1679 Best Performing Arts Venues in USA

The Music Society presents folk concerts by artists such as John Gorka, Red Molly, and Cheryl Wheeler at the Peterborough Players Theatre and Bass Hall at Monadnock Center.

The 7,000-seat concert hall was the first on the Strip when it was built as the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts in 1976. Now, it's the only part of the original Aladdin to survive the conversion into Planet Hollywood. It was remodeled in 2013 to host Britney Spears. To create more of a club vibe, a VIP area and two general-admission standing-room areas were added down front. The 2025 calender included durable ventriloquist Jeff Dunham and classic rockers the Scorpions. The balcony isn't used for a lot of the shows, bringing capacity down to a cozier 4,500. 

Well-known artists on tour play at this 10,000-seat hall at the College of William and Mary.

From October to May, the society presents numerous concerts featuring nationally and internationally known musicians. The schedule is packed with pianists, vocalists, and chamber music series, a jazz series, and string recitals. Performances are held in the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, at the American Philosophical Society, and at other locations in the city.

Dedicated solely to jazz, including its history and instruction, the Clef Club boasts a 200-seat theater for live concerts, celebrating both the present and past of Philly jazz.

This modern troupe, also known as PHILADANCO!, is recognized for its innovative performances that meld contemporary and classical forms and the traditions of other cultures, with a particular emphasis on African American dance heritage.

This two-week extravaganza in late October organized by the Philadelphia Film Society is filled with screenings, seminars, and events attended by critics, scholars, filmmakers, and cinema buffs. It's held at various venues around the city.

Formerly the Prince Music Theater, the theater has evolved into a regular venue for movie screenings and the society's fall film festival, though it also hosts concerts, cabaret, opera, comedy, and more.

First held in 1962, the oldest continuously running folk festival in the country takes place each year over three or four days in mid- to late August. Arlo Guthrie, Levon Helm, Trombone Shorty, Doc Watson, Taj Mahal, Joan Baez, and Judy Collins are just a few of the artists who have performed here. You can camp on-site. The festival site is 14 miles north of Valley Forge and 35 miles northwest of Philadelphia.

Considered one of the world's best symphony orchestras, the Philadelphia Orchestra is overseen by the effervescent Yannick Nézet-Séguin. The orchestra's present home is the cello-shaped Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. The 2,500-seat hall is the centerpiece of the performing arts center at Broad and Spruce streets—a dynamic complex housed under a glass-vaulted roof. Orchestra concerts during the September–May season are still among the city's premier social events. In summer the orchestra performs at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts.

Philadelphia and world premieres of works by contemporary American playwrights are performed here. In 2007 the Philadelphia Theatre Company moved to their new permanent home, the 365-seat Suzanne Roberts Theatre on the Avenue of the Arts.

Duncan Phillips's mansion is more than an art museum. On Sunday afternoon from October through May, chamber groups from around the world perform in the elegant Music Room. Plus, on the first Thursday of the month, from 5 to 8:30 pm, the museum offers Phillips After 5, treating visitors to musical performances, food and drink, gallery talks, films, and more.

The resident company at Symphony Hall, the Phoenix Symphony features orchestral works from classical and contemporary composers, a chamber series, composer festivals, and outdoor pops concerts. The season runs September through May.

The eclectic recent bills at this nonprofit-run 1904 structure that debuted as an opera house have included pro wrestling matches, Swiss sludge music practitioners Toast Machine, and a surprise appearance by Jack White and his band.

Across the courtyard from the Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix Theatre Company stages musical and dramatic performances.

Public concerts are part of PianoSummer at New Paltz Festival/Institute, at SUNY New Paltz; Vladimir Feltsman is the program's artistic director.

The spirited companion to Spoleto Festival USA showcases the best in local and regional talent from every artistic discipline. There are as many as 700 events—from jazz performances to puppet shows, chamber music concerts, and expansive art shows in Marion Square—from mid-May through early June. Many of the performances are free or inexpensive, and hundreds of these cultural experiences are kid-friendly.

A lively local favorite since 1977, this community playhouse—open from June through Labor Day weekend—features musical-comedy dinner theater most nights.

Dating back to the early 1970s, this community theater produces classics and original first-run shows. It's set in vintage barn-like building on the Homer Spit.

At the outdoor Pier Six Concert Pavilion there's both pavilion and lawn seating for concerts showcasing top national musicians and groups. Concerts run from June to September.

Billing himself as \"The Loser of America's Got Talent\" fits the droll humor of the British comedy-magician, whose goal of competing on the TV show was to get a berth in Las Vegas. It worked. The magician who stands out for his satin dragon suit, bad attitude, and stoic chihuahua sidekick, Mr. Piffles, keeps the jokes coming as fast as the card tricks, and pulls plenty of recruits from the audience. It's a testament to Piff's popularity that he's moved from the Flamingo's smaller cabaret to its main showroom.

Locals and tourists flock to Riverfront Park over Labor Day for a six-day food fest featuring local fare and nonstop free live music.

This downtown venue presents a wide range of musical events as well as touring theater and dance companies.

This professional company, in residence at the University of Utah, stages classic and contemporary musicals and plays to consistently positive critical acclaim.

The ballet appears at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, which also hosts many Broadway shows.

The opera performs at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts.

The Pittsburgh Public Theater consistently stages quality productions at the O'Reilly Theater, a downtown facility designed by Michael Graves.

The world-class orchestra appears at the Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts.

Each September the town comes alive with the Plains Peanut Festival, which includes a parade, live entertainment, arts and crafts, food vendors, and races. The Carter family continues to be active participants in the various events.

At the end of July, Planet Bluegrass presents RockyGrass—an internationally renowned bluegrass festival that features a combination of legendary artists as well as up-and-comers. The venue—an idyllic outdoor setting under red-rock cliffs on the banks of the St. Vrain River—is also host to FolksFest in August. In addition, Planet Bluegrass's indoor Wildflower Pavilion stages about a dozen concerts in the spring and fall.