Music and Theater Venues to Explore in the Tri-State Area

The tri-state area, which includes New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, is famous for its vibrant cultural scene. While large arenas and Broadway theaters often receive the most attention, mid-sized music and theater venues offer a more intimate experience for fans of live entertainment. These hidden gems are located throughout the region, showcasing both emerging artists and established acts.

This blog explores a selection of unique venues, highlighting their senior-friendly features and offerings.

Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair

960 Brush Hollow Rd, Westbury, NY 11590

Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, formerly known as NYCB Theatre at Westbury, is a unique indoor venue that has made a name for itself with a circular, rotating stage. Not your typical theater, it offers a unique 360-degree viewing experience, ensuring a spectacular view from any of its 3,000 seats.

This venue is a favorite spot for a wide range of artists, from rock bands and country stars to comedians and crooners, and it consistently provides a cozy atmosphere for attendees. With its one-of-a-kind configuration, every event feels personal, regardless of the sell-out crowd.

Accessibility details: The Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair is fully ADA accessible, with assisted listening devices, accessible parking spaces, and accessible restrooms close to the VIP Lounge. Additionally, there are double doors at street level for easy entrance, with a slight incline leading from the lobby to the theater seats. Note that mezzanine access requires attendees to go up steps.

What you can expect:

Don McLean
A.J. Croce & John Oates
Micky Dolenz
David Foster & Katharine McPhee
Judy Collins
Dionne Warwick

The Suffolk Theatre

118 E Main St, Riverhead, NY 11901

If you're seeking a blend of historic charm and modern entertainment, The Suffolk Theatre in Riverhead is the place to go. This meticulously restored 1933 Art Deco movie theater, located on Main Street in downtown Riverhead, has been transformed into one of Long Island's most stylish performance spaces. Guests can indulge in locally-made desserts and show-themed cocktails during the performances.

With 500 seats, it's an intimate cabaret-style venue that hosts various events, including live music, comedy, theatrical productions, and even private events. The Suffolk Theatre is more than just a place to watch a show; it's an experience that genuinely takes you back in time.

Accessibility details: Contact the theater for your accessibility needs. The Suffolk Theatre has three sets of double doors leading to the spacious entryway inside, along with a large, accessible single-occupancy restroom in the lobby area. There is no elevator to the upper level, but accessible seating is available on the main level where the bar is located. Seating in the lower level requires guests to go down two steps.

What you can expect:

Film Series: The Lion King, The King and I, and It’s a Wonderful Life
The Irish Tenors
The Blind Boys of Alabama
An Elegant Evening of Sinatra
G.E. Smith & The American Blues
Long Island Comedy Festival

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)

1 Center St, Newark, NJ 07102

Over in the Garden State, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) stands as a beacon of cultural brilliance. With a focus on diversity, NJPAC presents an incredible array of performances, from jazz to dance to spoken word events.

The nonprofit arts organization is home to three performance spaces, with the Prudential Hall Betty Wold Johnson Stage being the largest, seating up to 2,800 patrons, the Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch Stage at Victoria Theater with over 500 seats, and the Chase Room for intimate live performances and small film screenings.

NJPAC's commitment to education and community engagement makes it a pillar in the region, significantly contributing to the cultural enrichment of its visitors. They’re one of only a handful of performing arts centers in the country with a team dedicated to reaching out and building connections with their neighbors.

Accessibility details: The New Jersey Performing Arts Center team is well-trained to assist with any needs attendees may have. They offer a wide range of services to ensure everyone has a pleasant experience, including:

Braille signage
Designated areas for wheelchair users
Elevator access to all levels
Accessible parking
Assisted listening devices upon request
ASL interpretation available upon request for certain performances with two weeks or more advance notice
Accessible and gender-inclusive restrooms

What you can expect:

John Pizzarelli & Catherine Russell
Dorado Schmitt and Sons
Kronos Quartet
Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition
Philip Bailey, Lisa Fischer, Dianne Reeves, and Christian McBride Big Band
Neil deGrasse Tyson, Science as a Way of Knowing
Smokey Robinson

White Plains Performing Arts Center (WPPAC)

11 City Place, White Plains, NY 10601

The White Plains Performing Arts Center is the cultural heart of Westchester County. This modern venue, located on the third level of the City Center, offers seating for 410 theatergoers.

WPPAC hosts professional and community theatre productions along with concerts and stand-up comedy shows. The venue's annual lineup often includes popular musicals, making it a hub for Broadway-quality shows at a fraction of the Manhattan cost.

Accessibility details: To help combat the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses, WPPAC has installed a state-of-the-art air purification system in the HVAC unit to provide cleaner air. The system filters out harmful pathogens and uses ionization purifiers to clean the air before re-entering the venue.

Accessible seating is available in the theater in rows A-C, and designated areas for wheelchair users are in row A and also in row P. Contact the box office to discuss your specific needs.

What you can expect:

Hairspray, The Broadway Musical
The Duprees
Dreamgirls
Standup Comedy Show by Eli Castro
The New York Tenors
Seth’s Broadway Concert Series, featuring Adam Pascal & Anthony Rapp and Ramin Karimloo

Beacon Theatre

2124 Broadway, New York, NY 10023

In the heart of the Upper West Side in Manhattan sits the Beacon Theatre, offering over 2,600 seats across three levels. The Art Deco venue was designed by architect Walter Ahlschlager and built in 1929. Numerous stars have played at the Beacon Theatre over the years, including the Rolling Stones, Steely Dan, and The Allman Brothers Band.

The Madison Square Garden Company renovated the historic theater in 2009, returning it to its original Roaring Twenties grandeur. Guests can now enjoy an impressive and technologically advanced 3D audio system, called Sphere Immersive Sound, that delivers targeted, crystal-clear, and uniform audio to every seat.

Accessibility details: The Beacon Theatre provides wheelchair seating areas, designated aisle transfer, and companion seats to ensure an enjoyable experience for all guests. Accessible restrooms and assisted listening devices are also available. Other accessibility services include:

Sign language interpreters upon request with at least two weeks of advance notice
Movable armrests and larger chairs without armrests
Storage for mobility devices, including wheelchairs, canes, and walkers
Accessible public entrances

What you can expect:

Jerry Seinfeld
For King + Country
David Gray
Jason Isbell
Joe Bonamassa
Mike Birbiglia
Nikki Glaser
Dwight Yoakam

Each of these mid-range theaters and venues in the tri-state area provides spaces where music and theater can thrive, promising unforgettable experiences with a wide range of options for audiences of all ages and preferences.

Ready to Explore the Tri-State Area?

There is so much to see and do in the tri-state area. Are you interested in learning more? Check out The Bristal Blog for additional tips on the best things to explore each season.