
Thunder Bay Theatre
Northeast Michigan's premier year-round professional theatre, offering acclaimed musicals, Shakespeare, and plays in a historic downtown setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warm weather, vibrant shows

Thunder Bay Theatre
Best Time
Warm weather, vibrant shows
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Northeast Michigan's premier year-round professional theatre, offering acclaimed musicals, Shakespeare, and plays in a historic downtown setting.
"The productions here always rival any performance I've seen in much bigger cities and theaters."

🎟️ Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Don't miss out! Secure your seats for musicals & Shakespeare early.
🚶 Explore Historic Downtown
Arrive early to enjoy the charming surroundings of the theatre.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Professional Stage Productions
Main Stage
Experience top-tier musicals, Shakespeare, and classic plays performed by talented professional actors.

Intimate Coffee House Concerts
Coffee House Venue
Enjoy live music from local musicians in a cozy and relaxed setting.

Historic Downtown Location
Downtown Alpena
The theatre's location in a historic building adds to the overall charm and experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Embrace the Historic Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Northern Michigan is the most beautiful part of this country.
🎟️ Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Don't miss out! Secure your seats for musicals & Shakespeare early.
🚶 Explore Historic Downtown
Arrive early to enjoy the charming surroundings of the theatre.
Lake Huron Towns Vs Lake Michigan Towns
Could Port Austin be the Traverse of Michigan’ east coast?
🎶 Check for Local Music
Discover talented local artists at coffee house concerts.
🪑 Be Prepared for Cozy Seating
Some seats can be uncomfortable; consider bringing a cushion.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Don't miss out! Secure your seats for musicals & Shakespeare early.
🚶 Explore Historic Downtown
Arrive early to enjoy the charming surroundings of the theatre.
🎶 Check for Local Music
Discover talented local artists at coffee house concerts.
🪑 Be Prepared for Cozy Seating
Some seats can be uncomfortable; consider bringing a cushion.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Thunder Bay Theatre is widely praised for its exceptionally talented professional actors and high-quality productions, often rivaling those in larger cities. Audiences love the diverse programming, from musicals to Shakespeare, and the charm of its historic downtown location. However, some visitors find the seating to be quite uncomfortable, which can detract from an otherwise excellent experience.
"What an amazing group of theatre performers... the love for their craft showed in each and every show(we saw 3)! If you get a chance...GO! The theatre was amazing and the town beautiful!"
Terri Scheetz
"Great talented theater with new innovations for the arts and culture scene in Alpena. With wonderful plays, local performances, and coffee house concerts featuring local musicians. The theater is becoming a choice of destination if you are a connoisseur of the arts."
Zachary Irving
"TBT is definitely one Alpena's biggest hidden gems. The productions here always rival any performance I've seen in much bigger cities and theaters. From their summer season of musicals, to their Shakespeare productions in the fall, to their Great American Plays in the spring, they offer a wide variety of programming for everyone. I have never been disappointed. The professional actors they bring in blow me away with their talents.
Not to mention TBT is located in a historic building in the heart of downtown. Don't miss a performance at Northeast Michigan's ONLY year round professional theater when you're in Alpena!"
Anne Gentry
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Thunder Bay Theatre is located in the heart of downtown Alpena, Michigan. It's easily accessible by car, with street parking available nearby. If you're coming from out of town, Alpena is accessible via US-23.
Yes, there is typically street parking available in downtown Alpena near the theatre. Availability can vary, especially on performance nights.
Many downtown Alpena hotels are within walking distance of Thunder Bay Theatre, making it a convenient option for lodging and entertainment.
If you're driving, US-23 is the main highway leading to Alpena. Follow signs for downtown Alpena once you arrive in the city.
Public transport options in Alpena are limited. Driving or walking from nearby accommodations are the most common ways to reach the theatre.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Thunder Bay Theatre website, by phone, or in person at the box office. It's recommended to book in advance for popular shows.
Box office hours can vary, but they are generally open during business hours on weekdays and often for a period before showtimes. It's best to check their website or call ahead for the most accurate information.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. Check the theatre's website or inquire with the box office for current offers and eligibility.
While same-day tickets may be available for some performances, it's highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular shows, to guarantee admission and good seating.
Refund and exchange policies can vary. It's advisable to review the theatre's specific terms and conditions when purchasing tickets or contact the box office directly for clarification.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
Thunder Bay Theatre offers a diverse range of professional productions, including musicals, Shakespearean plays, and 'Great American Plays.' They also host coffee house concerts featuring local musicians.
While the performances are highly praised, some audience members have noted that the seating can be uncomfortable. Consider bringing a cushion for added comfort during longer shows.
The theatre is known for its intimate atmosphere and the passion of its performers. It's considered a hidden gem in Alpena, offering a high-quality arts experience.
The theatre offers a variety of programming that can appeal to families, depending on the specific show. It's always a good idea to check the show's content and age recommendations.
Show lengths can vary depending on the production. Intermission is usually included in longer performances. It's best to check the specific show details on their website for estimated run times.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Thunder Bay Theatre itself does not typically offer full dining services. However, its downtown Alpena location means there are numerous restaurants and cafes nearby to enjoy before or after a show.
You'll find a variety of dining options in downtown Alpena, ranging from casual cafes and pubs to more formal dining establishments, offering diverse cuisines.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the theatre. Concessions may be available for purchase during performances.
Many visitors enjoy dining at local Alpena restaurants before attending a performance. Exploring the downtown area will reveal many excellent choices to suit your taste.
While not explicitly stated, some theatres offer a bar service for drinks before the show or during intermission. It's best to check with the theatre directly or look for information on their website.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography and videography are prohibited during performances at Thunder Bay Theatre to avoid distracting the performers and other audience members.
Yes, you are welcome to take photos of the beautiful historic building exterior. It's a charming landmark in downtown Alpena.
The historic architecture of the theatre and the vibrant downtown Alpena area offer good photo opportunities before or after your performance.
The exterior can be lovely at any time, but golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can provide beautiful lighting for photography.
The main entrance and facade of the historic building are particularly photogenic. The surrounding downtown streets also offer a charming backdrop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider attending during the Summer Season for potentially more upbeat and widely appealing musicals, or inquire about any special family-friendly events they might host. The intimate setting of the theatre can make for a memorable experience for younger audience members, provided the show is age-appropriate.
🎭 Arts Enthusiasts & Connoisseurs
Don't miss the opportunity to experience the professional actors who consistently receive accolades for their performances. The historic building itself adds to the ambiance, making each visit a cultural immersion. If you're a connoisseur of the arts, TBT offers a destination-worthy experience that rivals larger city venues.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Gem in Northeast Michigan
The professional actors who perform at TBT are frequently highlighted for their exceptional talent, leaving audiences consistently impressed. Beyond the main stage, the theatre also hosts intimate coffee house concerts featuring local musicians, further enriching the arts and culture scene. The venue itself is a historic building located in the heart of downtown Alpena, adding to its unique charm and appeal.
While the performances receive rave reviews, some patrons have noted that the seating can be uncomfortable. Despite this minor drawback, the overall experience at Thunder Bay Theatre is overwhelmingly positive, with many considering it a must-visit destination for its artistic excellence and community spirit.
Navigating the Performance Schedule
As the seasons change, the Fall Season typically features Shakespearean productions. This allows audiences to experience the timeless works of the Bard in a professional setting. Following this, the Spring Season often showcases 'Great American Plays,' presenting a selection of classic and contemporary American theatrical works. In addition to these mainstage productions, TBT also hosts coffee house concerts, providing a more intimate venue for local musicians to share their talents.
It's advisable to check the official Thunder Bay Theatre website for the most up-to-date schedule, showtimes, and specific performance details. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for the popular summer musicals and Shakespearean plays, as these often sell out quickly.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit