Check out these local Ypsilanti arts events featured in the Jan. 27, 2026 issue of Roots, the collaborative monthly arts and entertainment magazine between Cellar Roots and The Eastern Echo.
Art Exhibitions:
The Great Lakes Drawing Biennial
Join IGG for the reception of The Great Lakes Drawing Biennial exhibition, highlighting current contemporary art. The gallery is open to visitors from Jan. 9, 2026 through to March 7, 2026.
4:30-7 p.m., Feb. 12, 2026 | University Gallery | Admission: Free
Live Music:
Simulation Succ, Tired and The Burning Brain Band
Stop by Ziggy's for a night of experimental and alternative music, including The Burning Brain Band, visiting MI from Columbus, OH.
Doors at 7 p.m., Jan. 31 | Ziggy's 206 W. Michigan Ave | Admission: $12 per ticket, 21+
Midwinter Melodies
The Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 27th anniversary with its 2025-2026 season. Spend the afternoon with live music by YSO.
3:30 p.m., Feb. 15 | Lincoln High School & Middle School | Admission: $13 for adults and children over 10, $6 for seniors, $7 for students and $30 for families. Children 10 and under are free.
Valentine's Day:
Valentine’s Craft Day
Stop by the Ypsi Cocktail Club for a drink and make the perfect handmade gift for that special someone. Craft supplies are provided for free.
5-10 p.m., Feb. 4 | Ypsi Cocktail Club 102 W. Michigan Ave| Admission: Free, but donations are encouraged
Dave and Kristi
Join Dave and Kristi on Valentine's Day for a night of heartfelt music, accompanied by Emily Slomovitz on the fiddle.
6-7:15 p.m., Feb. 14 | North Star Lounge 301 N. 5th Ave | Admission: $15 per ticket
Eastern Michigan University events:
Eaglecon
Eastern Michigan University and Campus Life's own spin on Comic Con. Shop original art from EMU students, compete in the annual cosplay contest and more!
7-10 p.m., Feb. 17 | Location TBA | Admission: Free
Theatre & film:
PTD Productions: Doubt
Sister Aloysius suspects the priest at Bronx Catholic School may be abusing some of the male students, exploring themes of faith, certainty, power and doubt.
Feb. 12-15 & 18-21. Thursdays-Saturdays at 7 p.m., Sunday and Wednesday matinee at 2 p.m. | Theater at Riverside Arts Center 76 N. Huron St | Admission: $20 for general admission, $15 for students, seniors and active military
Proof
Written by David Auburn, "Proof" explores family relationships, grief and prime numbers. When Robert dies, a mathematical genius of his era, his daughter Catherine is left to pick up the pieces.
Feb. 19-21 at 7 p.m., 21-22 at 2 p.m. | EMU Legacy/Sponberg Theatre 1030 E. Circle Drive| Admission: Non-Student tickets are $20, student tickets are $15 and youth tickets are $7.
The (Second Annual) Flirty Show
The Ypsi Clown Darlings presents the second annual Flirty show! Join them for a night of performances featuring clowns, burlesque, drag and more.
Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. | Riverside Arts Center | $10 or Pay What you can
Comedy:
Depot Town Comedy Open Mic
Hosted by Tommy Cook, 734 Brewing Company's comedy night is a weekly safe space for stand-up comedians of all experience levels.
7:30-10:30 p.m., Recurring weekly on Wednesdays | 734 Brewing Company 15 E. Cross St | Admission: Free
Community:
Tarot Tuesdays
Want to know your fortune? Throughout January and February, Ypsi residents can enjoy half priced mocktails and cocktails while receiving a professional tarot reading at the Ypsi Cocktail Club.
6-9 p.m., Feb. 3 & 24 | Ypsi Cocktail Club | Admission: $10 per reading
Collage and Chill
No theme, just collaging. Spend an evening at Dzanc House, supplies provided.
6-8 p.m., Feb. 10 | Dzanc House | Admission: Free, $5 donation encouraged
Craft Sip Eat @ Sticks Ypsilanti
Your Tuesday doesn't have to be boring! Grab your friends and let's get crafty together as you design your very own crystal air-plant planter.
6-7:30 p.m., Feb. 3 | Sticks Ypsilanti | Admission: $35- only 15 spots available
Ypsi Winter Games
Explore town and earn Ypsi-themed prizes by entering codes placed all around the city. For more information and hints, see more at ypsiwintergames.org.
Jan. 15, 2026 through March 15, 2026 | Throughout Ypsilanti | Admission: Free
Poetry:
Poetry Open Mic Night
Poets with all levels of experience are encouraged to come share their work, from heartfelt haikus to late-night notes app venting.
7-10 p.m., Feb. 4, 2026 | North Star Lounge | Admission: Free
Dance:
Lovers Valentines Night Showcase
The Eagelettes, joined by Diversion Dance Troupe, welcome EMU students to to a night of love-themed music and performances.
7-9 p.m., Feb. 12, 2026 | Student Center Auditorium | Admission: Free
Bollywood Dance at River St.
A Bollywood/Bhangra inspired dance-fitness class with dynamic choreography! Bellydance elements are also incorporated at the beginning and end of class. No dance experience necessary. Come celebrate life with the upbeat rhythms from the Bollywood film industry!
6:30-7:15 p.m., Recurring weekly on Thursdays | The Mix Studios 306 N. River St | Admission: $28 Drop-in fee
