Detroit's Dirty Show returns for 26th year of erotic art, spectacle

The annual event blends gallery-style art viewing with a vibrant nightlife atmosphere.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Detroit's Dirty Show, the city's long-running international erotic art exhibition, is set to return this weekend and the following weekend, once again transforming the Russell Industrial Center into an immersive celebration of boundary-pushing creativity. The annual event features over 350 works from 200 artists, live performances, and fetish demonstrations.

Why it matters

The Dirty Show has grown from a renegade underground exhibition into a major cultural fixture in Detroit, drawing artists and attendees from around the world. The event blends provocative art with a vibrant nightlife atmosphere, offering an adults-only environment intended to challenge taboos and inspire bold conversations.

The details

This year's Dirty Show 26 will run from February 13-21, with multiple entry times beginning at 7 p.m. The exhibition will feature photography, painting, sculpture, installation and new media work, along with live burlesque, performance art, fetish demonstrations and music. There will also be a special exhibit of photos of Dita Von Teese by artist Chas Krider, as well as additional special guest artist Camilo Pardo.

  • The Dirty Show 26 will run from February 13-21, 2026.
  • Doors open at 7 p.m. each evening.

The players

Jerry Vile

The founder and organizer of the Dirty Show.

Dita Von Teese

A modern pinup icon whose photos will be featured in a special exhibit at the Dirty Show.

Chas Krider

The artist who took the photos of Dita Von Teese that will be featured in a special exhibit at the Dirty Show.

Camilo Pardo

An additional special guest artist who will be featured at the Dirty Show.

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What they’re saying

“I think this show is going to be just like a well-oiled machine with a bunch of really fun surprises.”

— Jerry Vile, Founder and organizer of the Dirty Show (Detroit Free Press)

The takeaway

The Dirty Show continues to be a beloved cultural event in Detroit, blending avant-garde artwork, nightclub energy, and Detroit-rooted irreverence to create an immersive experience that challenges taboos and inspires bold conversations around erotic art and expression.