Detroit is gearing up for the 20th annual Movement Music Festival, a beloved Memorial Day weekend tradition at Hart Plaza. This year, the festival will showcase a diverse lineup of local, national, and international artists, including Detroit techno pioneers Carl Craig and Kevin Saunderson. The festival runs from Saturday to Monday, drawing music lovers from all over.

In addition to the main event, Detroit’s bars and clubs are hosting a variety of official and unofficial preparties and afterparties, offering alternatives for those who prefer a different experience or are unable to attend the festival itself. Mayor Mary Sheffield has recognized the significance of these events by proclaiming May 18-25 as Detroit Techno Week.

Two popular venues, Islandview’s Spot Lite and Corktown’s UFO Bar, both owned by Roula David, are hosting events throughout the weekend. Spot Lite will kick off the festivities with an official opening party on Friday, followed by after-parties on Saturday and Sunday. UFO Bar will host the unofficial pre-party “Hold Me” on Friday and additional after-parties on Saturday and Monday.

Roula David, who has been collaborating with Paxahau, the event company behind Movement, for 15 years, also runs the Movement Artist In Residence program with her husband, Jesse Cory. This program highlights local artists through immersive art installations and large-scale murals at the festival.

David expressed her excitement about the weekend, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere and the pride Detroiters take in showcasing their city. She praised the hard work of the bartenders, managers, and security staff who ensure a memorable experience for all attendees.

Weekend Events

Here’s a glimpse of some of the Movement pre-parties and after-parties:

• Friday: Northern Lights Lounge hosts a party from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. with performers like Stacey Hotwaxx Hale and Delano Smith. The official Movement Opening Party at Spot Lite features Barclay Crenshaw and others from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
• Saturday: Spkrbox offers an early morning party from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., while UFO Bar hosts an evening event from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. with performers like Sheefy McFly and DJ Manny.
• Sunday: The Norwood presents a day-long event from noon to midnight, and Spot Lite hosts the Louie Vega & Friends Official Movement Afterparty from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.
• Monday: The Marble Bar features performances from 7 a.m. to 4 a.m., and Spot Lite concludes with the “House Your Life” Official Movement Closing Party at 10 p.m.

Original reporting: BridgeDetroit — read the source article.