Live Music

Aside from being known as the Motor City, Detroit is also commonly known as Motown, named after the famous music genre born here. Rock n’ roll fans know Detroit as Detroit Rock City, and every rock band loves coming to The D to play for Detroiters.

And although it isn’t as well known, Detroit is the birthplace of techno. Basically, if you love music, you’ll love Detroit. From amazing concert venues to Detroit-born artists, here’s everything you need to know about Detroit’s musical side.

And if you want to see all the concerts that are coming to The D, see our Detroit events calendar.

| Detroit Concert Venues |
| Metro Detroit Concert Venues |
| The History of Motown |
| Techno |
| THINGS TO DO |

Downtown Detroit Concert Venues


Ford Field
Ford Field

Ford Field is where the big name artists go. Think Taylor Swift, Beyonce & Jay-Z, and Kenny Chesney almost every summer. It’s the biggest concert venue in Detroit. Although the historic Fox Theatre hosts more plays, you can still catch several big name acts on their beautiful stage. The Fillmore Detroit plays host to many big-name indie bands and up-and-coming artists, and it’s right next to the Fox Theatre. The new Little Caesars Arena has become extremely popular among performers and bands. It’s one of those venues where any seat is a good seat. Justin Timberlake, Travis Scott, Fleetwood Mac and Elton John have all recently performed here. Even our baseball field, Comerica Park, hosts its share of musical acts. Zac Brown Band, Def Leppard, Journey, Metallica and The Rolling Stones have all performed on the same field that the Detroit Tigers play. And the Masonic Temple was recently rescued from demolition.

There are also several smaller Detroit venues that get a lot of love from touring acts. Chene Park Amphitheatre, now known as Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, is right on the Detroit River, allowing you to watch many throwback acts from the grass or on a boat, if you have access to one. St. Andrew’s Hall in Greektown is where you go if you want to know who the next big names in music will be. Tickets are reasonable here, and it’s general admission.

The Magic Stick, at the Majestic complex in Midtown, started hosting bands in the 90s when owners removed some of the bowling lanes from the space and added pool tables and a dance floor.

Courtesy of The Majestic Theatre

The space is perfect for hosting garage, alt rock and electronic bands. One of the lesser known – but equally cool – venues in Detroit is El Club in Southwest Detroit. They host unique parties but also upcoming musical acts.

Metro Detroit Concert Venues

Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston has been a summer pilgrimage for metro Detroiters for decades. John Mayer, Train, Counting Crows and Chris Stapleton have all belted their songs to the patrons on the lawn. Other amphitheaters include Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill in Sterling Heights and Meadow Brook Amphitheatre in Rochester Hills. Not far from Detroit in Royal Oak is the Royal Oak Music Theatre, which hosts several comedians but also acts like Kacey Musgraves, James Blake and The Tallest Man on Earth. And out in Pontiac, several intimate concert venues include Callahan’s Music Hall, The Crofoot and Flagstar Strand Theatre for the Performing Arts.

The History of Motown

Motown Museum
Motown Museum


Motown, both the record label and the style of music, was started by Detroiter Berry Gordy, who created Hitsville U.S.A. on West Grand Boulevard. Diana Ross & the Supremes, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Michael Jackson, the Jackson 5, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Gladys Knight & the Pips (do we need to keep going?) all got their start at Motown. And many of them grew up in the neighborhood. Aretha Franklin also lived in the neighborhood, but she didn’t technically record music for Motown.

The studio is now home to the Motown Museum, which is one of the most unique museum experiences in the country. Aside from learning the full history of Motown, you can literally walk through Berry Gordy’s home and stand in the studio where some of your favorite Motown hits were created. It’s a not-to-be-missed experience.

Techno

All of those bass and electronic beats that you hear at night clubs were started in Belleville by three high schoolers in the early 1980s. Today, Detroit hosts the annual Movement Electronic Music Festival over Memorial Day weekend. Techno fans from all over the globe come to town to see their favorite acts in the city that the genre was created.

Start Planning for Movement Weekend!

Things to do in Detroit

Detroit is brimming with culture, history, and innovation, with countless activities to fill your time. Whether you're interested in exploring world-class museums, enjoying live music, or indulging in the local food scene, you'll find Detroit will defy your expectations.

When you're here, you're guaranteed to feel Detroit’s rhythm, shaped by the creators of techno and the inventors of swag. So when you're ready to show up, Detroit is ready to show out. Just bring an open heart and mind, and we'll fill them up.

FIND THINGS TO DO

Music City

Live Music

Detroit's live music scene is alive in iconic venues like the Fillmore and Saint Andrew's Hall, where you can catch everything from Motown to indie rock performances.

Learn More

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Things To Do in Detroit
Events
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