The Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) hosts a series of presentations by select authors who present at various locations around DFW. I went to see famous photographer Annie Leibovitz at the McFarlin Auditorium. It was a weeknight event, so we knew traffic and parking would be a challenge. We left Richardson at 6:00 pm to get there early for a 7:30 pm start time. We arrived early and were actually in our seats with 30 minutes to chat. We found parking in the Daniel Street garage for $20. It was one of the suggested locations to park. Although it was recommended that we take the DART train and the Mustang Express bus that shuttles you to and from the SMU campus. With a late night event, we decided it would probably be safer to carpool. The parking garage is a short walk to the auditorium. It's a straight shot, flat, paved path and lighted all of the way. There is also an emergency call post along the way. No food or drink are permitted in the auditorium. Seats were comfortable with a thick, springy cushion - definitely adequate for an hour plus of time sitting. Ticket takers scanned our electronic tickets as we entered the venue. We were able to find our seats quickly. This is a nice venue and has some unique history. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke here during the civil rights movement. A historical marker outside of the building tells of his visit. I would absolutely come here again if lured by another speaker with an amazing story to share. read more

Mcfarlin Auditorium - Historical Marker - Music Venues Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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The show was awesome, the auditorium needs a little renovation. Everything is outdated !!

Please be aware if you are above a certain size, you will be extremely uncomfortable in the chairs at this theater. I am a dress size 16/18, about 240 pounds, and was not able to actually fit in the seat. Literally. I felt awful for the small person next to me. I purchased a very close up ticket, and when I complained, was shown to an alternate seat in the very back of the theater. I moved and was just slightly more comfortable. I am not the only person of this size who wants to see events in this theater. There were guests larger than I am who were visibly distressed at the situation too. The seats are absurdly small, it's not just us. I may be the first person brave enough to mention this problem. I would very much like to speak with whoever made the decision to install these seats, which appear to be brand new. This place does have amazing sound and also really pretty decor, though. Ushers were mildly helpful. read more

McFarlin Memorial Auditorium is a proscenium style theatre, built in the 1920's, located on the Southern Methodist University (SMU campus). Beautiful aged old Oak trees adorn the campus and there are a many benches that allow you to sit and relish the view. We were there for the Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker. I'm pretty sure regardless of the event, parking is $10.00 so bring cash. One should keep in mind that there is a lot of cracked walk ways and a lot of stairs. For those of you who cannot navigate uneven walkways or stairs, there was a pull up and drop off area in front of the building. No valet parking. There are at least 20 steps getting up to the auditorium front doors (I'm not sure what is available for the handicap), more stairs inside the auditorium and and more stairs getting to your seat unless your seated on the first level. There is one slow elevator, and has only 2 bathrooms to accommodate over 2,000 patrons. Seats are extremely close to each other, worse than airline seats, lol. After that being said, the auditorium is ecstatically beautiful, majestic and was the perfect setting for the Nut Cracker. The ballet was a mixture of local dancers and Moscow dancers. Very entertaining! The only part missing for me was a live orchestra. Without it the aesthetics and acoustics was ok. But overall, the experience for us was memorable and we'd certainly return for another event. read more

This is not the oldest, fanciest or favorite auditorium I have been to, but overall it gets high marks for beauty, good seats, convenience, and an enjoyable evening at the ballet. If you see the pictures, even the cheap seats have a great view. Only occasionally were we so high that the stage angle let us see what we shouldn't behind a prop, or not see the background. Seats were roomy and very comfortable, restrooms lovely and clean and new Elevators were easy to access Parking is a bit difficult in this area, but usually is for a show at any auditorium or center The non-modern charm was nice, and what needed to be updated had been Small and charming read more

Mcfarlin Auditorium - a view of the stage from the balcony - Music Venues Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Not a great place to see a sold out show. The seats are tiny and jam packed together. Get comfortable with your neighbors. You'll be rubbing shoulders and elbows the whole time. The front row of the second and third balconies can hardly see the show through the safety railings that are higher than the original intended height. There is zero leg room. Your legs will be screaming for any kind of straightening after 30 minutes and forget about leaving during intermission if no one else wants to. Am I supposed to crawl over everyone's lap? The only bathrooms are in the basement. The parking is 10 dollars even a few blocks away. There was one strip of free parking that I saw if you're lucky. Tips: Choose an isle seat if you plan to leave during intermission. Drive around and see if you can snag some free parking. If not, use the law garage. It's easier to get in and out of than the parking right next to the theater. Don't choose the very first row of either balcony. I'm not sure how the second row fairs because you'll also need to see over all the first rows heads that are leaning forward. Just choose higher up. read more

This is a very interesting place to see a concert. I saw the Primus 3D concert here last week. We were on the first level, and I thought the sound was great. Didn't feel like we were in a really old theater at all. I'm not sure if it was Primus, or the venue, but the ticket said the show started at 8, and I'll be damned it started right on time. I never would have expected that, and I wouldn't have been a few minutes late had I known that. And again, was it the venue or the band that wanted to take a 4 cartoon (seriously) intermission break. That was weird. I've never seen a rock band break, more less break to play Popeye cartoons, but it was Primus and they are a strange group?! Overall, it wasn't a bad time. Things to note is that it was $15 to park in the parking garage near the auditorium, and this place sells no drinks. NO DRINKS. So weird. read more

Parking $10. Gum on floor. Uptight security staff that interfered with patrons merely standing during the show instead of sitting. I was here for the Nick Cave show and if it had not been for him personally intervening and asking security to "F**k off", everyone would have been forced to sit primly and properly in their seats for a rock legends show. Hopefully anyone who is worthwhile books their show elsewhere. I am not opposed to coming here again if the act is who I want to see, but I would not look forward to being at this venue again. read more

Pretty nice venue. We saw The Adventure Zone live here and we sat in the front row! I was really worried that we'd have trouble seeing those good good McElroy boys but the stage view from Front-Left section was absolutely perfect. I don't think you'll have any viewing issues no matter where you sit, and the acoustics were pretty solid (except when the audience itself got rowdy). No idea what the balcony is like though, so check out other reviews for info on that. Orchestra section is solidddd Parking was probably the worst part, but that's on the University, not the auditorium. You're just likely gonna get stuck in a parking garage for a while before and after the show. read more

I've attended 2 concerts at this venue - Morrissey and more recently David Byrne / St. Vincent. Had tix in the 1st balcony for both shows. The seats are kinda small compared to other venues. You will do more elbow rubbing with your neighbors than you may be used to. The seating layout for this place is....unusual to say the least. Get a good look at the online seating chart from ticketmaster or wherever...maybe print that sucker out and bring it with you! The ushers are hit and miss when it comes to knowing where your seat is actually located. The acoustics for concerts, in the 1st balcony at least, are quite good. I would imagine this is the case throughout the entire venue. Be aware that no food or drink is sold here. I'm not talking about beer, I'm talking NO FOOD AND NO DRINK. PERIOD. To be fair there IS a coke machine and a chips machine downstairs, but you have to drink and eat that stuff downstairs before you head to your seats. So if you're used to grabbing a couple beers and some nachos and taking them to your seats before you rock out, think again! read more

This is a fantastic, chill music venue that all Dallasites have to experience. I've now gone to McFarlin twice for concerts. Once for Sufjan Stevens and another time for David Byrne and St Vincent. Yes, I am a hipster. The best way I can describe this venue is seeing your favorite band that you would sit down and jam to in a 1950's theatre. It may get crowded when walking to your seats, and lord help you if you want to try to get merch, but the performances you'll see at McFarlin will blow. your. mind. Parking will also blow because you'll most likely be parking in the neighborhood streets along Hillcrest and walk there, but the venue itself is amazing. Go there and mildly rock with your mind blown. read more

McFarlin Auditorium is the mecca of classic theaters playing host to live music. If one of your favorite artists comes through this venue GO SEE THEM. Located on the SMU campus, the surroundings are worth an early arrival just to walk around and check out SMU. Plenty of campus eating as you can imagine so don't worry about a lack of food options prior to your arrival. We paid $10 to park right on site of the auditorium. It was fast, easy and we were within a 3 minute walk to the front doors. We saw Ryan Adams (he was freaking awesome as always) and the acoustics were really nice. Not too "boomy" and great direct line sight of the band. I believe I looked up and found that the McFarlin seats around 2,500 people so it's a decent size but no too big. I really don't like going to the big arena shows any more- it's just too packed and overpriced. The old style theaters like McFarlin are absolutely perfect for seeing a show like this. 100% is seating, there's no GA or standing room here. That's good and bad. Some shows deserve folks to be on their feet, but most concert goers remained seated for Ryan Adams. The facility is beautiful; very well maintained, with a nice sized lobby. While we had limited interactions, the staff was very friendly and helpful. I will keep an eye on future concerts here- would love to come back. McFarlin Auditorium was amazing. The drive down University to get to MA was really nice. It's the heart of Preston Hollow so you can imagine the scenery is pretty incredible- we went during the holiday season and the lighted homes were so cool. read more

Growing up enrolled in numerous dance classes, I had my fair share of dance recital experiences at McFarlin Auditorium. But this experience - by far - was the best I've had at McFarlin Auditorium. I think it had something to do with the amazing musicians, St. Vincent and David Byrne presenting one of the best live performances I have seen...ever. Though, the auditorium is not as up to date as the state-of-the art, corporately-funded arenas, it still holds a whimsical taste only found in old-school theaters. The acoustics were just as sound as any venue and the space facilitates a much more low-key, mature crowd. It's no crazy, alcohol-induced time, but when you are really there for the music or the performance, what else do you need? read more

Acoustics are good. Staff is exceptionally friendly. Parking is a dumpster fire. Seating is incredibly odd. We were second row first balcony (row b section f) and couldn't see the stage at all without folding ourselves into positions that would make our yoga teachers proud. On the up side, Straight No Chaser is a FANTASTIC show! read more

Warning - Check the SMU game schedule before getting tickets to an event at this venue. I didn't realize the ballet was at an on campus venue.....we got stuck in some serious game traffic trying to get to the ballet here......very frustrating....not to mention our GPS didn't lead us to the right building so I had to snag a student and have him point it out. We ended up missing part of the first act...dissappointing. read more

We saw The Nutcracker and had a great time. We parked at the law school parking garage on Daniel and it was free with only a short walk to auditorium and plenty of open spaces. We did not have issues with the width of seats but they were very close to the seats in front of us. There were bathrooms upstairs and downstairs so we didn't have a problem with that either. The front lobby was absolutely packed when we arrived which was inconvenient but we made it to seats eventually. Overall it was a great venue. read more

great venue but horrible load in! the freight elevator takes forever to load out

We were there on Friday for the Straight no Chaser concert. We had seats 5 rows back but couldn't see the stage. The way the auditorium is set up, you can't see the full stage unless you're centered. I'm not sure if it was where were were sitting or if everyone experienced this - but the sound was awful too. We couldn't understand what the performers were saying during the speaking portions of the performance. And to think we paid more to sit closer! read more