guide for a great night out
We're thrilled you've chosen to spend your evening with us. Here's some information to make it a perfect EVENING!
Where is the concert located?
Most of our performances will be at the historic W.K. Kellogg Auditorium. Located at 50 W Van Buren St., Battle Creek, MI 49017. Our February concert will take place at Pennfield High School Auditorium, 8299 Pennfield Road in Battle Creek.
Where should I park?
Street parking is available on W Van Buren St., along with the ADA accessible parking lot in front of the auditorium. The ADA parking lot is right by the entrance to the building and has access to a ramp that brings you right into the auditorium. Across W Van Buren St from the auditorium is the Van Buren Street Parking Lot, next to Willard Library and Clara’s on the River. Additionally, the parking lot behind the auditorium (on the corner of McCamly St and North Ave) is available as well. If you park behind the auditorium, you can either walk around the building to the front entrance, or you can use the school entrance and walk down the main hallway to the lobby. Parking downtown can get busy on a Saturday night, so please consider arriving early and checking out one of the downtown restaurants (more information below!)
What do I Wear?
People ask us all the time if there is a dress code to go to the Symphony. There isn’t one! Whether you want to dress up in your Sunday best or if you want to wear jeans and a hoodie, the symphony encourages people to come as they are and to be comfortable. Ultimately, we’re happy to have you join us for a Saturday evening of music.
I'd like to go out before or after the show. What's open?
Click here for a list of restaurants that are open before or after Battle Creek Symphony concerts, plus some fun things to do if you are coming in from out of town.
I bought tickets in advance, what do I do?
If you purchased tickets and gave us your email address, you should have received a digital copy of your ticket. Please be sure to check your spam folder. Once you locate the ticket(s),you can either have it available on your phone or print it out in advance. Regardless of if your ticket is digital or a physical copy, you can head into the auditorium and find your seat! If you need assistance, one of the ushers stationed on both floors is available to help you. You don’t have to stop by the Box Office or the Will Call/Ticket Pick-Up areas.
What if I asked to pick my tickets up at the venue?
The lobby of the auditorium will have a “Will Call/Ticket Pick-Up” table. Please request for your tickets by giving us the last name of the person who purchased them. Please note that for your tickets to be held at Will Call/Ticket Pick-Up, you must contact the Box Office at (269) 963-1911 ext. 2586 by 5:00pm the day before the concert.
What if I want to purchase a ticket the day of the concert?
Tickets are available to purchase at-the-door the evening of the concert. The Box Office opens at 6:00pm, and we accept cash, check, and debit/credit card payments. If you’re a student, be sure to bring your student ID to get a discount.
How do I find the Box Office and Will Call?
Both areas will be located within the lobby of the auditorium. We plan to have plenty of signs to direct you to the correct area. However, there are ushers, volunteers, and staff members that will be happy to help you as well.
What time do the doors open to the lobby?
Doors to the lobby open up at 6:00 pm; doors to the auditorium open at 6:45 pm.
What if I'm running late?
To respect the performers and the audience, anyone arriving late will be seated by the House Manager during a suitable break in the program.
When do we clap?
Whenever you would like to. Seriously, the tradition of clapping only at the end of pieces was only for a short time in the history of music. Typically, people like to clap after a great solo in a jazz tune, an impressive dance move, or after a great movement (section) in a symphony. If you really like a piece, clap at the end of the piece and yell "encore" if you want to hear more (and they love playing encores!)
