Some have likened "Sweetest Day" to a second-tier, cheesy version of Valentine's Day. Still, according to the historical lore, it was actually created by a group of candy makers who wanted to promote philanthropy and kindness (and candy).
Mainly celebrated in the Midwest, Sweetest Day is observed on the third Saturday of October, with Detroit and Cleveland being the most significant cities to participate in the observance, because it was in these cities that the holiday originated. The holiday was created by a group of Cleveland candy confectioners in 1921 to express appreciation to the less fortunate in their community through the distribution of candy. Frederick Sanders of the Sanders Candy Company caught wind of the holiday and jumped on the bandwagon to boost his own sales.
And, so it began.
What started as a day to do good deeds for the community has become a day to do sweet things for your loved ones, especially your significant other.
So, here are some fun ideas to celebrate "The Sweetest Day of the Year" with someone you love.
Local Events
Tony Roney's Hilarious Sweetest Day Funny Fest
Eastern Market · Bert's Marketplace
Detroit comedian, Toney Roney, wants you to get ready to enjoy hilarious stand-up comedy from top comedians, guaranteed to make your Sweetest Day memorable. He promises to bring non-stop laughter and good vibes.
Sweetest Day Poetry Show
23023 Beech Road Southfield, MI 48033
Join Jazz the Poet and some of Detroit's best poets and comedians for an evening of fun with food and drinks by Natural Pours and MagikEatz.
Sweetest Day Love Jones Mini Retreat
1600 Clay Street Detroit, MI 48211
The Love Jones Experience: retreat designed exclusively for couples ready to deepen their connection. Your Experience Includes: sacred tea ceremony to open your heart and elevate the vibe, as well as a Brunch Tasting Menu. Romantic tantric meditation designed to strengthen intimacy and presence 🔊 Immersive sound bath for heart alignment and energetic bonding. A private screening of the classic film Love Jones, surrounded by cozy mats, pillows, and spa ambiance, and a special complimentary gift to take home and remember the night.
Cooking Class at Evelyn's Kitchen
SHED 5 at Eastern Market
Culinary professional Evelyn Stokes leads an evening of hands-on cooking, instructing students on how to prepare delicious meals. Her class makes for a romantic date, or take it solo so you can learn to cook an impressive dinner for your loved one.
Local Stays
Daxton Hotel
298 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, Michigan
Daxton is the hotel with a spirit of a provocateur and an artist's soul. Enjoy a divine night's sleep in a sumptuous hotel room, a tete-a-tete at the alluring Madam. This vibrant dining experience in the art-forward Daxton Hotel features seasonal menus curated to complement the authentic flavor of each fresh, locally sourced ingredient.
The El Moore Lodge
624 W. Alexandrine St., Detroit, Michigan
Nestled in Midtown, within the beautiful Cass Corridor neighborhood, the El Moore Lodge is a sustainably renovated 1898 building that emphasizes a triple-bottom-line approach, striving for environmental stewardship, community well-being, and economic resilience. Each room features a unique blend of historic and reclaimed elements, including original hardwood floors, ash paneling, and reclaimed subway tile.
The Godfrey Hotel Detroit
1401 Michigan Ave., Detroit, Michigan
The Godfrey is located in Detroit’s oldest and most exciting neighborhood and less than a mile from the Detroit Riverwalk, it is the perfect jumping off point for your next urban adventure. Featuring a 5,000 sq. ft. grand ballroom, a dynamic foodforward restaurant, Hamilton’s, by acclaimed Detroit restaurateur, Samy Eid, and the city’s largest indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge with retractable glass ceiling and walls.
Date Night Eats
Le Petit Zinc
One of Detroit's most beloved French crêperies has returned to the city after a nearly six-year hiatus. Now only available through DoorDash, their sweet or savory crêpes will make you feel like you're in Paris, even in your own home.
Amore da Roma
3401 Riopelle St., Detroit, Michigan
Chef Guy Pelino of Amore da Roma churns out a range of Italian dishes while waiters maintain a lively, bustling atmosphere. Come and enjoy a rich tradition of family and friends, combined with delicious food and great wines.
Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island
118 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit, Michigan
Take your sweetie on a date that is also a fun experience. Try a coney dog from both Lafayette and American Coney Island and decide which one you like the most!
Gifts For Your Sweetie
City Bird
460 W Canfield St, Detroit, MI 48201
Siblings and lifelong, seventh-generation Detroiters, Andy and Emily Linn founded City Bird in 2005 as a way to merge their mutual love for design with their admiration for their city and region. Their flagship store on Canfield carries our house line of Detroit- and Michigan-themed products as well as housewares, jewelry, stationery, paper goods, apparel, accessories, and home decor by hundreds of independent artists and designers. We feature work from Detroit and other Rust Belt cities.
Detroit Basket Company
Jaime Patlevic, owner of Detroit Basket Company, feels that Detroit, Michigan has always been home to some of the most iconic American brands, it’s those products that have stood the test of time, along with today’s Michigan made brands that showcase the ingenuity and spirit of Detroit, these hand selected products are featured in our premium gift baskets.
Detroit Flower Company
10629 7 Mile W Detroit, MI 48221
This popular Black-owned floral company specializes in custom fresh cut arrangements available daily for walk in. From glitter, to marshmallow, or your simple red rose they can help bring your floral visions to life. They accept local deliveries daily if orders are placed before 11AM. "Allow us to make you or your loved ones birthday, anniversary or just because occasions special!"
Source Booksellers
4240 Cass Ave., Suite 105, Detroit, MI 48201
Visit Source Booksellers, an independent bookstore in Detroit's Midtown district, for a unique niche of non-fiction books. They offer books and unusual sideline items that enhance your life and your lifestyle. Say hi to the founder, Janet Webster Jones, the daughter of a librarian, is a retired educator from the Detroit Public Schools, where she spent a 40-year career. She has been in the bookselling business since 1989.
Skip the typical gift basket and go full Detroit with a gift can. Detroit Can Company packs vintage-style paint cans with the good stuff: locally made snacks, treats, and a few swaggy surprises, then seals them for a fun, one-of-a-kind unboxing. The best part? The can keeps on giving. Reuse it as an ice bucket, flower pot, utensil or BBQ-tool caddy, dorm or shower tote, even a tidy home for charging cords. The durable plastic won’t dent or wear out, so your Sweetest Day gift doubles as a long-lasting piece of Detroit flair.
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