1679 Best Performing Arts Venues in USA

Since 1982 this company has been staging the fluid and gorgeous ballets of choreographer and founder Alonzo King, sometimes in collaboration with top-notch global musicians and visual artists. Ballets incorporate both classical and modern techniques, with experimental set design, costumes, and music. The San Francisco seasons are in spring and fall with performances at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

This elaborate theater with towering minarets and desert murals was built by the Shriners in 1926. Dubbed "the Mosque," a name still retained by locals, the theater sits just west of downtown, and is known for its excellent acoustics and for having the largest permanent proscenium stage on the East Coast. The Altria hosts the road versions of Broadway shows, symphony performances, ballet, children's theater, concerts, and fashion shows.

Many major events take place at this conveniently located arena, which sits near Downtown Tampa in the Channelside district. The Tampa Bay Lightning call this spot home, but the 670,000-square-foot venue hosts at least 150 special events each year—mostly musical ones.

Making its debut in August 2008, this annual two-day festival in Dunkirk celebrates New York State wines. Other attractions are a farmers' market, music, and homemade foods and crafts. Events take place at the county fairgrounds.

Up to 50,000 motorcycle enthusiasts flock to the Lake George area for this multiday event held in early June. Activities include an exposition with hundreds of vendors and a huge motorcycle parade.

The biggest touring musical acts set up stage at this arena designed by David M. Schwarz. The arena, home to the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and the NHL's Dallas Stars, is the centerpiece of burgeoning Victory Park, an area filled with tony restaurants, clubs, and shops. Tours are available at 10:30 am Monday, Wednesday, and Friday when there are no scheduled events.

One of the nation's leading regional theater companies presents about eight plays a year, from classics to contemporary works, often in repertory. The season runs from early fall to late spring into summer. In December ACT has staged Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol for more than 40 years.

This internationally known festival, held annually in June and July, brings contemporary dance performances to various locations throughout town. Classes for all levels and disciplines are offered year-round to the public at the Samuel L. Scripps Studios ( 721 Broad St.).

This 1,600-seat theater presents live concerts with big-name acts such as Trisha Yearwood and Bonnie Raitt, plus full-scale original musical productions, including an annual Christmas show. Tribute shows are big here, as are oldies performances; there is also a children's theater program.

Experience Shakespeare's plays the way the Elizabethans did at the world's only re-creation of the bard's indoor playhouse, which has gained acclaim for its attention to detail. Unlike the open-air Globe Theatre styled around a courtyard, this theater was, in its time, an innovative indoor winter venue. As in 17th-century London, most seating consists of benches (modern seat backs and cushions are available), and some stools are right on stage.

The 12,000-capacity Ameris Bank Amphitheatre is situated on 45 acres 22 miles north of Downtown Atlanta. The venue hosts a variety of pop, country, and classical acts, including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Formerly the Dunkin' Donuts Center, and now dubbed "The Amp," this 14,000-seat arena hosts major rock, R&B, country, and other musical acts, as well as Providence College basketball games and the American Hockey League's Providence Bruins.

This intimate performance venue—look for the retro marquee outside the Hutton Hotel—hosts multi-genre entertainment throughout the week. Mood lighting, crushed velvet curtains, and comfortable seating options add to the chill vibe.

The September festival honors the film and television actor with a parade, art show, and an impressive rodeo and incorporates a Route 66 element with car shows and live music.

Foreign, independent, and specialty films are screened here. Despite its (six) tunnel-like theaters, small screens, and the occasionally audible subway rumble below, it's usually packed with cinephiles. Get a snack at the café while you wait for your movie to be called.

stages a mix of musicals and plays outdoors (May–September), including occasional works by local playwrights.

Castine's hub for visual and performing arts hosts exhibitions, literary events, workshops, panel discussions, and film screenings. The organization works to support local artists and connect them with everyone in the community.

The three-day show in early August has a different theme each year. You can view boats on land and water and participate in activities hosted by the Antique Boat Museum. The event concludes with an antique-boat parade on the St. Lawrence River.

Home to the Portland Center for Performing Arts, this hall contains Dolores Winningstad, Newmark, and Brunish theaters and is across the street from the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

Formed in 1872, the Apollo Chorus of Chicago is one of the country's oldest oratorio societies. Don't miss the annual Handel's Messiah if you're here in December. Otherwise, the group performs choral classics throughout the year at area churches.

Founded in 2010, this orchestra is made up of D.C.'s finest freelance classical musicians. Their main purpose is to provide free classical orchestra performances to local communities in D.C. Performing all over the city, this is one of the best classical music experiences in the area.

The largest operating theater in Uptown, the Aragon has played host to hundreds of national touring acts over the decades, including legends like the Rolling Stones and U2. The Aragon can pack in fans by the thousands, while smaller acts play at the nearby Riviera Theater and Lakeview's Vic Theater.

The Arden, formed in 1988, is known for premiering new works and offering a mix of classic drama, comedy, and musicals, with a special affinity for the works of Stephen Sondheim; the company has won many local Barrymore Awards. Its home is in Old City.

In August, the Cowboy Poets Gathering at Yavapai Community College brings together campfire bards and cowboy musicians from around the country.

Phoenix's high-tech, state-of-the-art entertainment venue morphs from an intimate Broadway stage setup to a concert hall seating 5,000. There are great views from almost every seat.

A Wednesday-night chamber-music series is hosted by the Arizona Friends of Chamber Music at the Leo Rich Theater in the Tucson Convention Center from October through April. There's also a music festival the first week of March.

This company stages an opera season in both Tucson and Phoenix. The Phoenix season runs from October to March at Symphony Hall and the Herberger Theater.

This Phoenix-based company puts on five major productions each year at the Tucson Convention Center's Music Hall.

Outstanding performances by students occur throughout the academic year at this University of Arizona theater.

Come for classic fair fun, including a petting zoo, farm animals, and a rockin' concert stage every October.