Built at the turn of the 20th Century, this theater has played host not only to the University's graduation ceremonies, but has also been one of the premier venues in the city for live shows, and one of the only under the open sky. Designed like a classical Greek amphitheater with its tiered concrete seating and immense stage, it seats 8,000, and every seat is a good one as the acoustics are fantastic. Since it is outdoors, be sure to bring a coat or sweater as it gets chilly even during the summer, and a blanket if you want to sit on the grass before the stage.
The Aurora produces high quality literary plays starring the most renowned local talent in a theater no larger than a high school's. Their mission is to bring audiences the best drama in the most intimate atmosphere, valuing the community's diversity and emphasizing the intellectual element in stage entertainment. Occasionally they also host special evenings and readings. Featured playwrights have included G.B. Shaw, Tenessee Williams, Harold Pinter, David Mamet, Henrik Ibsen, as well as amazing yet lesser known writers. Once you go there, you'll understand why it has earned such prestige and why it has such a devoted local following.
For the thrills of thoroughbred horse-racing, visit this Albany fast track. It is an old-fashioned race track with a modern makeover. When the first race starts, the fun begins. Make bets, drink beer, and cheer for your favorite horse. Contests and giveaways at the track are not uncommon, like their Sunday Dollar Days where admission, (small) beers, sodas and hot dogs are all just a dollar each. Ample parking and great views of the City by the Bay are an added plus.
Located on the campus of the University of California Berkeley, California Memorial Stadium hosted its first game in 1923, and has remained the home of the California Golden Bears football team ever since. Added to the US National Register of Historic Places in 2006, the stadium underwent a major renovation after the 2010 season to update the facilities and make the complex seismically safe, which was especially important because it lies directly on the active Hayward Fault. Seating up to 63,000 spectators, the stadium is named in memory of all Californians who lost their lives in World War I. For those not wanting to pay for a ticket, games can be seen for free (albeit at a considerable distance) on Tightwad Hill, located on the eastern side of the stadium. One of the most famous plays in college football history, known simply as "The Play," took place here during The Big Game versus Stanford University in 1982.
The Berkeley Community Theatre has been hosting live bands for five decades. It has featured artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell and the Grateful Dead.
This quaint cinema still retains much of its early to mid-20th century charm, before the advent of multiplexes. It even has a working box office that stands beneath the marquee. No flash-and-crash blockbusters here; the theater shows only independent, low budget, art and festival, and foreign films. There are two screens, one upstairs and one downstairs. Note: the upstairs screen is not accessible to people with disabilities.
Named in honor of the college's former coach and baseball legend, Louis Guisto Field opened in 2012. Enclosed by pine trees with the hills as a backdrop, this baseball field replaced its namesake arena. The base of Saint Mary's College of California's Gael baseball team, it is a great place to catch all the action of the home team.
The Taube Atrium Theater is nestled inside the opulent building of San Francisco War Memorial. The theater was named after California Businessman, philanthropist and San Francisco Opera Board Member Tad Taube and his wife Dianne. Inaugurated in 2016, the space is painted in a light grey tone with carved walls and a hazy, circular skylight on the ceiling. With minimalist architecture and a distinct grey theme, the place has a calm vibe. Equipped with modern sound and light systems, it is a perfect blend of contemporary and traditional. Since it is a flexible space, it is used for a variety of smaller concerts and operas.