The Metro Events Guide: Where to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Detroit this weekend

This week, we’ve got a variety of Valentine’s Day activities, from ice skating to orchestral performances.

Plus, where to catch local soul, rock and house musicians this weekend. Read on to learn more.

Valentine’s Day celebrations

For the outdoorsy types, celebrate Valentine’s Day at Campus Martius Park with The Rink’s Sweetheart Skate. On Friday, Feb. 14, treat your special someone to a romantic evening of ice skating under the lights featuring feel-good ballads, timeless love songs and Broadway in Detroit giveaways from 6-9 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for children under 13 and seniors over 58, and $8 for active military and first responders. For more information, visit downtowndetroit.org.

For the theater enthusiasts, head to Orchestra Hall to see the DSO perform Broadway Love Songs throughout the weekend. From Friday, Feb. 14 through Sunday, Feb. 16, the Orchestra an all-star cast of vocalists will perform some of Broadway’s most cherished love songs, including timeless classics from “The King and I,” “Cinderella,” “South Pacific” and “West Side Story,” as well as contemporary hits from “Wicked,” “Hamilton,” “Cabaret” and more. Tickets start at $20 and limited seats remain for the Feb. 14 performances. For more information, visit dso.org.

For the academically-inclined, head to the Cranbrook Institute of Science for a Valentine’s Day edition of Science After Dark. This interactive 21+ event will explore love, sex and attraction through the lens of science, history and nature. Visitors can sip on signature cocktails while immersing themselves in lively demonstrations, spicy presentations and interactive activities. Tickets are $25 for members, $30 for non-members and $35 at the door (subject to availability). Pre-registration is highly recommended. For more information, visit science.cranbrook.edu.

For the party-goers, Spot Lite Detroit is throwing a Valentine’s Day Rocksteady Disco celebrating the 55th anniversary of David Mancuso’s The Loft. Love Saves the Day will honor The Loft’s legacy of inclusivity and soul-affirming beats, featuring DJ sets by Eddie C, Elado and Eddie Logix back to back with Peter Croce. The party starts at 9 p.m. and tickets start at $17. This event is 21+. For more information, visit ra.co.

Cultural festivities

This weekend, head to Valade Park on the Detroit riverfront for Winter Around the World. Festivities include an international food truck rally, a Desi high tea ceremony, a Chinese yo-yo demonstration and dance performances showcasing a variety of styles and genres by Detroit artists. Plus, there will be a Mardi Gras presentation on Saturday evening and a Lunar New Year celebration on Sunday. This event is free and open to all ages. To see the full lineup of events and learn more, visit detroitriverfront.org.

Local concerts

On Saturday, Feb. 15, head to Miss Eva’s in Detroit for Saturday Night Unplugged with Detroit-based singer-songwriter, Bevlove. She’s graced stages across the country, and will perform an intimate, stripped-down set for the audience at Miss Eva’s. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the performances starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. For more information, visit @missevasdetroit on Instagram.

On Saturday, Feb. 15, Detroit-based rock band The Feisty Birds are playing at The Loving Touch in Ferndale. Their music is influenced by a wide range of genres including jazz, fusion, pop, country and blues, and their sets include both covers that bring back special memories and original material. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $10. All ages are welcome. For more information, visit thelovingtouchferndale.com.

On Saturday, Feb. 15, Deep house maestro and Sound Signature affiliate Marcellus Pittman returns home for a soulful celebration of Black music at Spot Lite Detroit. Noire: A Celebration of Black Music features Pittman with special guest Kindle. The party starts at 9 p.m. and tickets are $22. This event is 21+. For more information, visit ra.co.