Month: May 2025

  • Kerch Market

    Kerch Market

    Local vintage, food, music, jewelry, and drinks in Detroit on a beautiful, unseasonably warm spring day? Heard!

    Kerch Market is a pop-up event hosted by Two Birds, Huddle, and The Velvet Tower, featuring an abundance of local vendors offering a variety of goods and treats.

    Located in West Village, Two Birds is family-run neighborhood bar, and seasonal custard shop (Huddle) nestled in an old house located in Detroit’s West Village. Dangerous as it is, I say that only because they are located within walking distance of Dave’s house in Islandview, and they are open seven days a week. Not only do they have fantastic house cocktails, and a decent selection of beer and wine, they also host local food vendors, DJs, and even art exhibits. You can see how vast the temptations are-and so close! Needless to say, we have walked here quite often and indulged ourselves once or thirty times.

    The Velvet Tower is a vintage clothing and retail shop, also located in an old house that shares the porch with Two Birds and Huddle. Also, dangerous because if anyone knows me (and for those who don’t) I am a whore for clothes, especially of the vintage variety. One of my current favorite items; a 90’s baby blue vest I picked up from the International Women’s Day Market pop-up at Batch Brewing back in March, was from The Velvet Tower and have been in the shop a few times since. I am not going to lie, the place is a T.A.R.D.I.S, the rooms just keep going. Much like their neighbors, The Velvet Tower often has local artists on deck. Hair stylists, and seamstresses are hosted weekly, but wait, there’s more! %10 percent off for Service Industry kids.

    I had popped in the Winter Kerch Market back in February, but had only taken a bit of video with my Sony ZV-1F, while also trying to carry a coffee, and a phone. As your neighborhood accident-prone twink, I wasn’t able to take many photos. For this event, Dave was kind enough to let me man-handle his Canon, a Mark II 7D, as well as taking a few pics of his own, so that I could write up the blog post you are (hopefully) currently reading.

    Not only are there a variety of really cool vendors, the market might as well be nicknamed Street Fashion on Parade. Everyone showed up looking incredible! We did get a few shots of some very kind kids who were sweet enough to allow us to photograph them, however, it was difficult to keep our A.D.H.D brains on task with all of the people-watching to be had.

    We ended up staying long after the event was over, chatting with the new friends we made and having a pretty decent time enjoying ourselves.

    Jealous you missed out? Fear not, there is another Kerch Market event this Sunday, and the vendor list is packed so you should absolutely go check it out.

    Kerch Market, 8131 Kercheval. Sunday, May 18th, 12 noon to 5pm.

    Until next post, xo

    📍West Village, MI

    Sara Bellum

  • Space Dive 2025!

    Space Dive 2025!

    May the Fourth be with you, at the “Greatest Dive Bar in the Galaxy!”

    Space Dive is an immersive experience held at the Tangent Gallery in Detroit, now in its tenth year. The gallery is unrecognizable with the plethora of bounty hunters, blasters, creatures, and Scruffy Nerf Herders galivanting through the market. Inside, an almost exact replica of the Cantina, complete with the most familiar tunes in the galaxy. Beyond that, an artist market, cozy space nooks to relax and enjoy the films, as well as a giant ball room full of the best space jams to vibe to. Or, more traditionally, start a Nerf war.

    This was my fourth year attending Space Dive, and Dave’s first! Costumes are required for this event, however, being in a full-character isn’t necessary. Scarves, leggings, cool-alien hair/makeup/face-paint, etc. are all encouraged. I had dressed as an Ewok the first two years, and last year was the first time I just embraced throwing on whatever garb I had that looked Star Wars adjacent.

    Two of my favorite elements of this event: the first being that the design, decorations, and even the layout change up every year. It is almost a hunt to discover new, hidden gems each time. The second is being able to see so many familiar faces either as patrons, volunteers, or just your friendly neighborhood Detroit Party Marching Band. I do feel a little terrible for not taking any photos of the decor this year, however, that just means less spoilers for you if you haven’t attended yet.

    This year Space Dive is running for two weekends, so you can still have the chance to go this Friday, May 9th, or, Saturday May 10th.

    If a bar-scene isn’t for you, or you have some nerdy offspring, Family Day will be held during the day on Saturday. Cantina themed mocktails, the screening room, arts and craft activities, and of course, more Nerf wars!

    Kids are free, adults $10 credits.

    This event is always the kick-off to Summer for myself, and I had an absolutely, fantastic time. Definitely did not misplace a light saber, or two, at Sabacc. See you next post, xo.

    📍Detroit, MI

    Sara Bellum