20 things to do in Detroit this weekend (Feb. 16-18)

By Layla McMurtrie on Tue, Feb 13, 2024 at 4:42 pm

Many people are busy on Valentine’s Day, so you and your lover may need to have some fun together on the weekend instead. Or, if you’re single, you can go out and have a good time with friends or by yourself. There’s something for everyone happening in Detroit, with tons of unique events including art, music, wrestling, burlesque, and more.

If you’re looking for even more to do every day of the week, see the Metro Times events calendar, which is free to use if you have something planned that you’d like to advertise to Metro Times readers.

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Johnny Cash - The Official Concert Experience

When: Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Fisher Theatre
What: A multifaceted concert experience
Who: Johnny Cash fans
Why: The event will screen performances from The Johnny Cash TV show above the stage, accompanied by a live tribute band and singers.

Courtesy photo

Divine Wisdom

When: Feb. 16 from 6-9 p.m. and Feb. 17 from 1-4 p.m.
Where: Jam Handy
What: A limited-run group exhibition
Who: Local femme artists and performers
Why: The exhibition showcases femme alchemy through modern art and performance.

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Facebook, General Baker Institute

Latin American Revolts

When: Feb. 16 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Garage Cultural
What: A panel on the struggles against imperialism and neo-fascism
Who: Pablo Abufom and the Michigan General Defense Committee
Why: Anti-capitalist writer Pablo Abufom, along with other activists, will share dialogue on perspectives about recent uprisings in Chile and Latin America, the historical and current resistance of the Palestinian people, and struggles for liberation in the US.

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Josh Justice

The Dirty Show

When: Feb. 16 and 17 from 7 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: Russell Industrial Center
What: An international erotic art exhibition
Who: Many artists and burlesque performers
Why: Enjoy over 300 pieces of art by over 200 artists from around the country and across the globe, plus an awesome stage show.

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Instagram, @poetryinthepark_

Friday Night Lights

When: Feb. 16 from 8 p.m.-midnight
Where: Rock Local Entertainment Cafe, Highland Park
What: Local poets and musicians
Who: Hosted by Knologie, featuring Detroit performers Brizzl and Drizzy Dria, with sounds by DJ Swoo.
Why: The event is part of a week-long music, art, and poetry conference MAPCON hosted by Jewels of Detroit, inspired by the group’s summertime MAP Fest.

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Instagram, @jacquesgreene

Nosaj Thing B2B Jacques Greene

When: Feb. 16 from 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: Leland City Club
What: Electronic dance music
Who: Nosaj Thing and Jacques Greene
Why: The widely-known EDM DJs are currently on a North American tour.

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@sxrreal

Roses are Pink

When: Feb. 16 from 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: Big Pink
What: A Valentine’s Day R&B dance party
Who: Detroit DJs Blaaqgold and Donovan Glover
Why: Get lit to some soul-filling R&B music with your lover or in hopes of finding one.

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Joe Maroon

Cupid's Undie Run

When: Feb. 17 from noon-4 p.m.
Where: Tin Roof
What: A funny fundraiser run
Who: You in your undies
Why: Proceeds benefit NF research through the Children’s Tumor Foundation.

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Facebook, Detroit Shipping Company

Winterfest

When: Feb. 17 from noon-9 p.m.
Where: Detroit Shipping Company
What: A winter pride celebration
Who: The local LGBTQ community
Why: The Detroit food hall wants to celebrate pride year-round, providing a safe and inclusive environment during Valentine’s Day weekend. There will be friendship bracelet making, a dance party, hot cocoa, vendors, and more.

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Randiah Camille Green

Art After Dark Gallery Crawl

When: Feb. 17 from 6-10 p.m. and Feb. 18 from 4-8 p.m.
Where: Irwin House Gallery
What: A tour of Black-owned art galleries
Who: Black artists and lovers of art
Why: This private tour will take art lovers to four Black-owned Detroit art galleries in celebration of Black History Month and as part of the Sacred Spaces 2nd Annual project. The tour begins and ends at Irwin House Gallery with stops including Norwest Gallery, Design Studio 6, Donald Calloway's Studio, The Carr Center, and BRIX Wine.

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Instagram, @swordsintoplowshares_det

Red Books Day Detroit

When: Feb. 17 at 3 p.m.
Where: Swords Into Plowshares
What: A leftist book exchange
Who: Many local social justice organizations and advocates
Why: Get a new book, make a pin, eat snacks, and hear some passages from leftist texts.

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Instagram, @melli.pittiglio

Visionary Night

When: Feb. 17 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: The Commons
What: An open mic and art event
Who: The Vision Detroit
Why: The stage will be open for performers of any kind, plus art supplies will be provided for anyone who wants to chill and draw while enjoying the show.

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Facebook, Irwin House

Clock Work

When: Feb. 17 from 6-9 p.m.
Where: Irwin House Gallery
What: An immersive art exhibition
Who: Detroit’s Harp Trio
Why: Support local artists and hear some good music.

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Facebook, Tangent Gallery

Summer Bliss Festival Pre-Party

When: Feb. 17 from 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: Tangent Gallery
What: A music and art event
Who: Local performers
Why: The event is a pre-party for Detroit’s inaugural Summer Bliss Music and Art Festival, set for July 27-28.

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Instagram, @laylitparty

Laylit

When: Feb. 17 from 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: Spot Lite
What: An Arabic dance party
Who: Local DJs Tammy Lakkis and aa3, plus Montreal DJ Mnsa, and NYC DJ Saphe.
Why: Celebrate culture with traditional Arab music mixed with hip-hop and pop.

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Instagram, @indysolomon

Black Ass Brunch + Synergy Art Show Opening

When: Feb. 18 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Dragonfly Detroit
What: A brunch celebrating Blackness
Who: Detroit chefs Amber Beckem, Lauren Gillon, and Cherrye, and artists India Solomon and Nicolena.
Why: The three local chefs started a group called 3TheHardway and this is its first event, alongside the official opening of the Synergy Art Show.

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Nick Grunas

Circle 6 Wrestling: SVN Nation Army

When: Feb. 18 from 6-11 p.m.
Where: Harpos
What: A wrestling tournament
Who: Wrestlers including Bobby Beverly, Matthew Justice, AJ Grey, Drake Younger, Otis Cogar, Hoodfoot, Madman Pondo, Dale Patricks, Orin Veidt, and Sami Callihan.
Why: The event promises “an unforgettable night of intense and action-packed wrestling matches.”

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Instagram, @urbanartorchestra

Urban Arts Orchestra - Presidential Party

When: Feb. 18 from 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: Spot Lite
What: Live music
Who: Local performers DJ Fingers, Asaka the Renegade, The Monalyse, 3., Natasia, Jr. Strozier, and De’Sean Jones.
Why: To celebrate the vinyl release of Urban Art Orchestra Vol. 2.

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Josh Justice

Rouge Reveal: A Live Band Burlesque Show

When: Feb. 18 at 7 p.m.
Where: Ant Hall, Hamtramck
What: A burlesque show
Who: Eartha Kitten and local performers
Why: It’s Detroit’s “livest and loudest,” burlesque show with live music and great performances.

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Courtesy photo

Futurelands by Loralee Grace

When: Through Feb. 25
Where: Detroit Contemporary
What: A solo art show
Who: Loralee Grace
Why: The show tackles environmental racism.

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