Metro Detroit Events and Things to Do in March, 2012

When: Throughout the Winter
Where: Throughout the Metro-Detroit area and beyond
Weather: Average Temperatures and Snow in March

Michigan winters give us plenty of opportunity for ice skids and snow shoveling, but they also give us a unique set of outdoor sports, including downhill skiing and cross-country skiing.

When: 2/29/12 through 3/3/12
Where: Hamtramck

In its 15th year, the Metro Times Blowout showcases 100s of bands over four nights at several bars/clubs throughout Hamtramck, including Paycheck's, New Dodge, Kelly's Bar and Belmont Bar.

When: 3/3/12 through 3/4/12
Where: Cobo Center, Downtown Detroit

The Detroit Kennel Club Dog Show provides the public with an opportunity to meet all of the participating dogs (over 160 breeds and varieties) and their breeders. In addition to the breed judging, there will be Meet the Breed seminars, pet first aid and CPR, training demonstrations, and Border Collies herding sheep & ducks. Tickets for the event start at $15 an adult.

When: 3/10/12 through 3/11/12
Where: The Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak

At any given time, The Detroit Zoo hosts special zoo events that showcase zoo animals and offer special activities for children. In the winter months, the zoo hosts Wild Winter Weekends. The theme for March is Wild Winter Safari Social. The event features a scavenger hunt through the zoo, arts and crafts, and zookeeper talks.

When: 3/11/12 through St. Patrick's Day (3/17/12) 
Where: Throughout Metro Detroit

We may not dye our river green, but we still get our jig on in Detroit for the holiday. There are a couple of parades and plenty of special events scheduled on the weekend before St. Patrick's Day and on the holiday itself. Metro Detroit is also home to a host of pubs and bars that celebrate everything Irish. 

When: 3/27/12 through 4/1/12
Where: The Michigan Theatre, Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor's internationally renowned, independent film festival is in its 50th year. Throughout its history, the festival has hosted experimental and pioneering films from artists of the caliber of Andy Warhol and George Lucas.

When: Sunday, 4/8/12 (but Easter-related events start as early as 3/31/12)
Where: All across the Metro-Detroit area

Detroit is a great place to celebrate with the Easter Bunny. He (she?) is about town hiding eggs, hosting dances and providing photo opportunities starting in late March. If hanging with a big, white bunny isn't your thing, there are plenty of Easter Brunches on the holiday weekend as well.

When: Throughout the next couple of months
Where: Metro-Detroit Theaters and Concert Venues

At any given time, Detroit hosts a variety of shows and concerts, including music concerts, Broadway plays, comedians, rodeos and circuses.

When: Throughout the year
Where: Detroit Institute of Arts, downtown Detroit

Arts Alive!: After six and one-half years of renovations, the New Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) opened its doors in 2007 to show off its new design and galleries. The DIA is always brimming with events, including films, exhibits and music.

When: Throughout the month
Where: Parks in and around the Metro-Detroit area

In the winter months, both state and metro parks host lots of activities to help you embrace winter, including ski and snowshoe classes, ice-fishing instruction and evening hikes. Check out the calendar of events:

• State Parks in the Metro-Detroit area include Maybury State Park in Northville, Seven Lakes State Park in Fenton, Dodge #4 State Park in Waterford, and Proud Lake Recreation Area in Commerce Township.
  
  
• Huron-Clinton MetroParks in and around Metro Detroit, including Metro Beach near Mt. Clemens and Kensington in Brighton.

When: Throughout the month
Where: Metro-Detroit area

At any given time, several conferences, expos or shows are open to the public in the Metro-Detroit area. Check out what is coming to the area in March.