Just plain fun. Spooky, creative, entertaining as hell. Hope to go again if it ever returns.

I hadn't been to Theatre Bizarre in a couple of years but this year was aces. Adding a second night really seemed to alleviate a lot of the congestion I spoke about in my first review. It was way easier to get from one place to another this time, despite it being sold out, and I never felt crushed or overwhelmed like I had in the past. Performers were still incredible and the set up is just visually stunning. I spent a lot of the night just taking video or pictures, I just couldn't help myself! It's all so so cool. The only complaint I have from this year is the line to get in was wild. We had tickets and it still took an hour to get in. Maybe because we came at peak time around 9pm? But I was a doozy. Luckily they make the line engaging with performers out front. It helped that this year was a warm night. When it's cold it's not so fun! But either way, it's a blast to watch all the costumes walk by and chat with fellow attendees in line, so while it's kind of a bummer standing outside for so long it could definitely be worse! If you've never been, mark you calendars for October 2018. It's something everyone in the Detroit area should experience at least once! read more

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Theatre Bizarre is a tantalizing masquerade and party that pops up for two weekends a year in October. Friday is an exclusive formal masquerade with an open bar and treats galore with performances to entertain, along with a Ghost Train. You'll see fire, clowns, unusual acts of dare devils along with some comedy sprinkled in. Saturday is a huge costume party full of original costumes as off the rack isn't appropriate. There's 8 floors of entertainment, games, and even some more risqué activities in the Fistorium. Play Poison Darts, watch several talented musicians acts in various halls, see demons causing mischief and being seductive. There's tons of ways to enjoy yourself on and off your feet. I 100% recommend coming to this event; you will not forget it. read more

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The Greatest Masquerade on Earth at the majestic Masonic Temple in downtown Detroit! 8 Floors of unique and interesting costume shows to performances, peep shows, burlesque, elaborate designs, amazing costumes and the ambience can't be beat. 5 stars! Totally recommend. read more

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*SPOILER ALERT* The whole party is just an elaborate cover for the Fistitorium. Having said that, Theatre Bizarre is the perfect Halloween immersive experience, not to be missed! There's nothing like it. Eight Floors in one of the most spectacular buildings you will ever enter. Every ROOM has something different to show, not including the crowd itself! Be prepared to walk A LOT; high heels have no place at this party. If you're looking for costume ideas, the only thing I would suggest is, do NOT dress as someone's culture (i.e. a Native American, a geisha, blackface, sugar skulls, Sombrero Mexican, etc.) Doing so is extremely offensive, rude, and has no place anywhere, especially Theatre Bizarre aka "The Greatest Masquerade On Earth!" Other than that, the sky is the limit! I've gone as a gender-bent Joker (from Batman), a vampire, and a demon, among others. My favorite is the Ghost Train; go there first as the line tends to get long quickly. Sister Mary Motherfucker in "The Asylum" is worth checking out. I am also a huge fan of "The Devil's Tightrope." You won't be able to see everything in one night; fortunately, the show runs two weekends now. Hail Zombo! read more

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Best Halloween Party. A Must If You Love Halloween. Best Bands, Decor, Old Carny Atmosphere. Very Cool Venue.Put Your "A" Game On ...The Attendees Make Their Own Costumes and They are Incredible!! You Will Not Be Disappointed. I Love It. worth Every Cent 5 Stars!! read more

A mix of everything sinfull, not for those who offend easily. A night of amazements that will leave you not ready for what you will witness!

This is the best event for Halloween EVER!!! Both the Gala on either Friday or the main event on either Saturday is depending on so many factors. Both are spectacular but are different beast. You will need to do both and figure out which one u like better. After doing both I still can't tell you which I enjoy best. HAIL ZOMBO!!! read more

It isn't often that I am at a lack for words, but after going to Detroit's Theater Bizarre on Saturday I'm, well, speechless. This sort of carnival, playground, for adults is something one needs to experience, as words don't nearly do it the justice it deserves. It harkens back to the good ole days of Ringling Brothers and other traveling carnivals in the early 20th century. Characters of many colors congregated the crowd, girls attached to the hip to simulate Siamese twins, a bearded lady perusing the crowd, the Strong Man engaged in a wrestling match with clowns, old wooden signs that guide patrons to spirits and food. I attended a burlesque show/wrestling match on Saturday and my eyes were wide the entire time, like a kid on Christmas morning. Girls with flaming hula hoops entertained patrons between wrestling matches. The biggest perk was probably the live music, that was an odd, but successful combination of Americana and gypsy music. Not too shabby for a mere 10 bucks. In addition, for Halloween the residents of Theater Bizarre (yes, people live here in a commune setting with dogs and chickens) transform the theater into a haunted house for local city kids. read more

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Theatre Bizarre up and disappeared last year from the State Fairgrounds area under a cloud of scrutiny worthy of a contemporary fantasy novel: illicit political dealings, a counterculture group in protest, angry law enforcement. Or so the tale goes, the way I heard it. They magically reappeared a week before Hallowe'en in 2011 at the Masonic Temple, a more auspicious location for the grand celebrations of the "Initiation." Luxurious tickets were handed out for a hefty penny, and visitors to the masque encouraged to come one, come all, come masked and costumed in your glorious finery to the extraordinary midnight show that is the Theatre Bizarre, aptly named, uneasily described. All subcultures du noir made their appearance here: Renaissance lordlings and French courtiers, roaming undead and romancing anime otaku, the goths and the leather-clad S|M crowd and maybe even a barbaric Goth, corseted vixens and neo-Victorian steampunkers. Incarnations of Doctor (Who) wandered, while the most spectacular costumes of the night may well have belonged to the Stone Angel and the white-faced clockwork from the Ghosts of Versailles episode, especially given the powdered-wigged maiden in question was 7'+ tall on stilts and a pannier dress. Wonders never cease. As much circus as surreal spectacle, the Theatre sprawled over seven floors. Two were turned over to dancers and a stage; the top had a ghost train traveling through enough dry ice to dissolve shapes into nebulous forms capering in the smoke. Grotesqueries ruled one room, while another played film reel public-service-announcements and high school documentaries straight out of the 1970s. For half the film crowd, it was time to giggle; for the others, a horrifying flashback from early childhood. Performers roamed at random: acrobats sprang onto tables, while robed inquisitors gently turned aside the revelers from reaching areas they shouldn't. Absurdity, frightfulness, and oddity rule the night rather than expressions of beauty and grace alone. Burlesque dancers strutting their way down the catwalk to an admiring crowd were not all gorgeous peacocks; there was a spirited, strutting brunette little-person (dwarf? What does one properly use in this situation) who earned thunderous applause for a seductive dance of the Salome variety. A room over, hideous masked mens wandered around, leering and looming over the patrons, but never quite touching. The days of bearded ladies, Siamese twins, boneless men and other attractions You just can't miss! Astounding wonders! Natural horrors! abounded. Of course, the Masonic temple's glorious architecture and breathtaking monumental scale provide the perfect backdrop. Dark hallways emerge into small rooms, while meeting chambers evocative of Parliament in London or Ottawa sport carved thrones and high galleries. The mezzanine wraps jealously around the stone lobby, all stamped with the mythical heraldry and esoteric symbols of the Masons themselves. Moody atmosphere oozes out of the cracks and through the doors, its own living, breathing shadow coming alive as the night wears on. But as with all spectacle, eventually pantomime grows dreary, the magic can be revealed as paste gems, flash, and trickery. The exorbitant rate for wine and beer ($10 a glass) cut to the quick, especially with an absence of places to sit or settle for a time. Food on the bottom floor was limited, priced in a manner to cause fewer swoons. Bombardment from all sides by impromptu exhibits and performances worked well, except for a total lack of clarity on event schedules and locations. Some form of map or directory for the sideshows would have altered the aimless wandering from floor to floor. Fellow attendees, many of them repeat visitors, spoke of a show or a musical guest that the beau and I would have enjoyed seeing if we knew about it. If being the magic word: we felt like we missed out on a substantial amount of the content because we essentially had to rove from place to place when one show ended. A poster on the ground floor is a necessity for next year, one I hope gets included. Parking was $10 in a monitored lot across the street. Signage, security, and ticket checking was one smooth process from the front of the building. The Theatre earns props for having things start in a timely fashion and getting patrons into the madhouse under the Masonic roof. 5 hours of sashaying about and observing into this hellish carnival of bent mirrors and psychotropic smoke did it for me. I walked away dazzled, disturbed, and at some level disappointed from by a lack still difficult to identity. Was it the absence of clearly orchestrated events or knowledge of my options, what was going on? I instead felt like I wandered through a cloudy dream, capturing only handfuls and snatches, before the clock rang and I woke up with a fitful start, the taste of belladonna and absinthe on my lips, perspiration on my brow, and a longing in my heart I could not name. read more

This is probably one of my most favorite nights of the year. There is nothing like dressing up, dancing and running amok in the many levels and rooms of the Masonic Temple. There isn't much more to be said that others haven't said already. I do recommend buying your tickets early. This past year they offered a small discount to the first 500 ticket buyers at Rust Belt Market. I also suggest getting there earlier than later...you don't want to miss out any fun. Parking can be a bit a clusterfuck, its always a chore having to find a good spot that won't cost you millions or won't leave your car in a sketchy spot. Make sure to bring plenty of cash for drinks and your patience. The bars get super crowded and drinks add up throughout the night. The party changes every year...its definitely a must for me every year. I can't imagine halloween without it! read more

What is there to not love about Theatre Bizarre? Its like stepping into a magical place, the whole thing....the lighting...the decoration....the shows, Its all amazing! I firmly believe that there is no better place to spend a night in October. The Masonic is a great place, not as great as the grounds but don't judge it on the one year it was at the Fillmore, thank the city for that one ;) If you are not faint of heart, grab a ticket and prepare to fall in love! read more

Theatre Bizarre - Local Flavor Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

You just can't see it all. But I really tried. Everywhere you look the decor, performers & guests in costumes are so interesting cool & weird. Definitely going again. You need a taste for the unusual, the event is not for the closed minded. Elaborate. Creepy/Cool. Twisted read more

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So many awesome costumes and performances! I had no idea this would be 7 floors of actors, music, and shows of the "bizarre", but I loved that it was from 7pm-4am. The whole event is hard to explain, but well worth $75 ticket. I wish I got there sooner to see some of the more unique performances (there wasn't a specific schedule posted, but was a bill with names of who was performing on what floor). The hooks in folks made me a little queasy, but it was artful. The Sinema had free popcorn. Lots of AWESOME decorations. Thank goodness for Facebook to let me know what I missed. Thank you hardworking Theatre Bizarre folks!! Oh, some people hate the train, but I LOVED it. The wait in line could get you cranky. read more

Created by a mastermind of the bizarre, this event will always leave you spellbound for more. A dizzying array of magical musical entertainment, tantalizing burlesque, wicked theatrics, and 7 floors of meticulously detailed darkness for the love of all things Halloween. If you have not taken it upon yourself to partake in this massive party, you owe it to yourself to do so. My advice: Don't waste your time on store-bought costumes. The more creative and outrageous, the better. See you there! read more

If I was kept locked in the basement all year, and only allowed out for one night, this would be the night. They have the first 7 floors of the Masonic. There are dozens of bands, hundreds of performers of every kind (including fire, burlesque & suspension, to name a fraction), and the environment is dark and grotesque as only the Theatre Bizarre can envision. Costumes are amazing everywhere you look (you don't want to pick up a Target superman for this one). Cash bar is reasonably priced, and food is available - including free ice cream from treat dreams and tables dripping with candy corn and old candelabra. What makes this so unique is that there are no corporate sponsors, there is no attempt to be family friendly - this is definitely NOT Arts Beats & Eats. Theatre Bizarre is as politically correct as a monkey humping your Pekingese, and if you're looking for another bland Budweiser band night, you'll want to skip this and try your office buddy's halloween party, instead. Tickets will sell out, as they do every year - I'm going to be waiting in line at the Rust Belt for the discount fan tickets. See you there! read more

the people who give this party anything less than 5 stars are idiots who just don't get it. There is nothing like this anywhere else, and the attention to detail and planning that goes into this party is just absolutely out of control. This party happens mostly because of volunteers and people who love and stand by the the idea of creating another world for just one night. This isn't run by a company, not does it have any cheesy corporate sponsors helping to pay for it. It's more like a huge living breathing art exhibit and if you got a ticket this year, you were lucky to be a part of it. If you didn't get it, want to complain about something trivial like drink prices, go to the bar next year in your sexy nurse costume, no one is going to miss you. Most people spend months making their costumes for this event. Even the staff and performers have costumes that have been selected, planned out, and made for them to be a part of the whole experience. I used to attend this party at the original space outside, and when it shut down I couldn't be any sadder. Then, when they announced it was moving to the Masonic, i was so excited I could hardly wait for the day to come. No other venue could be more perfect unless it was the original space. Last year was amazing, this year they took it to a whole new level. Seven floors of wonder, crazy things happening in every room. Performances you will never see anywhere else. You're supposed to feel a bit disorientated, foggy, and drugged up, even if you haven't taken or drank anything all night.. If you felt that, it worked. You got the Theatre Bizarre experience. I stayed until the end and didn't want to leave. If i had one complaint, it would only be that I wish this party could go all weekend, because leaving early sunday morning left me in a theatre bizarre depression for days. I want to live in their world forever and ever. read more

This was my first year going to Theatre Bizarre, so sadly I haven't experienced the original party. I obviously can't compare the original Bizarre to the event that took place at The Filmore last night, but I have to say that they did an awesome job at revamping the theatre as much as they could and turning it into an awesome party. Bands played on the main stage, while other smaller stages were set up for burlesque, aerial, and other side show performances. Despite the sad circumstances, everyone seemed to be having a great time. They really do have so much support and that's one of the best aspects of the whole thing (if only Pugh and everyone else could get on board). My boyfriend has gone to the original party before, and he said it was completely different but he still had an awesome time. It was kind of like being let loose in a big theatre with a bunch of freaks. You could sit in the auditorium seating or at the tables, or walk around and check out all the performances in the crowd or over the balcony. I had a great time and will definitely continue to support Theatre Bizarre events, no matter where they are. This is one of the most positive events Detroit has to offer and it's great to see how hard Detroiters can party. So hard that you don't get over your hangover until 6pm the next day. read more

I was fortunate enough to experience Theatre Bizarre back when it was at the fair grounds. A couple thousand people gathered in the freezing cold to celebrate their collective weirdness through loud music, good beer and those amazing oddball sideshows. The party at the Masonic Temple is a pale imitation of what it used to be. The celebration is gone. It's been hijacked by people looking for a good time who have no idea how to have one. read more

The place looked great! The peep show was good. Then I saw a good number of the performers from the peep show and elsewhere, on the ghost train. These people could never be underpaid. They are despicable people. Other than that the crowd was too immense, and what happened to bands? I only saw a dead marching band. That's it. Next year I'm going to help thin that crowd by not going. PS This is a review of the Summoning, 2012, which was held at the Masonic Temple. PS No Matt W, I don't think that I'm going too easy on them. They are probably just horribly ignorant people who think that ruining the patrons time is a good idea. I've already called them despicable. I don't know what else you want me to do, but you should really try to calm down and stop being so mad. You mad. read more

Rated double zero! After reading all the rave reviews and attending for the FIRST time I still don't understand the hype of it all. So I'm going to give MY version of the event which is I want a refund~but then again it wasn't my choice to go and wish I would have spent my money elsewhere. To sum it up a carnival of people wrapped up into a Halloween bizarre. I can only give my kudos to the unique and original costumes no two were alike so if you're looking for ideas and people watching this is the place to go. As for the shows, the few of which I braved to stand in a grueling long line for, were short of strange but then again this is the theme or underlying agenda for the event. Forget the "unisex" bathrooms long lines and disgusting conditions no matter how many windows they leave open you can't air out the smell/visuals they leave behind. Guess it's best left for the genre who enjoy tasteless thumpy music and overpriced drinks. Frankly I'd have alot more fun standing in line for a REAL roller coaster in warm weather or overpriced drinks at DTE for a good show or even wasted my money at the casino. THE END read more

I wont make this too verbose. Just go if you can. The party doesn't happen at the grounds anymore but its still looming around the city. I'm gearing up for this year and cant wait to see what they do :) read more

I would have given them 5 stars but they don't pay their performers very well if at all and have a very limited sense of good business. Other than that.... John is the genius behind the whole image of the thing and Ken is the go man. OK... that's my review. Rock on Theatre Bizarre. read more

Amazing what these talented artists and organizers to this historic gem. I never was able to attend the party on state fair, but I will follow Zombo from now on. read more

Detroit's premier adults-only event, Theatre Bizarre is a darkly sensual event designed to enthrall, captivate, and shock the senses set against the backdrop of the mysterious Masonic Temple. The event is staged over several floors and offers a wide array of erotic entertainment. There are two nights to this event, the first being a more personal tour through the seven levels of the Temple, with a heftier price tag and billed as a black-tie event, but well worth the cost. The second night is more like general admission with a less restrictive dress code. My advice to anyone wishing to attend even the second night is buy your tickets well in advance because they sell out fast and it's no guarantee you'll be able to purchase on-site the night of the event. Also, many attendees suggest booking a room at one of the casino hotels and staying since the party lasts well into the night. read more

I was shocked to find Theatre Bizarre on Yelp. Words can not express the wonderment and amusements that are within the walls of this inner sanctum which has become known to its regulars as Temple Balatro. As a 9 year veteran of this massive affair, I find it hard to believe that anyone would give it less than five stars when it really deserves ten. Those who complain really don't belong here as it is truly over their heads and beyond their comprehension levels. If you are one of the complainers, please stay home and beg for candy from your suburban neighbors. This is not an event for amateurs. For those who have never attended, be prepared to be bombarded and overwhelmed in the best way possible. Come with an open mind and a spirit of adventure. Be prepared to create memories that you will not be able to explain to those who have not witnessed the spectacular that is Theatre Bizarre. Don't be afraid to appreciate the absurdity and become one with the scene. Indulge in the chaos and admire strangers. Take in everything the evening has to offer. There's a lot to see and even more to experience. Properly absorbed, you'll be hooked for life. The Friday night Gala differs greatly from the Saturday night "main event". Both are spectacular in their own rights and yet dramatically different. Attend both if you can. I have attended events of this nature all over the world and nothing, I mean nothing, comes close to Theatre Bizarre. I will attend both the Gala and the main event for as long as I am physically and mentally able. Thank you to the hundreds of people who make Theatre Bizarre the Greatest Show on Earth. PT Barnum could learn a lot from you. Thank you also for making this a flagship event for the city of Detroit. You have clearly shown what this city can create and accomplish when the right people put their minds to it. Until we convene again, Hail Zombo. read more

Way over sold and very un-organized, I was disappointed. We waited in line outside for almost 2 hours! The drinks were crazy expensive and there was no way of finding anything except by walking around aimlessly... The elevator guy had no idea what floors we were on and they were jammed pack the whole night! There was 8 floors of this craziness and the stairs were the only thing to take and there were lines going up and down them. Basically we were lost the whole time and the only good part that I got to even see was the Dirty Devils Peep show. Not going next year, not worth it. read more

Theatre Bizarre has always been an "over the top" adventure of talented, colorful and entertaining people!! The costumes are in such intricate detail with the total participation of all. There is constant entertainment from fire dancers to burlesque, music and bands of wide variety. Even back in the day near the Fair Grounds entering this venue would set your mind on end and stimulate all your senses creating a wonderment, disbelief and fascination!! Driving up to the Masonic with fire dancers on its majestic steps is truly amazing, it sets the ambiance for a night of craziness!! Each year TB is more outrageous and mind blowing!! I look forward with anticipation to TB each year and is a party I won't miss!!!! read more

I have been going to this epic event since the beginning! Yes there is nothing like the crisp fall air at an outdoor event and the fun conversations around a fire that we had at the old fair grounds but the city said that it cannot go on the way it was. This is no fault of those who work hard to make it a reality. The fact that they even kept it going after such legal issues is an example of their dedication to it. They found the coolest building in the city to have the new legal version of it. Although they have to play by the rules a bit more they still build, grow and push the limits by offering new things each year. There is NOT another place on earth that you can see all of the freaks and oddities in one place for one magical night. Although Theatre Bizarre has grown up a bit with its new secret society theme, it continues to deliver the shock and awe it always has. All of the attendees have upped their costume standards a lot! You don't see lovers lane costumes here, like you see at other Halloween events. Theatre Bizarre has something for everyone and gets better every year. It is amazing how each year they come up with new things to discover. Get a program find what you are looking for or just wonder and see something you never knew you wanted to see! Either way it is worth every penny and then some to be immersed into a old fashioned masquerade with seven floors to discover! I could not imagine Halloween without Theatre Bizarre! read more