Head to Paws & Pride Winter Bazaar, Attend a Sing Out Detroit Show, Reset Your Spirit
As the year winds down (or perhaps skids into the curb like a minivan in February), LGBTQ+ Southeast Michigan is still showing up for joy, art, harmony, dancing, pets in costumes and the kind of community that actually feels, well, like community. Start 2026 surrounded by people, projects and practices that help you feel more like yourself. And possibly the tiniest bit more hopeful about the world.
1. Sniff Out Gifts at the Paws & Pride Winter Bazaar
Affirmations is doubling down on queer joy with its inaugural Paws & Pride Winter Bazaar, bringing together LGBTQ+ makers, cozy treats and ridiculously adorable floof-themed merch. "Affirmations is thrilled to host [the bazaar] as a way to uplift Southeast Michigan’s queer artists and makers…offering vendors a free space to share their work, connect with neighbors and shine. The Bazaar will also feature pet photography with Santa, hot chocolate, pup cups and plenty of festive vibes!" Development Director Ryn Moravec told Pride Source.
Dec. 13, 12–3 p.m., Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center (290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale). bit.ly/pawspride.
2. Soak Up Stardust at Sing Out Detroit’s 'New Constellations'
Sing Out Detroit — one of the region’s most beloved LGBTQ+ choruses and a Pride-season staple — invites you to a cosmic celebration of harmony, connection and new beginnings. With singers from all over Southeast Michigan and vocal placement that meets people where their voices actually live, the choir builds joy from the inside out.
Sing Out President Angela Hollander invites Pride Source readers to enjoy "our heartfelt, triumphant celebration of coming together — a true feeling of harmony and connection. Be part of our new beginning and help us launch our hopeful, luminous future!"
Dec. 20, 4 p.m., Ferndale High School (881 Pinecrest, Ferndale). singoutdetroit.org.
3. Unwind Queerly at Fenton Pride Collective’s Monthly Meet-Up
Sometimes, the most healing December event is the one where you don’t need a ticket, a new outfit or a complicated backstory, just a place to hang out with other LGBTQ+ folks who get you. Fenton Pride Collective’s monthly gathering at the gorgeous Fenton Winery & Brewery offers great food, non-alcoholic beverage options and the very specific thrill of meeting a queer person who lives within 20 minutes of you. Drop in any time after 7 p.m., pull up a chair and settle into a night of conversation, laughter and new connections.
Dec. 18, 7 p.m., Fenton Winery & Brewery (1370 N. Long Lake Road, Fenton Township). fentonpride.org.
4. Reset Your Spirit at a Sober Ecstatic NYE Gathering
If you’ve ever wanted a New Year’s Eve that felt less “champagne regret” and more “emotional rebirth ritual facilitated by a licensed therapist and a legendary DJ," this is your night. Called Ritual, the event at Indigo Grace includes intention setting, an indoor dance-journey, potluck and an outdoor effigy ceremony at midnight, all in a safe, affirming space. Led by Michigan’s ecstatic dance OG Charity Loring, LMSW, you can expect deep, spiritual, sweaty and grounding connection, without the hangover.
Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m., Indigo Grace (6363 W. Waters Road, Ann Arbor). Check the Facebook event page to make sure you come properly prepared for a great night. bit.ly/ritualsoberNYE.
5. Change One Tiny Thing for the New Year
New Year’s doesn’t have to be a grand reinvention or a crash-course in self-improvement. Try something simpler: Change one tiny thing. Truly tiny. The kind of shift so small no one will notice. Well, no one but you. Move a plant closer to the window. Leave a kind note for yourself on your bathroom mirror. Change the lock screen on your phone to something that makes you exhale. Unsubscribe from one (just one!) email list you resent. That’s it. One tiny act that whispers, “I’m choosing intention this year.”
Any day in early January, anywhere you feel safe and at home. No cost, no deadline, no rules.
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