Watch Vander Von Odd Perform, Hang in Ferndale with 'Ultimatum" Stars, See 'A Drag Queen Christmas'
Michigan’s queer autumn calendar is overflowing with sparkle, synths and a touch of chaos. Or, in other words, perfection. You can worship at the altar of drag artistry, scream-sing with trans rock icons or gossip about reality TV stars who still make your group chat light up.
Whatever your vibe, it’s a good month to show up, dance it out and remember: Queer joy counts as community service.
1. Mourn and Marvel with Vander Von Odd
It's time for a mystical-meets-marvelous celebration in which glamour refuses to die. Uplift Ann Arbor presents a Día de los Muertos celebration featuring Vander Von Odd, the surreal and spellbinding winner of “Dragula” Season 1. Von Odd turns darkness into art and wigs into witchcraft — and at Uplift expect an evening of mariachi, makeup and macabre majesty, plus fun surprises all night, including a mid-evening meet and greet. Come honor life, death and everything fabulous.
Nov. 1, 7 p.m., Uplift (210 S. 1st St., Ann Arbor). Get advance tickets at bit.ly/VanderMI.
2. Reunite with 'Ultimatum' Stars
They fought and flirted on "The Ultimatum: Queer Love" and now Magan Mourad and Dayna Mathews are bringing that same beautifully chaotic energy back to Ferndale. The couple’s “Detroit Homecoming” is part reunion, part redemption arc and 100% queer spectacle. Expect storytelling, surprises and maybe a few moments that make you text your ex. Whether you’re here for the romance, the realness or just to witness what happens when reality TV meets actual reality, this night’s got you covered.
Nov. 14, 9 p.m., Orchid Theatre (141 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale), bit.ly/homecomingMD.
3. Deck the Halls with 'A Drag Queen Christmas'
Nothing says “holiday spirit” quite like a lip-sync battle for the North Pole. Hosted by the always delightful Nina West, "A Drag Queen Christmas," set for Nov. 12, is part of a multi-city tour and features an all-star lineup including Shea Couleé, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Bosco and Crystal Methyd. Expect camp, carols and couture that will make Santa blush. Forget your office Secret Santa — this is the only holiday party worth RSVPing to.
Nov. 12, 8 p.m., Fisher Theatre (3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit). Buy tickets at dragfans.com.
4. Raise the Volume with The FMs
NYC’s synth-rock rebels The FMs are bringing their gritty, glittering sound to Kalamazoo. Led by trans musician Matte Namer, the band’s politically charged pop and pulsating rhythms blend grief, resistance and joy. Their latest release, "PINK + BLACK," is a posthumous love letter to late bandmate Frankie Rex — and a testament to queer endurance and creation. Come for the synths, stay for the catharsis.
Nov. 19, 7 p.m., Dormouse Theatre (1030 Portage St., Kalamazoo). Tickets at bit.ly/FMsdormouse.
5. Host a Chosen Family Photo Day
We take professional photos for everything: graduations, engagements, even corporate headshots, but when’s the last time you got a framed picture with your chosen family? Gather your people (a partner, friends, found siblings, that one ex you still share a cat with) and stage a photo day. Thanks to 2025 technology, you don't need a studio for pro-quality photos, just a phone, a tripod and someone willing to shout “serve!” every few minutes. Dress fancy, weird or like the queer aunties you already are. The point isn’t perfection — it's simply proof you’ve built a life worth documenting.
Anytime, anywhere. Share your favorites online with #ChosenFamilyPhotoDay.
Bonus: Get Saucy with Drag Queens in Flint
Ready for bingo like you've never experienced it? Sloan Museum of Discovery in Flint is bringing back their wildly popular Drag Queen Game Night for an adults-only evening of comedy, performances and your chance to win fabulous prizes on Nov. 8. This 21-and-over night features multiple rounds of bingo hosted by drag queens serving fierce entertainment, plus dance numbers that'll have you singing along. Food and drinks available for purchase. Tickets are limited and this event are likely to sell out, so secure tickets now.
Saturday, Nov. 8, 7-11 p.m., Sloan Museum of Discovery (1221 E. Kearsley St., Flint). Purchase tickets at sloanlongway.org.
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