How long is the event?

The dinner runs approximately three hours; plan to arrive early to check in and get seated.

Do I need to participate in the mystery?

No. Participation is encouraged but optional—you can watch, listen, and enjoy the meal without taking an active role.

Are there age restrictions?

No specific age limits are provided; check the booking link for any event-specific policies and consider the show’s content for younger guests.

Can I bring a large group?

Larger groups should book together on a single reservation to ensure seating together. Parties under ten may be seated with other guests.

Is photography allowed?

Photos are generally okay, but staff may restrict photography during dramatic reveals—ask before shooting performance moments.

Dress in formal or cocktail attire and bring a mask that allows comfortable conversation and dining.

Midnight Masquerade Murder Dinner at Meadow Brook — Immersive Mystery Night in Rochester, MI

Meadow Brook’s Midnight Masquerade Murder Dinner takes place at the Great Estate in Rochester, Michigan, a short drive from Detroit and a memorable stop for visitors exploring Oakland County. This immersive, three-hour evening combines live interactive theater, a three‑course plated meal and a full signature bar, all staged inside the estate’s grand entertainment spaces. Guests arrive in formal attire and masks, slipping into roles as amateur sleuths while actors and clues unfold a whodunit you help solve.

The scene reads like a classic country-house mystery: masked figures circulating beneath chandeliers, servers delivering each course, and whispered exchanges that turn casual conversation into evidence. Key features include the Great Estate itself, the masquerade theme, a curated three-course menu, and the signature drinks that keep the plot lubricated. The event emphasizes interaction—tables are part of the stage, suspects may sit beside you, and small discoveries can shift suspicion in real time. Groups under ten may be seated with other parties, so booking together preserves continuity and comfort.

Why book this when you’re in Rochester? It’s rare to find an entertainment evening that blends theatrical production values with a full dining experience in a single ticket. For travelers who want a break from hiking, museums, or the local brewery circuit, this night offers storytelling, social puzzle-solving, and a chance to show up dressed for drama. The format is welcoming to newcomers—the guide actors provide directions, clues are distributed through play, and participation is entirely optional if you prefer to watch the action unfold.

Practical notes: the run time is roughly three hours; plan for parking and arriving early to check coats and get into character. This event is seasonal and typically billed as an annual highlight; check the referral booking link for current dates and seating policies. Because the experience centers on social interaction and performance, it’s ideal for date nights, friend groups, celebration dinners, and small corporate outings seeking a memorable evening activity.

The murder dinner is also a social way to explore local culture—part interactive theater, part dining event—and it offers a different kind of connection to place than outdoor trails do. Whether you come to test your deduction skills, enjoy a theatrical meal, or simply savor inventive cocktails under the glint of a masquerade mask, Meadow Brook’s Midnight Masquerade delivers an evening of suspense, laughter, and unforgettable clues. To get the most from the evening, arrive hungry but ready to pace your courses, bring a subtle mask that allows conversation, and plan to pair the bar’s signature cocktails with savory menu items. Photography is limited during dramatic reveals—check with staff before shooting—and comfortable shoes for standing during mingling improve the experience. Consider combining the dinner with nearby downtown Rochester nightlife.

About Meadow Brook Hall

Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester, Michigan, is a National Historic Landmark and one of America's largest historic homes. Built for the Dodge and Wilson families, the mansion showcases Tudor-revival architecture across three levels and more than 110 rooms. Meadow Brook Hall offers a variety of visitor experiences, including guided house tours, behind-the-scenes tours, self-guided touring, themed seasonal events, and specialized evening tours.

Guided House Tour and Guided Behind-the-Scenes Tour provide curated interpretation of architecture, decorative arts, and family history. Self-Guided Touring lets visitors explore the main floors at their own pace, with interpreters available and playhouse access on weekends. The Flashlight Tour offers an evening exploration of dimly lit rooms for visitors aged 13 and older.

Seasonal programming includes Art in the Elements, a floral sculpture display; Holiday Walk, featuring more than 50 decorated trees and seasonal décor across 110 rooms; Winter Wonder Lights, an outdoor light show with music and bonfires; and family-friendly Meadow Brook Hall-oween activities. Adults can attend Hall-oween: Bewitching Hour, a costumed strolling event with themed cocktails and treats.

Meadow Brook Hall operates as a museum and event venue with a focus on historic preservation, public education, and cultural programming. Interpreters and staff conduct tours and seasonal events that emphasize documented history and architectural significance. Visitors can verify hours, ticketing, and accessibility details through Meadow Brook Hall's official visitor information channels before planning a visit.

Group visits, school programs, and private events are available by reservation; booking details appear on official Meadow Brook Hall resources online.