Things To Do in Detroit This Weekend: January 17 – January 19
Prepare for an unforgettable weekend in Detroit with a lineup of events celebrating art, culture, and entertainment. From the captivating poetry of The Half-A-Stack Poetry Slam’s final season to the adrenaline-filled Detroit Pistons vs. Phoenix Suns game and the electrifying Overdrive Auto Show Closing Party, there’s something for everyone.
The Half-A-Stack Poetry Slam #21! The Final Season at Aretha’s Jazz Cafe
- What: The Half-A-Stack Poetry Slam #21! The Final Season
- When: Saturday, January 18, at 8 pm.
- Where: Aretha’s Jazz Cafe 350 Madison St., Detroit, Michigan 48226
- Cost: Advance general admission is $35, a reserved table for two is $90, and a reserved table for four is $180
The Half-A-Stack Poetry Slam: Final Season at Aretha’s Jazz Cafe is an electrifying celebration of spoken word artistry. As part of its final season, this event showcases powerful performances from talented poets competing for top honors.
The Rite of Spring at Detroit Symphony Orchestra
- What: The Rite of Spring
- When: Thursday, January 16, at 7:30 pm.; Friday, January 17, and Saturday, January 18, at 8 pm.
- Where: Detroit Symphony Orchestra 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit, Michigan 48201
- Cost: $20 to $110
Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” is a groundbreaking masterpiece that redefined music with its primal rhythms and raw energy, sparking a riot at its 1913 premiere. Paired with Shostakovich’s deeply emotional First Violin Concerto by Francesca Dego, this electrifying program at Orchestra Hall offers an unforgettable performance.
Detroit Pistons vs. Phoenix Suns
- What: NBA basketball game featuring the Detroit Pistons and Phoenix Suns
- When: Saturday, January 18, at 5 pm.
- Where: Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit, Michigan 48201.
- Cost: Check out Ticketmaster for the most up-to-date ticket prices.
Don’t miss Cade Cunningham and the rest of the Detroit Pistons, who face Devin Brooker and the Phoenix Suns.
Saturdays at Annex Presents Overdrive — Auto Show Closing Party
- What: Overdrive — The 2025 North American International Auto Show
- When: Saturday, January 18, at 10 pm.
- Where: The Annex 24 West Adams Ave., Detroit, Michigan 48226
- Cost: Free before 11 pm.
Celebrate the 2025 North American International Auto Show’s finale on Saturdays at Annex Presents Overdrive, an electrifying closing party. This four-hour event offers a vibrant atmosphere with live music, energetic DJs, creative cocktails, and a stylish crowd.
Other Events
Looking for fun things to do in Detroit? Here are some top events and activities happening this January and beyond!
- Photography Class: Date Night Photography Class—Detroit: Saturday, January 18, and Sunday, January 19, at noon and 4 pm; other dates and times available through June 29, 2025. Location is based on class date.
- Joy Oladokun at El Club: Saturday, January 18, at 7 pm at 4114 Vernor Highway, Detroit, Michigan 48209
- The Rink at Campus Martius Park: Now through March 2, hours depending on the day. Located at 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit, Michigan 48226
- Detroit Auto Show: Now – January 20 at One Washington Blvd., Detroit, Michigan 48226