Detroit Named One Of The Top Music Cities In America

Detroit is a great music city, as we all know. And everyone else seems to know it too. Travel website Fifty Grande released survey results that named Detroit as one…

Jack White Detroit

DETROIT, MI – JULY 29: Musician and former Detroit native Jack White throws out the first pitch prior to the start of the game between the Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.

Leon Halip/Getty Images

Detroit is a great music city, as we all know. And everyone else seems to know it too. Travel website Fifty Grande released survey results that named Detroit as one of the best music cities in America.

Detroit Ranked #15

Fifty Grande's list features the top 20 cities in the country based on a survey released in December. The criteria centered around how important music is to the reader, when making travel plans. "As a music fan, when you’re considering travel plans, these are the cities that should be high on your list to visit," the report states.

Detroit certainly has a lot to offer if live music is an essential component in booking travel plans to the market. In addition, there are numerous shows coming up that warrant being a centerpiece of the trip.

Detroit Concert Calendar

In addition to accommodating larger festival grounds, Detroit has a venue for every capacity size. There are intimate concert halls like the Majestic Theatre and Saint Andrews Hall. Legendary mid-sized places like the Fox Theatre always draw a unique collection of acts from every genre. If outdoor concerts are your preference, the Hart Plaza on East Riverfront is highlighted by Fifty Grande. This is 14 acres of scenic and city-feel space for 40,000 people to enjoy live music. In fact, over Memorial Day weekend, the Movement Electronic Festival will take place here with 120 artists. Also, Taylor Swift is playing Ford Field next month. P!NK with Brandi Carlile will be playing at the home of the Tigers, Comerica Park, in August.

What Else?

Concerts aren't the only thing that make Detroit a great music city. The Detroit Institute of Music Education (DIME)  trains some of the brightest young minds in the arts. DePaul University also has an acclaimed music school. Orchestra Hall at the Max M. Fisher Music Center has already been ringing the season this month with their incredible Detroit Symphony Orchestra shows. To read more about Detroit being named a top music city in America, check out Fifty Grande's full report here.

Monroe Street Midway Returns To Downtown Detroit This Summer

Monroe Street Midway is returning to Downtown Detroit this summer with activities and entertainment for the whole family. However, this will be Monroe Street Midway's final season in its current location. Bedrock unveiled updated plans for its Monroe Block project earlier this year.

Opening on May 18, guests will have the opportunity to experience a series of playground-style attractions, the Rollout Detroit Roller Rink, Rocket Mortgage Sports Zone, and more.

Since its launch, Midway has welcomed more than 240,000 guests and helped generate support for local businesses.

The Midway will open on Thursday, May 18, and will operate Thursday through Sunday, weather permitting, through Labor Day weekend.

Entry is free into the Midway, the Rocket Mortgage Sports Zone, for mini golf, and playground activities. Roller skating is $13 per person which includes skate rental.

Take a look at what’s to come to Monroe Street Midway Downtown Detroit below.

Rollout Detroit

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Operated in collaboration with RollerCade, Detroit’s oldest continuously open, Black-owned roller rink. Guests can book their tickets in advance at RolloutDet.com.


Rocket Mortgage Sports Zone:

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Two half-court basketball courts and one full-court, multi-use sports area for basketball and pickleball are free to the public on a first-come-first-serve basis, made possible by the Rocket Community Fund.


Playground-Style Activations

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New this year, the Midway will have a series of swings decorated with LED lights and seesaws for everyone to enjoy.


Mini Golf

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Play some putt-putt on an enhanced 9-hole mini golf course. Mini golf is free to the public on a first-come-first-serve basis.


Monroe Street Midway-Artist Buildout

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See artwork by renowned Detroit artists including Sheefy McFly, Olivia Guterson, Tony Whlgn, India Solomon, David Rubello and Marlo Broughton featured throughout the Midway.


Live Programming and Events

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Don’t miss Fitness Fridays, Silent Disco Saturdays, Dino Sundays, as well as musical performances by local DJs and more.


Food and Beverage

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Grab a variety of treats from concession stands.

Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.