Memorial Day Weekend is fast approaching for the city of Detroit. Soon, thousands of house and techno fans will embark on their annual pilgrimage to Movement Festival in order to celebrate their music of choice in its very birthplace.
The festival itself is going to be quite the thrill; talent from all over the house and techno spectrum — from Dirtybird acts, to Ostgut Ton — will be represented, offering attendees a large menu of music to sample throughout its three-day duration. However, the festivities don’t stop at Hart Plaza. Detroit transforms into a party town each night of Movement, opening its venues up to the multitudes of caliber acts flooding the city alongside their fans.
Making a decision on the right party always tends to be an arduous task. To help refine the list, the Dancing Astronaut staff have chosen their picks for places to go when the late night kicks in.
Purchase last-minute Movement tickets here
FRIDAY
The Annual smartbar opening party with Palms Trax, Tin Man, Garrett David, & more
Friday, 6:00pm-4:00am at the TV Lounge | Tickets
Movement is such a pleasant reminder that dance music originated in the midwest United States. For this party, Chicago institution smartbar invades the D for their annual takeover featuring a who’s who of DJs’ DJs. Get there early for the free BBQ, while supplies last!
Official Movement Opening Party with Ghostly International
Friday 9:00pm – 4:00am at the Marble Bar | Tickets
Ghostly is one of the shining success stories of modern Detroit music. Although they’ve moved their headquarters from Ann Arbor, Ghostly still reps hard for Detroit and this party is no different. Featuring appearances from Ghostly boss Matthew Dear, Firehouse NYC head Kim Ann Foxman, and a special b2b between Detroit selectors Mike Servito and Derek Plaslaiko, this will no doubt be a Detroit-heavy way to kick off the Movement weekend.
Official Movement Pre Party featuring Blank Code + SYSTEM + Communion
Friday, 10:00pm at The Works | Tickets
Blank Code, System and Communion are collaborating to bring their sophomore official Movement pre party to The Works. With a lineup that features a three-hour live set from Function, Dustin Zahn, Karl Meier, and more, this pre-party kicks off the weekend with a bang.
10 Years of No. 19 Music
Friday, 9:30pm at The Magic Stick | Tickets
Toronto label No. 19 Music is celebrating its 10th birthday with a stellar Movement pre-party. The evening will feature sets from Art Department, Kenny Larkin, Terrence Dixon, Ryan Crosson, Nitin, and Teeloo.
Modern Cathedrals – Eden IV
Friday, 9:00pm-9:00am at the Tangent Gallery | Tickets
Eden IV has put forth one of the finest all-techno lineups of all of Friday. Across twelve hours, the likes of Headless Horseman, Anastasia Kristensen, DeepChord, and more will be filling the Tangent Gallery with throbbing percussion and shadowy tones. This is an unmissable for those who like their techno raw and raunchy.
SATURDAY
Soul Clap’s House of Efunk
Saturday, 11:00pm – Sunday 11:59pm at the TV Lounge | Tickets
Anyone who’s been to a Soul Clap party knows how fun they are — smiling faces, bumping beats, and a jovial atmosphere pervades the dancefloor as Charlie and Eli take the reins in their self proclaimed “second home” of Detroit. This year, they’ve outdone themselves booking legends such as electro Don Egyptian Lover, drum n bass king LTJ Bukem, Detroit OG Scott Grooves, and countless others.
Discwoman Detroit
Saturday, 10:00pm – 5:00am at El Club | Tickets
Discwoman has never messed around, period, but they are most definitely not messing around with their lineup for Detroit this year. Featuring a mix of some of the heaviest hitters from their ultra talented roster such as Juana, Volvox, and Shyboi, while also showcasing a different side of their sound with live performances from sonic poet Moor Mother, this party is going to be bumping well into the morning hours.
Dirtybird Players Official Movement Afterparty
Saturday, 11:00 pm at The Masonic Temple | Tickets
The Dirtybird Players are taking over the famed Masonic Temple on Saturday with a yet-to-be-announced lineup that’s sure to thrill and delight fans of the iconic house label. Last year’s performances included ones by Claude VonStroke, Justin Martin, J.Phlip, Will Clarke, and Walker & Royce, so the sky’s the limit!
Octopus Recordings Showcase
Saturday, 9:00pm-4:00am at Bleu | Tickets
Sian and his Octopus colleagues will be packing Bleu in with their avant-garde techno sound on Saturday. In addition to a special set by Marsian — the new joint project between Sian and Marc Houle — Carlo Lio, Lee K, and more will be throwing down reverberating beats into the wee morning hours.
Texture Official Movement Afterparty
Saturday, 10:00pm at The Marble Bar | Tickets
In its second year, Texture and The Marble Bar team up to offer a “multi-disciplinary experiment to explore the intersection between light, sound, and space” at their Movement afterparty. With a lineup that includes Danny Daze, Lena Willikens and Randomer, they will feature “elite cutting-edge innovators from across the global underground along with forward-thinking local Midwest talent.”
SUNDAY
No Way Back 2018
Sunday 11:00pm – 12:00pm at the Tangent Gallery | Tickets
Many consider this to be THE afterparty to hit, an immersive “truly Detroit” party that continues to evolve and gain steam from year to year. Now on their 11th year, No Way Back is a Detroit institution lovingly tended to by the core group of Erika, BMG, Patrick Russell, and a whole slew of insanely talented Midwest-rooted DJs. Get a taste of the heads-down no-frills Midwest flavor that started this whole thing.
OK, Cool
Sunday 11:00pm – Monday 11:59pm at the TV Lounge | Tickets
OK, Cool continues the weekend long party at TV Lounge where outdoor patio, inside club, and side alley all come into play with rockin vibes. Festive big man Eats Everything headlines while headier techno comes from the likes of Cosmin TRG and Ataxia. There’s also plenty of Detroit love in the lineup too, with Delano Smith and Eddie C also taking the controls for this blowout.
Nina Kraviz and Marcel Dettmann Official Movement Afterparty
Sunday, 11 pm Sunday at The Masonic Temple | Tickets
In the heart of Movement weekend, The Masonic Temples brings together heavy-hitters Nina Kraviz and Marcel Dettmann for an unforgettable evening. Under one roof, the Russian techno goddess and pioneering German producer, along with Helena Hauff and Luke Hess, guarantee an evening of ceaseless dance floor magic.
Seth Troxler b2b The Martinez Brothers, Loco Dice b2b Stacey Pullen
Sunday, 10:00pm at the Leland City Club | Tickets
In perhaps one of the most anticipated after parties of Movement weekend, Paradigm and Paxahau present back-to-back sets from Seth Troxler and The Martinez Brothers, and Loco Dice and Stacey Pullen. The party will rain a heavenly mix of house and techno upon attendees for eight hours.
Lost&Found Showcase
Sunday, 10:00pm-4:00pm at Bleu | Tickets
After all the techno and house-based grooves taking over Movement during the day, who wouldn’t want a bit of respite in the form of some of the best progressive in the game? Guy J, Khen, and Eagles&Butterflies will be leading the night into the early morning hours, putting forth what is sure to be six hours of hypnotic, enchanting, and melodic tunes.
MONDAY
Where Are My Keys
Monday, 9:00am – Tuesday 4:00am at the Marble Bar | Tickets
Any time Omar S shows up, it’s a reason to party! This entire lineup is insane though and features somewhat rare US appearances from selectors Move D, Osunlande, DJ Minx, and many others slinging rare wax on the decks. Please note this party’s late / early start time and be prepared for a marathon dance!
IT presents: 15 Years of the Bunker
Monday, 10:00pm – 6:00am at the Tangent Gallery | Tickets
The Interdimensional Transmissions crew is another one of these Detroit institutions that puts on landmark events throughout the year, especially during Movement weekend. For this year, IT has teamed up with New York’s infamous The Bunker crew for a lineup bursting at the seams, with a room even specifically for “come downs”. Techno legends like Adam X and Jane Fitz lead the way on this one, another standout event at the hallowed Tangent Gallery.
MoodRAW Official Movement Closing Party
Monday, 11:00pm at The Masonic Temple | Tickets
As Movement draws to a close, those wishing to keep the party going can continue their Monday night at The Masonic Temple, where MoodRAW will offer sets from Dubfire, Hito, and Nicole Moudaber. This star-studded lineup promises to draw in music fans of all persuasions and keep them on their feet until its 4:00am close.
Repopulate Mars Official Movement After Party
Monday, 11:00pm at The Magic Stick | Tickets
The Magic Stick closes down Movement weekend with a five-hour fiesta featuring Lee Foss, Moon Boots, Nathan Barato, Anabel Englund, Will Clarke, John Johr, and Dru Ruiz. The diverse lineup guarantees an evening of innovation from some of the industry’s key players.
Feature Image Credit: Bryan Mitchell for Paxahau
Source: dancingastronaut.com
