20 things to do in Detroit this weekend (April 12-14)

By Layla McMurtrie on Tue, Apr 9, 2024 at 9:30 am

All you could think of is happening this weekend in Detroit, from spiritual markets to workshops to speed dating to usual art and music events. Detroiters are unique and there’s something for everyone on the agenda.

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.

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Andrea Bocelli

When: April 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Little Caesars Arena (Detroit)
What: A concert
Who: Andrea Bocelli
Why: Get serenaded by the Italian tenor singer to end your weekend on a soothing note.

Facebook, Witches Night Bazaar

Witches Night Bazaar: Rite of Spring

When: April 12 from 7 p.m.-12 a.m.
Where: Tangent Gallery (Detroit)
What: An evening of art, music, education, and magic
Who: Tarot readers, metaphysical workers, and local vendors
Why: Kick off spring with a selection of jewelry, fine art, herbalism, self-care, and more. There will also be classes on crafting your own ritual tools and herbal potions.

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se7enfifteen

A conversation between poet laureates

When: April 12 from 8-9:30 p.m.
Where: Marygrove Liberal Arts Theater (Detroit)
What: The Contemporary American Authors Lecture Series
Who: Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Tracy K. Smith, former U.S. poet laureate
Why: After reading her poetry, Professor Smith will be joined by Michigan’s Poet Laureate Nandi Comer for an onstage conversation.

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Joe Maroon

Taylor's Version - a Swiftie Dance Party

When: April 12 at 8 p.m.
Where: Pike Room (Pontiac)
What: A Taylor Swift dance party
Who: Swifties
Why: If you are a Taylor Swift lover, you will love this event.

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Match Made on Stage

When: April 12 at 7 p.m.
Where: The Congregation (Detroit)
What: A night of speed blind dates
Who: Local singles
Why: You can experience your very own rom-com on stage, in front of an audience. Plus, tickets include one free drink.

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Facebook, Thievery Corporation

Garza

When: April 12 from 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: (Detroit)
What: An old-school warehouse party
Who: Rob Garza of Thievery Corporation
Why: The exact location is only released to ticket holders, so it’s exclusive.

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Facebook, Bamboo Royal Oak

Mastering Social Media Storytelling Through Content

When: April 13 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Bamboo (Royal Oak)
What: A social media workshop
Who: Dele Nguyen Photography
Why: Learn how to elevate your content creation to better utilize social media storytelling.

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Facebook, I.M. Weiss Gallery

I.M. Weiss Gallery Opening

When: April 13 from 12-6 p.m.
Where: IM Weiss Gallery (Detroit)
What: An art gallery opening
Who: Isabelle Weiss
Why: Get a first look at Isabelle Weiss’ new in-home art gallery in Detroit’s East Village neighborhood.

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Facebook, InsideOut Literary Arts

Sprouting Our Writing Poetry Picnic

When: April 13 from 1-3 p.m.
Where: Valade Park (Detroit)
What: An afternoon of workshops, an open mic, food, and more
Who: Hosted by InsideOut Literary Arts
Why: The event is free for all ages and will feature experienced Detroit poet La Shaun Phoenix Moore.

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Layla McMurtrie

Auction for Palestine

When: April 13 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Spot Lite (Detroit)
What: An auction for Palestine
Who: Community members
Why: Help raise money for Gaza by bidding on an array of local goods and services. All proceeds will be split between funds for families with special needs children and to feed Gazans.

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Facebook, Mega 80s

80s vs 90s - MEGA vs CLASS

When: April 13 at 7 p.m.
Where: Magic Bag (Ferndale)
What: An 80s and 90s dance party
Who: Gen X’ers
Why: Have fun with friends to hit 80s and 90s music.

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Instagram, @poetryinthepark_

Art in the Park

When: April 13 from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Where: iRock Local Entertainment Cafe (Highland Park)
What: A night of poetry, music, and visual art
Who: Hosted by Jewels of Detroit
Why: To celebrate the diverse forms of art in the city of Detroit.

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Facebook, Bowlero Lanes & Lounge

DISCO LOUNGE - A tribute to the Disco Club Era

When: April 12 from 9 p.m.- 1 a.m.
Where: Bowlero Lanes & Lounge (Royal Oak)
What: A disco bowling party
Who: DJ Eric Kacir, plus you and your friends
Why: Dance all night to 70s-club-era selections, plus have fun bowling or playing in the arcade.

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Facebook, Salt + Ko

R&B Saturdays at Salt + Ko

When: April 13 at 9 p.m.
Where: Salt + Ko (Southfield)
What: An R&B night
Who: You and your lover
Why: All night long there will be drink and food specials, plus R&B music and dancing.

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Facebook, Mums/Moms In Business International

She Means Business Unleash 2024

When: April 14 from 12-5 p.m.
Where: Epiphany Detroit (Detroit)
What: A networking event for women
Who: Local women-owned businesses and women entrepreneurs
Why: There will be speakers, vendors, raffles, and giveaways supporting local women-owned businesses, as well as networking, promotions, and other resources designed for women.

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Facebook, Detroit Shipping Company

80s Drag Bingo

When: April 14 at 2 p.m.
Where: Detroit Shipping Company (Detroit)
What: Bingo with drag queens
Who: Hosted by Slay Events
Why: Travel back in time to the 80s and have some good brunch alongside a great drag bingo experience.

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Facebook, Grosse Pointe War Memorial

Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra

When: April 14 from 3-4:45 p.m.
Where: Grosse Pointe War Memorial (Grosse Pointe Farms)
What: A concert
Who: The Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra
Why: The orchestra is continuing its 71st season with songs including "Fanfare" from Paul Dukas's ballet Le Peri and the Brahms Violin Concerto in D major. Plus, The Detroit Symphony Orchestra's Jiamin Wang will perform as a violin soloist.

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Facebook, Planet Ant

The Misfit Variety Show Time Out NY Pick!

When: April 14 at 6 p.m.
Where: Planet Ant (Hamtramck)
What: A comedy show
Who: Hosted by Lauren LoGiudice, featuring Lauren Bickers, Tam White, and Myes De Leeuw
Why: Get a laugh in with this cast of eclectic femme comedians.

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Facebook, Michigan Philharmonic

Michigan Philharmonic Jazz Concert + Buffet Dinner

When: April 14 from 6-10 p.m.
Where: Saint John’s Resort (Plymouth)
What: A concert and dinner
Who: The Michigan Philharmonic
Why: The jazz trio with serenade you with their captivating melodies, plus chefs have prepared an innovative buffet-style meal.

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Joe Maroon

The Lesbian Social: Aries Edition

When: April 12 from 7 p.m.-12 a.m.
Where: The Godfrey Hotel (Detroit)
What: A dance party and celebration
Who: Mainly local queer women
Why: Along with Lesbian Social’s new monthly event, this one is a special birthday celebration for host Domo the Princess.

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