Broadway at Ford House
A magical lakeside evening on August 15
Get ready for a show-stopping summer night as the Michigan Philharmonic performs On Broadway! at Ford House on August 15. This unforgettable outdoor concert brings the magic of Broadway to Lake St. Clair, featuring hit songs from Hamilton, Wicked, and more beloved musicals. Under the stars and beside the lake, you’ll experience the soaring voices and full orchestral sound that make Broadway’s greatest hits truly shine.
A Night of Broadway Splendor
Under the direction of Music Director Nan Washburn, the Michigan Philharmonic will bring a lush repertoire of beloved Broadway classics to life. From the energy of There’s No Business Like Show Business to the emotion of I Dreamed a Dream, plus selections from Rent, Gypsy, and more—you’ll be swept away by the theatrical magic under the stars.
Scenic Splendor Meets Musical Magic
There’s something undeniably special about live music performed in such a breathtaking setting. The gently sloping lawn, shaded by trees and warmed by the twilight glow, turns into a natural amphitheater. Each note floats across the water, blending with the sounds of nature, to create a sensory experience that’s atmospheric and unforgettable.
Plan Your Evening
Time & Place
Friday, August 15, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, on the Terrace at the Main Residence.
TICKET TYPes
- Seated Ticket – $50 (includes folding chair in prime front-lawn location)
- Lawn Ticket – $25 (bring your own blankets or portable seating)
Getting There
Parking opens at 5 PM in the Lake Shore lot across from Ford House. Uniformed police officers will be on hand to assist guests crossing Lake Shore Road from the grass parking lot to the Main Gate. Shuttles assist guests with accessible placards or Seated Tickets. If dining at The Continental beforehand, please use the North Gate entrance.
Comfort Tips
Bring a picnic blanket or chair, dress for changing evening temps (rain or shine!), and consider a wagon for gear if needed. Concessions start at 5 PM, offering snacks and drinks—but alcohol is not permitted to be brought in.
Family Note
The event welcomes all ages, with the hope that children remain seated and safely away from the water’s edge. To ensure a pleasant experience for everyone, dogs are not permitted.
For Guests with Accessibility or Mobility Needs
We want you to enjoy every moment of your evening with comfort and ease. The concert area is located on a gently sloping lawn with nearby paved walkways.
For guests with accessible parking placards, complimentary shuttles run continuously before and after the concert, dropping you just steps from your seating area.
Accessible restrooms are located close to the concert lawn, and Ford House staff will be on hand to assist with any needs. This event is entirely outdoors, so please dress for the weather. We recommend a light sweater or jacket for cool evenings.
For Couples Planning a Perfect Date Night
Set the stage for a summer evening to remember. Begin with an optional dinner or cocktails at The Continental on the Ford House grounds—just minutes from the concert lawn—before taking a sunset stroll to your seats. During the performance, enjoy wine, beer, soft drinks, and light snacks available from our concessions starting at 5 PM. The terrace and lake views provide the perfect backdrop for romantic photos, and as twilight falls, the music and stage lighting create a warm, glowing atmosphere.
Helpful Tips
- Climate & Comfort: Even in August, lakefront evenings can feel a few degrees cooler once the sun sets. A light sweater or jacket is recommended. You may also want to bring mosquito repellent to stay comfortable throughout the performance.
- Ground Conditions: The concert lawn has a gentle slope, which provides good sightlines from all areas. The surface is grass, so guests using mobility devices or low chairs may want to arrive a few minutes early to choose a spot that feels most comfortable.
- Concessions: Beginning at 5 PM, enjoy hot food items such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and BBQ chicken sandwiches, along with chips, snacks, soda, bottled water, beer, and wine. Menu items may vary by concert. Our concessions tent has been expanded to accommodate the growing number of concert attendees—something we’re thrilled to enhance to support our increasing audience.
- Shuttles & Walking Distance: Complimentary shuttles are available for guests with an ADA placard or those who have purchased a Seated Ticket. All other guests are asked to walk from the grass parking lot across Lake Shore Road at the Main Gate to the concert area—a distance of approximately 2,400 feet, which takes an average of 10–15 minutes and includes varied terrain, including gravel. The shuttle trip takes about 5 minutes from pick-up at the Visitor Center to the Main Residence and runs continuously before the concert and immediately after the performance until all eligible guests have returned to the parking lot.
- Police Crossing & Lighting: Uniformed police officers will assist guests crossing Lake Shore Road both before and after the concert, remaining on site until all guests have safely returned to the parking lot. After the performance, lights will illuminate the walking path back to the grass lot to ensure a safe and comfortable exit.
- Weather Contingency: This concert is a rain-or-shine event. In the event of severe weather such as lightning, high winds, or dangerous storms, the performance may be delayed, paused, or canceled for safety. Any cancellation decisions will be communicated on-site and via Ford House’s website and social media channels, with information on rescheduling or refunds provided if applicable.
- Pre-Show Atmosphere: Concessions open at 5 PM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy dinner or a snack before the music begins. Guests are welcome to relax on the lawn, take in lake views, and capture scenic photos as the sun sets.
- Crowd Size & Vibe: This concert is expected to draw 1,500 or more guests, creating an exciting, energetic atmosphere while still offering plenty of space to enjoy the music. Arriving early gives those with Lawn Tickets the best chance to choose a location closer to the terrace where the performance takes place.
Outdoor Conditions: Ford House is home to wildlife, including geese. While our incredible landscape team works hard to clear the lawn and Moss, our beloved goose dog, patrols daily to chase geese away, you may still encounter some goose droppings. This is part of the outdoor environment, and we appreciate your understanding.
Why You’ll Want to Be There
- Enchanting Setting: The Ford House grounds are elevated by shimmering lake views and graceful architecture—an exquisite backdrop that transforms every performance into a theatrical journey.
- Broadway’s Best, Orchestrated: Expect the kind of musical storytelling that evokes Broadway’s drama, charm, and heart—only enhanced by live orchestral nuance.
- Create a Summer Memory: Whether you’re indulging in a solo sojourn, planning a date night, or gathering family and friends, it’s an evening of culture, community, and charm under the Michigan sky.
Mark your calendar and secure your spot for this summer night under the stars. It’s more than just a concert—it’s a musical embrace that lingers long after the final encore.
