Live Music Venues in Detroit for Every Fan

Story by Stephanie Angelyn Casola | Photos by Detroit Jazz Festival, Movement Electronic Music Festival, Sound Board by Bill Bowen, Majestic Theatre

Motown may have put Detroit music on the map, but the story only starts there. We’ve curated a go-to list of places that appeal to Detroit music fans. Hear here, Detroit:

Detroit Music Venues

The Stadiums & The Classic Venues

If you're looking for the biggest names in music, check out the lineup at Ford Field. Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift and Beyonce & Jay-Z have all made stops at the Detroit Lions' home field. In the summer months, Comerica Park even hosts classic rock bands and country favorites. And now that Little Caesars Arena is up and running, you will see a lot of big acts take the floor there. Every seat in the house at Little Caesars Arena is great.

Across from Comerica Park, the Fox Theatre and The Fillmore host acts that are on the cusp of becoming mega-stars. Check out a concert at one of these historic theaters for a full Detroit experience. And the Masonic Temple in Midtown was recently saved from demolition by none other than Jack White. Buy tickets to this venue to see your favorite edgy acts.

Outdoor Music Venues

Set on an international waterfront, Chene Park Amphitheater draws in dancing audiences from seats to lawn to those docked in the water. Come summer, crowds also head north to stretch out on the lush lawns of Meadow Brook Amphitheatre and Michigan Lottery Amphitheater at Freedom Hill, and the rolling hills of DTE Energy Music Theatre where the lineups can drift from pop to rock to country and everything in between. Back on the waterfront, Hart Plaza and West Jefferson Park will be go-to festival destinations from the first beats of Movement in May through Mo Pop in July and the Detroit Jazz Festival Labor Day weekend.

Music Halls for Big Gigs

For an overall experience, Detroit's Sound Board at MotorCity Casino is the place to see a show and stay all night. It's all worth it to enjoy a morning at the spa. Or, take in dinner and a deep dive into Detroit soul or R&B at the versatile Vegas-caliber Andiamo Celebrity Showroom.

Musicians have had to earn a place onstage at Detroit's St. Andrews Hall or The Majestic Theatre Center. From medium-sized to mega rooms these are home to bands staking their claim or the fans declaring "I saw them first."

Small Clubs with Jams

Looking for a more intimate spot to hear your favorite performer? Small's in Hamtramck isn't only a great spot to see and hear live music, it's also run by musicians including Dave and Melody Malosh. Making waves for a while now, MOCAD offers up the unexpected songwriters among modern art, while Ferndale's Loving Touch balances local and national up-and-comers between the doors of its billiards and bar room.

Looking to keep it live, loud and mostly local? PJ's Lager House, Old Miami, Northern Lights Lounge and Tires are also good bets. Head over to Eastern Market for a sonic treat and coffee at Trinosophes, or up town to Marble Bar for classed-up cocktail to go with that punk band or world-class DJ. Jack White brought his Detroit-born Third Man Records right back home to the Cass Corridor and added a stage. Judging by its opening and events, this is one small spot to keep an eye on. Over in his former stomping grounds, Southwest Detroit, a new all-ages Detroit music venue, called El Club, hosts up-an-coming acts and musically-themed parties.

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