I love going to this amphitheater formally known as Shane Park. In the evenings. You get a nice breeze because it sits off the water and its just really great vibes to be able to see your favorite artist with the Detroit River right behind the venue. Seats are average amphitheater seats and there is a lawn option as well where you can bring a blanket.
Always a great time here.. whether I order a ticket for the inside or I sit outside.. my only complaint is that the prices for the drinks are extremely expensive.. for a white tea shot it was $17 thats just ridiculous for that small drink.. normally when I go I never get a seat I always do lawn seats because youre able to people watch and still get a great show lol
Good day! I remember having my high school graduation here 13 years ago, but The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre has significantly upgraded! The addition of the artwork, the beach like playground, and outdoor seating has added to the beauty of what used to be Chene Park!June 2024 ...I attended a press conference here for the launch of Detroits first 100% self driving car. Autonomous! Phenomenal! #MayWay
I love this venue. I like the option to sit in the grass. The amount of knee space for us tall folks is outstanding. I like being able to look out at the water land boats whole listening to music. The sound could be a little better and they need to do a better job with the bugs though.
Visited the first time for the Anthony Hamilton concert. I loved the venue but the prices were insane! We bought a small bag of chips, a tequila and tonic and a Gatorade for 38.00. The tequila was in a tiny shot glass cup. So, I dont recommend partaking of their drinks. Go to Bobs barge beforehand and have a nice cocktail. The sound was great and all of the seats were great seats. Getting out was a hassle! There needs to be logistical assistance in getting out so that you dont feel like you are being shoved all over the place. This logistical nightmare extended to getting out of the parking lots. There is no one directing traffic and it was just a free for all. That experience alone made me question coming back. I may do so but I will walk from a mile or 2 away to avoid such trauma next time.
Always a great time. The staff is friendly and the food is not bad at all. The food consists of fried, chicken, catfish, chips, soda, etc.If you want drinks from the bar there are three bars but unfortunately they are not as fast as one would like, but they do have servers who will come to your seats to take drink order so you might get your drink a little faster that way to avoid the long lines. It would be cool if they had mocktails/zero proof drinks.The concerts are always good. They could use a better sound system sometimes the sound is not as loud on the vocals.
I love the concert line up in recent years. I sound is great and the light guys are always on point making sure to keep the artist in site. My only complaint is with how the venue handles food and drinks. We all expect to pay a mark up price for things at a show, however if you are going to sell water for $6 a bottle is should be COLD!!! Especially when it’s 92 degrees outside. And if it’s not cold give people some ice. Sheesh!!!! Every thing cannot be about profit!!!
Visited the annual Senior Friendship Day event held at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre. Very well organized, attended by 4000-5000. Music, guest speakers, singing, fun entertainment.The amphitheatre is perfect , a wide open outdoor space, easy to get around , a great view of the river, the sound system was clear 👍❤
The Aretha is a nice place for outdoor concerts and other activities. If you require comfort for your tush you are allowed to bring seat cushions inside. There is also an option to purchase lawn seats, which are usually cheaper than regular seating. If you try their signature blue drink...well, just try the blue drink, lol. The sound system isnt the best, but its decent. There really isnt a bad seat in the place. There is also a short food menu available for purchase. There is on-site parking available for $20. You are required to scan a QR code to pay. The website was super easy to navigate, and once you use it the first time, its super easy the next time you visit. Just so you know, if you try to skip out on paying, its a $90 ticket!!
My son graduated from ML King High school this past June and the graduation was at this location and it was beautiful. The weather was perfect, the staff were friendly and helpful, and there were no bad views of the stage. As a side note it is highly recommended that you follow the rules though when it comes to what purses are allowed in the venue. They only allow a certain size and type and will NOT let you in if it is the wrong kind. I saw many women standing to the side fussing because they wouldnt let them in.
We drove in from Cleveland to see a concert here. The staff was very accomodating and helped us switch seats so my service animal had enough room. Many ushers checked in to see if my dog needed water or anything. Enter was quick and easy, and security was very respectful.
Some friends and I attended the Kem concert on August 3rd at your theater first of all we paid for handicap seats that we did not receive they brought us dusty chairs to sit in with the show begin everybody stood up and I couldnt even see Kem from where we were sitting. We were also told that we were not supposed to be sitting where we were sitting with the chairs that they brought us so apparently someone else was in our seats or they overbooked the venue! My friend has written a letter to Ticketmaster and to the box office itself. We are still waiting to be made whole for $116 a piece.
I am giving the artist 5/5 Lord Huron✨ killed it! And made for a memorable night. As far as the venue goes there’s room for improvement. Im not sure if we just had good timing but getting in wasn’t too bad. We paid (20) for parking and was able to find a parking spot easily. However, no one was actually directing cars in the lot. We walked across the street to the venue and didn’t have to wait in line to get in. We went through security. I didn’t feel very “secure” as they didn’t even checked my bag. We walked around to get a feel of the place and get in line for food. The lines were insane! The prices .. 😳 $20 for one white claw. $6 for a bottled water! We were in line before the opening act started and got our food after they had ended! For a good 30 minutes they just stopped calling out food order numbers and people were starting to get frustrated. The bar lines were merged into the concession lines. When people asked the security/ ushers questions they seemed like they had no idea what was going on. They weren’t very attentive in helping you find your seat the numbers are really small on the right side of them. Like everyone else saying this venue has great potential and could attract more crowds. Not every day you have a beautiful backdrop like the Aretha. Better organization and more training to their staff is crucial. It’ll make the WHOLE experience a 5/5.
Im new to concerts but I have the best time when I attend concerts here! Theres something about being Downtown on a warm summer night whilst enjoying good music! I will always come here for a show whenever I can!
The lady and her sons that run chene park are con artists. There is no way the kem concert was oversold , it took a hour to get into venue and 6.00 dollars for a bottle of water and she runs the parking lot across from the venue The Right Productions charging 40 dollars for parking when it was 20 dollars a week ago stop taking advantage of people when there trying to come down and have a good time , I’ll stick with the Fox
The food and drinks have really fell off. The bar selections is not top tier, no bourban at all. 64 bucks for 2 bottom long Islands with a shot of Vodka. Only black establishments over price like that and the sausage tasted like a slim gim. Otherwise the venue was nice.
(4th edit) Buyers are bringing great shows. You have great crowds. The onsite experience could be better though. Not all bathrooms are open for all shows, so you could be in for a walk depending where you are. I expect high food prices, but would appreciate better quality & selection. I love the folks putting on the shows. Im just hoping for a better experience.
I bought tickets to see Loose Ends, Kem concert on Saturday . There is no way it should have taken a hour to get inside venue, especially if you knew what type of crowd to expect (sold out) show . I shouldn’t have to hear the concert standing in line to get in , well it was a good run I won’t be back , all you care about is profit not the customers experience. And 6.00 dollars for a bottled water is ridiculous, and the ceo who runs the park ( The Right Productions ) also getting the 40 dollars for parking give me a break won’t happen again I’ll stick with the Fox theater
Thought it was utterly ridiculous that that parking lots weren’t opened for people to park last night also No big purses allowed!! Very understandable but the reasoning that was mentioned last night was preposterous! You could slip a bottle of liquid in…what? If you’re checking purses how and where is this bottle coming from after you get in… It’s so many different ways to bring stuff in it ain’t funny… Great example check out CoCo’s comedy special it don’t get any better than that fr
I brought a group of children to visit. We were give a wonderful tour of the facilities. It was great. Cant wait to come back for a concert.
I must say that the concert was very nice but the venue was poorly managed if you use ticketmaster you gotta stand in the middle of the street to get a signal they will tell you when you get all the way too the front of the line no heads up and they pull the chairs out of the bags too I guess just looking for liquor because it was more weed in that concert then a dispensary. We stood in line to get drinks over a hour once we made it up to the bar they had no water, the blue drink was liquid and the wine was hot as hell for $29 went to a different bar station too get some ice and water an she was watching the concert!!! Smh
Its a wonderful place to see a concert but the smell of garbage spoiled it for me. The smell was horrible! However. The opening band was so great (R,&R ) it took my mind off the smell. They totally upstaged Spira Gyra who just couldnt come close. R&R shouldve been the main attraction They were so much better.
Godawful sound system. Really appalling. Beautiful venue and setting. Great view from all seats. Better view the further back you go, especially of the river. Youd think a music venue would have the best sound...
It was such a beautiful venue. People had boats on the water outside of the concert area. So a.great atmosphere. Ive read complaints about parking, but it was pretty easy and organized and right next to the Amphitheater. I was a bit late, so maybe its hectic if on time, but I had no problem. Any seat is great you can see the entire stage! I will definitely be back.
Well I always have a great time at Aretha Franklin. Have the best performances with the beat view in the city. Only place you can see a concert and look at another country. Here are some of the shows I been to. This past weekend, X, Dogg Pound, MJG and 8ball plus more, Kool and the Gang, SOS band, Kem, SWV, Brown Stone,Melanie Fiona, Carl Thomas. I go every year. Real Detroiter
Affectionately know to the local as Chene Park. Host an array of predominantly R&B, Jazz, & rap concerts. You can usually catch some artist you once loved performing here during the sping/summer months. The amphitheatre sits off the Detroit River and looks out to Canada. Its a calm & beautiful view. The pics below are SWV & Jodeci
First, apparently doing covers and not your own music is the new thing for artists.Oleta Adamss voice was wonderful. She sang one song of her own.Mr. Bryson. Same thing, wonderful, maybe 2 songs, this seems to be the ongoing thing.As I have attended a fair amount of concerts this year. Its very disappointing that you dont get to hear the songs that youre familiar with.O k , Chene park , the food is incredibly expensive and not very good. The picture people were very nice,,
Acoustics are amazing!The Aretha aka Chene Park is an amazingly beautiful music venue on the banks of Detroit River. Views from the seats are of the water and Canada. You can even see Belle Isle. Seats are comfortable and the stage is solid. There is a guy who wont let you go swimming. LolBathroom attendants were polite and parking was reasonable. Would definently return for more LIVE music.
Sooo, before this... the last concert I attended was at Chene Park! This Concert was Dru Hill, SWV and Jodeci.. All Great Artists, ((Only The Sound system is STILL trash!)) You cant really hear the Actual Singers! The Drinks are Good ( Not Great) && STILL over priced.. every visit I try to get the Same GREAT! Seats/Secton which are pricey But might need to just purchase Cheaper seats & just come stand down front, as It got Over crowded with ppl standing on the Steps in the section with Security NOT doing/ saying Anything! 🥴🥴
Great venue! Right on the water. I was there for a graduation, so I cant speak to sound, but I can imagine how fun a concert would be. Seats were comfortable.
Truly a most beautiful venue to listen to a concertCouldnt imagine anything better than Gladys Knight and this theater!
Went and seen Changing Faces & Silk & Jodeci on 7-26-24 & I will forever cherish this moment.Old school r&b ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Its always a good time 😁Great people, drinks (be careful THAT BLUE),ALWAYS great music, comedy and the view of the water 👌🏾 Good Times!!!
I used to enjoy going here but its not the same experience, the sounds are muffled and a lot of the guests are standing with their phones in air blocking other guests view, drinks are over priced I wont be in attendance as much!I guess the price of getting older! Lol
Love this place! Have season tickets with 3 of my friends. We have been coming for several years. Staff is very efficient and helpful. My only complaint is the sound system for 2 of the artists we came to see. We could barely hear Lalah Hathaways beautiful singing because her mike was extremely low and the background and band overpowered her. Was VERY disappointed. Last year it was Will Downing, he sounded so muffled couldnt understand a word he was saying even though we knew everyone of his songs. Please please please adjust this situation to make everyones experience perfect.
Super long lines for almost everything. Couldnt enjoy the because people dont come to watch anything anymore. They want to be on there phones and talk through the whole concert. Adults acting like children its please put your phones away at events. Dam shame.
I saw Tank and the Bangas a couple of years back at the Aretha. The sound system was so bad we couldnt make out the words. I am hoping that the problem has been resolved. I cant go back until its confirmed. Does anyone know? Love the venue. It could be so much better.
I was actually happy with my seat selection. I wasnt happy about the length of the main attraction, 2 new 2 old and 2 cover songs!? They need to negotiate for more songs....
Formally Chene park. Very cool venue. Even with lawn tickets, they do a good job projecting the show on the ceiling. My favorite part was seeing the water behind the opener before it got dark. Get there on time the shows start promptly when the ticket says it does. Also be sure to to the left side of the amphitheater when facing the stage to see the Detroit skyline.
Very friendly and helpful staff, well kept and nice environment. Only negative were the seats were not very comfortable.
Diamond of Detroit! Ive visited the venue for years and still love it. The river as the backdrop enhances the concert experience. Its a unique place.
Great show. Nice adult atmosphere. KEM gave a great concert
This was my first time going to this local destination spot, and as a late arrival had already missed the first act, but Peabo! Peabo rocked the house with a nice mix of his old hits and upcoming songs. The weather was perfect even as it came in off the River.This was a surprise event and the only things that would have been better was if Id known so I could clean out my memory so I could take more video and pictures.Really an enjoyable venue.
Theatre is truly one of Detroits great entertainment jewels! Outdoor but protected overhead ( it was drizzling, but not to worry), with the beautiful backdrop of the Detroit River and Canada! I went to see Cameo, Mary Jane Girls and other favorites from my R&B Funk club past and had a ball. The Aretha is a solidly built open air theatre with lots of bathrooms, bars (service a little slow though) and even food selections. Fun evening enjoying 🎶 music under the stars!
Excellent and clean venue with Professional and Friendly Staff. Also complete feelings of safety being supported by having ample security personnel .
Great view no matter where you sit! The music can be heard very clearly thru the entire venue and nearby area 💯❤️🥰
Nice place for a summer fall music concert when the weather is just right sun with a nice cool breeze coming off the water to accompany the nautical background of the boats at bay that light up at night to showcase and display a event at a event. Very cool concert ( Charlie Wilson and Joe) Saturday 9-18-2021😎👏👍💯
I went to my nieces graduation, but I have been to many concerts at this location. I was very proud and screaming for her like I was at a concert.
Another favorite jewel of our city. So excited that it will soon be renamed Aretha Franklin Park. One of the most beautiful music amphitheaters in the world. Imagine sitting listening to one of your favorite artists while watching them perform on a stage with the Detroit River and another country (Canada) as its backdrop.
The amphitheater is very nice. It is situated on pleasent grounds on the waterfront. There are nice views of Detroit River shipping and boat traffic around and behind the stage.The seating is wire mesh and the seat numbers are difficult to find.Ive attended a couple of shows there several years apart. For both the venue worked well and the clientele very friendly and pleasent.The process of loading the main parking lot could be more efficient. An improved lot surface would also be nice. Once parked, and seated, the place shines!
Always a wonderful time. Drinks could be much better though-very watered down, for what they cost.
Very nice venue, the only problem was the lack of traffic control, access was from to many directions with drivers making two way streets into one way creating excess traffic jams.
I attended a jazz concert on 6-15-2022. We were stopped at the entrance by the security lady stating our purses were too large for entry. We had to return to our cars to leave purses & downsize or just carry what we needed wherever! I was very disappointed because this info was not posted on their website neither was it indicated on any other advertisement regarding the new policy. Now a clear bag/purse or Wristlet max size12 x 6 x 12 is acceptable for entry. If you’re going to enforce this New Policy PLEASE UPDATE your website & advertisement. Also, provide your security people with a MEASURING TAPE, THEY ARE NOT ACCURATE! 🤬🤬The show was great. However, they need to work on the sound system.
Super nice! Atmosphere is alwaysFull of beautiful people and great music!.
Absolutely love love love it. Cant wait to visit again.
I hadnt been to the Aretha in a long while, so I didnt know that there is a purse size limit. So after walking all the way to the entrance, then waiting in line to get tickket scanned, I had to walk back to car to put my purse in my car. Make sure you take a small purse, like a crossbody. Other than that I had a great time.
Very nice experience seeing Yebba for the first time but the sound system does need work 😒Its a piercing/popping sound and it muffles the artist
Nice Ojays and Gladys Knight concert, though the main singer didnt show. Another thing that happened was member of the band and manager of the OJays personally left front row tickets along with backstage passes for our group at the box office, but when we got there we were given totally different seats and no backstage passes. Is this what they get away with doing in Detroit? Very disappointed in box office staff! Maybe they gave our tickets to their friends?
People were smoking weed in venue in front of me and I was coughing terribly. Had to leave could not enjoy the show.
Great concert setting. Good time
Awesome Blues concert. Pokie. Sir Charles and King George. Ms. Mary was funny
BEAUTIFUL, YOU CAN SEE YOUR CONCERT WITH THE WATER BACKGROUND, NICE
Good out door venue, comfortable, easy to find restrooms and food and drink vending areas
Love the outdoor atmosphere right off the water. The concessions are way over priced though.
BEWARE of going to the box office to buy your tickets from the Aretha. I went to the box office to purchase ticket and they were more expensive than online. They said sometimes you can get them cheaper online from Ticketmaster instead of directly from them. Ive never heard of this in All of the time I have bought tickets from other venues.
Im here as a volunteer for an Indian concert. During my visit there is shower of rain with pleasant climate. Most important about this place is its location, its on border between US and Canada. The stage background is Canadian city skyline of Windsor city with large corgo ships making it scenic spot.
My first time seeing Fantasia it was a great performance at theAretha Franklin Amphitheatre
Pros- Beautiful setting, affordable parking (walk a block east on Atwater to Jos Campau, there you will find gated parking for $7), affordable tickets and great acts especially for the Wednesday shows. The servers that attend to the seated patrons and if you imbibe, order the Blue Drink...very tasty and strong (vodka).Cons- The place was built with not enough restrooms and this is still the case plus they are not very clean. The sound system is iffy especially for the opening acts...the sound is echo like and tinny. Someone please clean the damn pond around the park...it has scum growing on top of the water and the fountain hasnt worked in years....this is ignored regular maintenance....these are the only reasons keeping it from being 5-star.
My favorite venue to watch a show in the summers. Been going for 20 years and dont plan on stopping. Lets go Detroit!
This has always been a great venue. And it will always be Chene Park to me!❤️
This is an awesome place but I wish the seats werent as close as they are to each other. The seating is shoulder to shoulder. And maybe more isles & rows in between the seats will be beneficial so that youre not walking past roughly 30 people to get to your seat. And the numbers on the seats are on the side of the seat, so you have to bend over to see the number and you better have a flashlight or something or else. But I understand why their seating is what it is because you can get more people in there, hence more money.
I always enjoy the Amphitheater. Music sounds so good live.
Awesome Day, the entertainers were amazing, the boats were out and they were enjoying the music, Amazing 🥰
I totally enjoyed my experience. I’m thrilled to know of this venue and look forward to returning again. Our seats were affordable and felt almost intimate.I look forward to coming back for acts I’ll enjoy!
Very clean park with no curse words.Beautiful waterfront view. Sand box and outside instruments for families. You can hear the music from the concerts next door.There are clean restrooms in the restaurant. They sell alcohol so no outside alcohol is allowed. You can join the runners , bikers, or walkers every week.Good environment for families. No negative vibes. Just good food , exercise and family fun. There is limited street parking.
I loved the vibes at this location. It was easy to locate, the parking was good, the theater was clean and comfortable. Every seat is a great seat. I would say pick a seat in the center. It doesnt matter which row, because your artist performing may not work the stage from side to side middle and front.
I really enjoyed myself every time I go there
Venue is beautiful! But they do have over priced drinks!
The sound system is awful the blue drink machine never works and the line up is the same every summer just disappointed in Chene Park
Went to see Robert Glasper and Yebba.Love the Venue and The Concert Was Wonderful❣️
I came here for my very first concert. The ticket buying process was easy. Theres a little shed you can just walk up to thats right on Atwater. The theater is beautiful. Seeing the river in the back as the sun sets is amazing. The only issue I would have is that the rows and seats dont have very visible markings so its hard to find your seats. There werent very many Ushers to help us either. All in All my experience was amazing and Id certainly come again.
Love it here, its always nice being by the water and enjoying concerts.
Just beautiful. Thank you for letting them have the graduation there.
Needs to have clearer screens over projectors sound was off for boosie and webbie
Welp - thats it for me. Great venue but they use a shady parking company - Metropolis Parking. There was an attendant walking around but apparently he didnt notice someone break out my car window and steal my purse! When we got to the venue I was told I couldnt bring my purse in so my husband went back to the car to leave it there. When we came out the back driver side window was busted and the purse was gone.
Beautiful venue, beautiful people, great entertainment. However the drinks are outrageously overpriced! $36 for a double shot of Makers Mark! At that price youre forcing me to sneak in my own liquor next time!
No matter who the headliner is this is a show piece theater for Detroit! Live music off of Detroits Riverfront with the spring or summer breeze blowing in your hair, leaving your stress behind. Every event I attend here has given me some of the most delightful memories in my life! A must see and weekly hang out!
We just saw Maysa and my Fave Alex Bugnon. Maysa seemed a little subdued. Not sure if thats her style since this is my first time seeing her. Alex was on FIRE! Security at Chene is awesome and they are thorough. They check your purse but do so politely. Food is served swiftly and there is ample variety from pizza to wing dings to chicken tenders to beer, alcohol and pop. Ushers are knowledgeable and professional. Amphitheater and restrooms always clean. Thumbs up to Chene Park!! Ill be back
The refreshment area customer service was very expensive and poor service. The dark skin heavy woman is very rude. She was there last summer with the same negative energy and was so rude last week. The food is small poor portions for the priceI ordered fish, chicken wing dings 3 sodas and it was $70. I felt ripped off. 5 small wing dings and fries in one box and 2 small pieces of fish with fries and nasty baked beans with pineapple in them in another box. The drinks were full of ice in 12 oz cups. $ 70 and bad attitudes dont go together.The venues ushers were very helpful and pleasant but the food service workers were horrible and way overpriced for garbage food. Ill be back but Im not getting anything to eat or drink.
1. They have new way of paying for parking and it was a nightmare. There was a sign on a post with no staff to help walk you through it. A great couple paid for our parking because my phone wouldnt cooperate. If a person couldnt read, I can only imagine their plight.2. New bag size entry rule. They wanted my 79 year old self to walk back to car to take a bag with mints, a neck fan and my id.3. Equipment/sound failures. Artist were irritated of course.4. Food and drink prices are outlandish. $5 for a box of popcorn, really?First time back since Covid and last time because its not worth it.
Boney James concert was excellent. Amphitheater requires updated reconstruction renovation of additional restrooms and bar area. The lines for both were much too long for an Inordinate amount of time. In addition, experienced bar staff would be appreciated so training doesnt take place the evening of the concerts.
They need more help when serving people. The sound system needs improvement. Parking needs to improve. The event site is wonderful and a great venue.
My sons graduation was held there and it was very nice
Beautiful place , But service at Bar 2 was horrible stood in line 30 minutes while they stood around and talk and socialize. Manager stood their and Micromanage instead of helping, Employed brushed passed me bumping with her purse never apologized just threw her hair and kept walking. Very unprofessional.
The artists were beautiful, the crowd was respectful and fun. Beautiful staff. Need more handicap assistance. Please return calls. Were temporarily handicapped. If we had known there was some assistance, we wouldnt have brought front row seats. I thought there was a ground access for 1st floor seating.
Overall it’s a great place to see a show. It was our first time here. The bar lines are soooooo slow. It takes 20 mins just to get a drink. Prices are expensive but that seems to be how it is at every venue. Finding your seat is an adventure. The seat numbers are very hard to find. Staff was very helpful with showing us our seats after we failed a couple times. Bathrooms are clean but not a fan of feeling pressured to tip the bathroom attendant. Can’t wait to see more shows here knowing what to look out for.