Concert halls & amphitheaters / Michigan State University campus
Wharton Center for Performing Arts
Michigan State University's performing-arts center in East Lansing, with the large Cobb Great Hall and the smaller Pasant Theatre.
01 / The story of this place
Make time for these
Alongside Broadway tours and dance, the Wharton Center presents concerts by touring artists, jazz and performances by MSU and Lansing orchestras. Fall 2026 includes An Evening with Sutton Foster and Endea Owens & The Cookout.
- Cobb Great Hall and Pasant Theatre
- Broadway tours and concerts
- Jazz and orchestra concerts
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¼ · Stay
Sleep right around the corner
Sources & fact check · Checked: 2026-09-25
An independently written bilingual guide. This collection is not an attendance-based ranking.
03 / Events
Events at this place
Published events automatically linked from our event guide. Times are local to the venue.
Nov 10, 2026, 7:30 PMManual Cinema's The 4th Witch: one night at Wharton Center in East Lansing
The title promises a fourth witch: Manual Cinema brings The 4th Witch to Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. It's a one-time stop, so plan around it if you're curious.
Nov 10, 2026, 7:30 PMAntigone at the Wharton Center in East Lansing
Antigone takes the stage at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. The run has eight performances, so finding a night that works should be easy.
Nov 11, 2026, 7:30 PMAntigone at the Wharton Center in East Lansing
Antigone takes the stage at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. The run has eight performances, so finding a night that works should be easy.
Nov 12, 2026, 7:30 PMAntigone at the Wharton Center in East Lansing
Antigone takes the stage at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. The run has eight performances, so finding a night that works should be easy.
Nov 13, 2026, 9:00 AMAntigone at the Wharton Center in East Lansing
Antigone takes the stage at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 9 a.m.. The run has eight performances, so finding a night that works should be easy.
Nov 13, 2026, 7:30 PMThe Moth Mainstage: one stop at Wharton Center in East Lansing
The Moth Mainstage comes to Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. It's a one-time stop, so if the name rings a bell, save the date.
Nov 13, 2026, 7:30 PMAntigone
Antigone takes the stage on Friday, November 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts in East Lansing. The Wharton Center is presenting the show.
Nov 15, 2026, 2:00 PMAntigone at the Wharton Center in East Lansing
Antigone takes the stage at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at 2 p.m.. The run has eight performances, so finding a night that works should be easy.
Nov 15, 2026, 4:00 PMWhat Do You Do With a Problem? at Wharton Center in East Lansing
The title asks a good question: What Do You Do With a Problem? comes to Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at 4 p.m.. It's the only date on the calendar.
Nov 18, 2026, 7:30 PMO Christmas Tea: A British Comedy at Wharton Center in East Lansing
Christmas tea, British style: O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy comes to Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. It's a single performance, so if you're up for a cup of British humor, save the date.
Nov 18, 2026, 7:30 PMRhinoceros: five performances at Wharton Center in East Lansing
A rhinoceros on the marquee: Rhinoceros takes the stage at Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. There are five performances, so finding one that works should be easy.
Nov 19, 2026, 7:30 PMAna Gasteyer: one date at Wharton Center in East Lansing
Ana Gasteyer comes to Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. It's a single date, so if you're a fan, mark it now.
Nov 19, 2026, 7:30 PMRhinoceros: five performances at Wharton Center in East Lansing
A rhinoceros on the marquee: Rhinoceros takes the stage at Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. There are five performances, so finding one that works should be easy.
Nov 21, 2026, 7:30 PMBeethoven 5 at Wharton Center in East Lansing
Da-da-da-dum: Beethoven 5 comes to Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. The title points straight at Beethoven's Fifth, and this is the one date.
Nov 21, 2026, 7:30 PMRhinoceros: five performances at Wharton Center in East Lansing
A rhinoceros on the marquee: Rhinoceros takes the stage at Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. There are five performances, so finding one that works should be easy.
Nov 22, 2026, 2:00 PMRhinoceros: five performances at Wharton Center in East Lansing
A rhinoceros on the marquee: Rhinoceros takes the stage at Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 2 p.m.. There are five performances, so finding one that works should be easy.
Nov 22, 2026, 3:00 PMSpartan Youth Wind Symphony and Wind Symphony at Wharton Center
Two wind ensembles, one concert: the Spartan Youth Wind Symphony and the Wind Symphony take the stage at Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 3 p.m.. It's family-friendly, so bring the kids.
Nov 22, 2026, 7:30 PMRhinoceros: five performances at Wharton Center in East Lansing
A rhinoceros on the marquee: Rhinoceros takes the stage at Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. There are five performances, so finding one that works should be easy.
Nov 23, 2026, 7:30 PMSymphony Orchestra: Fire and Flourish at Wharton Center in East Lansing
Fire and flourish, as the title promises: the Symphony Orchestra plays Fire and Flourish at Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Monday, November 23, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. It's a single concert date.
Nov 24, 2026, 7:30 PMSymphony Band in concert at the Wharton Center in East Lansing
The Symphony Band plays the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Tuesday, November 24, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. There are two concerts this fall, so if one date doesn't work, the other might.
Dec 1, 2026, 7:30 PMSIX: eight performances at Wharton Center in East Lansing
Eight chances to catch it: SIX takes the stage at Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. There are eight performances packed into less than a week.
Dec 2, 2026, 7:30 PMSIX: eight performances at Wharton Center in East Lansing
Eight chances to catch it: SIX takes the stage at Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. There are eight performances packed into less than a week.
Dec 3, 2026, 7:30 PMSIX: eight performances at Wharton Center in East Lansing
Eight chances to catch it: SIX takes the stage at Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. There are eight performances packed into less than a week.
Dec 3, 2026, 7:30 PMMSU Unscripted: five performances at Wharton Center in East Lansing
No script, as the name says: MSU Unscripted takes the stage at Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. There are five performances to choose from.
Dec 4, 2026, 7:30 PMSIX: eight performances at Wharton Center in East Lansing
Eight chances to catch it: SIX takes the stage at Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Friday, December 4, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. There are eight performances packed into less than a week.
Dec 4, 2026, 7:30 PMMSU Unscripted: five performances at Wharton Center in East Lansing
No script, as the name says: MSU Unscripted takes the stage at Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Friday, December 4, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. There are five performances to choose from.
Dec 5, 2026, 2:00 PMSIX: eight performances at Wharton Center in East Lansing
Eight chances to catch it: SIX takes the stage at Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 2 p.m.. There are eight performances packed into less than a week.
Dec 5, 2026, 2:00 PMMSU Unscripted: five performances at Wharton Center in East Lansing
No script, as the name says: MSU Unscripted takes the stage at Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 2 p.m.. There are five performances to choose from.
Dec 5, 2026, 7:30 PMSIX: eight performances at Wharton Center in East Lansing
Eight chances to catch it: SIX takes the stage at Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. There are eight performances packed into less than a week.
Dec 5, 2026, 7:30 PMMSU Unscripted: five performances at Wharton Center in East Lansing
No script, as the name says: MSU Unscripted takes the stage at Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. There are five performances to choose from.
Dec 6, 2026, 1:00 PMSIX: eight performances at Wharton Center in East Lansing
Eight chances to catch it: SIX takes the stage at Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Sunday, December 6, 2026, at 1 p.m.. There are eight performances packed into less than a week.
Dec 6, 2026, 2:00 PMMSU Unscripted: five performances at Wharton Center in East Lansing
No script, as the name says: MSU Unscripted takes the stage at Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Sunday, December 6, 2026, at 2 p.m.. There are five performances to choose from.
Dec 6, 2026, 6:30 PMSIX: eight performances at Wharton Center in East Lansing
Eight chances to catch it: SIX takes the stage at Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Sunday, December 6, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.. There are eight performances packed into less than a week.
Dec 8, 2026, 7:30 PMEmanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma at Wharton Center in East Lansing
Two names, one bill: Emanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma take the stage at Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. It's a single date, so if you want to hear this pair, book early.
Dec 9, 2026, 7:30 PMConcert Orchestra: American Portraits at Wharton Center in East Lansing
American portraits, painted in sound: the Concert Orchestra plays American Portraits at Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. It's a single concert date.
Dec 10, 2026, 7:30 PMConcert Band and Campus Band at the Wharton Center in East Lansing
The Concert Band and Campus Band play the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Thursday, December 10, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. Two bands on one program, with two dates to choose from.
Dec 12, 2026, 7:30 PMHoliday Glory: symphony orchestra and choirs at the Wharton Center
A symphony orchestra and choirs share the stage for Holiday Glory at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. It's holiday music at full size: a whole orchestra and a wall of voices together.
Dec 13, 2026, 3:00 PMHome for the Holidays at the Wharton Center
The Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, hosts Home for the Holidays on Sunday, December 13, 2026, at 3 p.m.. The title sets the mood: coming home for the season, and it's a good excuse to bring family or friends along.
Dec 16, 2026, 7:00 PMWorld Ballet Company: The Nutcracker at the Wharton Center
World Ballet Company dances The Nutcracker at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, at 7 p.m.. It's a two-show stop, so if a full ballet is on your holiday wish list, pick your date.
Dec 17, 2026, 7:00 PMWorld Ballet Company: The Nutcracker at the Wharton Center
World Ballet Company dances The Nutcracker at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Thursday, December 17, 2026, at 7 p.m.. It's a two-show stop, so if a full ballet is on your holiday wish list, pick your date.
Dec 19, 2026, 7:30 PMThe Hip Hop Nutcracker at the Wharton Center
The Hip Hop Nutcracker lands at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Saturday, December 19, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.. It's The Nutcracker with a hip-hop beat, for anyone who wants the familiar story with a little street energy.
Jan 6, 2027, 7:00 PMBrittany Davis at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts
Brittany Davis takes the stage at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Wednesday, January 6, 2027, at 7 p.m.. One performer, one date, one big stage: if you're headed toward East Lansing, stop in.
Jan 7, 2027, 7:00 PMNicholas Rodriguez: Sincerely, Sondheim at the Wharton Center
Nicholas Rodriguez brings Sincerely, Sondheim to the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Thursday, January 7, 2027, at 7 p.m.. The title reads like the sign-off on a letter, and it tells you exactly who's at the heart of the show: Sondheim.
Jan 8, 2027, 7:00 PMJohn Heffron at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts
John Heffron takes the stage at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Friday, January 8, 2027, at 7 p.m.. One performer, one date, one big stage: if you're in the area, grab a seat.
Jan 12, 2027, 7:30 PMCount Basie Orchestra with Carmen Bradford at the Wharton Center
The Count Basie Orchestra and Carmen Bradford share the stage at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Tuesday, January 12, 2027, at 7:30 p.m.. A full orchestra and Carmen Bradford on one stage, for one concert only.
Jan 19, 2027, 7:30 PMAlicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen at the Wharton Center
Alicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen arrives at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Tuesday, January 19, 2027, at 7:30 p.m.. The show carries Alicia Keys' name, and the Wharton has it for eight performances, so there's plenty of room to fit it in.
Jan 20, 2027, 7:30 PMAlicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen at the Wharton Center
Alicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen arrives at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Wednesday, January 20, 2027, at 7:30 p.m.. The show carries Alicia Keys' name, and the Wharton has it for eight performances, so there's plenty of room to fit it in.
Jan 21, 2027, 7:30 PMAlicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen at the Wharton Center
Alicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen arrives at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Thursday, January 21, 2027, at 7:30 p.m.. The show carries Alicia Keys' name, and the Wharton has it for eight performances, so there's plenty of room to fit it in.
Jan 22, 2027, 7:30 PMAlicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen at the Wharton Center
Alicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen arrives at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Friday, January 22, 2027, at 7:30 p.m.. The show carries Alicia Keys' name, and the Wharton has it for eight performances, so there's plenty of room to fit it in.
Jan 23, 2027, 2:00 PMAlicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen at the Wharton Center
Alicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen arrives at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Saturday, January 23, 2027, at 2 p.m.. The show carries Alicia Keys' name, and the Wharton has it for eight performances, so there's plenty of room to fit it in.
Jan 23, 2027, 7:30 PMAlicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen at the Wharton Center
Alicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen arrives at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Saturday, January 23, 2027, at 7:30 p.m.. The show carries Alicia Keys' name, and the Wharton has it for eight performances, so there's plenty of room to fit it in.
Jan 24, 2027, 1:00 PMAlicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen at the Wharton Center
Alicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen arrives at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Sunday, January 24, 2027, at 1 p.m.. The show carries Alicia Keys' name, and the Wharton has it for eight performances, so there's plenty of room to fit it in.
Jan 24, 2027, 6:30 PMAlicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen at the Wharton Center
Alicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen arrives at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Sunday, January 24, 2027, at 6:30 p.m.. The show carries Alicia Keys' name, and the Wharton has it for eight performances, so there's plenty of room to fit it in.
Jan 29, 2027, 7:30 PMShostakovich 10 at the Wharton Center
Shostakovich 10 comes to the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Friday, January 29, 2027, at 7:30 p.m.. Shostakovich is front and center, for one date only.
Feb 2, 2027, 7:30 PMBerlin Philharmonic Brass at the Wharton Center
Berlin Philharmonic Brass plays the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Tuesday, February 2, 2027, at 7:30 p.m.. A brass ensemble with Berlin and the Philharmonic right in its name, in East Lansing for one date only.
Feb 5, 2027, 7:30 PMAll Things Equal at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts
All Things Equal comes to the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Friday, February 5, 2027, at 7:30 p.m.. It's on the Wharton calendar for one date only.
Feb 9, 2027, 7:30 PMThe Acting Company at the Wharton Center
The Acting Company takes the stage at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Tuesday, February 9, 2027, at 7:30 p.m.. A theater company with acting right in its name, for one date only.
Feb 13, 2027, 1:30 PMThree Little Pigs and Other Tales at the Wharton Center
Three Little Pigs and Other Tales comes to the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Saturday, February 13, 2027, at 1:30 p.m.. The Three Little Pigs and more tales, just as the title promises, over two performances.
Feb 13, 2027, 4:00 PMThree Little Pigs and Other Tales at the Wharton Center
Three Little Pigs and Other Tales comes to the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Saturday, February 13, 2027, at 4 p.m.. The Three Little Pigs and more tales, just as the title promises, over two performances.
Feb 17, 2027, 7:30 PMDance Theatre of Harlem at the Wharton Center
Dance Theatre of Harlem performs at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 East Shaw Lane in East Lansing, on Wednesday, February 17, 2027, at 7:30 p.m.. Ballet and theater from a company with Harlem in its name, for one night only.
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