Gold Country
Grass Valley punches above its weight with this excellent arts center. The varied program includes local and international music, dance, visual arts,…
Must-see entertainment in Northern California
San Jose
The absolutely stunning Spanish Colonial interior of this landmark entertainment venue is cathedral-worthy. The theater is home to Opera San Jose and…
Santa Cruz
Hosting jazz luminaries since 1975, this nonprofit theater is for serious jazz cats snapping their fingers for famous-name performers in an electrically…
Berkeley
Ashkenaz is a ‘music and dance community center’ attracting activists, hippies and fans of folk, swing, world music and more who love to dance (lessons…
Gold Country
On weekends between April and November, this highly regarded company produces live dramas in an outdoor amphitheater and in the tiny 1856 Cobblestone…
North Coast & Redwoods
An exquisite remodeling has revived this old school movie house, which shows cult classics, rock documentaries, silent films and more. Plus, it serves…
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
San Francisco
Before John Woo, Ang Lee and Wong Kar-wai hit multiplex marquees, they brought down the house in the Four Star’s postage-stamp-sized screening rooms…
The Mission, Dogpatch & Potrero Hill
Get your salsa, rumba and bachata (Dominican dance) on at this high-ceilinged, stadium-sized Latin venue that books slick international touring acts. Most…
San Francisco
For people who swear they'll never sing in public, Encore lowers the stakes – this place is a dim rumpus room, where your audience lounges on Naugahyde…
Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame
San Joaquin Valley
Housing a small theater, recording studios and displays on local legends, this space celebrates past icons and fosters new talent. Check the schedule for…
Berkeley
On campus, this ticket office has information on all UC Berkeley sports events. Some sell out weeks in advance such as the famous football frenzy between…
Downtown, Civic Center & SoMa
Views are mesmerizing from the 21st floor of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, where tourists and couples on date nights cut loose and dance to live bands …
