10 Things to Do on the First Weekend of Spring in Metro Detroit

Celebrate the first weekend of spring with some classic performances and Detroit-driven traditions, including a broadway performance of Dirty Dancing and the annual banishing of Nain the fiendish imp.
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Hamtramck Stadium Fundraiser Night: The Friends of the Historic Hamtramck Stadium will be hosting a raffle and rock ‘n’ roll benefit at Kelly’s Bar Hamtramck to raise funds for restoration of the Hamtramck Stadium. The historical park, built in 1930, was once home of National Baseball Hall of Famer Turkey Stearnes and the Negro National League Detroit Stars. The evening will include live music from Hemlock Park, Loose Koozies, The Britemores, and the Cowboys and raffle prizes from Wheelhouse Detroit, City Bird, Detroit City Football Club, and more. $5. Kelly’s Bar Hamtramck; 2403 Holbrook Ave., Hamtramck; 313-872-0387.

Regina Spektor: With every purchase of a pair of tickets to see the singer-songwriter, fans will receive a choice of either one standard CD or digital version of her new album Remember Us to Life. March 23. $25+. The Fillmore, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-961-5451.

Dick Wagner “Remember the Child” Concert: The third annual charity event will feature performances by more than 20 rock musicians, including Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad, Suzi Quatro, and Kip Winger of Winger. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Dick Wagner “Remember the Child” Memorial Fund, which creates and supports music therapy programs for children who are hospitalized. March 24. $25+. Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-309-4700.

Detroit Symphony Orchestra: Russian conductor Andrey Boreyko leads Sergei Prokofiev’s suite from Romeo and Juliet, plus the premiere of composer/DJ Gabriel Prokofiev’s Saxophone Concerto performed by Branford Marsalis. March 24-25. $15+. Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-576-5111.

Gary Gulman: Originally from Boston, the New York City-based stand-up comedian has performed on every late-night comedy program. March 23-25. $15+. Comedy Castle, 310 S. Troy St., Royal Oak; 248-542-9900.

Ann Arbor Film Festival: Founded in 1963, it’s the oldest avant-garde and experimental film festival in North America. Artists and programmers from all over the world will be in attendance. March 21-26. $100 for a full-week festival pass, and $60 for a weekend-only pass. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-995-5356.

Disney on Ice: Geared toward the whole family, Disney on Ice: Follow Your Heart features stories about characters from Finding Dory, Inside Out, Frozen, Toy Story, and more. March 23-26. $27+. The Palace of Auburn Hills, 6 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills; 248-377-0100;

Dirty Dancing: Bringing the classic film to life, Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage tells the love story of Frances “Baby” Houseman and Johnny Castle. March 24-26. $51+. Fox Theater, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-471-3200;

Marche du Nain Rouge: Join citizens in banishing the fiendish imp, The Nain, and his evil intentions for Detroit during the eighth annual celebratory equinox parade. Costumes and masks are encouraged but not required for the free event. March 26. Cass Corridor, Detroit.

Green Day: As part of the Farewell Season at The Joe, the Grammy Award-winning rock band will perform its newest album, Revolution Radio. Punk band Against Me! will also perform. March 27. $29.50+. Joe Louis Arena, 19 Steve Yzerman Dr., Detroit.