The first weekend of Black History Month is leading strong in Detroit with an array of cultural events happening around the city. Whether you want to do something intellectual, see impactful art, laugh at a comedy show, or get lit with friends to music from across the globe, this list has got you covered.
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.
Ibram X. Kendi Book Talk and Celebration
When: Feb. 1 from 5-7 p.m.
Where: A book talk
What: An art exhibition
Who: Ibram X. Kendi
Why: Kick off Black History Month with #1 New York Times bestselling author and scholar Ibram X. Kendi. He will discuss his adaptation of Zora Neale Hurston’s Barracoon, which gives young readers an introduction to the true-life story of Cudjo Lewis, one of the last-known survivors of the Atlantic slave trade. The event is free or $20 if you want a signed book. Credit: Stephen Voss, Oregon State UniversityWoodward Lecture Series: Dr. Melba Joyce Boyd
When: Feb. 1 from 6-7:30 p.m.
Where: College for Creative Studies, Wendell B. Anderson Auditorium
What: A discussion surrounding art, titled Turning Poetry into Film
Who: Dr. Melba Joyce Boyd
Why: The 2023 Kresge Eminent Artist will discuss how film and poetry converge in The Black Unicorn: Dudley Randall and the Broadside Press by illustrating how verbal imagery was transferred into cinematic language to reflect the creative complexity of a poet. Credit: Erin Kirkland, courtesy of The Kresge FoundationThe FEL3000FT Experience
When: Jan. 26 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: The Carr Center
What: An art exhibition
Who: 11 Black Detroit artists and local art lovers
Why: Support local Black artists and view a variety of unique art. Credit: Courtesy photoMarlon Wayans
When: Feb. 1 at 8 p.m.
Where: Sound Board
What: A stand-up comedy show
Who: Marlon Wayans
Why: Start your weekend with a laugh. Credit: Photo courtesy of NBC2024 Winter Blast
When: Feb. 2-4
Where: Downtown Royal Oak
What: A free annual outdoor family
Who: You and your loved ones
Why: The free festival features outdoor activities including ice skating, a zip line, ice sculptors, live music, bonfires, food trucks, and more. Credit: Courtesy photoTranscendence by Kesswa
When: Feb. 2 at 7 p.m.
Where: MOCAD
What: A performance
Who: Kesiena Wanogho and Fatima Jamal
Why: Kesswa, a performative avatar created by artist Kesiena Wanogho, will celebrate the last days of the artist’s current exhibition Transcendence. The performance will feature Kesswa sharing a conversation with writer, artist, and collaborator Fatima Jamal about the nature of their practice as interdisciplinary artists. Kesswa will expand upon notions of memory, materiality, beauty, and bodily knowledge to discourse about the intergenerational and communal experience of Black femmes. Credit: Noah Elliott MorrisonBaba’s Bounce
When: Feb. 2 from 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: Big Pink
What: A DJ set of world music
Who: Sounds by Chicago-based queer Palestinian DJ Nanoos, plus QUJO and DJ KDirty
Why: Have a fun night with your friends vibing to Arabic and Afro music. Credit:Instagram, @djnanoosRock the Cock Off
When: Feb. 2 from 8 p.m.-midnight
Where: Corktown Tavern
What: Live performances
Who: Local musicians, bands, and artists
Why: Support local rock ‘n’ roll performers. Credit:Instagram, @victorino.313Warehouse Sale @ Woodward Throwbacks
When: Feb. 3 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Woodward Throwbacks
What: A big warehouse sale
Who: You and fellow shopping friends
Why: There will be antiques, vintage housewares, clothing, dining tables, and much more at affordable prices. Credit:Facebook, Woodward ThrowbacksA Personal Experience of American Exceptionalism
When: Feb. 3 from 1-6 p.m.
Where: Harper Galleries
What: An art exhibition opening
Who: Dr. Taft Parsons III
Why: It’s a powerful solo exhibition in honor of Black History Month. Credit: Google MapsFree screening of American Homeboy
When: Feb. 3 from 5-9 p.m.
Where: Senate Theater
What: A screening, panel, and community art event
Who: The film’s director Brandon Loran Maxwell alongside special guest speakers
Why: To kick off Chicano History Week, which runs from Feb. 2-8. Credit: Courtesy photoTim Allen
When: Feb. 3 at 7 p.m.
Where: Fox Theatre
What: A comedy show
Who: Tim Allen
Why: See the actor live for his current stand-up tour. Credit: ShutterstockShrek Rave
When: Feb. 3 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Leland City Club
What: An interestingly-themed rave
Who: You and some adventurous friends
Why: According to the event’s flier, “It’s dumb just come have fun. Who cares? Cool is dead.” Sounds cool. Credit: Google MapsGo to an arcade bar
As long as you don’t buy too many drinks, hitting a bar that also has games is a fun way to enjoy a date and maybe engage in some lighthearted competition too. There are lots of options in Detroit such as Checker Bar, The Yard, Barcade, and more. Credit: Steve NeavlingImbolc Community Creation Session
When: Feb. 4 from 4-8 p.m.
Where: 27th Letter Books
What: A community jam session
Who: Hosted by King Sophia
Why: Bring your voice or instrument and join the house band, or just chill and listen. Credit:Facebook, 27th Letter Books
Layla McMurtrie is the digital editor of Detroit Metro Times. She's passionate about art, music, food, and Detroit's culture and community. Her work has been featured in the Detroit Free Press, Between...
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