10 Must-See Detroit Theaters for Live Shows, Musicals and Performances

Story by Kari Zaffarano

Detroit’s Theatre Scene Is the Main Character

Looking to experience the best of Detroit’s live entertainment scene? The Motor City is home to some of the most stunning and historic theaters in the country. From Broadway musicals and operas to comedy shows and concerts, Detroit’s premier venues offer unforgettable performances in breathtaking settings. Whether you’re taking in a show at the legendary Fox Theatre or enjoying the elegance of the Detroit Opera House, each theater tells its own story of art, culture, and community.

Here are 10 must-visit live premier theaters in Detroit that deserve a spot on your entertainment list.

Detroit Opera House

This opera house is home to the Detroit Opera Company. It was originally located in Campus Martius Park, but after burning down was rebuilt and opened in 1922 at this location. The Italian Renaissance style building was designed by Detroit theatre architect C. Howard Crane.

All opera and dance performance tickets are the same price whether you buy them in person or online. To purchase in person, head to the Detroit Opera box office or purchase by phone at 313-237-7464 or on their website. All tickets are subject to a $12 processing fee and all ticket sales are final.

The Detroit Opera House offers accessible seating on the main floor and box level seating. They also offer assisted listening devices on a first come, first-served basis. If you have any accessibility questions or concerns, call the box office. Elevators are located on the Madison Avenue side of the building and are located in the Smith Lobby.

Fisher Theatre

The Fisher Theatre is located inside the Fisher Building and hosts Broadway in Detroit shows throughout the year. Ages 5 and under are not permitted, unless stated. Tickets for the shows at the Fisher Theatre can be purchased online, by phone, in person or by mail. Tickets for all Broadway in Detroit events (even if they aren’t at the Fisher Theatre) can be purchased in person at the Fisher Theatre’s box office when it’s open on event days.

Call 313-887-1256 for accessible seating information and the main floor of the theatre is stair-free. Online accessible tickets are marked, but also those spots are a dedicated space for wheelchairs and have no seat. For guests with sensory processing needs, the theatre has quiet areas, headphone zones, weighted lap pads and KultureCity Sensory bags.

Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre hosts various Broadway musicals, comedy performances, interactive shows, holiday favorites and more. It is considered to be a National Historic Landmark and was designed by C. Howard Crane. It opened in 1928 and was restored in 1987 after it was purchased by the Ilitch family. Fox Theatre show tickets may be purchased online at 313presents.com or in person at the XFINITY Box Office at Little Caesars Arena. Most shows have an eight ticket maximum. Be mindful of box office offers because they vary by season.

The main entrance, which is located on Woodward Ave. between West Montcalm St. and West Columbia St. is accessible. Wheelchairs to help guests to their seats are available or feel free to use your own. Wheelchairs are not permitted inside the auditorium though. The theater also is partnered with KultureCity, which helps make all of the events and performances sensory inclusive. They offer sensory bags with noise canceling headphones, verbal cue cards and fidget tools for those that need them. They also have weighed lap pads and strobe canceling glasses available on request. All these items are free of charge and first-come, first-served.

Music Hall for the Performing Arts

The Music Hall used to be called “The Wilson” and it first opened its doors in 1928. Its vision was created by Matilda Dodge Wilson and the theater's architectural sculpture was designed and executed by Corrado Parducci. He worked in partnership with Smith, Hinchman, Grylls. The Music Hall was renamed in 1946. Today, it features many ballet performances and broadway shows.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office at the Music Hall. The Box Office is open two hours prior to the shows up until intermission.

Orchestra Hall

Orchestra Hall is home to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and it was announced, built and opened in 1919. It was designed by architect C. Howard Crane. Something unique about this hall is the “concert talks” it has before each PVS Classical Series performances except Friday morning Coffee Concerts. This is where conductors, musicians, and other experts will talk about the upcoming concert to help concert-goers develop a stronger connection to the music beforehand. You can also sit anywhere during the pre-concert talks, allowing you to try out different seats so you know where you may want to get tickets to next.

Tickets for events at Orchestra Hall can be purchased on DSO.org or over the phone at the box office at 313-576-5111. The box office is open from 9 a.m,-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and two hours before each concert.

Redford Theatre

The Redford Theatre opened its doors in 1928. Although it was designed with Japanese motifs, the Japanese-style decor was covered up during WWII. Tickets can be purchased online or in-person at the box office. See films and live shows at the theatre. The concession stand is cash-only.

Saint Andrews Hall

Saint Andrews Hall was formerly the meeting place for the Saint Andrew's Society of Detroit, also known as the Detroit Scots. St. Andrew’s Society of Detroit is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is the oldest benevolent organization in Michigan.

The hall turned into a concert venue in the 1950s. In the 1970s, it hosted punk shows, in the 1980s and 1990s, it was a grunge scene. The Shelter (the venue in the basement) was where concert-goers could hear rap and electronic music. It was also where Eminem did early rap battles, such as it shows in the movie, 8 Mile.

Most of the events at Saint Andrews Hall are general admission, so seating and standing are first-come, first-served. Purchase an additional ticket to the balcony or society room during the show for more amenities. Age requirements are listed online for each show. If there isn’t an age on it, then it’s for all ages.

The Fillmore Detroit

See a live band, concert or comedy show at the Fillmore Detroit. It is located next to the Fox Theatre and offers early admission for those that get Fast Lane or State Bar Pass. Purchase tickets online or save on fees and buy tickets in-person at their box office. The box office is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon-6 p.m. and two hours before doors open on show days. Don’t forget to check out the exclusive The Fillmore Detroit merchandise while you’re there.

The Majestic Theatre

The Majestic Theatre was designed by C. Howard Crane and was opened in 1915. It was used for both movies and concerts. Now, the theatre is mainly used for concerts and other events such as weddings, private rentals, corporate parties, fashion shows and fundraisers.

The live entertainment events at The Majestic Theatre are general admission and standing unless otherwise stated. The music venue recommends purchasing tickets through their official partner, TicketWeb, who is solely authorized to sell tickets to Majestic Theatre.

The Masonic Temple

The theater at the Masonic Temple hosts many different concerts and performances. The shows there are typically for ages 16 and up or ages 18 and up. Purchase tickets online or in-person at the Masonic Temple Box Office or at the Royal Oak Music Theatre Box Office. Tickets purchased at the box offices will be subject to a $4 fee. On event days, the box office will open two hours before the doors open and will stay open at least one hour after doors open.

The accessible entryway for The Masonic Temple is located at the corner of Second Avenue and Temple Street via a ramp. Elevators are available throughout the building as well. For all ADA questions, contact boxoffice@themasonic.com.

EXPLORE NIGHTLIFE

Author

Kari Zaffarano

Writer and Podcaster

Kari Zaffarano is a content writer and podcaster based in Clinton Township, Michigan. She’s passionate about storytelling, exploring metro Detroit’s hidden gems, and sharing local experiences. When she’s not writing, you can find her at a cozy coffee shop, browsing a bookstore, or cheering on Detroit’s sports teams with her son.