Great "smaller" venue to see a show. Over the years, I've attended up-close and personal performances from The Church, The Verve Pipe, VAST, Rob Dickinson, as well as a great number of local acts. I really like the tiered seating set-up, because anywhere you sit has a great view. The security has always been A-OK to me. Not overly-friendly, but not blatantly rude either. They always seem to diffuse situations (which seem to be pretty few and far between, btw) pretty quickly. The bar staff? Eh, again... sometimes I think I'm overly critical because I am a bartender. For the most part, they're pretty friendly and quick. Sometimes, they even remember what you're drinking (Huge plus!) One night, the blonde female bartenders attitude was absolutely atrocious. Honestly, I just won't have her wait on me again. Problem solved! The drink prices? Maybe a little high, but come on, it's "entertainment" pricing, right? Really, no higher than most other concert venues. The cleanliness of the place is also pretty deserving of the 4-star rating. Bathrooms aren't disgusting and scary- unlike some other venues, spills are cleaned up quickly and efficiently by the staff, and the waitresses are great about picking up empty bottles and glasses. All in all, not a bad choice to see a show. read more

Singin I LOVE ROCK 'N ROLL....put another dime in the Jukebox BABY!! I like this venue. It hasn't changed much over the years.... It's cool and dirty....just like I like it! Saw the Mega 80's here last night, they were fun....I'd like to check out a Brew & View in the near future....that would be a fun salute to my yester year. Keep rockin Magic Bag! read more

If only every music venue could be as great as the Magic Bag! Detroit- you get to have the Magic Bag! Lucky lucky you. read more

I have heard about the Magic Bag being a fun venue for events for years, but I finally went to one this week. It's a great little concert spot in downtown Ferndale that is good for specialty acts and bands that are past their prime, but keep on plugging for the fans. I caught the retro cover band Mega 80s and the sound and video system was on par. There was a good mix of standing room and seating. Their servers for the bar were very attentive with drinks and refills (as this was an open bar event), and other employees were kind and friendly. My only complaint was the temperature...for a 30 degree night, they had the heat up too high and it was really stuffy. When people are up and dancing, there needs to be more ventilation, and at the very least, keep the temperature at a more moderate level. There's a decent amount of metered parking within a block of the Magic Bag. Ticket prices for upcoming shows are reasonable. Give this spot a try. read more

Besides the Majestic Theater this may be one of the only music venues that refused to change with the times, and for that I love this place. Early in the week you can catch brew and view. Get there early, as seats fill up fast. The movies are a few months old, and sometimes they pull out the classics, but man is it fun. Make sure you swing by Como's to grab a pizza as the Magic Bag lets you bring in food. The concerts range from local to bigger names swinging by to play a smaller friendly venue. Prices are reasonable and the crowd is generally cool and laid back. The only drawback is that sometimes shows sell out fast. If you are looking for a night out with friends or by yourself-go here read more

$4.50 for a pbr. A PBR??? Fix that and you might have something. Last two concerts I've seen there the ceiling speaker on the left side has shorted out. But really, there's just no excuse for a $4.50 pbr. read more

I have been to two concerts at the Magic Bag in the past twelve years. Both times, it has allowed people to experience a great group at a very reasonable price. Both bands were very approachable. However, as many other reviewers on here have stated, security is grossly unprofessional here. Keep in mind that these visits happened twelve years apart, you would think that something would change at that point in time. What kind of bar books a band that has been around for forty years, then sets a TIME LIMIT after the show for the artist to sign their merchandise? Frankly, I hope the band chooses not to play this venue again. Thank heavens the guitar player saw through their unprofessionalism. read more

3 stars for the music venue half, 4 1/2 stars for the Brew 'n View portion. Since their drinks aren't stupid ridiculously priced, I'll bump 'em to 4. Magic Bag is the main venue (I guess) of Ferndale, playing host to many older-targeted acts, such as The Church, English Beat, VAST. Lots of times, you'll catch other great local acts, such as Silverghost or Mega 80s. You'll generally see bands that wouldn't headline a place like Crofoot or Royal Oak Music Theatre, but still draw a crowd. The acoustics are pretty solid and the way that it is tiered allows for someone to get a good view, regardless of where they are at. The last show I was at, I was absolutely stunned at how long the band was allowed to play... two and a half hours in, and they were still going to strong! Brew 'n View is where the Magic Bag SHINES. $2 to see a not-yet-DVD-released film, the ability to drink during said movie, as well as not-major-movie-theatre-chain-priced popcorn. The quality isn't best, but it beats the dollar show. The crowd that is. Its really neat to see whatever they have showing every week, its definitely a great group activity. Drink and food prices are reasonable. While not on par with say, the Post, or Danny's, or Dino's, or wherever else, they are a music/movie venue and I doubt they are making their killing on either. They pass down some of the costs to you, via alcohol, but don't try to take you from behind because of it. Overall, a solid venue. Its a place I always keep my eyes on, since there are some very interesting bands that pass through. read more

What a fun venue! The $10 cash-only cover charge wasn't so bad, though it's a bit high for Michigan prices. But $10 to see a really excellent blues band? I'm game. The seating arrangement itself neither allowed enough room for dancing or offered enough room for everyone admitted to sit--not a huge problem, but it was clear that some people in the crowd were annoyed by others blocking their view, while other people in the crowd just wanted to dance and couldn't. So just be prepared: there's no guarantee of a seat or a perfect view here. Bring cash and a good attitude and enjoy your night! read more

TERRIBLE VENUE I just got back from seeing a comedy show. The wrong time had been posted on the site, (it said 8:30) so we thought getting there at 7:30 would get us good seats up front. Well, it turns out the show started at a weird time - 7:45 - and we actually made it just in time - just in time to HAVE TO STAND. Yeah, I'm glad I paid over $30 to stand an hour and a half for a comedy show AND actually have to stand by the bar and hear clanking of glasss, people talking, etc. Whoever decided to book comedy shows at this place is a fucking idiot. Stick to concerts, although, the sound was bad anyway. read more

A great spot to catch national and local acts. It's a no frills, intimate (smallish), venue that has a full bar (again nothing fancy). For the groupies and fans out there, set up camp right in front of the stage, or grab a table in the back and enjoy waitress service while watching the show. read more

Magic Bag Theatre - Doyle Bramhall II was fantastic! - Cinema Near Me - Ferndale, Michigan

Love the magic bag for the Brew and View and at least monthly when the Mega 80s play their special brand of 80s covers. For the brew and views, make sure you've seen the movie before, and then enjoy the brew and the view. It's a good time. For concerts the place is small enough and the acoustics are good for all types of music. The stage is high enough for a good view from wherever you are. The waitresses are quick and the beer selection is decent. read more

A great venue right on Woodward in the heart of Fashionable Ferndale, it is the perfect example of what Ferndale does. Takes a concept, puts a twist on it and makes it it's own. On Wednesday & Thursday nights for a $2 admission, you can enter at 8 pm, have a few drinks, mingle, settle into yours seats by 9:30 and enjoy table service while watching a film. Huge Screen, great sound and super fast service gives you an unique option for an all adult experience. They have concerts ranging from tribute bands, (a great time if you have never gone to one, FYI), to small acts and comics to boot, (in the Tom Green/Gilbert Gottfried range). The Good: I always say don't go to Magic Bag to see a film for the first time, it can be a little rowdy, but always go to see a film you love. The experience is always a festive one and a good time. The Bad: They don't accept phone orders directly and are open 10 to 5, so you need to go there to purchase tickets (to avoid fees from ordering from some where else). The credit card machine seems to break down more than a guest on Maury, so just bring cash and avoid the hassle. The Band This Establishment Most Resembles: Dead Again (A Grateful Dead Tribute Band). You know it isn't the real thing and that is half the fun. read more

I don't come here often. But when I have been, something that always amazes me is that given the one tiny bar for this whole place, the bartenders and cocktail waitresses hustle and make it so you never have to wait long (or at all!) for a drink. I'm not quite sure how they manage to do that, honestly.... It's a cool layout and perfect place to see a show that's big enough to be exciting, yet small enough to stay intimate. Large open floor space for standing room, and the benches lining the walls can seat more people than what you'd think. The sound is decent, the staff is great, I've never had a bad time here! read more

I've been going to the Magic Bag for 11 years now. I've attended both as a concert goer, and also working with a few artists who have performed here over the years (The Verve Pipe & Knee Deep Shag). Staff has been good to us, accommodating and pleasant. What I like most about the Magic Bag is its size.. The Bag holds just shy of 500 on concert nights. Unfortunately, this size venue seems to be a dying breed so I'm glad to see Magic Bag still doing well. Ever since the venue went non-smoking, I've enjoyed my time much more. I can't comment much on the drinks as I'm not much a drinker but the booze and popcorn flow freely here! Catch the $2 Brew & View during the week or a great show on the weekend. 11 years and counting for me! read more

This is a very intimate show venue. 300-400 capacity with standing room. There are tables with chairs and a few benches as well along the sides. There is plenty of standing room in the back. There is not a bad seat in the house. Decent beer selection. Mixed drinks. Popcorn. What else do you need?? Make it a point to catch a show at the Magic Bag. Enjoy! read more

Magic Bag Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Ferndale, Michigan

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We went with friends to see Rockstars! So much fun!! Advice: get there early to grab "your spot"! So a nice spot was standing in the aisle going down towards the stage - nobody is behind you and there's a ledge for your drink. It didn't feel crowded in a packed house. The server was great and drinks were prompt. Bathrooms were easy to get to and not crowded and clean which is always important to us ladies! The show itself was great!! We hadn't seen this group before and they were great!! 80's music and the lead singer changes costumes and becomes the person! Just SO MUCH FUN! Tickets were only $15 for a 90" show or was it 2 hours.. anyway.. lotsa bang for your buck!! If you're familiar with Ferndale at all then you know parking is tricky. Advice: download the Park Ferndale app so you're ready to go. We parked on the street and I renewed the app as it expired during the show. So parking was cheap for us. The Magic Bag is fun, loud and a great time. Oh the band members come out and interact with crowd afterwards... my friend got her picture with her fave! What a riot! She had fun - he made her day!! read more

I can't believe that with TWO check ins I am the Duchess!! I was here for a Lake Street Dive concert and again for Mega 80s on my birthday. The concert was intimate and had a good hipster vibe. The only problem is that I don't see how the people sitting behind the standing spots could see anything. The Mega 80s crowd was a lot of fun. Aparently the band never goes on exactly on time, but that was ok because they play 80s music videos like how they used to on MTV. I had a really good time. The only thing that would set this space completely off is if they had another bar at the front. My next visit will be for a Brew and View! read more

The Bag is equal parts music venue, film theater, and bar. It's the sort of place that my friends and I have been dreaming of since junior high, only to find out that someone has already done it! Spike & Mike's Twisted Animation Festival frequents the Bag, as well as various screenings of classics - classics in the sense of Pulp Fiction, Labyrinth, Natural Born Killers, and so on. This is a great place to catch something on the big screen that you may have missed the first time around, either because you were lazy like me, or so young it would've been impossible! (Tron... oh how I love thee.) I've noticed that sometimes the Magic Bag is confused with the Magic Stick - for example, I've gotten concert tickets via Ticketmaster that plainly stated Magic Bag, when in fact the show was at the Stick. I've never missed a show because of these mix ups, but definitely check online or call ahead. There's few places around town that do movie nights+beer+smoking - maybe the Royal Oak Music Theater - so if those things are your bag... then so is the Bag! read more

A mom & pops venue that supports local music artists. This is where I first saw Feist before they hit it big. Regretting it dearly that I didn't get an autograph then. Brew & view is on Wed & Thurs and how can you resist having a drinky drink or two or three... while watching a flick. Plus it's dirt cheap. Get there early to get a good seat. Otherwise you're sitting on the sidelines with the high probability of getting a kink in your neck (that goes for all events). Before the movie they show old school bits of cartoons and commercials. Staff is a hit or miss but it's still worth going to. read more

The concert was great, and the venue and service were adequate, until the concert ended. As soon as the band played their last song, the bright lights and unbearably loud music were turned on, and the bouncers started yelling at people to move toward the bar. Suddenly the guests were reduced to cattle, which might have made sense if we were a bunch of unruly drunken teenagers. However the majority of the guests were decent middle-aged human beings. The owners and managers of this establishment need to be reminded that we paid good money for tickets and drinks, and if they want our return business, they may want to fire or train their rude staff and find a more gentle and respectful way of transitioning guests to the door. read more

I love that Chris just told me this place refuses to change with the times. It's been a while since I've been back to the area, but I tell everyone that the Detroit area has some of the best live music venues. Always laid back, always a small intimate setting where you have no choice but to get completely pulled into the show. Man I love this place. Go there...do it for me. read more

Nothing like seeing Leon Russell in an intimate venue. Magic bag is a DETROIT jewel. Many good times and more to come. read more

Magic Bag Theatre - Leon Russell baby! - Cinema Near Me - Ferndale, Michigan

Appreciate this venue. Able to move around or be a part of big group. Big beer selection. Music is very eclectic. Caught a show this past week-end and worth the trip. I look forward to hanging out in Ferndale this summer and many trips to the Magic Bag Theatre. read more

Went last night for a taping of the podcast series Risk, and had a great time! We arrived shortly before the show and by then it was standing room only. The other patrons were friendly, and accomodating, allowing us to hang our jackets on thier table. I didn't mind the idea of standing room for the performance, but they really should have had a coat check. We got a few drinks from the bar which provided quick service and a strong pour. I would certainly go back again for another show! read more

I had admission for 20 people with my bachelorette party tonight. I have been here many times but never as the bachelorette. My sister got me a bachelorette cup and I had been putting my drinks in them all evening, until one bouncer(who was not wearing a "STAFF" shirt approached me on the dance floor and tried taking my cup from my hand. At the time I had no idea he was a bouncer, I thought it was a stranger trying to take my drink! Come to find out the bouncers name was Winston and he was very rude. I asked him if I could put my cup in my bag and he wouldn't let me. He took it from me like I was a child. Multiple bouncers saw this cup but this one had to act like a jerk...one star magic bag. Remember why people come here, to celebrate and have fun. read more

Management is rude, uneducated and discriminatory. I called to see if proof of Covid-19 vaccination is required. I was told yes, and I asked if Proof of antibodies or a negative test could be used. Andy said "NOPE " and hung up on me!! So unprofessional. I am a nurse and have taken care of many people with Covid-19 since the beginning. Unvaccinated does not equate to infected. Right now the majority of people getting Covid-19 are the vaccinated AND they are spreading it! There are many evidence based studies proving natural immunity is far superior to the vaccine, especially with the current variant. IF the Magic Bag was truly concerned about their customers and bands they would be requiring all people show proof of a negative test, not proof of a vaccine that is NOT preventing infection or preventing transmission. I won't support a business that discriminates in this way and has illogical policies. read more

Cash only for tickets, said the sign. Then cash only for the drinks after we'd already paid cover because turns out their machine is down. So we decided to skip around the corner for something more than a domestic beer since our cash supply was limited to the entry we'd paid and a beer each. There's a whole act ahead of the band we came to see, so good deal, right? We go to leave and the door man says to us that we're only allowed to re-enter if we're coming back with more cash from the ATM... and have to be fast or we'll have to pay cover again. AWFUL business model, bad customer service. read more

Went for a comedy show. Almost half the audience didn't have seats. They could have at least set up rows of chairs in the back. Very rude staff, especially the bouncers. It seemed like the bar back walking around Served only the purpose of blocking views. The show was great! Just wish it was at a different venue. I want to like this place! Bring back the brew and views. read more

'No other place to see all or most of the best new releases for $2! Plus, being able to watch new releases while drinking a beer(s!) beats watching a new release while eating popcorn any day (though this causes additional problems of having frequently to release the building pressure in your bladder). I agree with people that the seats are uncomfortable and that it's clutch to get there semi-early in order to snag one of the better seats. I like that the servers come around to you when they see that you have an empty drink to see whether you want another one. Since most people have to run to the bathroom at least once during the show, its nice that they come around to you so you don't have to make extra trips to the bar. I do wish they had draft beer though. Seriously Magic Bag. Get a few kegs--they'll pay for themselves! That's Brew & View. I love Magic Bag as a venue even more--super intimate. Like most venues, it can be overamplified at times (like when I saw the surviving Members of Morphine). The Gary Jules concert I saw when I was in high school was ridiculous and awesome though--one of my favorite concerts ever, and I hardly knew the headliner or the openers. I sat in the front row, just feet from the performers, who created an amazingly intimate atmosphere, all of them coming out at the same time (Gary Jules invited his fellow openers--all of whom hailed from LA: Gus Black and Jim Bianco, great performers and musicians all--to come out with him and play as a group on the small stage and do a sloppy but delightful rendition of Bob Seeger's Night Moves. 'Still remember that shit vividly. Neither they nor the audience members really knew the words, but the feeling was very much felt.) Some really great acts come through this venue and the vibe is always friendly and rockin' at the same time. It's hands-down one of my favorite places to see music in Metro Detroit. read more

me and ryan met up with juston and james last night to see Inglourious Basterds. we arrived around 8pm and we were the first ones there so we were able to get a good seat. and we sat and ate our Dolly's pizza while we chatted. the good- the price is right at $2. beers are not bad at around $3.50. you can bring in your own food. i love the pre-show commercials from the 70's/80's/90's. the not so good- uncomfortable chairs. tight seating, difficult to get out and use the restroom mid-movie. no draft beer. the movie started at 9:30 which put us at home after midnight. some of the music played before the movie is really loud/screamy/annoying. and when you ask the waitress if she can please shush the couple who is fighting louder that the movie and she tells you to 'just throw something at them'. yes, i would like to anger some drunks right now and get in a fight. no thanks! however the movie was good and for $2 i was pretty happy. we will be back again! read more

Brew and View-why do more places let you drink while you watch a movie? It is a damn shame. This place makes me yearn for Alamo Drafthouse in Texas. PBR plus Jonah Hill equals good times. The one better would be if you could order without having to get up to go to the bar (like Alamo). I guess you cannot win them all. I like that they had an intermission/piss/order drinks break in the middle of the movie. I got their early because I was not sure if it would fill up, but my fears were unfounded. This one is a keeper. read more

I had a great time at the Return of Detroit New Years Eve party! I won free tickets thanks to Yelp. The local bands who performed where high energy and kept the party going. I think Magic Bag delivers amazing sound quality so that all you hear is a clear flow of rock 'n' roll! I hardly noticed any imperfections or static. The music is loud but not to the point where it's so distracting that you can't enjoy it. There was plenty of New Years hats, horns and tiaras up for grabs! The staff at Magic Bag is very efficient! I could see staff members frequently walking around asking if people wanted drink refills. My only gripe was that I didn't notice any drink specials! I ordered a New Castle while my boyfriend got a Pabst and our total was $9.00...a bit pricey for two beers, but mixed drinks were more reasonable. The Magic Bag was a great place to spend New Years. The place was not packed and obnoxious. The atmosphere was fun and everyone seemed to be enjoying the music. The Howling Diablos closed the party as the main performers, and the singer said it best, "Ain't no party like a Detroit party 'cause a Detroit party don't stop!" Happy New Year! read more

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Finally made it to Brew and View night--awesome! Big tip you can bring your own food in:) Well prices beers domestic $3.5/bottle. Lots of fun. We really enjoyed all of the classic clips before it started, it brought back lots of memories! read more

This place is as cool and real as it gets. I'm reading the negative comments on here, and I can't believe some of the vitriol in them, so I felt I had to chime in with my own many, many experiences. There's a saying I'm sure everybody has heard at least once in their lifetime- it's "knowing how to roll". This place does just that, and as a frequent guest of theirs over the years, I've noticed that here, and in the really good places like this, it pays to know it's expected of the patron as well. They book the best talent here. There's always something for everybody. It's an absolute gem! read more

Really cool venue, but if you're looking for a friendly staff and customer service might want to try another place. Bartender was a dick.

Magic bag, you can go screw your entitled self. I arrived at 8:30 pm for a show that stated it's doors open at 8pm. Thing is they don't tell you after you pay cover you can't leave, or you have to pay cover again. Then why did they stamp your hand? Just to prove you were a gullible idiot that they suckered into their trap. The bathrooms are gross and the staff is every bit as hipster as Ferndale. Wish I would have spent my time and money somewhere else. And when questioned, the manager that was there said I'm sorry I can't help you... read more

This is my FAV venue in all of Michigan! There's not a bad seat in the house, up close an personal is how you will feel in any seat watching any show/comedian/musician .... you get the point! Waitress are always on top of there game and never let you wondering when your gonna get your next drink. Keep Keepin' it real Magic Bag =) read more

I'm a big fan of the Brew 'n' View. There are always good movies showing. Their popcorn is delicious and a great accompaniament to the "brew". I do find the seats terribly uncomfortable but what do you want for a $2 show at a bar?! I have seen a couple shows here, the Mega 80s and others. I do wish they had beers on tap but their bottle selection is decent. It's a fun place and I recommend getting on their weekly email list to stay abreast on the upcoming shows. read more

$2 movies on a big screen with food and beverages. Very friendly wait staff. Make sure you tip your waitstaff they deserve it here.