Ottava Via Grand Opening Saturday; Drink With Dogs Now

CORKTOWN — Many of you — including such local food luminaries as Nate Skid of Crain's Detroit and Molly Abraham of the Detroit News — have floated on down to Michigan Ave.'s newest restaurant, Ottava Via. Never mind that they haven't officially opened yet; the partial menu and lovely interior have attracted many a diner and date since their early July opening. A helpful Eater Detroit tipster alerted us today to the news that this Saturday has been marked as the Grand Opening. The menu is expected to double, with more pasta plates, and perhaps there will be free glasses of wine and party hats. Or just an expanded menu. Either way works. [-ED-]

MIDTOWN — Hot as it may be this evening, it certainly feels like a great time to drink beer with a group of dogs. Thank goodness that the denizens of the Old Miami agree — their August iteration of 'Drinking With Dogs' is tonight, with all food sales benefitting the NBS Animal Rescue. There's no charge for the event — which starts at six p.m. and runs through nine — but you can bring a dog (on a leash) and enjoy the epic rear yard space behind the bar. [Facebook]

FERNDALE — After last weekend's Woodward Dream Cruise craziness, it's probably been a while since the Oakland Art Novelty Company on 9 Mile saw a legitimately full house. The speakeasy isn't waiting for that buzz to build this weekend, especially since it's their official second anniversary celebration. As of this morning, they still have seats to spare for their epic two-seating party this Friday. According to their Facebook page, they've linked up with swanky private cab app UBER to help guests properly enjoy themselves at the party, making it a win-win-spend-a-bunch-of-money type situation. Good luck getting in. [Facebook]

DOWNTOWN — Free evening events in dowtown's Campus Martius Park have been pulling in crowds all summer, and this weekend is just as much a party as any other. The park is promoting a free concert by the legendary Wailers — better known as part of reggae icons Bob Marley & the Wailers — at 9 p.m. this Friday. The concert is part of the park's ongoing '4th Fridays in the Park' series, and will be the last concert of its type this summer. Crowds should be big, so get there to find a spot. [MLive]