Santa Barbara
One of California’s oldest theaters (founded in 1873) presents modern dance, chamber music, jazz and world-music touring acts and stand-up comedy nights.
Must-see entertainment in California
Berkeley
This highly respected company has produced bold versions of classical and modern plays since 1968. Most shows have half-price tickets for patrons under 30.
Oakland
When the San Francisco Giants are away, the Oakland A’s are usually home, which expands the possibilities for those desperate for a summer baseball fix.
Berkeley
This volunteer-run and booze-free all-ages space is a West Coast punk-rock institution. Check the online calendar for upcoming shows on weekend nights.
Santa Cruz
In a way-out industrial wasteland, this joint puts on live sounds almost every night: jazz, blues, reggae, roots, salsa and acoustic world-music jams.
North Coast & Redwoods
Hosts events on campus and at the Arkley Center for the Performing Arts in Eureka. You’d be amazed at the kind of top-tier talent that shows up.
San Diego
Performances and improv classes in Mission Hills and a regular 'whose line is it anyway' type show on Fridays and Saturdays (tickets from $18).
San Fernando Valley
The cinema at the Americana offers cushy, reserved, amphitheater-style seating, loads of leg room and Monday Morning Mommy Movies at 11am.
Santa Monica
Current, tasteful and thought-provoking art-house films are screened in this beautifully renovated multiplex a block off the Promenade.
San Jose
San Jose's Major League Soccer (MLS) team plays at Avaya Stadium from February through October.
San Jose
San Jose's National Hockey League (NHL) team plays at SAP Center from September through April.
The Peninsula
With reclining leather seats, this renovated 1960s downtown gem screens a thought-provoking lineup of independent and foreign films.
Laguna Beach
Orange County’s oldest continuously operating community theater stages lighter plays in summer, more serious works in winter.
North Coast & Redwoods
Hosts performing-arts events, usually on Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons, but sometimes on other days as well.
Sonoma
The plaza’s gorgeous 1934 Mission Revival cinema screens art-house and revival films, and sometimes live theater.
Marin County
Restored downtown cinema offering innovative art-house programming on three screens in state-of-the-art surrounds.
Sacramento
Quality jazz, R&B and the occasional salsa or indie act in a classy joint. Just beware of the potent martinis.
Hollywood
This small stage puts on (often) award-winning productions of plays and musicals telling of the LGBT experience.
Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts
Sacramento & the Central Valley
Major theater, music, dance and other performances take place at this state-of-the-art venue on the UCD campus.
North Coast & Redwoods
This top-shelf community company produces excellent contemporary theater in the historic Hart Theatre Building.
Gold Country
A stunningly grand art-deco cinema with six auditoriums and 'luxury rocker loveseats' – who could resist?
Sacramento & the Central Valley
Davis' beloved art house movie theater has discerning programming and occasional Q&As with filmmakers.
Long Beach & San Pedro
The Long Beach shingle of Hollywood’s comedy classic features both stand-up veterans and up-and-comers.
Along Highway 101
Stages award-winning plays, hosts concerts and has occasional comedy acts in an intimate 75-seat theater.
Sacramento
This top-notch company holds court at the Community Center Theater and the Wells Fargo Pavilion in town.
Berkeley
Intimate downtown theater performs contemporary, thought-provoking plays staged with subtle aesthetics.
San Francisco
Big opera sung in English with a chamber orchestra in intimate venues around the Bay Area.
San Diego
For contemporary plays and re-imagined classics and self-proclaimed 'provocative theater.'
Coastal Highway 1
Since 1976 this company has been staging high-standard musical theater and operettas.
Sacramento & the Central Valley
For rhythm ‘n’ blues, folk and good cover bands, go up the road to Winters.
Napa Valley
Various artists, including Napa Valley Symphony, play this 1200-seat theater.
Gold Country
This theater mixes up Shakespeare, musicals, farce and popular revues.
Front Porch Cinema at the Pier
Santa Monica
Free movies are offered to the public at the pier on select Fridays.
San Francisco
Hosts world-class classical performances at the Herbst Theater.
Oakland
Small neighborhood art-house cinema that's over 100 years old. It screens first-run Hollywood and independent films.
West Hollywood & Mid-City
At this art-house cinema you may have a glass of wine and beer while you take in the latest un-blockbuster. Hence, screenings are all 21 and over only. If…
Pasadena & the San Gabriel Valley
Since its opening in 1932, music legends from Marian Anderson to Bob Dylan, Ella Fitzgerald to Josh Groban, Luciano Pavarotti to Carlos Santana and Stevie…
The Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf & the Piers
Lou's presents live blues on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. Primarily a restaurant, it also has a few bar tables near the bandstand and…
