DTE Energy Music Theatre - Clarkston, MI

One of the most popular venues for live concerts in the country, DTE Energy Music Theatre is surrounded by an abundance of green forests and crystal clear lakes in Clarkston, Michigan. It boasts state-of-the-art audio and lighting systems with a capacity for 15,274 concertgoers. The venue features five main seating areas there are covered with a large fixed canopy, and a smaller rear outdoor lawn area. It’s also equipped with three video screens for lawn patrons. There are many food stalls and an outdoor beer garden.

Teen idol David Cassidy’s matinee performance on June 25, 1972 marked the grand opening of the venue. Back then, the amphitheater was the largest in the country with a seating capacity of 12,000. It featured the iconic entranceway of walls cutting through the hill, where logos of bands that had played the venue were painted. These walls were then replaced by more lawn seating and stairs, which increased the venue’s capacity to 15,000.

The best way to get to DTE Energy Music Theatre is by driving. The parking lot opens at 5 p.m. when there is a concert, and guests can enjoy barbequing in the paved areas, although open alcohol is not allowed. There is also a park & ride service right off the Sashabaw exit and at the Great Lake Crossing Mall a little farther south. Patrons may only bring in a personal camera, small bag or purse, binoculars, picnic basket with food but no beverages, small umbrella, short lawn chair, and a blanket.

While there are a number of hotels near DTE Energy Music Theatre, the venue is only 40 minutes from Detroit, so you might want to visit the city’s attractions before or after the concert. Need tickets to the venue’s upcoming shows? Event Tickets Center has a wide selection of DTE Energy Music Theatre tickets to choose from.