Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor concerts. Michigan has a variety of venues to choose from, whether you’re looking for a large amphitheater or an intimate setting tucked away in the woods. So if you’re looking for a summer concert series to check out or just want to know what your options are, listed below are some of the best outdoor concert venues in Michigan.
Best Outdoor Concert Venues in Michigan
Let’s face it there are many great things about Michigan, and one of those things is the great outdoors. From the best Lake Michigan beaches to the hiking trails, there’s no shortage of things to do in Michigan during the summer months. However, one of the best things to do, especially during the warm summer evenings, is to attend an outdoor concert. These great outdoor concert venues below are sure to please all avid music lovers.
Interlochen Center for the Arts
The Interlochen Center for the Arts located in northern Michigan is home to two large outdoor venues: The Amphitheatre and The Bowl. The Amphitheatre seats over 4,000 people and is host to a variety of concerts and events each year. The Bowl is an open-air venue with a capacity of 1,600 people. It is used primarily for student recitals and performances.
In addition to the large outdoor venues, the Interlochen Center for the Arts also has several small intimate venues. These include Black Box Theater, Corson Auditorium, and Dendrinos Chapel & Recital Hall. These venues are often used for more personal performances, such as solo recitals and small ensembles.
Address: Interlochen Center for the Arts, 4000 J Maddy PKWY, Interlochen, MI 49643
Website: Interlochen Center for the Arts
Phone Number: 231-276-7200
Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill
The Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill is an outdoor concert venue located in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The Sterling Heights amphitheater has a capacity of 12,500 people and is host to a variety of concerts and events each year.
The Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre location is also home to the Freedom Hill Pavilion, which is an indoor/outdoor venue with a capacity of 4,500 people. The Pavilion is often used for smaller concerts and events.
Address: 14900 Metro Pkwy, Sterling Heights, MI 48312
Website: Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill
Phone Number: 248-377-0100
DTE Energy Music Theatre
The DTE Energy Music Theatre is one of the most exciting places to see a concert in Michigan. It is an outdoor amphitheater located in Clarkston, Michigan. It is formerly known as Pine Knob. The amphitheater has a capacity of 15,274 people and is host to a variety of concerts and events each year. It’s considered one of the best outdoor concert venues in Michigan.
It also features large lawn areas that can be used for concerts, festivals, or other events. Additionally, the stage is surrounded by LED lights that make it easy to see performers at night. The DTE Energy Music Theatre is perfect for larger events such as concerts, family fun days, and more.
Address: 33 Bob Seger Drive, Clarkston, MI 48348
Website: DTE Energy Music Theatre
Phone Number: 248-377-0100
Comerica Park
Comerica Park is an outdoor ballpark-turned sporadic concert venue located in Detroit, Michigan. It is the home of the Detroit Tigers baseball team. The park has a capacity of 41,083 people and is located in Downtown Detroit. It has one of the best concert skylines in the State of Michigan for an outdoor concert. The Comerica Park stage is also one of the largest in Michigan, making it perfect for larger concerts and events.
Address: 2100 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Website: Comerica Park
Phone Number: 313-471-7000
Meadowbrook Amphitheatre
The Meadowbrook Amphitheatre is located in Rochester Hills, Michigan. The amphitheater has a capacity of 12,500 people and is host to a variety of concerts and events each year. This venue also has a large lawn area that can accommodate up to 20,000 people for festivals and other events. It’s located on the grounds of Oakland University and is minutes away from Downtown Rochester. Graduations, as well as many other ceremonial events, are often held here. Meadowbrook is perfect for a wide variety of events, such as concerts, festivals, graduations, and more.
Address: 160 Festival Dr, Rochester Hills, MI 48309
Website: Meadowbrook Amphitheatre
Phone Number: 313-471-7000
Frederik Meijer Gardens
Considered one of Michigan’s best outdoor concert venues for families, the Frederik Meijer Gardens is an outdoor concert venue located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The venue has a capacity of 4,200 people and is host to a variety of occasions each year. Check me out sitting in the stands in the picture!
The Frederik Meijer Gardens also features a children’s garden, making it a great option for families with young children. Some performers are even known to interact with the kids during their sets which I was able to witness when I was there.
Address: 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Website: Frederik Meijer Gardens
Phone Number: 616-957-1580
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
Soaring Eagle Casino does offer outdoor concert venues from time to time in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. The venue has a capacity of 7,500 people and is host to a variety of concerts and events each year. It features two stages, the main stage, and the secondary stage. The main stage is perfect for larger concerts, while the second stage is more intimate and often used for smaller performances. Be sure to check out their rules if you are heading there for an outdoor concert venue. Additionally, we have also provided the outdoor seating chart for you to take a look at.
The Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort also has an indoor theater that can accommodate up to 3,200 people. This makes it a great option for those looking for both indoor and outdoor concert options.
Address: 6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858
Website: Soaring Eagle
Phone Number: 888-732-4537
Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Beer Garden
Bell’s Eccentric Cafe is host to many amazing up-and-coming artists in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The venue has a capacity of 1,000 people and is host to a variety of concerts and events each year. It’s perfect for those looking for a more intimate concert experience. The Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Beer Garden also features a variety of food and drink options, making it an option to enjoy a meal while they listen to live music. Oh, and let’s not forget about Bell’s beer. The brewery is located on-site and offers a variety of delicious beers for concertgoers to enjoy.
Address: 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Website: Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Beer Garden
Phone Number: 269-382-2332
Wenonah Park
This concert venue is located in Bay City, Michigan, on the Saginaw River. Wenonah Park is host to a variety of summertime concerts and events each year. It has a capacity of 2,500 people. The park also features a playground, making it a great option for families with young children. Parents can listen to the great sounds of the band while the kids enjoy the playground.
Address: 111 Center Ave., Bay City, MI 48708
Website: Wenonah Park
Phone Number: 989-894-8200
Waterfront Park Pavilion
Ludington is a great place to visit and is one of the best Michigan vacations for families to do. The city offers a lot to do, such as the Michigan Maritime Museum, lighthouses, and of course, the Waterfront Park Pavilion. This is an outdoor concert venue that hosts a variety of concerts and events each year. It has a capacity of 10,000 people, along with a playground located right on the lawn.
Address: 391 S William St, Ludington, MI 49431
Website: Waterfront Park Pavilion
Phone Number: 231-845-6237
The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre
Formally known as Chene Park, the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre is an outdoor concert venue located on the Detroit Riverfront. The amphitheater has a capacity of 6,000 people and is a great place to watch concerts and events each year. It’s located on the shores of the Detroit river and offers an international view, all while listening to music venues. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra has played there in the past.
The Detroit Riverwalk also runs by the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre and is a great place to explore and offers a ton of different things to do. You can visit the GM Renaissance Center, Hart Plaza, or the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority.
Address: 2600 Atwater St., Detroit, MI 48207
Website: The Aretha Franklin Amphatheatre
Phone Number: 313-393-0292
How to Prepare for an Outdoor Concert
If you are attending an outdoor concert in Michigan, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure you have a great time.
- Dress for the weather: This seems like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many people show up to an outdoor concert unprepared for the weather. Michigan can have extreme temperatures, so be sure to check the forecast and dress accordingly.
- Bring a blanket or chair: You will want to be comfortable when sitting on the ground, so bring a blanket or chair to sit on.
- Bring snacks and drinks: Concerts can be long, so make sure you bring enough snacks and drinks to keep you going. It’s always better to have too much on hand than not enough; especially if you suffer from low blood sugar.
- Plan ahead: Make sure you know where you’re going and how you’re getting there before the day of the concert. This will help avoid any last-minute stress.
- Be respectful: Remember that you are sharing the space with other concertgoers. Be respectful of their personal space and belongings.
- Have fun: This is the most important thing! Make sure you relax and have a good time. Michigan has some great outdoor concert venues, so enjoy the music and the scenery.
Related Questions
Is Live Music at Outdoor Concert Venues Safe?
Are Great Outdoor Concert Venues Only Found in Michigan?
What Other Outdoor Michigan Venues Can You Enjoy?
Where Do They Hold Concerts in Detroit?
Related Resources
10+ Best Shopping Outlets in Michigan [+Malls]
20+ Best Indoor Water Parks in Michigan (Open Now)
