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The Greek Theatre
Hearst Greek Theatre, 2001 Gayley Rd, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
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Ma
Review №1

One of my favorite venus in the bay area. Getting a good view is very easy. If you dont plan to be down in the pit then bring a cushion to sit in the cement sections.

Ch
Review №2

Ive been to several concerts here over the years. Its quite a large venue for an amphitheater and they have pretty well known artists. I love that the seating is long concrete benches that are set in such a way to create great acoustics in a bowl effect.Parking is a bit challenging as Berkeley is hilly and has lots of residential areas that surround the amphitheater. So, come with plenty of patience, park near a restaurant, stop and have an early dinner and walk up the hill to the theatre. Dont be in a hurry and wear comfortable shoes, youll do just fine.I think the sound in the amphitheater is awesome and Ive always enjoyed the shows. Come early if youre someone who wants to sit on the floor area close to the stage. Its a little bit more rowdy down there, but if dancing and screaming is your thing, its perfect. Fun to be had by all.Recently, we saw Vance Joy and again, were not disappointed. We will continue to view the schedule online and see if another concerts works into our schedules. Will definitely want to come to another show here again.

An
Review №3

The energy of the crowd reacting to Weird Al was amazing, as he did many crowd responding moves. The 1/2 circle shape of the Greek Theater makes the roar of the crowd.... Like nothing I have experienced. Word to the wise: if you are sitting on the concrete steps, be sure to bring a stadium seat or cushion, as the concrete is well worn and bumpy. Ditto for a warm jacket even on a summer night.Room for improvement: there is only one jumbo screen. My view of it was blocked by the lights. Simply duplicating the screen adjacent to the screen would have solved the problem. It takes a long time to fill the Greek Theater. Come prepared to sit around while it fills. Go to the bathroom before you arrive. This is a very difficult venue for the physically challenged, as much walking, hill climbing, and stair climbing are involved. Basically, this Theater is very old and should be rebuilt to todays standards.

Co
Review №4

This is the second time I have been to the Greek and it still is so great! The lines seem long to get in but it goes quickly. The staff is super helpful. I sat in the handicap spot and it is a great seat! They also allow easy bathroom access for handicap people which is great. The sound and lighting is always so good.

Ja
Review №5

The Greek Theatre is the best venue that I have ever seen a show at. Hands down. Came here on a perfect April night with a clear view of the skies and Sather Tower lit up. Got there early enough to stroll through campus to Telegraph Ave for a true feel of Berkeley. Incredible venue that exceeded my self-imposed hype. Cannot wait to get back here with 8500 of my friends.

st
Review №6

The theater is in a lovely setting on the Berkeley campus. The seating however are concrete steps very tightly arranged. I recommend if going to get seats on the lower level half way back to get chairs otherwise Id sit on the grass at the top so you can relax and lie down with your friends and food.

Ty
Review №7

This is a beautifully designed amphitheater is the best place to see your favorite artist, during the warm weather months. I had the pleasure of seeing Lana Del Ray here, and the outdoor atmosphere really added to the show.

Mi
Review №8

Great outdoor ampotheatre sound no matter where you are. Good G.A. room. Good seating. Even the lawn up top has a nice breeze and view. If you get a chance, go!!!!

Wi
Review №9

One of the most iconic venues in the Bay Area. I always bring out of town friends here for concerts. During the summer there’s a great show nearly every week end.The food is really good as well! They have a really wide variety of food available.After the show I usually take a nice stroll through campus and end up on Durant grabbing some food.

ro
Review №10

I hadn’t been to the Greek Theatre in this millennium. Fun atmosphere, and they’ve recently upgraded the food so you can get several types of poke bowls and decadent rich vegan brownies.Bring seat cushions or be sorry, unless you plan to dance the entire night away; there’s no actual “seating” seating. While it is BARTable, know the inbound walking trip is uphill. Parking is plentiful, though event pricing should be expected.

Ho
Review №11

I love this place. Its such a cool venue to take in some music, have some wine, and hang with friends. When the weather is great -- and when is it not in California? -- I love seeing the sun setting over the theater as the music starts, and breathing in the subtle scents of the surrounding trees (sitting on the hill, not the amphitheatre section).

De
Review №12

A really fun concert venue with ample seating space and good sound.The stage is large and theres a pretty good seating arrangement. My friends and I got there early and were able to secure a spot fairly close to the center. It was really cool being able to see the whole crowd which you cant really do with a flat seating/standing arrangement.The only thing I didnt like was how uncomfortable the seats became after a few hours but thats to be expected given that theyre concrete.

St
Review №13

Awesome outdoor venue with great line ups. Amphitheatre with lots of seating make every seat a good one. Expensive beer but at least they serve good options. Bathrooms are pretty horrible if I had to pick something negative up say. Easiest way to exit it go up and out the back corners. The show we just want to was Alabama shakes.

Ar
Review №14

Probably my favorite venue for a concert. Awesome atmosphere great views and of course fantastic shows and artists. Big thanks to UC Berkeley for keeping this gem alive and well for us fun-loving concert-goers. Just saw the slightly Stoopid summer tour there with the wife last weekend and it was awesome as expected! Dont think I can have as much fun at any other venue even if it was the same lineup!

Li
Review №15

Was here for the Maggie Rogers concert. I like the staggered setting of the seating so I dont actually have to tiptoe seeing the performance. The seats are of concrete so bring your own blanket or padding.

Ma
Review №16

What an amazing and beautiful venue!!! There is not a bad seat in the place, and great acoustics. I had a most awesome time there, and I cant wait to go back again!!

gr
Review №17

Ive been here for 2 concerts and its been great both times. Both had good crowds, and there werent any crazy problems or anything. The bathrooms are easy to get at, and they have had drink tents set up fairly accessible to the seating areas, if thats your thing. The atmosphere is really laid back. There were some sound issues with the most recent show I saw there, but the one before didnt have that problem.

Co
Review №18

Recently visited the Greek Theatre for the first time and I had a phenomenal experience! The staff working the event were kind and knowledgeable and if they didnt know an answer, they did their best to find out. Security was top notch as well. It was a very pleasant experience overall!

La
Review №19

First time here, AWESOME venue! Not a bad seat in the house and the sound quality was great. Lots of yummy food and beer options as well. Minus one star only cause parking was a nightmare.

Tr
Review №20

Acoustics were ok from the upper level, bring earplugs if you plan to be in the lower level or bowl. Pretty easy to get in and out of the venue but parking is kinda far away. Its cool to check out the campus though.

Fa
Review №21

My hubby and I went to a Kygo and Alan Walker Concert at this venue and it was fantastic! Its a medium size venue but its very very awesome. I mean even though if we were all the way on top you can see perfectly the show. It remains me like the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. The seats are pretty much stone. Very nice venue! Awesome vibe from all Berkeley University Alumni. My husband and I had an awesome, awesome time. I also love the safety this place offers. You have to pass for metal detectors and then another revision from police. The are 2 parking building very closed. I believe we paid $30 but in the next corner was another for $20. Highly recommended venue and price is very accessible for concerts. Oh, and we notice that even though Ticketmaster wasnt selling the tickets anymore couple hours before the show, the venue was selling it $7 dollars cheaper plus remember there is a extra charge when you buy tickets I dont recall the exact name but its not shipping so pretty much you are saving at least $20 per ticket. Thank you Cal University, we love our first visit there!!!!!!

R
Review №22

Thank you for having us! My gf and I had a great time at the theater! 1st time i go there! It was amazing! Went to see Protoje and Rebelution! Beautiful evening with good people and good vibes! Thx again! Definitely coming again on Agust 3! Cant wait!

Ar
Review №23

Hands down my favorite venue in the Bay Area. Outdoor, legit amphitheater with incredible acoustics and a killer sound system. Good vibes all around, easy access to drinks, water and bathrooms. Incredible sound no matter where you are in the venue! Love this place, just wish they had a better event calendar or a website!

Al
Review №24

Ive always loved this place and every show weve been to always has had the most excellent people in the audience. Its not a bigger venue which is a great thing in my opinion. If you get the opportunity to see a concert here, I highly recommend it, you wont be disappointed.

ju
Review №25

We attended a graduation ceremony of Berkeley.This spectacular Theatre is beautiful.

As
Review №26

Always love coming here for a show! No matter where you are, youll have an incredible view.

Ro
Review №27

A bit of a schlep to get into the theater, but it is nice that a tall person in front of you will not be in your way! Good sound due to the shape.

De
Review №28

One of the best place to see artists life music . We saw Robert plant and mark knoffler . Both awesome

He
Review №29

First time to The Greek! Great venue! Great views. Sound was incredible! Drinks and food great! Loved seeing Jason Mraz!!! And Brett Dennen!

Ro
Review №30

Im not much of a concet go-er, joined my partner for an Avett Brother show and was really impressed with the Greek Theater, Comfortable seating even thoug its on concrete, the acoustics were amazing and the Greco-Roman theme and backdrop are pretty cool.

Le
Review №31

Not a bad seat in the Greek Theatre. Bring a blanket to sit on even on the cement benches, as they do get cool later in the evening. Great new parking lot right next door. pay before you go to the show to avoid long lines when you want to leave.

Mu
Review №32

Was a great outdoor experience . Good lighting as well as sound quality. Stood the entire time but had a great spot.

Ju
Review №33

Amazing venue for concerts! Went there to watch Phoenix and the vibe was incredible, definitely want to come back!

An
Review №34

Beautiful location great crew love working this beautiful place very aw inspiring need i say more

Mi
Review №35

One of the best spots for a concert. We saw Van Morrison here, and had an absolutely excellent time.Their handicap seating is great, and incredibly intuitive to get to. Ill always find an excuse to come back here!

ar
Review №36

Wonderfull place to see hear a concert in a mountain like setting in berkley ca

R
Review №37

Wonderful arena in the Berkeley hills. It’s first come first serve so the area near the stage can pack quite uncomfortably but there are also seats in the stadium and even in the grassy hill above the stadium seating. Hard to get to restrooms but that probably means it’s a great concert. Get there 30-60 min early for a sold out show if you want seating in the front. Check the north and south entrances to see where the line is shorter. Both entries drop you off at the front of the stage.

Re
Review №38

My daughter graduated here. I loved the spaciousness. I love music and fitness so the location is perfect. It takes some cardio workout to get here due to the uphill walk. Music-wise, its perfect for outdoor concerts.

An
Review №39

Great time. Awesome venue.

Je
Review №40

An awesome open air venue with decent beer prices and an array of acts.

Ph
Review №41

I love the concert experience here. My first show was Boz Skaggs back in 1980 and sat up on the lawn. The sun set as the show began and that beautiful sight set the tone for the many future visits here. The sound is great and the folks who work there have always carried a positive vibe.

Aa
Review №42

Its hard to beat the Greek for a show. Parking sucks butt, but its worth the hike. Get there early to get a good seat in the seated areas. Better yet, get there early to get close to the stage to see your favorite artists do their thing in a more intimate setting. Hit the parking garage on Hearst and grab a meal at The Urban Turban before heading up the hill to the amphitheater; youll be glad you did. Indian Burritos wrapped in naan are freaking awesome before a great show.

Em
Review №43

Awesome venue. Bring a jacket and enjoy the music

St
Review №44

This is without a doubt one of the best music venues around. We were very fortunate to see Mark Knopfler (front man for Dire Straits and a long career as a singer /songwriter ) . Our seats were excellent - 2nd row right side - but I think any seat would be wonderful. The food / bar stands had short lines, and the acoustics seemed great to us. The egress was fine also, tho we went to & from via Uber. Put this venue on your list like Red Rocks and The Gorge .

Se
Review №45

What a great venue. Two bucket lists in one night. Greek Theatre and Van Morrison

Je
Review №46

Beautiful venue! Outdoor amphitheater with wonderful acoustics. Beautiful setting, plenty of refreshment stands and bathrooms, and lots of kind, helpful staff. Highly recommended!

Fr
Review №47

I love this place!The view of sunset over the bay as backdrop to world class entertainment cant be beat!The seats can be hard/cold,bring a cushion.Always a great crowd.

Pr
Review №48

Very good ambience with the sunset in the backdrop makes it even more beautiful view

Ja
Review №49

Loved this venue. First time Ive been here, and my friend forgot to mention it was an outdoor theater, so Im glad I brought my jacket for the night time show.

Tr
Review №50

I had a blast watching Gary Clark Jr and his opener Fantastic Negrito

Aa
Review №51

One of the best outdoor venues in California. Get down close or sit up on the grass for a great view of the city. Park a ways a way and take a lift to the show. Best way to roll and get there early.

Sy
Review №52

Awesome open space for concerts and events, those pictures were from Jason Mraz concert

Ja
Review №53

Make the effort and see a gig there. Incredible setting and truly one of the greatest outdoor concert venues.

Sa
Review №54

Beautiful sound, amazing design!

Sc
Review №55

Wonderful outdoor music venue. I love working here.

Pa
Review №56

Simply the best outdoor venue in Norcal. Great relaxing vibe.

Ma
Review №57

Incredible venue, great acoustics, totally atmospheric.

Co
Review №58

Quite the venue! All seats have a good view and great sound quality.

Ci
Review №59

Came here for a Lana Del Rey concert. Phenomenal!

Ga
Review №60

Extremely fond of all the shows here - hands down, its definitely one of the top outdoor music venues Ive been to (the only one I can think of thats better is Red Rock Amphitheater in Denver). What I like about this place is the amazing acoustics - its better than a lot of the indoor music halls around the bay area.Parking can be bad around Berkeley. If you are driving, youll likely need to park far west off campus and walk to the venue. The alternative is to BART in and walk across Berkeley campus (~15 min). Unless the weather is bad, its an enjoyable stroll.

Ro
Review №61

This is my favorite venue in the Bay. Though an open air venue is always subject to weather issues, Ive never had any problems. For concerts, the variety of seating options cant be beat. Though the hill is fairly steep, it is still pretty comfortable. Highly recommend parking somewhere a bit farther from the venue and then walking; the roads can get pretty packed after events.

S
Review №62

Great place. Saw the Grateful Dead there from 1984, with the speakers outside for everyone who couldnt get in. They stopped that later on. Every year till they stopped playing there, BC, they got to big to play there. Very Fun Place.

Ch
Review №63

Augustus might have built this place it’s so run down. That said, the place rocks. It’s small enough so there is not a bad seat in the house (but stay away from the sides). The Greek is open enough so you can get in and out pretty easy. for the option of being about to get a salmon poke bowl and the beer selection is solid. Find a warm night and one of your favorite bands and just Go. Life is too short NOT to being going here at least 1x per year.

Sa
Review №64

This theater is super nice! The venue is interesting with plenty of space both to sit and stand. Also, everything is super clean with bathrooms conveniently placed. Finally, everything is run extremely well as the performances tend to run flawlessly

Mo
Review №65

This theater is a beautiful piece of architecture. its purpose to serve event like a concert, drama, theater but big no for commencement or graduation ceremony at noontime under the scorching sun for 3 to 4 hours long.

Rh
Review №66

Best place to take kids for a concert because of the no smoking policy!

Am
Review №67

Incredible venue with great acoustics! You can take food and bottled water in. Showing up 1.5-2 hrs early is a good idea to get parking and join the queue.

Ru
Review №68

Wonderful atmosphere. Large but intimate. Seats are really uncomfortable and theres a bit of highway robbery with the drink prices

Br
Review №69

Beautiful outdoor venue to see shows. Be aware of the very steep stone steps in the back sections... I would recommend bringing a blanket and something soft to sit on (if allowed by the particular show)

Aa
Review №70

The view is perfect. There are friendly staff. The steps are at a very steep incline.

Jo
Review №71

Great outdoor venue for live music

Sl
Review №72

The staff are very chill and dont try to stop you from having a good time

Ni
Review №73

Best outdoor music spot in the Bay area and beyond.

cu
Review №74

Very nice venue.

Mi
Review №75

Great venue - perhaps the best in the Bay Area.Outdoor amphitheater style seating with great acoustics. (Steeply) sloping lawn above. Looking towards stage at sunset gives a spectacular view back to the Bay and the city of Berkeley.Historic site for music and theater over the years and funded by Hearst, with additions over the years, it clearly shouts Historic Place.

St
Review №76

Really cool venue though the drinks are pricey but what youd expect from a concert venue

ed
Review №77

Beautiful place to see a show...the two entrances can make it hairy if you are wanting to get on the rail.

Su
Review №78

One ofy favorite music venues in the bay. You must experience it if you havent yet!

Ra
Review №79

It was great experience! Great food and drink! The show was awesome! Bathrooms were clean and easily accessiable!

As
Review №80

Surprisingly good acoustics. This theatre is beautiful and offers a range of acts. Food and drink is way too expensive but the atmosphere is nice.

Ad
Review №81

Been coming for years and the concrete benches aren’t getting any softer. also i’m getting wider so it seems the allotted space per “seat” is getting smaller for the ticket prices, which are the only thing getting larger. sorry to say i’m going to think twice about coming to this venue again.

Nu
Review №82

This venue is pretty nice. The sound has been spectacular every time I have been there. The weather is always on the chilly side. Make sure to bring some cushions if youre on the stone benches, they can be unforgiving to the butt. I havent had any problem with paid parking but it might prove challenging to try and find some free parking. I really dont know if any free parking exist.

Am
Review №83

Fairly large amphitheater with a general admission area in the front and then bleacher rows behind. Theres a good amount of space usually and security is standard. Theres no where really to get food, but the atmosphere provided by the lights is great. Not the best venue for concerts Ive seen but its not bad.

St
Review №84

Not a bad venue, but it needs to be updated a bit and the parking is horrible. But the concerts here are good.

Pa
Review №85

Absolutely beautiful venue for a concert. The staff seemed friendly and helpful and the facilities seemed sufficient and clean. Very nice evening!

Tr
Review №86

Amazing venue. Get there early for best seat selection, and bring a cushion. High tolerance for outside food. Good alcohol choices, so-so food options inside.

Mi
Review №87

What an awesome venue! Only thing I could wish for would be more comfortable seating. Next time Ill bring a cushion

JO
Review №88

Classical amphitheater; roasting sun and bay breezes...plan to dress for both. Bring a seat cushion and a blanket for the cold concrete benches. Recent improvements to restrooms.

Al
Review №89

This place is amazing! The only downside is that it has a noise ordinance so if the performers show up late (like Erykah Badu) then they might have to cut off the main performer. Either way I definitely want to see more performances here!

ma
Review №90

One star shy of perfect...pretty close tho. Signage for parking could be better. Arrived seemingly on time but missed the 1st song due to a long slow moving line to get in.Glad I brought a cushion for the ole gray metal fold out chairs, which were set up too tight. Wasnt enough room to allow someone to pass by, which unfortunately led to a few altercations (the only negative vibe of the night).Magical atmosphere for a very special performance.Sound system---Im ok with loud, tho not at the expense of drowning out some vocals, keyboard, etc.

Me
Review №91

One of the best mid-sized music venues Ive ever been to... Ive seen probably 5-6 shows here over the last 15 years and Im always thrilled when I know Ill be returning

Co
Review №92

Who doesnt love the Greek?! Great location and an intimate setting. I dont recommend the lawn. You have great views from the lawn but omg it is a bit to steep for my liking

Br
Review №93

Love love love going here for our concerts. Its a blast every time. Great atmosphere

Ev
Review №94

Best place to see a concert!!! Accoustics are amazing

cr
Review №95

Parking is a little tricky, however, they do close off the street so you can leave the parking lot. Either dress warmly or bring a jacket because the Berkeley Hills can get very cold when the fog rolls in. There are stone benches to sit on or there is a lawn area above the benches.

Am
Review №96

The most magical place to see live music under the stars. The Greek is fairly intimate and has great sound no matter where you are in the theater. They only serve beer and wine and its extremely over priced.

Ja
Review №97

One of my favorite places to see a show! Go early and get a good spot!

An
Review №98

Nice environment. Concrete seating. Bring a chair if you need back support.

Se
Review №99

Awesome venue! Seating is almost all general admission so come early.

Ka
Review №100

This was my second time here and I must say it was awesome. It was the best concert I’ve been to

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:Hearst Greek Theatre, 2001 Gayley Rd, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
  • Site:http://thegreekberkeley.com/
  • Phone:+1 510-871-9225
Categories
  • Concert hall
  • Amphitheater
  • Event venue
  • Live music venue
  • Performing arts theater
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
Payments
  • NFC mobile payments:Yes
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