A Night To Remember: Metro Detroit’s Best Music Venues

By: Katie Goncalves | May 26, 2023
Live music performance at El Club in Southwest Detroit

El Club, Southwest Detroit

Concert season is officially underway in Metro Detroit and the lineup this year cannot be beat. Music artists from around the world are coming to the Detroit area for shows that you simply won’t want to miss. We are blessed beyond measure to have so many incredible music venues in Metro Detroit to host these talented artists on their tour schedules. Whether you enjoy indoor or outdoor venues, small, intimate spaces, or sprawling crowds of thousands of your closest friends, you will definitely want to be sure to check out these top music venues in Metro Detroit. 

El Club

El Club is an all-ages music venue with a capacity of 700 people. Its intimate atmosphere and diverse lineup of musical acts make it a must-visit spot for any music lover. El Club was opened in 2016 and quickly gained a reputation as one of the best new music venues in Detroit. They have won several awards, including one of the Ten Best Music Venues according to Rolling Stone magazine. Some of El Club’s alumnae include Lizzo, Billie Eilish, and Doja Cat.

Dj performs to a packed room at El Club in Southwest Detroit
DJ set at El Club

The Fillmore Detroit

2115 Woodward Avenue, Detroit

The Fillmore Detroit is located in the heart of downtown Detroit, just a short walk from several other popular attractions, including Comerica Park and Ford Field. The theater was originally built in 1925 as a movie house called the State Theatre. The venue was completely restored in 2007 and rebranded as The Fillmore Detroit, becoming part of the national chain of Fillmore music venues. The Fillmore Detroit has a capacity of 2,900 people, making it one of the largest music venues in Detroit. Over the years, The Fillmore has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Prince.

Saint Andrew’s Hall

Saint Andrew’s Hall is a historic music venue located in downtown Detroit that has been in operation since 1907. The venue was originally the home of the Scottish Society of Detroit before being converted into a music venue in the 1980s. Saint Andrew’s Hall has a capacity of 1,000 people and is known for its intimate atmosphere and excellent sound quality. The venue has hosted a wide range of musical acts over the years, including Nirvana, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and is famous for one of the first stages that Eminem performed on. Saint Andrew’s Hall is also known for its famous “Shelter” nightclub, which is located in the basement of the venue and has hosted many popular DJs over the years.

The Magic Bag

The Magic Bag is an intimate venue with a capacity of 400 people and plays host to an eclectic lineup of musical and comedy acts. Many up-and-coming musicians and DJs have taken the stage at The Magic Bag over the years. It’s a great place to see new music at a low cost. No matter what type of music you’re into, The Magic Bag is sure to be hosting a band or artist you’ll enjoy very soon. 

Pine Knob

Pine Knob is one of the area’s most beloved outdoor music venues because of its beautiful natural setting, with a large lawn area surrounded by trees. The venue has a capacity of 15,040 people, making it one of the largest music venues in the country. Each year, Pine Knob plays host to some of the biggest names in music including The Backstreet Boys, Bob Seger, and Dave Matthews Band. Pine Knob is also known for its excellent sound quality, thanks to its state-of-the-art sound system and acoustics.

The Blind Pig

The Blind Pig is a legendary music venue that has been operating since 1971. It has hosted performances by many famous musicians, including Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Red Hot Chili Peppers early in their careers. The venue has a capacity of 400 people and features a main stage and a smaller stage in the back room.  In addition to hosting live music events, the Blind Pig also hosts other events such as comedy shows, karaoke nights, and dance parties.

The Loving Touch

The Loving Touch has a capacity of 225 people and features a stage that is equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment. The venue is general admission, standing room only for most of their shows. The Loving Touch has hosted performances by many up-and-coming artists, as well as established musicians over the years. They have been recognized as one of the top music venues in the Detroit area by publications such as Hour Detroit and Metro Times.

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