Apollo Theater

The Basics

Michael Jackson and Lauryn Hill are among the stars who first flaunted their talent as amateurs on the Apollo’s legendary stage. Today it showcases myriad musical and comedy acts year-round, including special shows during the holiday season. The theater is also home to Showtime at the Apollo, a syndicated TV variety show highlighting new talent that ran from 1987 to 2008. In front of the Apollo on 125th Street, the sidewalk features a Walk of Fame honoring African-American music legends.

Informative, entertaining daily tours highlight the history of the theater and the performers who have played there. The Apollo is a popular stop on gospel tours, soul food crawls of the neighborhood, and hop-on hop-off bus tours of uptown Manhattan.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Apollo is a must-see for music lovers.

• If you’re attending a performance, the theater offers coat and bag check.

• Located on the theater’s upper level, the Apollo Music Café hosts artists in a lounge setting.

• Wheelchair locations and sight-impaired seats are available on the orchestra level, and infrared listening devices are available for the hearing impaired.

How to Get There

The Apollo Theater is on West 125th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard (Seventh Avenue) and Frederick Douglass Boulevard (Eighth Avenue) in Harlem. Take the A, B, C, or D train to 125th Street and walk a block east to the theater, or take the 2 or 3 train to 125th Street and walk two blocks west.

When to Get There

Check the theater’s performance calendar for current events, including amateur night, which traditionally occurred on Wednesdays. Historical tours are offered Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm; Wednesday at 11am; and Saturday and Sunday at 11am and 1pm.

Nearby Strivers’ Row

In the 1920s two picturesque blocks of Harlem, located from 138th to 139th streets and from Frederick Douglass to Adam Clayton Powell Jr. boulevards, earned the name Strivers’ Row, although it’s officially considered the St. Nicholas Historic District. Many prominent doctors mingled with well-known musicians in this area, including W.C. Handy and Bojangles Robinson. Bob Dylan also reportedly owned a home here at one time.

Ways to explore

For many visitors, the best way to experience the Apollo Theater is by seeing a performance there, and there’s a lot to choose from. Amateur Night draws entertainers who are anything but amateurish, including rappers, singers, and comedians with serious chops. (It’s a famously tough crowd, too, which is all part of the fun.) For a deeper dive into the history of the Apollo Theater, join a guided tour of the venue. It’s also an included stop on many city tours, particularly those focusing on Harlem culture, Black heritage, and music history from Harlem gospel to hip-hop.

Accessibility

The theater has 12 wheelchair-accessible seats on the orchestra level, and there’s an accessible entrance on West 125th Street.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Photo ID (if you’re drinking alcohol), earplugs

What to wear

There’s no dress code at the theater, but the crowd tends to wear smart-casual clothing.

Not allowed

Outside food and drinks, large bags

Amenities

Wi-Fi, restrooms, café

Address

The Apollo Theater is located on 125th Street in New York’s Harlem neighborhood. There are multiple ways to get here, including taxi, rideshare, and subway.

Driving

If driving, there’s metered street parking on Frederick Douglass Boulevard (Eighth Avenue) and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard (Seventh Avenue). There are also paid parking lots on 340 Saint Nicholas Avenue and 311 West 127th Street.

Public transportation

Take the A, B, C, D, 1, or 3 lines to the 125th Street Subway station, less than two blocks from the theater. The 125th Street station on the 4, 5, and 6 lines is a roughly 18-minute walk away.

Best times to visit

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your show to get through bag check and find your seats.

Best days to visit

Aficionados of Harlem history might say Wednesday’s Amateur Night is the best day to visit the theater, but check upcoming events to find what’s right for you.

Best months to visit

While Harlem is a year-round destination, the June through August summer months are a great time to see the neighborhood’s creativity on display with outdoor performances, buskers, artists, and more.

Special events

February is Black History Month, and the Apollo Theater generally marks the occasion with a series of events, including some that are free to attend.