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Performing Arts & Theater

Our Venues

While Mother Nature always puts on a show, the Keweenaw’s collection of performing arts and theater venues know a thing or two about entertainment. From live music and theater productions to unique ensembles and traditional storytelling, we’ve got something to capture your attention. 

Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts

The Keweenaw is home to the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts at Michigan Tech. At a seating capacity of 1,067 and 80,000 square feet, it’s the largest performing arts venue in the Upper Peninsula and attracts talent from around the globe to perform in Houghton for students, community members and visitors. 

Two ballerinas dance across the stage at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts
The Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts in a state of the art facility that features world-class acts.

Historic Venues

Several historic venues have been preserved, restored, or tastefully transformed into modern facilities and host talented musicians and performers from near and far. These beautiful venues encourage storytelling and have become gathering spots for individuals interested in creative arts. 

The Continental Fire Co. & Bonfire

The Continental Fire Co & Bonfire Restaurant in Houghton is a perfect example of how a historic space can be elegantly converted into a beautiful modern venue. This 160+ year old brick building is lined with history. Not only was it Houghton’s original fire hall, but Michigan Mining School (now Michigan Technological University) also held its first classes here. This modernized venue now hosts upbeat dance club nights, local musicians, and karaoke while preserving the history of the site. 

The Orpheum Theater

The Orpheum Theater opened in 1910 in Hancock as a vaudeville theater and began showing movies in the 1920’s. This venue’s lived many lives throughout the years, but it has always maintained its original vaudeville character. Today, the Orpheum Theater hosts a variety of talented musicians in small stage setting where the mood can change intimate to lively at the drop of a beat. 

Exterior of Historic Orpheum Theater at Night

The Calumet Theater

Calumet Theatre is the oldest municipally owned theater in the country. You can feel this building’s history when you experience its architectural details, intricate paintings, and built-in acoustics. This Michigan Historic Site was the original home of The Red Jacket Jamboree, an old-time variety show, and featured some of the country’s biggest stars in the early 1900’s. Today, the Calumet Theatre continues to offer a quality entertainment experience while preserving the historic character of the theatre. 

Check out our events calendar and enjoy a live performance in one of these incredible venues while you’re here. 

After traveling miles of Lake Superior coast … rocketing down rugged, calorie-burning hills … hiking to roaring waterfalls … skiing down twisty…