The Ark
A beloved non-profit venue in Ann Arbor, offering intimate folk & roots music performances with exceptional sound and a strong community feel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel
The Ark
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved non-profit venue in Ann Arbor, offering intimate folk & roots music performances with exceptional sound and a strong community feel.
"One of the best venues where I have ever attended a performance. It's almost like watching an artist in your living room."
🎯 Become a Member First
Membership is required to buy tickets. It's a small fee for access to amazing shows!
🪑 All Seats Are Good Seats
Whether GA or the slightly pricier back section, all seats offer a great view and sound.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Memorabilia Walls
Entrance and main hall
Walls adorned with posters and memorabilia from past legendary performers. A visual journey through music history.
Intimate Live Performances
Main performance hall
Experience acoustic folk, roots, and Americana artists up close in a cozy, 'living room' atmosphere.
Volunteer-Run Community Vibe
Throughout the venue
Feel the warmth of a venue run by passionate volunteers dedicated to music and community.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Membership & Ticketing
Intimate Venue Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Become a Member First
Membership is required to buy tickets. It's a small fee for access to amazing shows!
🪑 All Seats Are Good Seats
Whether GA or the slightly pricier back section, all seats offer a great view and sound.
🎶 Check the Curated Lineup
The Ark is known for its excellent taste in booking talented folk and roots artists.
🍻 Enjoy Wine & Beer
Grab a drink to enhance your listening experience in this intimate setting.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Become a Member First
Membership is required to buy tickets. It's a small fee for access to amazing shows!
🪑 All Seats Are Good Seats
Whether GA or the slightly pricier back section, all seats offer a great view and sound.
🎶 Check the Curated Lineup
The Ark is known for its excellent taste in booking talented folk and roots artists.
🍻 Enjoy Wine & Beer
Grab a drink to enhance your listening experience in this intimate setting.
⏳ Arrive Early for GA
For General Admission, arriving early secures the best table or seat.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Ark for its intimate atmosphere, exceptional sound quality, and the passion of its volunteer staff. It's lauded as a premier listening room for folk and roots music, offering a unique, community-focused experience that feels like a personal concert. While tickets can sell out quickly, the overall experience is highly rewarding.
"David Cook (Sept 2nd, 2025)
Venue was cool, very relaxed vibe. Walked in and the walls were lined with historic memorabilia, Great Big Sea and Arlo Guthrie posters from their Ann Arbor performances.
Cook played a great show. Exceeded expectations! A few covers and lots of originals. Purple Rain was a highlight forsure."
Ben Kwasnik
"I saw Eric Johanson here on 6/2. This is one of the best venues where I have ever attended a performance. It's almost like watching an artist in your living room, with better sound and lighting. The volunteer staff are cheerful and efficient. There is a real sense of community here. I will have to check out other artists who will play here and look into becoming a volunteer myself."
Mike Brennen
"What a work of love Ann Arbor has here! The friendly volunteers start and end the story of their concert venue club. All of this takes place in the heart of the restaurant and bar-filled area of U of M town. Excellent talent stops here to give an intimate concert to happy fans all at a fair price, especially with today's ticket prices. Do yourself, and your friends, a favor and experience this face-to-face music experience."
Fitz Crawford
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ark is located in downtown Ann Arbor, a vibrant area with plenty of restaurants and bars. It's easily accessible by car, with several parking garages nearby. Public transportation options are also available within Ann Arbor.
Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options in the downtown Ann Arbor area. It's advisable to check parking availability and rates in advance, especially on event nights.
If you're staying in or near downtown Ann Arbor, walking to The Ark is a great option. The area is very walkable and enjoyable to explore.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, The Ark is a non-profit venue that requires a membership to purchase tickets. Membership fees are reasonable and support the venue's mission.
Tickets can be purchased online through The Ark's official website. Due to the intimate nature of the venue and high demand for popular artists, shows often sell out quickly.
The Ark offers a mix of General Admission (GA) seating and reserved seating in the back center section. All seats provide a good view and sound experience. GA is first-come, first-served for tables and seats.
Yes, ticket prices vary depending on the artist and seating section. The GA tickets are typically less expensive than the reserved back-center seats, but all offer a great experience.
It's highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance, as most shows sell out before the event date. Door sales are rare and depend on availability.
🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience
The Ark specializes in acoustic folk, roots, Americana, and singer-songwriter genres. They are known for curating excellent lineups featuring both established and emerging artists.
The Ark offers a very intimate and relaxed atmosphere, often described as feeling like you're in an artist's living room. It's a listening room where the focus is on the music and the shared experience.
Yes, The Ark offers wine and beer sales to members. While they don't serve full meals, the downtown Ann Arbor area has numerous dining options nearby.
The Ark strives to be accessible. It's advisable to contact them directly regarding specific accessibility needs for seating or entry.
The Ark is renowned for its exceptional sound quality. They employ experienced engineers who ensure the best possible audio experience for every performance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🎶 Music Aficionados
🤝 Community-Minded Visitors
📅 Day-Trippers to Ann Arbor
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ark's Unique Community Model
The venue's commitment to its mission is evident in every aspect, from the carefully curated artist lineups to the focus on providing an exceptional listening experience. It's more than just a concert hall; it's a hub for music lovers and a testament to what a community can achieve when passionate about preserving and promoting artistic expression.
An Intimate Listening Experience
This dedication to the listening experience means that the audience is encouraged to be respectful of the performers, creating a special connection between the artist and the fans. The venue's acoustics are meticulously managed by experienced engineers, ensuring that the nuances of acoustic folk, roots, and Americana music are beautifully rendered.
A Hub for Folk and Roots Music
Visitors frequently highlight the quality of the performances, noting that even opening acts are exceptionally good. This attention to detail in booking ensures a high-caliber musical experience from start to finish. Whether you're a long-time fan of a particular artist or looking to discover new sounds, The Ark's programming is sure to impress.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit