Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre location Detroit is a vibrant entertainment venue beloved by locals and visitors alike. A cultural jewel on one of the busiest waterways facing Canada and the international border of neighbors to the north.
As a guest of Detroit Furnished Rentals, you’ll find our accommodations just a short distance from this historic waterfront venue, making it easy to attend concerts and riverfront events with comfort and convenience at this majestic venue. Whether you’re traveling for a weekend show or a summer concert series, our fully furnished apartments put you at the heart of Detroit’s entertainment district.
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What Is the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre?
The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre is one of Detroit’s premier outdoor venues, seating over 6,000 fans along the banks of the Detroit River. Formerly known as Chene Park Amphitheatre, it was rebranded in 2019 to honor Detroit’s own music icon, Aretha Franklin.
Overview & History
Nestled at 2600 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207, the 6,000-seat amphitheater traces its roots to 1949 when it first opened as a community gathering space known as Chene Park. Over the decades, it has hosted legendary artists and high profile entertainers from Diana Ross and Smokey Robinson to Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran making.
The amphitheatre features a covered pavilion with lawn and chair seating, providing an intimate yet spacious setting for concerts during the warm weather months. In recent years, a capital improvement campaign added three LED screens facing the river, whose panoramic views often feature boaters enjoying the music afloat.
Seating & Capacity
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Pavilion Seating: 1,500 chairs under cover
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Lawn Seating: 4,500 general admission spots
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Total Capacity: 6,000
Seating clusters provide clear sightlines, and guests are advised to arrive early for optimal placement. For VIP experiences, premium pavilions and private boxes offer exclusive views, access to dedicated bars, and restrooms.
How to Get There & Parking
Getting to the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre is straightforward, whether you’re driving, taking public transit, or using a rideshare service.
Directions
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From downtown Detroit: Take I-375 east to I-75 north, exit at Atwater St, and head east to Chene St.
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From Detroit Metro Airport: Follow I-94 east to I-75 north, then as above.
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From the Renaissance Center General Motors Headquarters use the West Detroit Riverwalk.
For real-time directions, use GPS apps such as Waze or Google Maps.
Parking Options
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Secured Parking Lots: Located at Franklin St, Chene St, and Atwater Blvd, each within a 5-minute walk.
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Riverfront Garage: Covered parking with direct shuttle service to the amphitheatre entrance.
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On-Street Metered Parking: Limited spaces along Atwater St and adjacent streets (pay-by-phone enabled).
Parking fees range from $10–$20 for surface lots to $35 for covered garages. Purchase pre-sale parking passes online to secure your spot.
Public Transit & Rideshare
The QLINE streetcar stops at Vernor & Atwater, a 15-minute stroll from the venue. The DDOT bus routes #25 and #80 also serve Atwater St. Rideshare drop-off zones are clearly marked at the main entrance, helping you skip parking woes entirely.
Event Calendar & Box Office
With hundreds of performances each summer, staying on top of the event calendar is key to securing tickets.
Finding Upcoming Shows
Visit the official Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre website and select Event Calendar to filter by date, genre, or artist. Sign up for email alerts to get early announcements and pre-sale codes.
Buying Tickets
Tickets are available through primary vendors like Ticketmaster. Box Office hours are Mon–Fri, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and event days from 10 a.m. until showtime. Cash, major credit cards, and tap-to-pay are accepted.
Pro Tip: Pre-order concessions and merchandise online during your ticket purchase to save time onsite.
Enhancing Your Stay with Detroit Furnished Rentals
After a day of music and Riverfront views, relax in a comfortable rental that feels like home away from home.
Centrally Located Accommodations
Our Detroit Furnished Rentals properties are ideally positioned for easy access to downtown Detroit’s cultural hotspots and entertainment venues. From Corktown to Midtown, our 1-bedroom units and studio lofts ensure you’re never far from the action.
Room Amenities for Event-Goers
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High-speed Wi-Fi: Stream event trailers and connect with friends instantly
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Dedicated Workspaces: Plan your concert weekend with ease
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Fully Equipped Kitchens: Whip up pre-show snacks or late-night meals
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Pet-Friendly Options: Bring your fur-friend along for the adventure
Booking Your Stay
Plan ahead to match concert dates and availability. Visit our Properties page to explore layout options and secure your perfect rental. Early booking often unlocks discounted rates.
Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Visit
The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre location Detroit offers an unforgettable mix of legendary performances, scenic riverfront vistas, and vibrant community spirit. By pairing your concert plans with a stay at Detroit Furnished Rentals, you’ll enjoy the best in comfort and convenience, ensuring you arrive refreshed and ready for the show.
Book your stay today at Detroit Furnished Rentals and experience Detroit like never before.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Where was Aretha Franklin’s home in Detroit?
A1: Aretha Franklin’s former Detroit residence was the Palmer Woods Rose Estate, located near the Detroit Golf Club. Staying with Detroit Furnished Rentals makes it easy to tour historical neighborhoods and learn more about music legends.
Q2: Where is Aretha Franklin buried in Detroit?
A2: Aretha Franklin was laid to rest at Detroit’s Woodlawn Cemetery. Guests often choose our convenient downtown rentals to explore this peaceful site alongside other Detroit landmarks.
Q3: Does the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater have parking?
A3: Yes! The venue offers secured lots on Franklin street, Chene street, and Atwater Blvd. Rideshare drop-off zones and street parking with pay-by-phone also make arrival simple.
Q4: What church did Aretha Franklin attend in Detroit?
A4: As a teenager, Aretha Franklin sang at New Bethel Baptist Church, located at 8439 Linwood St. Our rentals place you within a short drive of Detroit’s famous religious landmarks and cultural attractions.
Q5: What events are held at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre?
A5: The amphitheatre hosts a diverse lineup of live music outdoor concerts, cultural festivals, and community events from May to September. Check the official Event Calendar for up-to-date listings and ticket info.
Book your stay now and dive into the heart of Detroit’s music scene!
