Top Five Hot Spots for Ann Arbor Nightlife

Situated between Detroit and Lansing, Ann Arbor is probably best known for the University of Michigan Medical School, but Ann Arbor also offers a culture as diverse as its students. Museums, clubs, literary venues, and city wide events add to the richly artistic lifestyles of its residents. With festivals such as The Ann Arbor Film Festival, the Hash Bash, The Naked Mile, and The Blues and Jazz Festival, there is something to suit almost any taste.

At the end of a long day, students and non-students alike want to unwind and enjoy the nightlife driven by the musical and artistic culture that has come to define Ann Arbor. Over the years, the city has contributed to many of the musical trends in America. Musicians such as Alice Cooper, Iggy Pop, and Madonna have all called Ann Arbor home. The tradition continues as up and coming bands of all musical styles can be found at the following venues.

The Blind Pig is one of the popular hot spots in Ann Arbor nightlife. Open nightly, they feature dart boards, pool tables, and live music with an edge. Jimi Hendrix and John Lennon have played there in the past. Bands such as Gore Gore Girls and Sway are on their current lineup. Any time you spend at The Blind Pig is bound to be a good time.

If you’re in the mood for live acoustic music, The Ark is the place to go. Known for its coffee house atmosphere, The Ark features both local and international musicians. Past performers include Iggy Pop and Gilda Radner. The current lineup consists of The Chenille Sisters, Shout Sister Shout, and Jill Jack. The Ark has a separate concession area, which offers popcorn, cookies, and soft drinks. They also serve beer and wine, but you must be a member to purchase alcohol. Other events include open stage nights from September through April, and the Ann Arbor Folk Festival each January.

The Firefly Club offers up jazz and blues for your nightlife consumption. Called warm, subdued, and ambient by critics, this club features live music, a full bar, and, of course, a dance floor. They even book private parties. Their most featured musicians include Paul Keller, Los Gatos, and The Easy Street Jazz Band. If you’re looking snappy music and some pub grub, swing into The Firefly Club.

Four in one is what you get when you go to Millennium Club/Club Cavern/Gotham City/Circus Bar & Billiards. Located in the same building, each club has something different to offer. Club Cavern is in the underground level of this old brewery. Patrons enjoy live music by bands such as Lady Sunshine and Killer Flamingos. Millennium Club and Gotham City are on the main floor where DJs spin dance music while videos play on multiple screens. On the second floor, Circus Bar & Billiards features big screen televisions where customers can watch their favorite sports. There is also karaoke Sunday through Thursday, and free pool and jukebox all week long. One price gets you in the door of all four clubs.

To complete your round of Ann Arbor nightlife, don’t forget to stop by The Necto where DJs spin trendy music and patrons enjoy a different theme every night. Each theme has a different style of music and different drink specials. Music styles range from techno and goth to 80s pop and current top 40. Add that to their drink specials and private rooms, and you can’t go wrong.