Feel the Magic of Southwest Michigan’s Vibrant Performance Scene

It happens every time in Southwest Michigan. The lights rise and the story leaps from the stage into your heart. From masterful acting to graceful choreography, our live performances envelop you into a world of beauty, emotion and artistry that makes you laugh, gasp, cheer or quietly wipe away a tear. Share these magical moments with family, friends or enjoy it on your own and be part of the next standing ovation.

See Incredible Talent at Local Venues

Southwest Michigan draws amazing talent from captivating actors and side-splitting comedians to spellbinding dancers and inspiring thought-leaders. They come from our hometowns, the Chicago area, across the country and around the globe. The best part? The ticket prices make it easy to treat yourself to show after show throughout the year.

Please join us at these venues located within minutes of your lodging.

Lake Michigan College Mendel Center (Benton Harbor)

The Mendel Center is one of the largest and most versatile performance venues in the region. It features a spacious mainstage theater and a smaller, more intimate theater that is ideal for close-up performances. Come for national and international acts, touring musicians, well-known speakers and community productions. The Mendel is an especially popular place to see spirit-lifting, holiday-themed shows. You won’t be disappointed.

Twin City Players (St. Joseph)

This community theater has been part of the local arts scene for generations. Run by volunteers and supported by a loyal audience, Twin City Players puts on plays and musicals in a classic theater setting where there are no bad seats in the house. The stories will stay with you long after you arrive home.

The Acorn (Three Oaks)

Set inside a former corset factory, The Acorn blends historic architecture with a modern lineup of entertainment. Its intimate space is known for excellent acoustics and a wide range of performances from music and storytelling to comedy and staged readings. The Acorn offers the most extensive lineup of live shows in the area, and the music shows often feature nationally and internationally renowned performers.  It will become your favorite if you love discovering something unexpected in a bohemian-style setting.

Citadel Dance & Music Center (Benton Harbor)

This arts hub brings together dancers, musicians and audiences of all ages. Most of their live performances take place in renovated historic buildings in the Benton Harbor Arts District. Throughout the year, students and professionals present a mix of performances from jazz concerts to classical recitals. 

Signature events include Fly Me to the Moon, a celebration of the golden era of jazz with big band energy, spirited dancing and a club-style atmosphere. Around the holidays, you won’t want to miss A Steamed Nutcracker, an original ballet by Lari Lawrence-Gist, that puts a steampunk twist on the beloved classic. Set to Tchaikovsky’s score and performed live by a professional orchestra, it alternates each season with The Citadel Spectacular, a festive showcase of talent across the center’s programs.

GhostLight Theatre (Benton Harbor)

Also in the Benton Harbor Arts District, GhostLight Theatre is a black-box performance space housed in a renovated industrial building. You sit so close to the action, it’s electrifying.  GhostLight hosts plays, improv comedy, a film festival, cabaret performances, monologues, workshops and community events. Past productions have included The Rocky Horror Show, Cabaret and Much Ado About Nothing. Watch their schedule for this year’s must-see shows.

CPR Dance: Inhale Movement (Stevensville)

This contemporary dance company creates powerful performances that explore themes of wellness, identity and emotion. CPR Dance performs across the region and nationally, often collaborating with other artists to bring thoughtful, expressive works to the stage. Its productions combine technical skill with creative storytelling, offering you a fresh perspective on modern dance.

Live Music

Live theater isn’t the only thing on stage here. For a lineup of concerts and music venues throughout the region, check out the guide to live music in Southwest Michigan.

What to Do Before or After the Show

There’s more to explore before or after a performance. Stroll through downtown districts filled with murals and public art, stop by a local boutique and gallery or grab dinner and drinks nearby. Southwest Michigan makes it easy to turn one event into a full evening of arts and culture.

Creative Connections Challenge

Add a little fun to your arts adventures by joining the Creative Connections Challenge. Check in at participating venues and explore additional performances, galleries, museums and more. It’s a great way to discover the region’s creative side and earn prizes along the way.

Make a Weekend of It

Turn your night out into a full weekend with a stay nearby. Local hotels offer a comfortable place to unwind after the show and give you more time to enjoy the area’s creative energy. Check the events calendar to see what performances are happening during your visit, especially around the holidays.