The William Randolph Hearst Greek Theatre, known locally as the Berkeley Greek Theatre, is among the best places to see a summer concert in California.
This iconic Greek Theatre structure is over 100 years old, built in a stunning, classic architectural style. Its hillside location offers breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and parts of the university campus, but these views are only accessible from the very top of the property.
Concerts
Concerts at the Greek Theatre feature a range of performances, some organized by Cal Performances and others by promoter Another Planet Entertainment (APE). The variety of artists is eclectic, with past performances from renowned artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Placido Domingo, John Fogerty, John Legend, Radiohead, and Idina Menzel.
At classical music performances, Berkeley audiences are notably attentive and courteous, yet they may not always be punctual, often causing delays in the start of shows.
The views from the Greek Theatre are nothing short of spectacular, encompassing sights of the university campus, Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, San Francisco, and—on clear days—Mount Tamalpais in Marin County.
Seating Can Be Confusing
Understanding the seating layout is crucial before attending a performance. For certain concerts, the venue operates on a general admission basis, while for others, all seats may be reserved.
At general admission performances, attendees have the freedom to choose their spot—whether near the stage or further back—making it advisable to arrive early to secure preferred seating. Additionally, entering via the gate up the hill near Bowles Hall can expedite access compared to the box office entrance.
For some events, only the seats near the stage are reserved, while others reserve seats in the second tier as well. The lawn area remains general admission for all shows.
The theatre is organized in a half-circle layout, which includes:
- The flat floor area near the stage is referred to as The Pit.
- The lower tier sections A through F feature folding seats.
- A row of concrete “throne seats” lines the top of the first tier.
- The upper tier sections – 1 through 10 – lack back support and consist of large concrete steps. Seats in row 20 (the top row) offer a wall to lean against but can be chillier due to less shelter. Noise from the street and railroad may be more noticeable in side seats.
- The grassy lawn area, positioned behind and above all seats, provides excellent views and easy access to bars and restrooms.
Tickets
The summer concert season typically spans from May through October. It is important to note that all attendees must possess a ticket, and strollers are prohibited. Tickets for many APE shows often go on sale on Fridays at 10 am. Keeping informed about upcoming performances through their mailing list is advantageous.
To stay updated on all shows, it is essential to check both the Berkeley Greek Theatre schedule and the Cal Performances schedule.
For performances organized by Cal Performances, tickets can be purchased in advance at the Cal Performances Box Office located at Zellerbach Hall on the university campus, without any fee. The Box Office at the Greek Theatre operates only on performance days, opening 1.5 hours before showtime for ticket sales and will-call pick-up.
Tips
- Seats in the numbered sections consist of concrete steps without backs or cushions. Therefore, bringing something soft to sit on is recommended. Cushions are available for rent, but at a steep price.
- Doors generally open 1.5 hours before showtime. For those seated in the concrete step section, arriving too early could lead to sitting longer than necessary.
- While food is available for sale, outside food is permitted if brought in approved containers.
- Check the Greek Theatre website to learn about permissible items and those that are prohibited.
- The upper sections consist of shallow steps without handrails. For individuals with mobility limitations, selecting a seat in a lettered section may be advisable.
- The Greek Theatre is accessible for wheelchair users. A ramp is located in front of the Ticket Office, with a designated drop-off point at the North gate.
How to Get There
Situated at 2001 Gayley Road in Berkeley, the theatre is conveniently located near the University of California campus.
The Greek can be reached via BART, with about a mile walk from the station on Shattuck, taking approximately 20 minutes.
Some seasoned attendees recommend parking on nearby streets instead of in garages, a strategy that can yield cost savings, although it can be complicated to navigate.
Parking spots may be limited when other events are occurring on campus. Although some parking may be free, it’s vital to pay attention to time limits, as Berkeley parking enforcement is stringent.
