The Metro Events Guide: How to spend MLK Weekend in Detroit
Sophia Jozwiak January 16, 2025Discover unique arts and culture events in metro Detroit happening Jan. 16-23, 2025.

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit.
This week, we’ve got celebrations honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., new museum exhibitions and exciting musical performances to keep you warm.
Plus, an end-of-an-era poetry slam. Read on to learn more.
MLK Day celebrations
Wayne State University is hosting its annual tribute to civil rights icon the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Thursday, Jan. 17 at the Hilberry Gateway in Detroit. The program will feature the annual presentation of the Dr. Arthur L. Johnson Community Leadership Awards and the Warrior Strong Distinguished Service Award, which recognize local leaders whose work has positively impacted metro Detroit communities. The celebration will culminate with a keynote speech from the Rev. Frederick Douglass Haynes III, senior pastor at Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas. While the in-person event has reached capacity, the recorded event will be streamed at wayne.edu/live starting at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20 to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. To learn more, visit events.wayne.edu.
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is hosting their annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy on Monday, Jan. 20. This year’s theme, “The Strength to Dream: Resilience in the Legacy of Dr. King,” highlights his courage and determination in facing adversity. The day features a series of ticketed and free events that provide activities for every age, including panel discussions, film screenings, a treasure hunt and more. For the full activities schedule and more information, visit thewright.org.
The Detroit Historical Museum is celebrating the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year’s program is titled “Remembering the Life of Freedom Rider Viola Liuzzo,” which will include panel discussions, storytelling, and arts and crafts. Visitors can explore the museum through a history hunt to learn more about the events that Dr. King experienced from 1955 through 1968. The celebration will conclude with a communal performance of “Happy Birthday.” Participation is free with registration. For more information, visit detroithistorical.org.
Music
The Anti-Freeze Blues Festival returns to the Magic Bag in Ferndale on Saturday, Jan. 18. This year’s festival celebrates blues guitarist and Detroiter Bobby Murray, who performed in Etta James’ backup ensemble, the Roots Band, for over two decades, as well as with many other blues and soul greats like Chuck Berry, B.B. King and Buddy Guy. The Bobby Murray Revue features The Woodward Horns, Raye Williams, Lenny Watkins, Greg Nagy, Smoke Jones and special guests. Tickets are $20 in advance and doors open at 7 p.m. All ages are welcome. For more information, visit themagicbag.com.
Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” caused a riot at its 1913 premiere in Paris, challenging every expectation of what music could be. Its influence has rippled through generations, inspiring everyone from progressive rock icons to contemporary film composers. Experience this groundbreaking masterpiece performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra on Thursday, Jan. 16, Friday, Jan. 17 and Saturday, Jan. 18 at Orchestra Hall in Detroit. Tickets start at $20. For more information, visit dso.org.
See highly-acclaimed Detroit-based producer and musician Jon Dixon live in action as he performs with Marquis Johnson as Room 131 at Spot Lite Detroit on Friday, Jan. 17. Special guests Deon Jamar and Al Ester will kick off the night starting at 9 p.m. Tickets are $16-$22 and the event is 21+. For more information, visit ra.co.
Hear more: Jon Dixon performs live on WDET
Museums
The Detroit Historical Museum is offering free admission on Thursday, Jan. 16 from 5-8 p.m., compliments of the Kresge Foundation. There will be a panel discussion led by Kenneth L. Harris, Ph.D. centered around the Black retail experience in Detroit starting at 6 p.m. For more information, visit detroithistorical.org.
As we approach the 60th anniversary of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, the museum is looking back at their roots. They’ve created an in-house exhibition centered on their founder, Charles Howard Wright, M.D. (1919-2002), that celebrates the great physician and intellectual’s life and achievements. “I, Charles H. Wright” opens on Friday, Jan. 17 and uses words, images, documents and objects to portray Wright’s extraordinary life and expansive legacy. For more information, visit thewright.org.
Poetry
On Saturday, Jan. 18, Joel Fluent Green presents The Half-A-Stack Poetry Slam #21: The Final Season at Aretha’s Jazz Café in Detroit. Twelve poets will compete for $500 while audiences enjoy three rounds of original poetry, a cash bar, delicious food and Detroit-based vendors. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. General admission tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page.
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