3 Best Performing Arts Venues in Harlem, New York City

Michael Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald, and James Brown are just a few of the world-class performers who have appeared on this equally famed stage, which first opened back in 1934. If the Apollo's Amateur Night doesn't get you up to 125th Street on a Wednesday, consider the theater's Thursday comedy night. Or come for the intimate, late-night music series, Apollo Music Café, which is held on select Fridays and Saturdays and features a variety of jazz, pop, hip-hop, and rock performers.

Set in a perfectly restored landmark built in 1890 as part of the Croton Aqueduct system, Harlem Stage is a cozy, 200-seat venue for jazz music, theater, film, and dance. Their “Dive Deeper” humanities initiative offers interactive components for audiences, including pre- and postperformance discussions, film screenings, and both live and virtual activities.

Founded by legendary filmmaker Albert Maysles, this snug theater showcases an array of independent documentary films, as well as panel discussions. There are also film education programs for local youth.