The Magic and Majesty of Live Performances!

There's nothing quite like the anticipation of a live performance, whether it be a musical, opera, play, dinner show, orchestra or otherwise. Luckily, groups who absolutely love the thrill of seeing the curtains rise and being entertained by world-class performers have plenty of options to choose from all around the country.

Join us as we take a snapshot look at some of the incredible opportunities that await groups when it comes to enjoying a stellar live performance!

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando provides groups with varying venues in order to provide exactly the type of experience they seek. Whether it's renowned venues such as the Walt Disney Theater, Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, and the acclaimed Steinmetz Hall (recognized among Architectural Digest's 11 most beautiful theaters worldwide), or the more intimate Judson's Live—the Center's new live music room—and established venues such as the DeVos Family Room, Rooftop Terrace, and Seneff Arts Plaza.

An example of the Center's show caliber is the upcoming grand finale of its 10th anniversary season: Grammy and Oscar-winning artist Jon Batiste—widely regarded as one of the most dynamic artists of his generation—and his electrifying Jon Batiste Plays America: The Big Money Tour, live in the Walt Disney Theater on Friday, October 10, 2025. The Center is also host to touring Broadway performances in partnership with the Florida Theatrical Association, welcoming productions including The Outsiders, & Juliet, Hell's Kitchen, Kimberly Akimbo, and the Florida debut of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in early 2026.

Venture to Chanhassen, Minnesota and you'll find Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (CDT), a destination providing groups with the perfect combination of live entertainment and a delicious meal from an extensive menu. The holidays are an especially ideal time to visit, as the attraction is decked out head to toe, from delightful holiday decor to a blazing fire in the lobby fireplace and more. Holiday themed productions are spread out across three stages, and you could even warm up with a pre-show cocktail at The Hogarth bar in the lobby!

On the Main Stage for one last time at CDT is Irving Berlin's White Christmas, running from October 4 through February 7. In the Fireside venue, groups could catch a variety of holiday programming running from Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve, including Rock & Roll Christmas Spectacular, Celtic Holiday Hooley, Ginger Commodore's Christmas With a Whole Lotta Soul, A Grand Ole Opry Christmas, a Vintage Vegas New Years, and more. Those seeking some laughs won't want to miss the best of comedy improvisation with Stevie Ray's Comedy Cabaret and their holiday themed installation, Dashing Through The Snowplows. And come February, for the first time in 35 years, CDT will welcome Guys and Dolls back to the Main Stage. The cherry on top? Groups of 12 or more receive special rates and benefits.

A truly classic live performance venue since its opening in 1891, Carnegie Hall in New York City beckons groups to enjoy its wide range of exceptional musical performances offered each season on its three great stages: the renowned Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, the intimate Weill Recital Hall, and the innovative Zankel Hall. There's something for groups of all kinds at Carnegie Hall, whether they're into jazz, world, or popular music, chamber performances or otherwise. It's simple to fit a performance into almost any itinerary, because in addition to Carnegie Hall's presentations, the venue is also home to more than 500 independently produced events each year.

Groups who want to go behind the scenes of the performing arts magic seen on stage at Carnegie Hall will love booking a private tour. It's during this special experience that they'll see this landmarked concert venue and national treasure in a whole new light, accompanied by delightful stories from expert docents. For a venue which has had the likes of George Gershwin, Billie Holiday, Judy Garland, and The Beatles grace its stages, would you expect anything less?

Photo courtesy of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

If iconic and culturally rich is the vibe you seek, look no further than Preservation Hall, situated in New Orleans' French Quarter. The Hall's history in and of itself makes the venue worth visiting, as it was here that racially-integrated bands and audiences shared music together during the Jim Crow era. Today, Preservation Hall is home to nightly acoustic live music, making it a staple on any New Orleans itinerary. Groups are sure to be enthralled by the talent of the current roster of 60 masters of traditional New Orleans Jazz, all of whom learned the traditional style from the greats who played before them, and are now working to pass it on themselves. Elevate the experience by booking a private performance—a truly unforgettable memory.

And of course, you can't talk about live performances without mentioning the magic of Broadway in New York City. Groups will leave theaters awestruck after basking in the majesty of Broadway's hottest shows, including classics like Wicked, The Lion King, Moulin Rouge!, and Cabaret, along with 2025 Tony Award®-winners like Buena Vista Social Club, Maybe Happy Ending and Death Becomes Her. And, resources like Broadway Inbound, Group Sales Box Office, and Disney Theatrical Sales pave the way for groups to have a truly seamless, memorable and special Broadway experience.

Beyond seeing a show on Broadway, groups won't want to miss visiting the Museum of Broadway, located right in the heart of Times Square. The museum's many permanent and rotating exhibits—made up of hundreds of rare costumes, props, artifacts and some incredible photo opportunities—make for the perfect companion to your group's Broadway performance. There's even an extensive "behind-the-scenes" section focused on the making of a Broadway show and what it's like to be a professional working on Broadway!

Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for Groups Today.

This article originally appeared in the Sept/Oct '25 issue of Groups Today.