We attended a Christmas Carol experience at Harpos and the production was wonderful! The five staff members hosting the event were also the actors and serving the beverages throughout the experience, which blew me away. They truly worked so hard to make it a fun and memorable experience, and I highly recommend the event! As for the venue itself, the location felt a little questionable but we felt safe during the event. As we walked back to our car we noticed they had a Security truck monitoring their back parking lot, which was nice to see. The inside of the venue is a bit rundown, and has a smoky smell. I think this could be a beautiful place if they put in some work to modernize it. read more

See all

If anyone has read any of my reviews- I love old, quirky places & venues! Try basically anything once. This harpos experience was SAD . A play put on by fever - who I have bought tickets from many times before. They should be ashamed to be associated with this Christmas carol play. A kerosene heater in lobby - such strong gas odor. No other heat in building. Beyond filthy 45 year old soiled carpets. Uneven floors , basically no lights.at least 4 people fell. Filthy everywhere- ceiling falling down in places, etc. the alleged play - seen grade school plays better than this. Supposed to be 90 minutes. 3-maybe 4 performers would take dimly lit stage - acoustics sucked for 5 minutes- take 20 minute break - serve 150 people included cocktails.- then come back 4 five more minutes. A 20 minute farce - for $55 per ticket TEAR THE PLACE down ! read more

See all

In short... it was an "experience" save your time and money on this SAD production-The End! To elaborate... at least there's some parking behind the building in this area of Detroit is a little bit sketch, was grateful I picked a day show! The venue I don't think it has been updated since it's been built, the ceilings were fallen off. Paint was chipped. It smelt like mildew. The atmosphere is dark there-- literally and figuratively... there is a "disco floor" that has a step up and if you're not careful, you could miss it and fall. many have fallen. My group opted to sit up higher to be able to see the full stage. There was a whole four or five people that conducted the Christmas Carol story AND serve the drinks to the audience. With that being said, it was like 10 minutes for the play and then a 20 minute intermission back-and-forth for the whole hour and a half... I think there was actually maybe more intermission than show. I cannot forget to mention that there is no heat in the building, I literally kept my coat and scarf on for the full production. Now for the drinks if I was looking to have only drinks I would definitely go somewhere else, three of the four were not bad-the third drinks with the cider nobody in my group could drink. It was so sweet. It was almost like candy corn. Now the four actors or staff if we will did their best with what they had to work with. Let's just say my Christmas Carol fix is not complete for this season. read more

See all

It was nice vibes inside. I was there for a show. People I heard about from out of town that was from Detroit was performing.

Looks CLOSED, yet I see concert listings in sept/oct; mostly old metal bands, good area/venue for that.. Don't be stupid and aimlessly wander around this East end of Detroit. For out of towners this section of Detroit is an eye opener, plus depressing. The abandoned homes, businesses, prostitutes in the pouring rain, sad how this area sits today, bleak. Harpos has a beautiful sign, like a mirage in the distance amongst all the destruction. read more

See all

Harpos needs to updated. Half of the ceilings and walls are falling apart, The bathrooms are horrible,plumbing, no A/C it was so hot in there I'm surprised no one fell out from heat exhaustion. I love the wrestling event I was there to see but those type of conditions can put those athletes in danger. Carpet has never been changed. It's a death pit waiting to happen. Someone needs to either tear it down and start over from scratch and make more modern for today's times. read more

This place needs to just be knocked down. Ladies bathroom had puddle of water on the ground. So we're just walking in and out the bathroom through puddles. Half of the Bathrooms don't even flush. There must not be any heat because there's no hot water and it was cold. While the concert was getting started a piece of ceiling fell down. Thank god it didn't hit anyone! This venue needs a lot of upgrading or just tear it down. read more

This was my first "summer" harpos experience, and sadly it will be my last. At 30$ a head you would think this place could at least spring for some fans!!!! Nope!!! I was there this past weekend for Dope, Devil Driver, and StaticX. Harpos books some GREAT shows from some of the heaviest bands putting out music! It's a bit hard to enjoy them when it's LITERALLY 103 degrees inside with ZERO air circulation. Add to that the thick smoke stench, lack of toilet paper, overflowing toilets and lack of security and the whole thing is a hot hellish mess! Walking through the metal detectors at one of their biggest events of the year from a ticket sales standpoint and person after person is setting off the metal detector! Not one request to empty pockets or secondary wanding . You could feel the heat roll out the front doors as soon as you step inside. It was suffocating! We saw ONE fan (unless you count the ones being used by the bartenders who were serving drinks in their underwear thanks to the heat) or the ones staff at the mercy table were using. When the main act stops to bitch about the heat MAYBE it's time to upgrade a few things. Unfortunately Harpos is one of the only metal venues of this capacity for miles and miles. I'm shocked bands still want to book here! I've heard the legends of the extreme heat and cold but this was my first time experiencing it. read more

Harpos - Music Venues Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

After the recent change in management, and extensive renovations, I could hardly tell it was the same place anymore. The beer prices are more reasonable than they used to be. Now the plumbing works in the bathrooms and they are spotless without any trace of garbage or bodily waste. Management is no longer miserly enough to keep the heat off, so the great room does not have any drafts the way it used to be. Car windows are still intact after returning to the parking lot, because of the heightened security which the establishment previously was unwilling to pay for. Oh who am I kidding, nothing has changed. Stay out of this festering shithole. read more

This place is a rite of passage for suburban kids who think they're "street," and it's really REALLY funny to watch them here. I love this place. I've seen a lot of great bands here - Type O Negative! Cradle of Filth! - but there's a few things I have to get off my chest about the place. First, I never understood why they have one of those disco light-up dance floors. Isn't this a metal bar? Still, if you wanted to do a Smooth Criminal across it, you could. It might get you beat up... but you still could. The bathrooms are horrible. Hold it as long as you can. Drinks are so cheap that any advice telling you to hold it is pointless. The pit is rough. Girls beware. Guys, you're going to have a long and hard night ahead of you if you plan to stay in it. I've seen titan-sized men get carried out of it; it was this sight that made me realize that watching from the rail is probably my best bet. My very last piece of advice would seem to be bad at first, but hear me out; do not park in the Harpo's lot under any circumstances. The majority of the problems anyone would have here would be in this very location! Park across the street, down the street... anywhere but in the Harpo's lot. It's like a giant beacon inviting trouble into your life. read more

In a word- shady...This place is the definition of the word. It's filled with lots of skinhead-looking types lurking around...located in a sketchy part of town.... I saw Clutch here before, along with a couple of other less noteworthy musical acts....definitely a dive... The drinks are way overpriced (I'm sure that my crappy draft beer was at least $7) and very limited.. This place is putrid... Watch your drink or it might get drugged... it appears that neither the heat/AC functions properly (so freeze your ass off in the winter and swelter in the summer), and apparently neither does the plumbing... Beware the taint of society hanging around...dash to your car parked on the street as you run for your life from the criminal elements roaming the city... you know, it actually gives "dives" a bad name... read more

I saw a Ronnie James Dio here about 20 years ago. It was a great show but the place at that time was an absolute shit hole. The carpets were sticky and the bathrooms were nasty. It looks like somethings never change. read more

Hey guess what?! Detroit can be a rally fucking mean place when it wants to be. What do I remember about Harpos? Everyone pointing out the various locations where people got stabbed, shot or murdered. And I mean around the building. Like I went to take a leak behind a dumpster and someone said, "hey that singer from (so and so band) got stabbed there and bled to death." At my most vulnerable moment I replied, "oh really?" They replied, "Yeah no one could hear him calling for help because the other band was playing..." What do I say to that? I was pissing where a guy died. Other than that Harpos had a lot of really nice space to park and load... Oh and a stage that was like ten feet high. I was getting scared of heights for real. The stage was plenty big but the way I run around and the inevitability that one of us will spill water on the hard wood stage spells disaster. Here's the thing about Detroit though... It may get super sketchy real fast but honestly ten minutes down the road and you end up in safe and sound suburbs just like any other city. So Detroits rad in it's own way. Like wild mood swings. read more

It's been years since I've been to Harpos and it will be many more years till I even think of going again. Maybe there was a reason why this place closed and it should've probably should have stayed closed. Let's start with maybe at least turning on the heat so you don't freeze out the people who are paying to come see shows here. Or maybe even updating the interior where they have usable tables and chairs to sit on while trying to enjoy a concert. Maybe even upgrade the floors that look like they've been there since the 80s. The new owners for sure did not put any money into this place to make it a better venue or even a workable venue. Why would I spend $30 for a ticket to see some band here when it looks like a dump. I will say the lady at the I guess you call it a snack bar here was very polite. They serve Little Caesars pizza as food if your hungry. They have spots set up for three bars yet they only use one of them. This place needs a real remodel from the owner or maybe just be shut down and let the past be the past. I personally would never come back here to see any show ever again as long as they don't take care of the building that needs taken care of. Just unfortunately an owner who doesn't care about his own business. read more

See all

Harpo's has been around and has been called various name throughout the years it originally at one point was a theater I believe it was built in the 1930s. Then it was converted into a disco. And one time my father worked here as a bouncer met my mother here. Like a lot of people said in the previous reviews this was known as the kids from the suburbs Rite of Passage to Detroit. They had a bad reputation for a lot of skinheads and a lot of people getting hurt in the mosh pit not to mention all the cars stolen that were broken into during the course of time it has been opened. So if you come here make sure you know where you're going... you don't want to look like you're lost when you're here. It has been under construction for years tearing up the carpet installing new plumbing and trying to make everything back to normal I believe at one point they had to file chapter 7 and it was taken over by different owner but if you still check the website today they are still doing their hardcore heavy metal rock bands and tickets start around twenty bucks. So if you have a heart and the liking for heavy metal definitely check their website out and see if they have your favorite band playing. I've even heard at one point Snoop Dogg Tupac and Outkast have even played at this location this definitely is a historical marker in Detroit that is came along way. Its a rite of passage if you are a detroiter if you're afraid to venture Beyond 8 Mile stay away!!! This place is for the experienced Detroit lifestyle only :-) read more

The Stage is cool as fuck, but holy shit did the sound SUCK!!! The right side of the house system kept cutting in and out through out the whole show. Hey FOH Engineer... quit being such an ass-hole and take the time to know your system. I didn't have any trouble with bums or parking but I have in the past. My suggestion... wait 'till they sell the place (who would pay $649,000 for that turd) before going to see any shows there. Huge thumbs down Harpo's!!! read more

Disgusting, but the best place to rock your face off! They would get 4 stars if they hired people to keep up with the bathroom - or installed more bathrooms. Just don't use them. drinks aren't bad priced, people are interesting. It's a bad area, but security is watching your cars. too many people smoking all different kinds of things insides, but it was all expected at a hard rock/metal show. Don't go if you can't handle the grunge and roughness of it. read more

I have been going to Harpo's since the late 80's and it still has the same carpet. (you can tell because of all the gum stains on the floor), and the fact that you stick to the floor is a good indication that they have not replaced the carpet. The bathroom stalls do not close, but that is the fun of Harpo's. (carry hand sanatizer if you wish) I love to headbang, and I have gotten in many mosh-pits (I am 4' 10") so don't be a woose and you will have a great time. Yes it is in Detroit, but if you stay away from the "rif-raff" you should be fine. (You might want to carry mace) but I never have and I have never had a problem. I just went there May 19, 2011 to see Alien Feedback, and Bender. They have 2 stages and cheap drinks so it is always a good time. Just make sure you have a designated driver or never walk the streets alone and you will get back to your suburb unharmed. Enjoy the bands and as for the disco-floor, they used to have music you can dance to inbetween bands. The girls were half dressed and now it is just all the long haired guys that we used to hang with back in the 80's HARPO'S STILL ROCKS AND I WILL GO BACK ANYTIME!!!!! read more

First of all:: Do not pee. If you have to go to the bathroom, you'd better hold it in as long as you can, fucker. Or go outside and pee. Or pee in a cup. Shit's gross as fuck. I do not understand the random disco lightup floor near the bar. Stage is pretty high up and kinda hurts your neck after a bit of craning, but it's all good. The last band I saw there was Korpiklaani and they were gods. But even the sweat of the crowd couldn't overcome the smell of rat piss. All in all, if I ever go to a concert at Harpo's again, I will be wrapped in plastic wrap to avoid touching anything ever. read more

The Good: I have been going there for 18 years to see Metal shows, and trust me when I say I've seen (and done!) it all there! I've seen Slayer, Slipknot, Prong, Limp Bizkit (before anyone knew who the hell they were!), Gwar, Soulfly, Suicidal Tendencies, Killswitch Engage, Biohazard, Clutch, etc. there. It is, by far, the best Metal venue in Detroit. The drinks are cheaper than you'll find them at any other venue, and pretty much anything goes. The Bad: It is in a really sh*tty neighborhood, in a really sh*tty part (the East side) of a really sh*tty city (The "D"). The parking sucks at high-profile shows and its not uncommon to hear gunshots while waiting in line to enter the building. That said, I've been going down there since I was 14 and the worst that's ever happened to me outside the building is my friend's car got the windshield smashed out. Not bad for being there over 100 times. Inside the building its just grimy. The bathrooms are ridiculously disgusting. Guys, just wade through the water and piss on the floor to the urinals, ladies hover, and everyone pray that you don't have to "drop a deuce"! Its stupid dark in there, so leave the shades outside unless you're actually blind. Also, for some reason there is a sizable skinhead population in the "D". If you are long haired, or brown skinned, you'd best be tough. I have a shaved head and tattoos and they beat on me in the pit. I guess its just how those morons say "hello". I've actually been punched in the jaw by one as he introduced himself, then hugged me. The pits there are tough, and the floor is slippery. I was there 3 weeks ago and hit the floor no less than 5 times thanks to some assh*le spilling beer all over the floor. That said, there's absolutely no other place I'd rather see a show! read more

I went to Harpos for the first time last night to see Otep. I read everyones reviews on here before going, so I figured I'd post one too. You walk through a metal detector to get in. They don't pat you down or anything. You can tell its an old building when you walk in, but for a concert who in the hell cares. Yes, everyone is right, the bathrooms are fucked. Don't use if you don't have too. I went early in the night and had to squat over it because I would not sit on it. They got really nasty, really quick after that. The doors don't lock either, so if that bothers you don't use it. I was told the mens bathroom doesn't have doors at all, so men if you have to shit, I hope you're not shy! lol I didn't have a problem with any of the people there, but like other reviews say there were a lot of people who thought they were way harder than they were. One guy challenged anyone to the mosh pit, and the first time he got knocked over he ran away lol If you're not into moshing, you don't have too. In front of the stage is the pit, then there are tables and chairs and stuff the rest of the way back. The bar was pretty good. Stale beer, but great mixed drinks. $4 a beer or mixed drink, $3 for just pop. I didn't have any problem with parking, or leaving. No security issues. I'm not saying to leave valuables in your car or anything like that, but my car wasn't touched. They had security in the parking lot when I was leaving. One of the only things I didn't like was the no smoking. I've always heard they didn't care, and last night they were cracking down on it. Everyone ended up having to smoke in the bathrooms because you can't go outside. read more

I haven't been to harpos in 25 years, So I was pleasantly surprised to see that the decor was exactly the same as it was back then, same carpet, same tables, same toilets. It was a rather nostalgic look back into the early 80s. Its so nice when these venues care enough about the patrons to not change anything ever. I was also excited about the ticket price (15$) for Michael Shenker being almost double (25$) at the door, trying to recoup for lack of promo I guess. Dont bother trying to go check on your vehicle They will just charge you a re-entry fee, I guess Thats to cover the cost of security in the parking lot. read more

I understand from friends that Harpo's is in the hood. I didn't feel unsafe walking to and from the car though. I still wouldn't recommend hanging around the area with no agenda. Park, go in, party, leave. Once inside, the place lives up to its reputation immediately and never lets you forget. It's a complete shithole front to back side to side, which for a heavy metal bar isn't a bad thing, so there's that. I have to draw the line at the restroom. Did people just give up on the urinals and start pissing everywhere else instead? Some poor guy asked me if I thought it was safe to drink the tap water from the sink and I told him I wasn't even going to wash my hands in it. Also, the place kinda gave up on the no smoking indoors thing, which is great for the smokers in the house. I quit a few years ago so I wasn't digging that. This morning I have a nagging throat thing from all the smoke. It was a packed house for ICP/Esham, so I can't knock that they oversold. It was hell just getting a shit beer. The bartender was really hot though, so it's ok. That's actually why I'm giving Harpo's 2 stars instead of -999999 Between the smoke everywhere, the restroom, the cheap beer, and everything that went into Juggalo Day 2016, my clothes smell like a night in Tijuana. My experience at Harpo's in Detroit was one I needed to have for that day in the future when someone asks me about best/worst experiences at a concert. read more

If Cradle of Filth comes back though I'll go. Maybe Dimmu Borgir, Slayer, Genitorturers. It's rough, it's Harpos. Never had a problem in the parking lot. I've walked the streets down there hours before a show, eating at a mom and pop coney type thats closeby, and drinking a pop on a curb outside the liquor store the other way. No troubles. read more

Went back last week, and noticed they managed to crank their beer price up AGAIN. Seriously, WTF. How do you charge $4 in that dungeon for a plastic cup of watery tap drippings, when Foran's doesnt even charge that much for gourmet beer? Yall need to check yourselves. This ain't fuckin Midtown, get a grip. Until they start patting people down at the door again, I'll be crotching a flask every time i come in here from now on. AND HOLY SHIT, i just remembered they also jacked up their ticket price too ...$30 to see Gwar? I'm pretttttty sure it was still $20 last year. You got to be OUT your %$#@ing minds. We noticed that there is now VERY NOTICEABLE roof damage--even though the interior lighting is kept very low (undoubtedly to hide the shittiness of the place), I could see several spots where the ceiling has begun to rot from major roof leakage. I mean, far be it from me to complain that Harpo's is ugly, since that is part of the experience, but if youre going to jack up your ticket prices by 30% it better be to start a roof-repair fund. I would be more than willing to pay a little extra for that. But somehow, i don't get the feeling that's what's going on. I get the feeling that the owners are milking it for all it's worth so they can scram back to St Clair Shores with the $$$ when the place is finally condemned in the near future. read more

It's a sh*thole. Little if anything has changed since the 80's when I first went there. It's like a frickin' time capsule. I've seen dozens and dozens of bands here, most on their way up, or way down. Either way, it's a great place to see a rock or metal show. It is disgustingly dirty and the surrounding area is super sketchy. The smell of death and vomit and things unknown fill the air. Wouldn't want it any other way. read more

Years ago we learned that the restrooms were best used on Thursday right after they opened as they were only cleaned once per week. After that you'd better wear water (piss) proof footwear as you'll wade through it on your way to find a toilet, sink, or trash can that's not overflowing with urine and excrement. My advice is to just stand at a table and discretely piss under it. read more

This place has not changed since 1980s. No heat in the building but the price is great for a show. The bartenders have been here since 1989. Park in the back but come early. Normal price for drinks and pizza is available too. Smoking is still aloud here. Aaaggggg! read more

Yes, its a dump. BUT that is part of the fun. Anything goes !!! I have been going there for over 20 years. Seen great shows like Gwar, ICP, Sebastin Bach, disturbed. Great prices for concerts, but beware of bathrooms lol. read more

So I accidentally bought tickets to the wrong event. Immediately I contacted the venue and advised what I had done. They explained to me NO REFUNDS NO TRANSFERS. Meaning they will not exchange tickets for the correct event. Now the only option for delivery was will call. Guess what this means I can not sell the tickets either. What a racket. Will never try to attend an event here again. read more

I love this place!! Been going there since 1998. Seen great bands. Saw them before they became "big". Stone Sour, Seether, Kittie, GWAR. And seen Dope more times than I can count. Sure it's a little ghetto , but I mean it is Detroit. lol They did put a metal detector in after the shooting of Dimebag of Pantera. But that didn't even happen there! Just for "security" I guess. In case it happen again. So because of this it does take a little longer to get into the venue. Never had any problems. Love coming here. Has a great mosh pit area to have fun while listen to some great heavy metal! Cheap tickets and drinks. Highly recommend coming. You may get some yelling from people in cars passing by when your in the long line to get in, but it's not bad. The one thing I will complain about is the money you have to pay for parking. So some guy who says goes for "safer parking". So he can make sure someone or something bad doesn't happen to your car. My question is....who's watching him?! But overall Harpos is a classic. It's a passage in order to consider yourself a metal fan. read more

Get place to go to a show I drive from Fort Wayne to go to harpo's love the shows there

This dive doesn't even deserve one star. From the beginning.. Parking is shit and you are left to park in a narrow area without an attendant to guide or direct you. Then you find out you're standing in the freezing cold an hour longer then needed cause there is only one guy who could give two shits about his job letting people in as they pass through a metal detector. Walk in to a poorly lit smelly place that is need of some serious cleaning. I love the idea of a dive bars and the people along with the bands that play in them. But i'm also all for heat. This place was literally just as cold inside as it was outside. The only thing colder was the watered down beer served by people who don't take credit cards and only give singles for change regardless of the tender given. I didn't even stay to see the band I wanted to see it was so bad and of course they won't refund the money. Don't go!!! read more

You need a shot of penicillin to walk in the door and another to use the bathroom. The whole building smells of stale urine, probably because people were too afraid to use the actual bathroom. It's like 12 degrees outside, so we definitely needed to wear a coat to stand in line. They had a coat check, but it wasn't open. At first I was annoyed... But then I realized there was no heat in the building and I would actually need my coat the whole time. The bartenders look like their souls died (possibly froze to death) and hate their lives. They don't take credit cards, and also don't have enough change in the register for you to pay with a $20. I don't care how much you like local bands or washed up rock bands of the late 90s. It's not worth paying $30 per ticket for such terrible experience. read more

I have seen some great shows here. Also plenty of terrible ones. Harpo's is a really grimey concert theater in a really bad area. The inside is dirty as all shit and the people who work here are usually assholes. They also have just straight up not paid some national acts and or don't meet their gurantee. I come here when a good lineup does. Be safe and be careful about parking. Like I said, it's a bad area. Good/strong long island's though ! read more

this is a great place to see mostly metal music. i saw Kittie and it was an awesome venue. the prices are not too high i think i saw Kittie for like 25. its got some seats but a big floor where you can dance or mosh. if you like metal this is the place for you read more

This is probably the most genuine venue that reflects the music played there. It's dirty and dangerous, which describes heavy metal perfectly. I've seen several concerts there including Iced Earth, Testament (twice), Anthrax, BLS, Death Angel. I forget who else I might have gone to see there specifically. If you want you and your vehicle to stay relatively safe, arrive and leave when the masses arrive and leave and DO NOT leave anything of value visible in your vehicle. Otherwise you're asking for trouble. The alcohol is cheap enough. Don't complain about the place being dirty and dated because you're not there for the sterility of something like Fox Theater. It's Harpo's for chrissakes. The bathrooms are notoriously filthy so just pray you don't need to take a dump. Personally I love the set up in relation to the pit area and the tall stage. I would say the stage is about 6 feet tall from the lower pit level so the view for the people in the rear have a decent view. If you grew up in the area and love metal, you owe it to yourself to check out a show here and make your own memories. A cousin of mine frequently tells a story of how he got destroyed on Jim Beam and threw up all over the pool table (when they had one) and the dance floor. He always reiterates how people were slipping around on it lol. This sums up the Harpo's experience. Crazy stuff happens and I hope it sticks around for many more years. I generally only go when it's a band I'm really into. I guess my motto is I like to say if it's a band I'd die to see, because there's a slim chance it might happen. I guess my fav memory is when I slammed a half pint of Bombay Sapphire gin in the parking lot before the show and Mark Osegueda from Death Angel just happened to be drinking the same onstage throughout their performance (although he had a whole fifth of it). read more