New York might be the city that never sleeps, but Detroit’s frequently mentioned among the most insomniatic cities in the nation. We’re here to make sure it stays that way with this week’s most tantalizing events. 

Upcoming events (March 19-26)

March du Nain Rouge 

Cass Corridor

March 22

Free

Embrace your wicked nature and dance for the Demon of the Strait this Sunday. The March du Nain Rouge has taken place in Detroit for well over a decade, but the story of this devlish figure has loomed over the city for more than 300 years.

I suppose it was about time that we showed him some love.

The parade features massive floats, costumed street performers, musicians and more. It’s a day where all glorious freaks, artists and partygoers show out for their supremely devilish leader in pursuit of a sinfully good time. The event begins at 11:30 a.m., with the opening ceremony starting at 1 p.m. 

Ann Arbor Film Festival 

Michigan Theatre

March 24-29

Free-$85

The Ann Arbor Film Festival is back for its 63rd year, showcasing filmmakers from around the globe. The festival highlights experimental, animation, documentary, fiction and performance-based works. It takes place over the course of six days and enlists a wide variety of programs, each of which has several competing films.

Tickets for each screening are $15, while the opening night party will run you $85. So, grab a drink, see a film and hit an afterparty with some newfound friends. Screenings start as early as 10:30 a.m., with some going until 2:30 a.m. 

Totally Rad Vintage Fest 

Huntington Place

March 21-22

$8 – $25

Step into the past at Huntington Place this weekend for a chance to score that perfectly weathered 70’s tassel jacket you’ve been eyeing, or perhaps even that pair of Heineken dunks you’ve been searching for since ’03. There’s a plethora of vendors selling everything from clothes to vinyl and video games this year; you won’t want to miss this.

And if you’re just getting dragged along by your eBay-loving bestie, don’t worry, there’s free-to-play arcade games and a retro museum for you to drift away to while they hunt for the perfect pair of jeans. The event begins at 5 p.m. on both days.  

The Rusty Snails  

The Blind Pig

March 21

$20

The Rusty Snails have been carving a name for themselves recently—perhaps you’ve seen their new song “Northern Man” floating around on Instagram. Regardless, I’m proud to announce they’re coming to Ann Arbor this Saturday as a part of The Blind Pig’s Americana and Country Music Showcase. The brother-sister folk duo from Detroit is playing alongside Jen Sygit and Jadyn Savage, making sure to infuse you with all the twang Michigan has to offer. The event starts at 6 p.m. 

St. Baddies Day 

Big Pink

March 21 

$23

St. Patrick’s Day may be over, but that doesn’t mean the festivities have to end. This year, we were robbed with a mid-week celebration— but there’s a way to be compensated for your loss. Trek over to the neon lights of the Eastside and get ready to dance like an Irishman as Munch and Blakito spin banger after banger. The event starts at 10 p.m. and goes until 2 a.m. 

Monster Jam 

Ford Field

March 21-22

$40+

It’d be easy to chop up Monster Jam to being just a children’s event, but let’s be honest, everyone wants to see a 6-ton truck dressed like a bull do a backflip. This time around, drivers are competing for the Stadium Championship Series East. 

Whether you’re there for family fun or 2000’s nostalgia, we won’t judge. For all you know, I’ll be there with a foam finger and a Grave Digger hat…not that I’m choosing sides or anything. Oh, and make sure to grab a Pit Party ticket to meet the drivers and check out the beasts up close. The event starts at 5 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. 

Concert in Alkyone 

Detroit Institute of Arts Theatre

March 19

Free

Take a stroll over to the DIA for a modern Mediterranean experience as the Hellenic Museum of Michigan hosts a performance by Alkyone, a musician from Northern Greece who melds traditional Greek styles with the ethereal contemporary sounds of indiepop and folk. The event begins at 7 p.m. and go until 10 p.m.   

Sweely 

Lincoln Factory

March 20

$23

If it’s specifically house music that’s calling your name, we’ve got something up our sleeve for you too. This Friday at the Lincoln Factory, French producer Sweely is headlining with m.O.N.R.O.E, Rakim Under and more in tow. This is Sweely’s first time performing in Detroit and in exchange for our stamina, he’s rewarding us with retro funk and jazz-inspired tracks until the sun comes up. This event begins at 10 p.m. and goes until 5 a.m.

THRG Presents 

Marble Bar

March 20

$17

If you’re looking to start somewhere else on Friday and then migrate over to Lincoln, you might want to check out Marble Bar. Breakbeat and Bass are gonna be shaking the windows as Emma DJ, Maara, Jacob Park and more make the dance floor erupt. This event begins at 9 p.m. and goes until 3 a.m. 

We know you’re tired from the joyful depravity of yester-week, but strap down those light-up Velcro sketchers and get yourself prepared for another 7 days of endless art and music in the Paris of the West.  

Upcoming events (March 12-19)

313 Day at The Station

Michigan Central Station

March 13

  $15

Embrace the city you love and hold it tight, or twirl it around, as you party in a piece of history this 313 day at Michigan Central Station. World-renowned DJ, Waajeed, is turning the building into an instrument of its own as house and hip-hop resonate off the limestone and into your bones.

The set begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m., so as long as you can keep your eyes wide, you’ll be just in time for our next events. 

LA DISCOTECA 

Tangent Gallery

March 13

$20

The ear canal isn’t just a means of hearing; it’s a portal into another place and time. This Friday, transport yourself to Bogotá at the Tangent Gallery. DJ RUIZ OSC1 is spinning deep vinyl mixes that blends Colombian salsa with entrancing electronic drumlines, and if you’re one of those people who feels the need to step away from the party for a moment, feel free to check out the artists Tangent has sprawled across the walls. The event starts at 9 p.m. and goes until 3 a.m.

Piano Party 

Big Pink

March 13

$23

If your soul doesn’t long for Latin American melodies, maybe you’re feeling more drawn to the sounds of South Africa. This Friday, get ready to immerse yourself in the warmth of Johannesburg rhythm with DJs Yung D, Blakito and Ivy as they make the turntables erupt with Afrohouse, Amapiano and Gqom. The event starts at 10 p.m. and goes until 2 a.m. 

City of Stars 

2529 Orleans St. Detroit, MI

March 13

$10

Skate over to Eastern Market for the City of Stars art exhibition to view the works of local artists Sheefy McFly, Tony Whlgn, Phil Simpson and more, while you sip a cocktail and enjoy some barbecue. Four art pieces will be raffled off at the end of the night. Tickets to enter are $5. The event starts at 6 p.m. and goes until 12 a.m. 

Street Wear Art Market 

Detroit Shipping Company 

March 13

Free

Now, if you’re looking at all these options for 313 day and thinking to yourself, “man, I want to pop out tonight, but my outfits look like they were curated by a colorblind 5-year-old,” don’t worry, we’re here to help. Support local fashion and get yourself right at Detroit Shipping Company’s street wear art market, featuring artists ZekeDidIt, Artnuttz, Crushed Velvet Collection and more. Take the opportunity to network and grab a brew while you contemplate which hat fits the night’s vibe. The event begins at 4 p.m. and goes until 9 p.m. 

Darcy Moran 

The Crofoot

March 14

$23

Take a hike out to Pontiac to see emerging metro Detroit rock band Darcy Moran with openers Fremont Pike, Times New Roman and Travesty. Call an Uber, grab a few drinks and support the musicians that help make Michigan great. The event begins at 6 p.m. 

American Aquarium  

The Sanctuary

March 18

$33

That being said, if you were looking to combine your urge for rock with a bit of country twang, we’ve got the drop on that, too. North Carolina’s own American Aquarium is performing in Hamtramck next Wednesday, so make your choice, cowboy boots or Vans and make your way down The Sanctuary for some southern revelry. The show begins at 7 p.m. 

The Sounds of Laurel Canyon 

Orchestra Hall

March 13 -15

$21

But, if you’re more of an old soul and you’re looking to escape to the sweet sounds of 60’s and 70’s California rock, be sure to take a trip over to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra this weekend. Led by conductor Jeff Tyzik, the DSO is going to be enveloped in the music that made a generation of peace and love, featuring hits from The Eagles, The Doors, Fleetwood Mac and more. The event begins at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with a 3 p.m. show on Sunday.  

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Michigan Ave, Corktown

March 17

Free

You didn’t think we’d really forget St. Patrick’s Day, did you? Well… maybe afterwards, but we’ll cross that four-leaf clover when we come to it. Grab your shillelaghs and keep a pint in your pocket as the city gathers to celebrate the Irish. The parade begins at 1 p.m.

Whether you’re a fan of country, EDM or hardcore, we’ve got you covered this week with some of the wildest events the city has to offer, and maybe even a place to improve your wardrobe in preparation.

Upcoming events (Mar. 5 to Mar. 12)

Michigan Sneaker Xchange 

Huntington Place 

Mar. 7 

  $30

I’d say, “run over to Huntington Place,” but we wouldn’t want you to crease your 3’s before this event even begins. The Michigan Sneaker Xchange is back once again with over 150 vendors dealing out everything from daily beaters to your lifelong grails. Buy, sell and trade your way from those dirty air forces to a pair of deadstock purple lobsters; those without a booth are allowed to bring up to 4 pairs. This event runs from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

The Sound of Music 

Fox Theatre 

Mar. 5 – Mar. 8

$38+

The hills are alive and romance has filled the air in Detroit this month. Time travel back to your childhood and embrace the drops of golden sun at the Fox Theatre this weekend for a performance of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s critically acclaimed The Sound of Music, directed by three-time Tony Awards winner Jack O’Brien. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show will begin at 7:30 p.m. 

Classical Roots Concert 

Orchestra Hall

Mar. 6 – Mar. 7 

$26

Swathe your ears in the silk of symphony at the 48th Annual Classic Roots Concerts hosted by the DSO. Since 1978, the DSO has held this event as a spotlight to better appreciate the works of black composers. The event is premiered by Kenneth Tomkins, commemorating the experiences of the enslaved and abolitionists upon the Underground Railroad with his spirited moving concerto. The Friday performance will be at 10:45 a.m., with Saturday night’s performance starting at 7:30 p.m. 

DCFC Kit Unveiling & Afterparty 

Big Pink

Mar. 5

$23

Grab your cleats and head over to the East Side as the Detroit City Football Club gets ready to reveal their new uniforms and make you hit your signature celebration moves on the dance floor. Earlier in the evening, there will be pickup soccer games, food vendors, drinks and more. Later, the kids are gone and the party goes on as DJs Sheefy McFly and JMT juggle the decks…just make sure not to take a dive. 

Midwest Freaks 

Tangent

Mar. 7

$35

Unleash your freak and shake off those conformist notions like a dog in a tick-riddled field this weekend with some of the most debaucherous DJs Detroit has to offer. This is the third city Midwest Freaks has taken on in its crusade to liberate the self-doubting traditionalists of the Rust Belt, although maybe it’s time you hedonists show them a thing or two about the beautiful anomaly we call our city. DJs include Rrose, BMG, Centrific and more. The event starts at 9 p.m. and goes until 6 a.m., so stay hydrated you night owls.  

Cuffing SZN 

Big Pink

Mar. 7

$23

Follow the pink neon glow over to Big Pink this Saturday and make sure to bring your partner or be prepared to find one; DJ MOCHI and Fullbodydurag are spinning R&B tracks until your heart looks like the Grinch’s post-Whoville Christmas carol. The event starts at 10 p.m. and ends at 3 a.m. 

Panda House 

The Sanctuary

Mar. 6

$22

Make sure to keep a piece of bamboo on your person this weekend because Panda House is bringing the zoo to The Sanctuary. The Detroit-based hardcore band is playing a set alongside Hail Your Highness, Brown Maple and Great Planes. The event starts at 7 p.m.  

Stephen Wilson Jr. 

The Fillmore

Mar. 11

$53+

Envelop yourself in Americana next Wednesday with a performance by emerging country/rock sensation Stephen Wilson Jr. The Indiana native is hitting our city as part of his Gary the Torch Tour and believe me, you’re not going to want to miss this baseball-capped guitarist’s rise to fame. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.