15 Best Things To Do In Detroit At Night

things to do at night in detroit
Heena
Heena 
Updated
| 5 min read

The city of Detroit may not be on your list of places to visit, in the USA, in fact, it is mostly famous for its high population and crime rate. But apart from this, it is a lively and energetic city, with many unique Airbnbs and attractions as well. You should say thanks to the entrepreneurs and artists who have turned many of the buildings into interesting and beautiful cafes and museums. It is not Disneyland but not everyone wants to visit Disneyland, do they? Because of Detroit’s beautiful cafes and eclectic atmosphere, you will enjoy yourself in the night, too. You can also take a long romantic walk, along the riverfront.

Here are some of the best things you can do at night, in Detroit:

1. The Actor’s Workshop

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Actor’s Workshop was first opened in 1984. After its opening, the city evolved from a town to a vibrant and youthful community. The studio is located on Washington Avenue. You can always find its classes full, as it is attended by stage actors who want to break into commercials or films, as well as models and narrators, who aim to learn on-camera acting techniques.

The Actor's Workshop

Address: 25129 Dequindre Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071

Website: The Actor’s Workshop

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2. Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Max M Fisher Music Center
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Andrew Jameson used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The DSO performs throughout the metro Detroit area, both in its paid neighborhood series and free community concerts. Its main performance center is the Orchestra Hall at the Max M. Fisher Music Center, in Detroit. If you are going with your family, you can catch everything from Hayden to Mozart and the orchestra will be sure to entertain even the younger audience members. Before the show, you can enjoy a beer, wine, soda or cocktail.

You can book online tickets and parking passes, for the adjacent parking garage.

Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Address: 3771 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, USA

Website: Detroit Symphony Orchestra

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3. Abick’s Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Abick’s Bar is one of the oldest bars in Detroit. In 1919, it became Abick’s Bar and, like most bars of its time, the photos on the wall make it look was a mostly male-dominated scene. They also allow you to bring food in, and there’s a whole back section, with big tables. Its historical charm will be a complete surprise for you. It is one of the coolest examples of great architecture and a fun atmosphere, in the area.

As you enter the bar, the bartender welcomes you with a friendly “hello” and tells you the history of the bar. They also have a cigar room, so if you love cigars then this place is for you! Abick’s also makes sure that nonsmokers enjoy themselves.

Abick's Bar

Address: 3500 Gilbert St, Detroit, MI 48210, USA

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4. Go Comedy! Improv Theater

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This is a comedy theater that specializes in improv and sketch comedy. It is a complete laugh from the moment you walk in until you leave. Their all-star showdowns are usually very fun - although, each night is different. Usually, the shows start in the evening, from 6 pm and you can book your tickets online, on their website. Go early if you want a spot in the parking area, or else pay for metered parking, across the street. You can enjoy beer and/or shots, during the show.

Go Comedy! Improv Theater

Address: 261 E 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI 48220, USA

Website: Go Comedy! Improv Theater

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5. Fox Theater Detroit

The Fox Theatre
Source: Photo by user DDohler used under CC BY 2.0

The Fox Theater is the crown jewel of the city and one of the things Detroit is famous for. It has played host to some of the best and biggest names in show business and was opened in 1928, as a flagship cinema, in the Fox Theatres chain. The purpose of this theater was to replace the Fox Washington Theater, near Grand Circus Park. It was purchased by the Ilitch family, in 1987 and went through an 18-month, 12 million USD restoration, to return it to its original grandeur. The multi-storey tower features 18-foot (5.5 meter) letters, spelling out “FOX”. It casually holds concerts and special events, including the Rockettes and “Sesame Street Live”.

Fox Theater Detroit

Address: 2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, USA

Website: Fox Theater Detroit

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6. Grey Ghost Detroit

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

TGIF Small pocket of Sunday reservations available via Resy. Walk-ins always welcome a la bar.

Posted by Grey Ghost Detroit on Friday, August 13, 2021

It is the leading edge in food and competes in more established culinary circles. You can enjoy good food at the Grey Ghost and even if you don’t have a reservation, they will make sure they get you seated within 30 minutes. Its customer service is top-notch and the ambiance is great with a chic upscale feel. If you get the chance to have dinner at the Grey Ghost, you must try fried bologna, served on an aged cheddar jalapeno waffle. It is clearly a meat-centric restaurant, but you can be rest assured if you don’t eat meat, there will be something delicious, for you.

Grey Ghost Detroit

Address: 47 Watson St, Detroit, MI 48201, USA

Website: Grey Ghost Detroit

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7. Cafe D’Mongo’s Speakeasy

Cafe D'Mongo's Speakeasy
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Lbeck1945 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Cafe D’Mongo’s Speakeasy is a legendary Detroit cocktail hangout. For a very long time, it has been a favorite haunt for stars, like director Quentin Tarantino and actor Ryan Gosling. It features dim lighting, music inspired decor and classic prohibition cocktails with a Detroit touch. Its famous D’Mongo’s Signature Cocktail is the Detroit Brown made with Vernors, whiskey, and bitters.

Cafe D'Mongo's Speakeasy

Address: 1439 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

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8. Iridescence

Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed.

Iridescence features spectacular views of the city skyline. It is Detroit’s premier fine dining experience and has been awarded AAA’s 4-Diamond rating, year after year. In 2016, it was rated a coveted “Recommended” by Forbes Travel Guides. It focuses on dishes prepared with intense local flavors and a relaxed and broadly appealing menu. Iridescence provides the ultimate culinary experience.

Iridescence

Address: MotorCity Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, USA

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9. The Lush Brush

Editor’s Note: Establishment is permanently closed.

The Lush Brush was inspired by two Lincoln Park women who wanted to go into business. It offers painting sessions nightly and is available for private bookings, like birthdays and bachelorette parties. Much like its name, the studio has a refrigerator, so that you can bring and drink alcoholic beverages, while you paint. Classes usually start at 7 pm.

The Lush Brush

Address: 3406 Fort St, Lincoln Park, MI 48146, USA

Website: The Lush Brush

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10. Emagine Royal Oak

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Emagine Theatres on Wednesday, June 9, 2021

At Emagine Royal Oak, you can kick back and enjoy a movie in the luxurious power-reclining seats, with full back and foot rests. It also offers you feature seating, which means you will have most comfortable movie watching experience. Each theater has huge screens, so you are immersed in each movie.

Emagine Royal Oak

Address: 200 N Main St, Royal Oak, MI 48067

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11. The Redford Theater

RedfordTheatre
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dave Parker used under CC BY 3.0

The Redford Theater has served as an entertainment venue since it opened, on January 27, 1928. It is owned and operated by the Motor City Theater Organ Society (MCTOS) and it consists of a biweekly movie series, that ranges from silent films to films from the 40s through to the 90s. The theater is also available for rental by community groups, who wish to produce their own shows.

The Redford Theater

Address: 17360 Lahser Rd, Detroit, MI 48219, USA

Website: The Redford Theater

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12. Detroit Film Theater

Detroit Institute of Arts
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michael Barera used under CC BY-SA 4.0

It will be a wonderful experience to visit this theater. It has been a beacon of culture for the Detroit area, for over a century. If you’d like to have a snack or a meal before or after the film, you can have it in the cafe, located in the larger DIA (Detroit Institute of Arts). You are not allowed to bring any snacks or drinks.

Detroit Film Theater

Address: 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA

Website: Detroit Film Theater

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13. Riverside Arena

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Riverside Arena on Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Stepping into Riverside is just like stepping back in time to a middle school skating party, with flashing lights, on the rink. For an open skate, there are many opportunities. There is a little practice area, off in the corner, where you can get a chance to find your skating legs if it’s been awhile since you have been on wheels.

Riverside Arena

Address: 36635 Plymouth Rd, Livonia, MI 48150, USA

Website: Riverside Arena

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14. Ford Drive In

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Who's ready for another weekend at the Ford? Box office opens at 8pm Friday and Saturday. Come see one of our new...

Posted by Ford Wyoming Drive In Theatre on Friday, August 13, 2021

The Ford Drive In is a great date night spot, in Detroit. They still have speakers that hang on the side of your car so you can tune in to the radio station. You can also bring your pets in with you. The screens are very big and they also have a concession stand, with your typical popcorn, candy and soda.

Ford Drive In

Address: 10400 Ford Rd, Dearborn, MI 48126, USA

Website: Ford Drive In

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15. Thunderbowl Lanes

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Thunderbowl Lanes on Sunday, December 15, 2019

Thunderbowl has been the bowling center of choice for both pros and amateurs, since 1962. If you like bowling, then this place is for you! The prices are also the cheapest around. You can bowl a 250+ on their bone-dry lanes.

Thunderbowl Lanes

Address: 4200 Allen Rd, Allen Park, MI 48101, USA

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A perfect night out...

In addition to rooftop bars and fancy restaurants, here are some of the best places you can also enjoy in Detroit. These stops are all wonderful, with their rich history that will help you enjoy a night out, with your friends and family. Go and plan your weekend, in Detroit.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Hailing from India, Heena explores the world through information and people's preferences. She sees beauty in every place and excels as a storyteller and expressive writer. Moreover she is an...Read more

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