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12 Things to Do in Detroit in February 2023

Paczkis are usually only available this time of year. So get 'em while you can! Photo courtesy of Eater Detroit.

Ongoing through March 5th

Come see the chronologically first play in August Wilson’s Pittsburgh Cycle: Gem of the Ocean. Photo courtesy of The Detroit Reparatory Theatre

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

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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

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Wednesday, February 1st – Sunday, February 12th

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is coming to The Detroit Opera House! Photo courtesy of Beetlejuice The Musical

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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February 16th and 17th

Spend an evening with the blues queen herself, Thornetta Davis at the Carr Center, Detroit. Photo courtesy of Thornetta Davis

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

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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

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Saturday, February 25th

Tourgoers at Gateway to Freedom monument, Hart Plaza, Detroit. Photo courtesy of City Tour Detroit.

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

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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

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