in an open mic session and enjoy light refreshments.
This event is open to anyone 14 and older and will take place 1-3 p.m. in the Whittaker Community Room. Attendance is free, but those who would like to participate in the open mic must sign up at tinyurl.com/YW050926. To learn more, visit the YDL website.
The Whittaker branch of the YDL is at 5577 Whittaker Road.
Ian Maksin Performs Songs of Love and Peace — May 9, 2026
On Saturday, May 9, 2026, world-renowned cellist, composer and vocalist Ian Maksin will present Songs of Love and Peace, a multilingual musical journey, at The Ypsilanti Performance Space Concert Hall, or The YPSI. This musical journey will focus on themes of peace, healing and empowerment, The YPSI website explains. It will include traditional songs from all around the world as well as Maksin's original works. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the performance will take place 7:30-9 p.m.
Early bird general admission tickets are limited in quantity and cost $33.85, according to Eventbrite.com. Once the early bird general admission tickets are sold out, ticket prices rise to $40, The YPSI website says. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit the Events section of The YPSI website.
The YPSI is at 218 N. Adams St., Ypsilanti.
Second Sundays Blues Jam at Water Tower Distilling Co. — May 10, 2026
On Sunday, May 10, 2026, James Bourland and the 'Staches will host a free open jam session at Water Tower Distilling Co. at 6 p.m. Musicians of all skill levels are welcome to attend. A house drum kit, keyboard, amps and microphones will be provided. To learn more, visit YpsiReal.com or the Water Tower Distilling Co. Facebook page.
For those who cannot attend this session, James Bourland and the 'Staches host an open jam session at Water Tower Distilling Co. on the second Sunday of each month. The next session is scheduled to take place Sunday, June 14, according to Facebook Events.
Water Tower Distilling Co. is at 23 N. Washington St., Ypsilanti.
Auditions for PTD Production's "Southern Rapture" — May 10-11, 2026
On Sunday, May 10, and Monday, May 11, 2026, PTD Productions will host auditions for its summer show "Southern Rapture." Auditions will take place both days at 7 p.m. at the Riverside Arts Center at 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. Auditionees will read from the script and must complete an online form available on the Auditions section of the PTD Productions website. If needed, callbacks will take place Wednesday, May 13, at 7 p.m.
Set in 1996, "Southern Rapture" focuses on a Southern theater company that has obtained the rights to perform the show "Rapture in America." The play will open in four days, but the Southern city is in an uproar about the performance due to the play's language, gay content and brief nudity. A battle of wills unfolds as the whole country waits to see if the show will go on.
