Detroit's Music Legacy

Madonna, Eminem, Bob Seger, Aretha Franklin, Big Sean, The White Stripes. Their common thread? A connection to the 313. Explore Detroit’s music legacy.

MORNING: 9 a.m.-12 Noon
AFTERNOON: 12 Noon-6 p.m.
NIGHT: 6 p.m.-Midnight

1 DAY | 24 HOURS

MORNING: 9 a.m.-12 Noon

Motown Museum

Get your day humming by opening the doors at the Motown Museum. Learn how Berry Gordy Jr. turned an $800 loan from his family into a music empire with global impact. Walk the halls where Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and the Jackson 5 cut their chops. Before you leave, you better shop around (sing it, Smokey) for a Motown record magnet or mug at Shop Around, the museum gift store.

AFTERNOON: 12 Noon-6 p.m.

Motor City Music Exhibit at the Detroit Historical Museum

Dive deeper into Detroit’s musical legacy at the Detroit Historical Museum, home to the Motor City Music permanent exhibit. This immersive experience traces the city’s global influence across genres, from Motown and jazz to techno and hip-hop, with rare artifacts, interactive displays and stories that connect Detroit’s sound to the world. Even better, admission is free.

To take that history beyond the walls, book a guided experience with Detroit Musix. Their music-focused tours bring the city’s soundscape to life and connect you to the neighborhoods, studios and stories behind Detroit’s most iconic artists.

Spend the late afternoon crate-digging at some of the region’s best record stores, because in Detroit, vinyl culture is still very much alive. Peoples Records is a must-stop for music lovers, known for its deep selection of soul, jazz and Motown, plus an in-store museum dedicated to Michigan’s audio history.

For a different vibe, head to Third Man Records, where Jack White’s label doubles as a record store, performance space and vinyl pressing hub. It is a true only-in-Detroit experience for music fans.


And if you are up for a short drive, Hello Records, now located downriver from its original Corktown home, offers an eclectic, well-curated mix of vinyl spanning soul, jazz, rock and more.

NIGHT: 6 p.m.-Midnight

For the grand finale of your musical tour, keep the energy going with live music around the city. If you would rather stay downtown, settle into Detroit’s live music scene with an evening at one of the city’s standout venues. Cliff Bell’s offers a classic jazz club experience with world-class performances in an art deco setting, while Aretha’s Jazz Café keeps the city’s soulful legacy front and center. For something more intimate, Motor City Wine pairs live music with a relaxed, community vibe, and Lager House in Corktown delivers indie and local acts in a laid-back space. You can also head to Ro Cham Beau for a stylish night of music, cocktails and atmosphere just outside the downtown core.

Greektown keeps the music going with a mix of lively bars, casual stages and nearby venues that are easy to hop between. Old Shillelagh is a go-to for live bands and DJs spread across multiple floors, especially on weekends, while Who Loves Ya Baby brings a country twist to the district with line dancing, DJs and a high-energy crowd. Throughout the neighborhood, spots like Pegasus Taverna, Fishbone’s and Golden Fleece often spill music into the streets during warmer months, adding to the festive atmosphere. Just steps away, the iconic venues St. Andrew’s Hall and The Shelter offer a more traditional concert experience with touring and local acts, making Greektown a solid hub for a full night of music


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