Where to have a cozy (or freezing) good time in Detroit this week

Via arthurpalac/Pixabay

It’s a bit of a quiet week in Detroit – maybe the 7 degrees on the thermometer has something to do with it. But either way, we’ve created a list to help you escape cabin fever! There are a few opportunities to cozy up with a film around town, Winter Olympics at Valade Park for the hearty and competitive and date night ideas for a special winter night. We’re also looking ahead to the lineup in February when you can visit my friend Genevieve’s incredible art show, drop into the Arab American Museum again and get all riled up (or uncomfortable) at the return of “The Dirty Show.” Enjoy!  

Wednesday and Thursday

🎀 All week long, join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. The musical “Hairspray” is playing at the breathtaking Fisher Theatre all week long. Sing along to the famous soundtrack and cheer on the girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair). Jan. 26-30, $39+, info.

🔌 New homeowners may want to familiarize themselves with the East Warren Tool Library. Members can rent tools from the organization and also participate in classes and workshops. On Thursday they’re hosting a Basic Electrical Skills class. You will learn how to install an outlet and switch, how to use an electrical tester and get familiar with fuse boxes. Jan. 27, free, info.

🎧 Thursdays at Spot Lite Detroit feature local DJs spinning records from 6 p.m. till late. If you’re looking for a cool and creative space to enjoy a coffee or a cocktail, this is it. They don’t have food, but they do have a record store… Jan. 27, free, info.

This weekend

🎬 It’s a Coen brothers weekend at The Redford Theatre. Film fanatics can catch the cult classics, “Fargo” and “Raising Arizona” for a fiver. Jan. 28, $5, info.

🎥 Saturday and Sunday the Detroit Film Theatre will be showing a documentary about a fearless group of journalists who maintain India’s only women-led news outlet. Um, hello! Right up our alley. In “Writing with Fire,” the women of the publication Khabar Lahariya (Waves of News), all from the Dalit caste, prepare to transition the newspaper from print to digital even though many of their reporters don’t have access to electricity at home. Prepare to be inspired by the astonishing determination of these local reporters as they empower each other and hold those responsible for injustice to account. Jan. 29-30, $9.50, info.

🌸 Catch rapper Wale gracing the stage at The Majestic Theatre this Saturday night. You may recognize his 2011 hit “Flower Bomb” with Miguel, a staple slow jam of the 2010s. Wiggle those hips and warm up with some hip hop and R&B jams. Jan. 29, $30+, info.

🥶 Sitting in the house is really starting to lose its luster. Time to bundle up and head out to Winter at Valade! This weekend Come Play Detroit is hosting a Winter Olympics at the park. Sign up as an individual or a team, compete in outdoor games and win prizes! Jan. 29, $5+, info.

🍣 Date night idea! Go to school this Saturday with Dr. Sushi and learn how to make four different kinds of sushi rolls using a wide array of ingredients. It’s BYOB and so bring a bottle of wine or sake and enjoy all of the snacks! Jan. 29, $60, info.

👻 If you’re into icy, minimal electronics and fog machines in excess, Something Cold at UFO Factory is for you. This monthly DJ event features coldwave records from all over the world with the dark, gloomy, romantic sounds of “touching pop,” “vague froide,” “zimna fala,” etc! Jan. 29, $5, info.

🍷 Learn the basics of wine pairing this Sunday afternoon at The Royce. You can expect snacks, wine, expert instruction and good company. Sounds to me like a perfect Sunday Fun Day! Jan. 30, $55+, info.

Next week and beyond

🎫The Arab American Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., is reopening to the public next Wednesday after a 22-month Covid hiatus. Visit their permanent galleries and a two-month exhibit of fiber etchings by Yasmine Nasser Diaz of Los Angeles, opening March 28 in the main floor gallery. The exhibit “reflects on coming-of-age nostalgia and Yemeni American girlhood,” a description says. “Diaz addresses subjects familiar to many children of immigrants, including code-switching, plural identities and conflicting loyalties.” Feb. 2-on, $8, info.

💐Kicking off next Saturday at Public Pool in Hamtramck is the “Dream Soul Baby exhibition,” created by local ceramicist Genevieve Van Zandt. I’ve never seen anything like her creations. She’s wildly talented and will blow your mind with the power of clay. Feb. 5-Mar. 12, free, info.

🍆 “The Dirty Show” is back for its 22nd year. Each year, the exhibit features hundreds of quality erotic works, in every imaginable media, from all over the world. It is an immersive experience, with world-class performance artists on the stage and in the audience. The exhibition continues to push boundaries and remains a beacon for established and emerging artists from around the world. Feb 11-19, $42+, info.

🚴🏼‍♂️ There’s still time to gear up for Bike the Blizzard! Sign up as an individual or a team to participate in group rides, scavenger hunts, etc. on Feb. 12-13 for a good cause! You can ride 10 miles or 100 and the money you raise goes directly to Back Alley Bikes, an organization that teaches kids about cycling, raises awareness in the community and advocates for safe cycling in Detroit. Feb. 12-13, $50 minimum donation, info.