12 Things to Do in Detroit in February 2023
Ongoing through March 5th
Gem of the Ocean
The rep is bringing the renowned playwright, August Wilson’s words to life with the first play in his Pittsburgh cycle. The story takes place in 1904 and follows Aunt Ester, 285 year old woman who survived slavery and maintained traditions from when she was young. Several characters pass through her kitchen, among them Citizen Barlow, who is looking to be absolved of his shame. Honor the work of August Wilson by coming to see this brilliant show.
Detroit Repertory Theatre: Various Times $25-$30
Every Weekend in February
Winter at Valade Park
Embrace the winter at this riverfront park. Winter at Valade has various activities available to make you feel warm in the cold months. Among the things available, there are various winter games, hot drinks, and big fires! Every weekend has a different theme and in February, the themes are Motown Love and Mardi Gras at Valade.
Valade Park: Times Vary, FREE
Wednesday, February 1st – Sunday, February 12th
Beetlejuice (Touring)
The classic horror comedy is coming to the D! Follow Lydia Deetz, a strange teen who befriends the couple that haunts her house and has to fight off a poltergeist from the afterlife: Beetlejuice. If you enjoyed the original Tim Burton picture, you’re gonna love it as a musical.
Detroit Opera House: Various Times $29-$129
Every Friday and Saturday
Ralphe Armstrong Trio
Help yourself to some delicious soul food while listening to one of the resident bands at the oldest jazz bar in the world.
Baker’s Keyboard Lounge: 8pm – 11pm
Friday, February 10th
Nocturnal Adventures
Are your favorite animals asleep when you go to the zoo? This may be the event for you! The Detroit Zoo is doing a monthly event where you can visit the animals at night. The experience includes a tour of the zoo at night, Detroit style pizza, and hot chocolate!
Detroit Zoo: 5:30pm – 9pm $65
February 11th
Palmer Park Winter Love Fest
People for Palmer Park are hosting an event celebrating Black History Month and Valentines Day in and around the log cabin in Palmer Park. You’ll be able to go on carriage rides, enjoy free hot, live performances in a heated tent, and the opportunity to tour Thomas and Elizabeth Palmer’s historic cabin that is being restored as a center for community gatherings.
Palmer Park: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm FREE
February 12th
Pack Walk with Canine to Five
Bring your faithful pooch on a walk by river with other pet owners in Detroit. Walks will last two and a half hours with a ten-minute break in the middle.
Valade Park: 10:30 am – noon FREE
February 16th and 17th
An Evening with Thornetta Davis… A Carr Center Special Event
Spend an evening with Detroit’s queen of blues, Thornetta Davis. This critically acclaimed, internationally recognized blues star will be available for two nights only, so get the tickets while you can!
Carr Center Gallery: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm $15-$25
Tuesday, February 21st
Paczki Day
It’s back again! Enjoy your Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday with a box of paczki’s from your local polish baker. For those who don’t know, a paczki is a deep-fried, jelly filled ball of dough that is typically eaten the day before lent begins. Paczkis are a delicacy from Eastern Europe and in Detroit, we line up outside the bakeries just to get a taste of those delicious treats!
Various Bakeries: All Day
Friday, February 24th
Wires & Wax
Dance and be entranced by featured artists Hazmat Live and DJ Psycho at Detroit’s premier music bar. Be ready for an odyssey in the deep.
Spotlight: 9 pm $10 – $20
Saturday, February 25th
Incredible Journey to Midnight: Detroit Underground Railroad Tour
History comes alive on this walking tour which documents the important role Detroit player on the Underground Railroad due to its proximity to Canada with actors portraying significant historical figures of the era to tell important events in American history.
Second Baptist Church: $18-$45
Ongoing while supplies last
Taste Paczki Day Vodka
Paczkis are so popular in Detroit that Detroit City Distillery made a paczki flavored vodka last year. Unfortunately, it sold out within 24 hours. Fortunately, however, there’s a new batch this year, so get your Paczki Day Vodka before it’s gone.
Detroit City Distillery: $35