Oakland
The RIC straddles that line between a bar and a performance space; the beers are good and the bartenders are friendly, but for us, the big draw is a…
Must-see entertainment in Northern California
Oakland
This massive 1931 art deco masterpiece shows classic films a few times each month and is also home to the Oakland Symphony and Oakland Ballet. It…
Santa Cruz
Over the years, this stage for local bands has seen big-time national acts perform, from Queens of the Stone Age to Snoop Dogg. Expect loads of punk…
San Francisco
A vast yet cozy venue with all the right moves, including Monday salsa dance classes, Russian karaoke (no language skills required) and indie rock acts…
Berkeley
At the south end of the University of California, Berkeley campus near Bancroft Way and Dana St, Zellerbach Hall features dance events, musical concerts…
San Jose
The San Jose Sharks – the city’s tremendously popular professional hockey team – play at this massive glass-and-metal stadium (formerly the HP Pavilion)…
Oakland
Once a vaudeville theater and silent-movie house, this 1926 beauty near Lake Merritt lures you in with its huge corner marquee (which sometimes displays…
Oakland
There's live music every night of the week at this ramshackle locals' favorite, which feels like a roadside juke joint plopped onto Grand Ave. The tunes…
Berkeley
This legendary club has almost 50 years of history and is conveniently located in the downtown arts district. It features great traditional folk, country,…
San Jose
Located near San Jose's airport, this is the home of the San Jose Earthquakes, the city's professional soccer team (season runs from February through…
Berkeley
This warmhearted community center presents dynamic dance classes and musical and visual arts events with a social justice bent. Look for a vibrant mural…
California Shakespeare Theater
Berkeley
Headquartered in Berkeley, with the fantastic outdoor Bruns Amphitheater east of the Berkeley Hills in Orinda as a venue, ‘Cal Shakes’ carries on a a warm…
The Mission, Dogpatch & Potrero Hill
San Francisco's underground arts scene has taken up residence in a sunny Mission loft. Red Poppy hosts artist residencies, live jazz and roots music, and…
Berkeley
This outdoor, Greek-style amphitheater has been around since 1903, and is the oldest venue of its type in the country. Excellent sight lines, tons of…
Berkeley
Berkeley's solar-powered theater company stages exciting and provocative works in an intimate space. Offers pay-what-you-can tickets for preview shows,…
Sequoia National Park
A 1930s ‘talkie’ movie palace, the Fox has a stunning East Indian temple–themed interior and hosts film screenings, live music concerts, stand-up comedy…
Napa
A cabaret-style wine-and-beer bar, Silo’s offers varied music acts on Friday and Saturday nights. On Thursday it’s good for drinks. Buy tickets ahead of…
Monterey
Downtown Monterey cinema screens indie dramas, cutting-edge documentaries and offbeat Hollywood films. Drop by its Cafe Lumiere for locally roasted coffee…
Sacramento
A classic old movie house that’s been restored to its 1949 splendor. Hosts indie and foreign films and the annual Trash Film Orgy (trashfilmorgy.com) on…
Redding & Around
Try to catch some live music downtown at this refurbished 1935 art deco theater. Usually it hosts second-tier national acts, but if nothing else, take a…
Oakland
This laid-back movie house, pub and community-events space shows second-run and throwback indie films. Reasonably priced beer, wine, sandwiches and pizza…
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…
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.
North Coast & Redwoods
Hosts performing-arts events, usually on Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons, but sometimes on other days as well.
Sacramento
Quality jazz, R&B and the occasional salsa or indie act in a classy joint. Just beware of the potent martinis.
North Coast & Redwoods
This top-shelf community company produces excellent contemporary theater in the historic Hart Theatre Building.
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.
Napa Valley
Various artists, including Napa Valley Symphony, play this 1200-seat theater.
San Francisco
Hosts world-class classical performances at the Herbst Theater.
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