About Necto Nightclub
Necto is a high-energy nightclub and event venue in downtown Ann Arbor (516 E. Liberty St) (www.necto.com ). Founded (rebranded) in 2001 on the site of the former Nectarine Ballroom, it today calls itself “Ann Arbor’s premier destination for nightlife entertainment” (www.necto.com ). The multi-level club features state-of-the-art sound and lighting – its own site boasts “pulsating lights and a cutting-edge atmosphere” – and has become a cornerstone of the local dance music scene (www.necto.com ) (www.necto.com ). With roughly a 600-person capacity (the old Nectarine held about 600) (theconcertdatabase.com ), Necto draws crowds from the University of Michigan and beyond (even its website dubs it the “nightlife epicenter” for campus and community (www.necto.com )). It is also known for large themed parties: for example, Necto hosts Michigan’s largest and longest-running LGBTQ dance night (“Pride Fridays”) (www.necto.com ) and a goth/industrial night (“Factory Monday”). As a result, it garners a broad mix of students, locals and out-of-town visitors. Patrons enjoy drink specials and electronic/club music most nights; the venue’s own staff-slated DJs keep the main floor packed (www.necto.com ). In short, Necto’s blend of cutting-edge production (sound system, lighting, projections) and historic legacy in Ann Arbor gives it a reputation as a uniquely vibrant nightlife spot in Michigan.
Events and Programming
Necto’s calendar is packed with weekly theme nights and occasional special concerts. Every week the club hosts signature events: Monday nights are “Factory Monday” (goth/industrial), Thursday nights are “Mix” concerts or EDM showcases, Friday nights are “Pride Fridays” (LGBTQ dance party) and Saturday nights are high-energy club nights (often billed as “Frequency”). Special events and one-off concerts also pop up throughout the year – past lineups have included national techno/EDM acts and local promoters. For example, a 2012 event (“Minus party”) featured top DJs Clark, Magda and Richie Hawtin, even attracting Detroit techno legend Jeff Mills on the bill (phonopsia.co.uk ). Michigan Daily noted that in 2001 Necto held a benefit party with Kevin Saunderson for 9/11 relief (digital.bentley.umich.edu ) (digital.bentley.umich.edu ), showing how the venue occasionally hosts Michael- and charity-oriented events. Regular music styles range from techno and house to pop dance and drum ’n’ bass (Concert Archives catalogs dozens of EDM and electro-house shows here). Necto’s own descriptions promise a packed dance floor and “the best talent in the country” for ticketed shows (www.necto.com ), (www.necto.com ). Cover charges vary by event (often $5–15 for big nights); local flyers note that arriving before 10pm can secure lower cover or drink specials (www.tripadvisor.com ). In addition, Necto offers VIP and bottle service for groups (typically accommodating 5–20 people). In short, Necto programs a mix of weekly club nights, specialty theme events, and periodic headline DJs – making it a central hub of Ann Arbor’s nightlife schedule. (www.necto.com ) (phonopsia.co.uk )
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Necto’s special events are generally sold online or at the door. The club’s website directs fans to purchase show tickets through official vendors (often an Etix link) or the venue’s event calendar (www.necto.com ). Promoters typically announce ticket sale dates well in advance; subscribing to Necto’s mailing list or social pages is the easiest way to catch presales and on-sale dates. For smaller weekly theme nights, cover charges may be paid at the door (often $5–10), while major concerts and guest-artist events may require advance tickets. Local patrons advise arriving by opening time (usually around 9pm for late-night parties) because “Pride Fridays and college night fill up fast,” and earlier arrival can save on cover and drinks (www.tripadvisor.com ). Necto does not publicly list a box office address, so most attendees grab e-tickets or join the line on entry night. If you miss the online presale, door sales may be available but can sell out, so plan ahead. VIP tables and group packages are bookable through the club (shown on its site under “Bottle Service”), and these must be reserved separately (typically via email request). In summary: check Necto’s event postings early, buy through the official site or approved sellers, and keep an eye on early bird pricing.
Seating and Layout
Necto’s interior is designed for dancing and socializing – it is essentially standing room only on the main floor, with no fixed rows of seats. The venue spans multiple levels: a large ground-floor dance floor (with DJ stage) flows up via staircases to an elevated mezzanine level. The mezzanine has tables and railings overlooking the dance floor, creating a birds-eye view for mingling. Necto also has a separate area (often called the Red Room) on a lower ground level for certain dance nights. A recent visitor found that “everything was different” from past visits: the DJ booth was moved and an outdoor deck and new downstairs floor were added (phonopsia.co.uk ), indicating continuous renovation. In practice, the best spots depend on your preference – front of the ground floor will be closest to the DJs, while the mezzanine and back bar areas provide a more relaxed vantage point. VIP booths or lounge tables line the sides of the main floor; these are open only to bottle-service guests. Acoustically, Necto’s pro sound rig fills every corner, though crowd noise can be loud. Overall, sightlines are good – few obstructions prevent a clear view of each DJ stage. (One TripAdvisor reviewer described Necto as having “multiple rooms” and a “very large” space (www.tripadvisor.com ), echoing its sprawling layout.) Restrooms and bars are located on each active level. The club offers a full bar on the main floor and a second bar on the mezzanine, so drinks are easily accessible. In sum, Necto is a multi-room, open layout club with general admission dancing and elevated viewing areas; no assigned seats or table reservations for general guests.
Getting There and Parking
Necto sits in Ann Arbor’s downtown core (“E. Liberty between Thompson and Maynard”), easily reached by car or transit. Since the club has no private lot, visitors typically use nearby city parking structures or street parking (www.necto.com ) (www.necto.com ). The closest paid garages are the Maynard Street Structure (324 Maynard St) and the Liberty Square Structure (510 E. Washington St) (www.necto.com ), each about a block from Necto. The Maynard Deck costs about $1.20 per hour (Free on Sundays) (www.necto.com ) and accepts credit, and the Liberty Square Deck is similar ($1.20/hr, or a $5 flat rate after 3pm on weekdays with all-day Saturday parking) (www.necto.com ). Note that street parking is very limited and metered, but it is free after 6pm (www.necto.com ). Because the garage on Maynard advertises handicap accessibility (www.necto.com ), it is a convenient spot for those seeking accessible parking. Public transit: Ann Arbor’s TheRide buses serve downtown; several routes (e.g. #2, #3, #6 and #10) stop along Liberty or State streets just a block or two from Necto. The nearest intersection is Liberty & Thompson, with stops on Liberty heading downtown and on Huron heading east. Rideshare and taxi drop-offs can conveniently use the address 516 E. Liberty (vehicles often pause briefly in front of the club on Liberty Street). For evening gigs, a shuttle bus service (the AATA D2) runs through central Ann Arbor until around midnight and might be useful. In summary: drive if you can find city garage parking (and budget a few dollars), or park a block away on Liberty/William. Downtown is compact, so walking from nearby lots or catching a bus to the State Street area works well.
Inside the Venue
Upon entry, expect thorough security and ID checks: Necto is 18+ (21+ to drink) and strictly enforces state ID laws. Only valid government photo IDs (driver’s license, passport, etc.) are accepted (www.necto.com ). On busy nights a line can form outside the single front door, so have your ID out and expect a quick bag check (large bags/backpacks are prohibited (www.necto.com )). No outside food or drink is permitted (www.necto.com ), and there are no public coat-check counters noted, so travel light. Once inside, you’ll find a dim, clubby atmosphere – pulsing lights, loud music, and friendly staff. The main floor bar is to one side of the dance area, and a second bar sits upstairs by the mezzanine. The bartenders mix an array of signature cocktails (the venue advertises “premium drinks and signature cocktails” (www.necto.com )) as well as beer and spirits. Credit cards are accepted; cash is also fine. Restrooms for men and women are located on each level (typically at the back); lines can form at halftime. The club tends to stay very hot and rambunctious – dancing is common everywhere you go. Connectivity: There is no public WiFi, so expect to rely on your mobile data (coverage is generally good indoors). The music vibe varies by night (pop/dance hits on Fridays, gothic/industrial on Mondays, etc.), but the energy level is almost always high. Staff are vigilant but polite; general conduct should be respectful to maintain safety. Finally, merchandise (like T-shirts and gift cards) is sold in the small lobby area (www.necto.com ). All told, Necto’s interior is a friendly but high-octane club environment with the essentials – multiple bars, a dance floor under laser lights, standing-room viewing and a couple of lounge areas on the mezzanine.
Nearby Amenities
Necto’s downtown location means plenty of dining and lodging options. For pre-show meals, restaurants along Liberty and Main Streets are within a few blocks. Notable nearby spots include Cottage Inn (pizza) on East William, The Brown Jug (traditional pizzas and beer) on Liberty, and several bars and grills on Maynard and State Street (e.g., Goodnite Gracie, The Jolly Pumpkin, Wolverine State Brewing). There are also quick bites on campus (20th Century, Short Order). Drink-wise, there’s an underground club next door (Blind Pig Cafe) and many student bars on State. For hotels, the Graduate Ann Arbor, Marriott at the corner of Maynard & Liberty, and Bell Tower Hotel on State are all within walking distance (3–5 blocks). Other chains (like Hyatt Place or Holiday Inn) are a bit farther north on State or along Jackson Road. If you want a late-night snack after an Necto club night, some downtown spots (e.g. Cheap Lunch, Fusion Bar) stay open past 2am. The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AATA) provides late-night bus service on main routes after the club closes. In short: Necto is surrounded by other nightlife – arrive early to grab dinner downtown, extend the evening at nearby bars, and enjoy easy access to hotels just up the street.
What Makes This Venue Special
Necto stands out for its combination of history and production values. Architecturally, it’s a rare two-story dance club with an expansive main floor and balcony levels – one longtime visitor reminisced that as the old “Nectarine” it once had two bars, a giant spiral staircase and an upstairs mezzanine filled with tables (detroitgayhistory.blogspot.com ), giving it a classic big-club feel. That legacy continues today in a more modern form: today’s Necto still boasts multiple bars and tiers, plus a new outdoor deck and lower “red room” added in recent renovations (phonopsia.co.uk ). Culturally, Necto has hosted legendary moments. It was the scene of a major post-9/11 benefit concert (with Kevin Saunderson donating 100% of admissions to the Red Cross) (digital.bentley.umich.edu ) (digital.bentley.umich.edu ). It has consistently drawn top DJs to Ann Arbor (even techno pioneer Jeff Mills DJ’ed here on younger nights (phonopsia.co.uk )). The club plays a unique role in Michigan’s LGBTQ nightlife – its “Pride Fridays” is the state’s longest-running gay dance night (www.necto.com ). Local tradition also can carry into routine: for example, one college grad advises arriving by 9pm because “Tuesday college night and Pride night fill up fast” (www.tripadvisor.com ). All these factors give Necto a distinctive charm: it’s storied (rooted in Ann Arbor’s gay and student bar history (detroitgayhistory.blogspot.com )), but also equipped like a Vegas-level dance hall. Visitors and performers love it for that blend – “Necto is legendary” as the venue itself says (www.necto.com ). In the eyes of fans, it’s not just another bar but an institution where major scene events happen regularly, and a place that has defined Ann Arbor’s nightlife for decades.
Visitor Tips and Information
Age and Code: Necto is 18+ (21+ to drink) (www.necto.com ). Always bring a valid photo ID – driver’s license or passport – and note that college/high school IDs and printed or phone images are NOT accepted (www.necto.com ). The club enforces a strict dress code on busy nights: neat, fitted attire is required, and avoid shorts, athletic wear or clothing with stains or holes (www.necto.com ). On Saturday nights especially, jeans and a nice top work best; try not to show up in tank tops, gym clothes or flip-flops. What to Bring:/strong> Zip-up jackets or small clutch bags are fine, but large backpacks or outside food/drinks are banned ([www.necto.com ). There’s no luggage check, and anything you bring will stay with you at your spot, so keep valuables safe. Entry Procedure: Doors usually open around 9pm for music nights. Expect security staff to check wristbands, ID and possibly pat you down. If arriving late (after 10pm), there may be a cover charge at the door (often $5–10 on Fridays/Saturdays). To skip lines, consider arriving at opening time or earlier for hot nights (arriving by 9–10pm is commonly suggested (www.tripadvisor.com )).Inside Tips: The club can be hot and crowded on dance nights, so pace yourself with water and take breaks on the mezzanine when needed. Cell phone reception is decent, but there’s no free WiFi; plan rides in advance. If you plan to drink, buy drinks at the bar in rounds (long lines can form at peak times). Finally, music genres vary by night – Thursday might have live bands, Friday is pop dance, Monday is goth – so check the schedule to match your taste. Accessibility: Necto’s street address has nearby handicap parking (the Maynard structure is ADA-accessible (www.necto.com )), but note that inside the venue there are stairs between levels. The ground level is wheelchair-accessible, but the mezzanine is not, so check with staff if you need accommodations. Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t show up without ID or in prohibited clothing – both will be grounds for denial of entry. Don’t expect to sit unless you book VIP; it’s mostly standing-room dancing. And mind the “no outside food or drink” rule to prevent confiscation at the door.
How do I buy tickets for an upcoming Necto event?
Tickets for concerts or headliner parties at Necto are typically sold online in advance. The club’s website and social media will link to official ticket outlets (often Etix) when a show is announced. For regular theme nights (like club nights on Friday/Saturday), you usually pay a modest cover at the door. Sign up for Necto’s email list and check their “Upcoming Events” page to know when tickets or wristbands go on sale. Doors generally open around 9pm for most events.
What are ticket prices or cover charges at Necto?
Ticket and cover prices vary by event. For big concert or guest-DJ nights, tickets can range from around $10 to $20 depending on the headliner. For standard weekly club nights (Pride Friday, Saturday dance, etc.), the cover is often $5–10. Some events have early-bird pricing if you buy weeks in advance. Many local drinkers note that arriving before 10pm can save on cover (early-bird or happy-hour deals are common) (www.tripadvisor.com ). Always check the specific event listing for exact prices.
Can I purchase tickets at Necto’s door?
Yes, if the event is not sold out, you can buy wristbands or tickets at the door. On many nights there is a box office window or staff selling entry at the entrance. However, popular shows often sell out, so it’s safer to buy online if possible. Door sales usually start when the club opens (around 9pm). Keep in mind that a sold-out announcement is typically posted on Necto’s site or social pages, so advance purchase is recommended for large shows.
Where do I park when attending Necto?
Necto has no private lot, so visitors use public parking. Nearby paid garages include the Maynard Street Parking Deck (324 Maynard St) and the Liberty Square Garage (510 E. Washington St) (www.necto.com ), both just a block from the club. Rates are roughly $1.20 per hour (with a $5 flat rate in the Liberty Square garage after 3pm) (www.necto.com ). Street parking is very limited but is free after 6pm (www.necto.com ). If you have a handicap placard, the Maynard Deck is wheelchair accessible (and it offers free parking on Sundays) (www.necto.com ). Rideshare drop-offs commonly use the address 516 E. Liberty, which puts you right at Necto’s door.
What public transit serves Necto?
Ann Arbor’s public buses (TheRide) stop in downtown. The closest stops to Necto are on East Liberty and East William one block away, served by multiple downtown routes (for example, Route 2 and Route 6 vehicles stop at Liberty & Thompson). If you’re on campus, buses like #5 or #6 route downtown via State and Liberty. You can check the current M-Ride or AAATA schedules for exact stops. Another option is the free AATA D2 freebus (daytime loop) or the NightRide routes (later at night) which both run near Main and Liberty. In practice, Necto is a short walk from any central bus transfer point (like the Blake Transit Center at Fourth and Huron).
Is Necto general admission or seated?
Necto is primarily a standing-room club. There are no fixed seats on the main dance floor. The venue is general admission except for special VIP areas. It has elevated booths and lounge tables on the mezzanine that you can use if you pay for VIP/bottle service (reserving those ahead is done through the club). But if you are buying a regular ticket or cover, you’ll stand or mingle on the dance floor or balcony. As a TripAdvisor review noted, the club has “multiple rooms” and is “very large,” so you can find spots to lean or perch (railing tables upstairs, or near the walls by the bars) (www.tripadvisor.com ).
Where are the best views from inside Necto?
For a front-row dance experience, position yourself on the ground-level floor near the DJ booth. If you prefer to see the crowd and DJs from above, the mezzanine railings along the second floor provide a clear overlook. The mezzanine also has tables along the railing where you can sit and chat while still watching the main floor. The “Red Room” downstairs (when in use) offers another dance area with smaller crowds. Overall, the layout is quite open; most spots have a decent sightline. Just be aware that near busy pillars or off-axis spots the view might angle slightly. In practice, any spot on the floor or balcony will let you see the stage, since no seating blocks the view.
How many people can Necto hold?
Necto’s capacity is on the order of hundreds. The pre-2001 Nectarine Ballroom at the same address held about 600 people (theconcertdatabase.com ). After renovations the space is similar in scale. On peak nights (notably Fridays and Saturdays) Necto will feel very packed; a local review even described it as one of the “largest” clubs in town (www.tripadvisor.com ). In short, expect a capacity several hundred – big enough that early arrival is advised for popular nights, but small enough to retain an intimate vibe once filled.
What are the age restrictions at Necto?
Necto is officially an “18 years and older” venue (www.necto.com ). All guests must be at least 18 with valid photo ID to enter. If you plan to drink alcohol, you must be 21 or older; bartenders give wristbands to 21+ patrons. No minors are allowed on the premises. In practice, you will not get in without a legitimate government-issued ID (Michigan IDs, driver’s licenses, military IDs and passports are accepted) (www.necto.com ). There are no exceptions for underage entry.
What is the dress code at Necto?
Necto enforces a smart casual dress code, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Men and women should avoid athletic wear, sweatpants, baggy clothing or anything overly casual (www.necto.com ). Nice jeans or pants with a fitted top are a safe choice. Hats or headgear are discouraged unless for style, and flashy streetwear or jerseys might be turned away. The policy states “neat, fitted attire is required” (www.necto.com ). If in doubt, upscale or fashion-forward club attire is best. The door staff has final say, so following these guidelines will help ensure entry.
What IDs are accepted at Necto?
Valid government-issued photo ID is required for everyone at the door (www.necto.com ). Acceptable forms include a state driver’s license (or ID card), U.S. passport or military ID. IDs must include your photo and date of birth. Note that Michigan temporary permits (left in IDs) are allowed if still stapled to an expired license, but digital copies or laminated IDs are NOT accepted (www.necto.com ). College or high-school student IDs will not work. Bring your primary ID each visit to avoid denial of entry.
What items are not allowed inside Necto?
Necto has a strict security policy. You cannot bring large bags or backpacks inside (www.necto.com ). Outside food, beverages and alcohol are also forbidden (www.necto.com ). Other prohibited items include weapons (including pocket knives), or any illegal substances. In other words, only small personal items are permitted (small clutch purses or wallets). All bags are subject to search; if you bring something banned, it will be confiscated or you may be denied entry. Staying aware of this policy will make your entry smoother at the front door.
Does Necto allow outside food or drinks?
No. Outside food, water bottles, and any alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the club (www.necto.com ). This is standard for most nightclubs. You are welcome to purchase snacks and drinks from Necto’s two bars once inside. If you attempt to bring food or drinks through the door, security will ask you to dispose of them or may refuse entry. It’s best to eat and hydrate before arriving and then buy everything you need inside.
Does Necto have a coat check?
Necto’s official site and signage do not mention a coat or bag check service. As a result, visitors usually keep their coats and small personal items with them. If you carry a light jacket or sweater, you might drape it around your belongings on the floor or hang it on your chair upstairs (if available). However, because space is tight, it’s best to avoid large coats or bags altogether. For convenience, wear layers that you can carry folded if needed.
Is Necto wheelchair accessible?
The club is housed in an older two-story building, which means full wheelchair access is limited. However, the nearby Maynard Street parking garage is ADA-accessible (www.necto.com ) and has handicap spots for patrons. The main dance floor of Necto itself is at street level, but access to the upstairs mezzanine is by stairs only. If you require special accommodations, it’s wise to contact the club in advance. In general, a guest in a wheelchair can enter the ground floor and enjoy the dance area, but moving between levels internally is not provided.
Does Necto have a WiFi or phone charging?
Necto does not advertise any public Wi-Fi network for guests. Phone signal inside is generally good (4G/LTE) so most people rely on their mobile data. There are no known charging stations or outlets for customer use on the dance floor or mezzanine. Carrying a portable charger is advisable if you expect to use your phone for photos or rideshare apps. Most visitors simply stay connected via cell service.
When should I arrive at Necto to avoid long lines?
Necto events can get busy quickly, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. For popular events, locals recommend arriving by 9–10pm. One reviewer advised that “Pride Fridays and college night fill up fast,” and arriving early lets you avoid long entry lines and high covers (www.tripadvisor.com ). Entry usually begins around 9pm; if you arrive after 11pm, you may face a wait. So plan to come early if possible – you’ll have a more relaxed arrival and may take advantage of any early-bird discounts on cover or drinks.
On what nights is Necto open?
Necto is typically active on Thursday through Saturday, with themed events each night. Fridays and Saturdays are prime club nights (usually 9pm–2am), while Thursdays hold live/DJ nights (the Mix series). Mondays are also notable for “Factory Monday” (a goth/darkwave night). The venue’s schedule can change, so check Necto’s calendar online. Some social nights (like Pride) may not run on holidays or summer breaks. During the University semesters, expect weekly Saturday dance parties; in summer or exam weeks, hours might shorten. In summary: plan for late evenings on Thurs-Sat at minimum, and consult the official listings for holiday hours.
