11 Things to Do in Detroit in April 2023
by Jason Clinton
Spring is here! The smell of rain and the sound of soul music blasted out of car windows hangs in the air like a good idea. This is my favorite season because it’s when folks start to come out of their houses and apartments and bask in the “not too bad” weather. April is the month when you start to see people hanging out in parks, going for strolls on the riverwalk, and fishing in the Detroit River. Nothing brings a community together quite like the thaw of winter and the promise of parties and festivals in the months to come. With all that said, let’s take a look at what’s happening this April.
April 1st
To Sangana presents: Connections
Wayne State’s Congolese and Pan-African dance company, To Sangana, is proud to present this years show, Connections. This company embraces and celebrates traditions in African dance and traditions in the African American experience.
Old Main: Allesee Dance Theatre – 7:30 pm $17-$24
April 2nd
All Things Detroit Day
All Things Detroit Day is an opportunity for you to see the entrepreneurial spirit of Detroit. There will be over 200 local vendors distributing their wares and food trucks galore. If you love shopping and supporting small businesses, this is an event you don’t want to miss
Eastern Market – 11 am – 4pm $5-10
April 6th
Tigers Opening Day
Get ready to see the DEEEEEEEEEEE-TROIT Tigers vs. the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Buy yourself some peanuts and crackerjacks as you see Miguel Cabrera’s final opening day for the Tigers.
Comerica Park – 1:10 pm $60-$194
April 12th
Hustle Line Dancing presented by 360 Detroit
Cookout season is coming up and you don’t want to get caught as a wallflower when the Cupid Shuffle comes on at a party. Stretch those muscles and get ready to hustle!
The Congregation – 7:15pm-8:15pm
April 14th
Michigan Science Center After Dark
Send the kids to bed; this is an adult only event. After Darks are returning to the Science Center with the theme of “World Space Party”. Enjoy an evening of drinks, music, and science demonstrations including laser shows and presentations from the James Webb Space Telescope.
Michigan Science Center – 6pm – 11pm $48
April 16th
Organ Pops Concert Featuring John Lauter
John Lauter is a nationally known organist and has served as a church organist and silent film accompanist. He’s a member of Detroit Theatre Organ Society and has played at both the Senate and Redford Theatre. Join him for the first installment of the 2023 Organ Pops Concert Series.
Senate Theatre – 3pm $17
April 19th-23rd
The Little Things
The MOCAD is presenting their teen art exhibition with a catch; all the art has to be 12”x12” or smaller. These miniature displays can be created from a multitude of mediums, but must be presented in a small format.
The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit – 11am-8pm Suggested Donation of $10
April 26th
Complexions Contemporary Ballet
Now is your chance to see one of the nation’s premier modern dance companies. Complexions fuses different styles and methods of dance from cultures all over the world.
Music Hall – 3 pm $30-$45
April 28th and 29th
Freedom Players and Motor City Cabaret Showcase
Two of Wayne State’s theatre companies are teaming up for a public showcase. Motor City Cabaret is a musical theatre program that brings broadway revues to schools and other public places and Freedom Players is a devised theatre company with focuses on social justice and activism that also tours nationally and internationally. As a Freedom Player alum, I couldn’t go without repp-ing my old company. These two groups offer some of the best of Wayne State’s theatre program.
Alessee Theatre – Times Vary $17
April 29th
Poetry for a Spring Day
Acclaimed poets Iliana Rocha, Andrew Collard, and Brandon Rushton are presenting three hours of poetry to usher in the season. Join these Michigan artists for an afternoon at the library.
Detroit Public Library Main Branch – 2pm – 5pm FREE
April 29th
Chasin’ It
Imagine you could travel back to when you were 19 knowing what you know today. Raynard finds a way to do this to escape his life of torment, but will it ever be as good as the first time round?
Redford Theatre – 7pm $30-$50