Freedom Hill Amphitheater

Nice venue once you get inside but the parking is nasty. It’s a landfill and you walk through the dusty, or worse muddy landfill dirt among the methane vents. Not cool.

I haven’t been to Freedom Hill in many years. I forgot what it was like to see a concert here.
I feel like it has changed a little? We were upgraded from lawn to pavilion seats for free (YAY!), so I didn’t check out the lawn area. It looked pretty small though. I think the pavilion area is great though. The view seems to be good wherever you sit.
The area itself is pretty small. I’m so used to DTE aka Pine Knob, which takes forever to get to the beer stand or bathroom. I also like all of the picnic tables outside of the pavilion. We were able to hang out in between bands and relax.
The venue and bathrooms were clean. I never had to deal with a line to the bathroom, which is nice when you’re a woman!
The only thing I’m not a fan of is the parking lot. It’s all gravel and not marked well. The colored poles are pretty short and skinny, so they are difficult to see at night.
I definitely like Freedom Hill for a smaller, outdoor venue.

I’ve seen many a concert here, from 311 to the Mo Pop Music festival to 311 again. The sound quality isn’t bad — actually, for a place of its size it’s pretty adequate — and the seating isn’t too shabby, either. The pavilion seats are comfortable while the lawn offers a DTE-​like experience in a smaller capacity.
I don’t think I have actually ever eaten any of their food, as I don’t really care to eat at concerts in the first place. I will drink, though, and the booze prices are standard fare. They have gotten some craft beers over the last couple years so that has been a definite upgrade, and I once got a Jack on the rocks for $ 5 during a P.O.D./Scott Weiland concert. That was surprising but quite welcome.
The parking for the venue is too pricey in my opinion. They put you way up in this gravel-​dirt-​crap parking lot and you pay $ 10-​$ 15 depending on how busy it is. You will have a bunch of employees mindlessly waving you along, reaching for your cash. On a good note, however, security is pretty lax for the most part… you won’t be able to bring any weapons in, but I’m sure you could bring in (ahem) other things if your heart desired.
This place has its moments, but at the end of the day it’s never going to be the best venue you will ever witness a concert. I’d rather go to DTE for an outdoor concert because it’s so much bigger and just better, but Freedom Hill is cleaner because it is less people and the employees can handle the capacity better. The proximity of the venue is also nice if you live in Macomb County.

Wouldnt be a bad place with organization. Its a cool outdoor venue but the problem is with entering and especially LEAVING. They forced me both time I’ve been to park in the farthest stretches of their land. This means the dirt or grass. Broken glass everywhere, pieces of steel, all kind of debris all over the place. The have people telling you where to go when entering. But when leaving, its everyone for himself. Meaning rather than taking an hour to clear out it could be 2 or more.
I prefer the DTE for its seat cops. Sure people complain, those that seat jump that it, but the DTE seat cops do a good job of controlling those animals. Not so at Freedom Hill. Crowds are getting older yet people pull the same tricks they did when 16. Its not cute — its ridiculous. I dont need a 50 year old fat ass in his tank top jumping over my seat thanks. That might be fun for some but it ruins mine. I had to fend off goofs, got beer spilled on me and waiting over an hour to leave. I am a grown man — I don’t need this crap. Why do they insit on serving people in plastic cups yet have no lids? Drunks spill. And a non drunk doesn’t like this.
Sadly, to little people have self respect. That may be why this venue just doesn’t care. Pop a tire? oh well. Your row filling up with people from 20 rows back? Oh well. No traffic control? Oh well.
There is an event in a few nights I would go to. but not a Freedom Hill again. No thanks. Of course the fat and unwashed will say I am just uptight. Well … that’s lovely for the apes in a cage. Have at it.

Never come here to watch the fireworks. They charged $ 15 for a 6 minute show which was a rip off. The food was horrible from the venue but the vendors are better. The best part is waiting more than an hour to get out of the parking lot.

The venue isn’t that bad I guess but the parking is unacceptable. If you’re charging for parking that should include someone directing traffic out after the event. It took 72 minutes to exit from the time I started my car. Wtf guys.

Freedom Hill is a great smaller more intimate venue to see a concert. Any seat inside the pavilion is fantastic, but I’ve never had lawn seats so I couldn’t speak to the experience from back there.
Concessions are overpriced, but number and quality of food choices are very good when compared to other venues I’ve been to. So even though you’ll be paying a high price, at least you will be stuffing your face with high quality food.
If you can walk, I strongly suggest parking in the neighborhood that is just west of Schoneher Rd because getting out takes forever. It’s a long walk from there, about ¾ of a mile, but it totally saves time when leaving.

I actually went to Freedom Hill for the first time last summer but i was surprised to see such low ratings so I’m posting now. I showed up literally a few minutes before the concert I attended, was very helpfully guided by the parking attendants to the ticket counter, was very kindly given all the ticket options by the staff member at the counter and literally within minutes we were on our way to our seats.
The only regret I had was that I had a coupon which I couldn’t use but it was my fault and no one else’s. Overall, I had no complaints. The venue itself is pretty nice with good sightlines. Even sitting at the back the view was good (of course not perfect but good enough) and the sound was excellent. I actually think that the sound was better than many of the other outdoor amphitheaters in the area The crowd was a mix of ages and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. There were no «incidents.» Like most venues it took a long time to get out, but it was reasonable compared to places like the Palace (which I love too).
It’s nice to have the option for more great concerts in the area by having this venue. I don’t get out to this side of town much, but I know that the site where Freedom Hill is currently based has had a lot of different sponsors and owners. The current owners seem to be doing a lot that’s right and I hope that they experience success.

Seats were great staff was friendly. The only reason why it’s now 5 stars is the valet was saposed to be apart of the vip tickets but it cost 5 bucks? If I want to tip them 5 thawys fine but dont advertise it as included. Tje food was catered by Andiamo and the ambiance was amazing and they had local cupcakes and cookies to offer from just baked which I believe is out of troy. Then after the show everyone is invited to the D lounge which is where they held the vip dinner. Great singers we seen el vola I believe. A group of three men with amazing voices and a beautiful orchestra in the background. Would go again but the valet pick up was chaos on the way oit took over 45 min to get the car

I saw Diana Ross last night at Freedom Hill. Not sure who the biggest offenders are… the place itself or the concert goers, but starting 2hrs late is unacceptable in my book. People were still strolling in at 9:00 for a «7:30» concert. By the same token, Freedom Hill was making no attempt to get people in their seats and start the show. Either start on time or stop advertising a bogus start time.
It seemed like no one was in charge. After waiting an hour for SOMETHING to happen a comedienne came out, which almost seemed like an afterthought to kill time. Then suddenly it was announced that we should go get refreshments and the houselights went on. As soon as people were out of their seats again, the show started. She sang for almost an hour and 15 minutes, including wardrobe changes. We could hardly hear her because the backup music as so loud. She looked great and I’m sure probably sounded great. All in all, not a good experience. Bad advertising, bad execution, very overpriced refreshments. Won’t be going to Freedom Hill again.

We were there for last year’s MoPop festival. To get a beer, you had to wait in line to get beer tickets (10 minutes) and then wait in line again to get an actual beer (5 – 10 minutes). Wait in line twice for beer? Advice: buy extra beer tickets to avoid waiting in 2 lines every time. Overpriced to boot. After that, the headliner– Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes were rushed off the stage before completing their set. They were not allowed to play 2 of their best songs, and were rushed through the others. My guess is that due to the new sound/​noise ordinances, they legally were not able to play past a certain time without fines. It’s a shame because freedom hill is so close to my house. When I heard about Lord Huron (check them out– great band) playing the festival this year, I couldn’t even bear to buy tickets due to the epic degree of disorganization last year and fear that the show would once again abruptly end like last year. The price of admission is way too expensive for a venue of this, mediocre at best, quality.

First time here tonight, for Beach Boys, and sat on lawn. Got there early, at 6:30pm, to get a lawn seat. I had never been here before and it was really nice, kind of a mini DTE. Parking was a little crazy but we left the concert early so had no problems getting out.
I would love to see another concert here! It’s only a twenty minute drive from my house (Troy) which is also a plus.

I have recently moved back to Michigan, and was thrilled to find out Freedom Hill was open again! I used to frequent the venue, and was so disappointed that it had to shut down for awhile. I am a classical musician, so I hate hearing about things like that.
Anyway, I went to see Kool and the Gang with my Mom last night, ⁶⁄₃₀.
We live about ~9 miles away from the venue, and left with ample time to get settled at the concert and maybe grab a drink or two. Although we left early, it took us a solid 90 minutes to get there and park. Ridiculous! Apparently there was a carnival going on as well, which we had no idea about. The planning for this, and the parking situation was absolutely unacceptable and atrocious. But, at that point I was still optimistic. It takes awhile to get to a show sometimes, and maybe I should have known enough to research if there was or was not a carnival going on at the same time.
So, after parking and losing a shoe in the mud (whatever, I’m outdoorsy, I can deal) on the way to the amphitheater, I was (and this is a bit of praise) thrilled to see the improvements that have been made since I last visited (about 8 years ago). It looked great, and the bathrooms were much improved.
Concessions: Way overpriced. The venue is not of that caliber yet to justify an $ 8 watery beer. Also, the wait staff, though very friendly, were pretty unenthusiastic and unhelpful (I don’t blame them.). This could use some revamping, in my opinion. But, it’s better than it used to be.
Concert: Although it started very late, I thought it was great! Sound system was dialed in, and loved the seats and show. Had a great time with my Mom (aside from the couple that was one base away from having intercourse in the row in front of us, but what are you going to do?).
This section is why I’m giving this show a horrible rating: After the show it was a nightmare leaving the parking lot. Concert ended at about 10:45, we get to the car at 11:00. and there is no one moving. Lines and lines of cars, no movement or progress. So, not wanting to kill the battery, we sat in the car for over an hour. Only then was there slight progress in the line (s) of traffic, so we decided to get on board and pick a line. Mistake. Still stand-​still. I’ve been to many many shows and events, and this is the WORST I have ever seen in terms of logistical planning for traffic, etc. Awful. We sat there in line another hour, and at this point people were leaving their vehicles to go to the bathroom in the woods. Also, people’s tempers started to flair.
Having lived through Hurricane Sandy, it somewhat reminded of that sort of situation. You could not get anywhere, and there was no one around to help once you got to the point of actually leaving the parking lot (which was a 2 hour process.)
All in all, took us 2.5 hours to get home, and my Mom had to get up for work very early. It was a nightmare, and although the concert was fun, I will NEVER go to Freedom Hill again. Unless I ride my bike there.

We were there for the sold out Lady Antebellum concert last week. The place has been closed for three years and I’ve not been there in about five. I must say that the improvements are vast. Almost everything is profoundly different, from the seats to the well keep grounds and the concession stands. The men’s looked like it had not been tended to the whole night, could probably use an attendant.
As an avid concert goer I found the ticket prices a bit steep for the venue.
Overall they are doing a lot things right but there is room left to improve.

Freedom Hill is open again after a three year legal battle. This is great news for concert goers who want a great experience. I saw Huey Lewis & The News there for opening night. The grounds are clean, lots of security, NO smoking, free parking, easy access, everything you want in a concert venue. What is especially good is the sound system they have. Even on the lawn, you could hear every word without distortion. This place has come a long way since the first concert I saw there. There was NO seating or hill to sit on or stage. We sat in the dirt and watched Three Dog Night who were on a wood platform. We still enjoyed the show but now it is our favorite outdoor concert venue.

I really dig Freedom Hill! It’s nearby and it’s not so big that it becomes a chore getting in or out of the parking lot. The theatre is maintained really well and the lawn itself is gorgeous and comfortable to sit on even without a blanket. The venue is just big enough that it still offers an intimate vibe for shows and all the vantage points are pretty terrific. The bathrooms and paths are clean. And the vendors are all pretty standard with their offerings. They do offer a few craft beer options but nothing exceptional and most of them don’t take credit so you’ll want to bring cash to simplify trips to the concessions but for a concert this is a great place for a chill show or a date. I only wish they had a couple small screens like the Knob to watch the stage when everyone is on their feet.

Freedom Hill is… a strange place that doesn’t know what it wants to be.
During the summer, Sundays it has a flea market, all the while hosting music events at it’s impressively sized amphitheater. In the fall, it keeps hosting music events, as well has hosting a large haunted house and cider /​donut concession stand.
I’ve been to at least one of each of the aforementioned gigs, and they’re all worth a look.
The flea market is impressive; if you’re a fan of rummaging like me, then it’s worth a look. They have a few hundred vendors selling anything and everything you could think of. I’ve snagged some impressive stuff from FH’s flea market for really cheap, including some guitar gear and a few antique radios.
The concerts they throw are massive. The first one I ever went to I remember as being the best festival I’ve ever been to (that will remain true until I attend SXSW!). They have two stages, one with a grass amphitheater, and another in front of a pavilion. It seems that, to increase attendance, they cater to kids — the show I went to had a moonwalk and other similar carnival-​style «rides» for kids, and a ton of vendors peddling things related and unrelated to music.
The haunted house was just wonderful — inexpensive considering how much haunted houses charge these days, and BIG. Some of it is enclosed, and other parts go into the forest that surrounds Freedom Hill… it’s just a really great set up that can’t be matched by most places.
If you ever have a reason to go to Freedom Hill, I’d highly suggest it.