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.

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. Credit: Courtesy photo
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. Credit: Facebook, General Baker Institute
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. Credit: Josh Justice
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. Credit: Ticketmaster
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. Credit: Instagram, @poetryinthepark_
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. Credit: Instagram, @jacquesgreene
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. Credit: @sxrreal
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. Credit: Joe Maroon
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. Credit: Facebook, Detroit Shipping Company
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. Credit: Randiah Camille Green
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. Credit: Instagram, @swordsintoplowshares_det
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. Credit: Instagram, @melli.pittiglio
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. Credit: Facebook, Irwin House
Əkoostik Hookah & Flying Caterpillar When: Dec. 2 from 6 p.m.-midnight Where: Tangent Gallery What: Live music Who: Əkoostik Hookah & Flying Caterpillar Why: The band is known for its unique shows and its ability to feed off of the crowd’s energy. Credit: Facebook, Tangent Gallery
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. Credit: Instagram, @laylitparty
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. Credit: Instagram, @indysolomon
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.” Credit: Nick Grunas
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. Credit: Instagram, @urbanartorchestra
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. Credit: Josh Justice
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. Credit: Courtesy photo

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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...