Lunar New Year and Mardi Gras: Things to do in metro Detroit
Despite the absence of the Detroit Lions in the Super Bowl this weekend, celebrations abound, with Mardi Gras, Lunar New Year, Black History Month and Valentine’s Day festivities planned across the region.
There’ll also be numerous Super Bowl watch parties for those who can stomach watching what the Lions narrowly missed out on.
Don your beads and make your way to the Detroit Riverfront’s Valade Park for Mardi Gras festivities; celebrate the Lunar New Year with a free Vietnamese variety show; watch African American-influenced films at Emagine Theaters; attend an adult-only event at the Michigan Science Center or ice skate and see ice sculptures in Warren.
Here are five things to do for the weekend of Feb. 9-11, plus a list of Super Bowl LVIII watch parties:
Mardi Gras at Valade
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy will host this colorful, family-friendly event along the Detroit Riverfront. There will be live music, Caribbean Carnival costumes, a second line parade, big heads, a kids dance party, mask making, food, drinks and of course, beads.
4-9 p.m. Friday and 12-8 p.m. Saturday at Valade Park, 2670 E. Atwater in Detroit.
Lunar New Year Show
The Lunar New Year officially begins Saturday, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown presents a complimentary concert celebration titled “Nàng Xuân.” The Vietnamese variety show will feature musical performances, traditional folk songs, and sketch comedy by popular singers including Hồng Ngoc and Manh Quỳnh. The event will take place at 8 p.m. Saturday at Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison Street in Detroit.
Tickets are free for the casino’s PENN Play members (free to sign up at hollywoodgreektown.com) and can be obtained at 555 E. Lafayette in Detroit.
After Dark: Lights Out!
At the Michigan Science Center
This event offers an evening of entertainment and education for attendees 21 and older. There will be crafted drinks from Precisely Pour’d, music by D.J. Todd Everett; science activities; food by Cosmic Burrito and a special feature for the evening will be “Laser Dark Side of the Moon,” a light and sound show set to the soundtrack of Pink Floyd’s 1973 masterpiece.
Also explore MI-Sci’s newest exhibit, “Above and Beyond,” a 6,000-square-foot exhibition where guests can race at the speed of sound, enjoy a 360-degree view of the earth from orbit and embark on a journey to Mars.
Future MI-Sci After Dark programs in 2024 will take place April 20 – Space Love; July 27 – The Mi-Sci Games, and Oct. 26 – Nightmare on John R. Street.
6-11 p.m. Saturday at Michigan Science Center, 5020 John R. Street in Detroit. $45.
Emagine Theaters celebrates Black History Month
Throughout the month of February, select Emagine locations will show a variety of African American influenced films for $5 per person.
The film schedule includes “Do the Right Thing” thru Feb. 8; “Mo’ Better Blues,” Feb. 9-15; “Straight Outta Compton,” Feb. 16-22; and “American Gangster,” Feb. 23-29.
For showtimes and a list of participating locations, visit Emagine-entertainment.
Cold Rush at Warren City Square
This winter event by Warren Parks and Recreation and the City of Warren will include free ice skating with a glow skate at night; ice sculptures; live ice carving; food trucks; bonfire, and free s’mores and hot chocolate.
2-8 p.m. Saturday at Warren City Hall, 1 City Square in Warren. Skate rentals are $5.
Super Bowl watch parties:
Many local sports bars, halls and community centers are set to screen watch parties, providing fans opportunities to watch Super Bowl LVIII among lively crowds of fans. Here are a few hosting venues:
The Historic Alpha House, 293 Eliot St. in Detroit from 5-11:30 p.m.
Lumberyard Grub & Pub, 26700 Schoenherr in Warren. 2 p.m. $25 includes dinner buffet and door prize ticket.
Crystal Gardens, 16703 Fort Street in Southgate. Doors open at 5 p.m. $50 per person or $55 at the door includes premium bar, food stations, halftime meal, and door prizes.
Brass Rail Detroit, 18 W. Adams in Detroit. 6:30-10 p.m.
Rochester Corner Bar, 124 W. Fourth St. in Rochester. 5:30-9:30 p.m. $58 includes a buffet, drinks and more.