The UC Berkeley campus is among the reasons Berkeley is a renowned city, dubbed an activist and intellectual hub. Resting on the San Francisco Bay's eastern shore, the university town is a hub of culture and revered for its role in scientific research and the Free Speech Movement. Besides the renowned Berkeley institution, the city in California is also known for its quirky and artsy atmosphere.
The city has a lively traditional music scene, with venues in town playing the best country, folk, and old-time hits. Berkeley has also hosted shows headlined by the Grateful Dead and other legendary artists. It's also a popular world tour stopover, and you can soon add your upcoming performance to that list.
The live music venues in town can host everything from jazz and karaoke events to music video shoots. Explore our 0 made-to-impress listings and discover the best concert space.
Berkeley has a history of influencing jazz, punk, and folk genres. UC Berkeley has a renowned music department, and the university hosts the leading arts organization, Cal Performances. It affirms the city as an excellent backdrop for music production and shows. Whether you want a Greek theatre-style space, a recording studio, or a regular watering hole with a back room, you can rent the best music venue through Giggster.
Do you want to host a live show or record a music video? A video and audio studio with streaming capabilities can accommodate music production projects, album releases, and listening parties. A green screen, a cyclorama wall, and video/sound recording equipment are some requirements the studio should have.
Are you looking for a workshop, rehearsal, or performance space? A theater with auditorium-style seating or comfortable chairs facing a stage is ideal. The venue should also provide microphones, monitors, and effects.
An auditorium with a sound system, LED screens, and recording and live streaming capabilities is ideal for an indoor show. Book a venue with an on-site manager to offer assistance throughout.
Are you planning a live music show with several performers? Reserve a bayfront winery for a wine tasting event paired with a musical showcase or a video shoot.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: Are you searching for a live music venue similar to the UC Theatre or California Jazz Conservatory? Scroll through our listings and discover a performance setting with everything the UC Berkeley Greek Theatre offers for $30/hour.
Hassle-Free Booking: Giggster will help you locate an ideal music setting using feature, price, and location filters. You can contact the property owner directly and request a custom quote.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: You may need more time to sell tickets, or some performers might have dropped out. Whatever the case, if your grand event is more than two days out, you can cancel at no cost within 24 hours of confirmation.
Platform Protections: You might be putting on an intimate evening show or gathering a crowd for a massive concert. Protect yourself and everyone from the unexpected by purchasing our optional event liability insurance.
Berkeley has hosted sold-out shows by award-winning performers and continues to be a top tour stop for most artists. Giggster can help you book a concert space like for your jazz experience, production, video shoot, or private event.
Indoor Concerts – Auditoriums. An auditorium is a lecture hall, but the location can easily become the stage for a musical extravaganza. Search for a space with a stage, presentation screens, and a sound system. Art galleries, university campuses, and commercial event venues usually have auditoriums.
Theatrical Performances – Theaters. The famous Berkeley University theater hall is the perfect example of the type of shows you can present before an audience. The classic theater is a quintessential performance space, with auditorium-style seating providing an unobstructed view of the well-lit stage.
Outdoor Shows – Wineries. Berkeley offers the best perk of being a Californian city—it has wineries to explore, including bayfront settings. Such a location can easily transform into a music venue, especially with a spacious outdoor area.
Music Productions – Recording Studios. A recording studio is the best place to record your new song or album. You can book a video/audio studio with streaming capabilities for a live show, listening party, or album release.
Private Events – Restaurants. Reserve a restaurant with an outdoor seating area for a private party with a live band show. A charming cafe is an ideal music video shoot space.
Berkeley gave birth to folk music, punk rock, and other music genres, making it a respected production and performance setting. Giggster is here to connect you with the ultimate live music space, and our concert location must-have list can assist.
What features does the performance space have? Beyond the stage, the show location should have great acoustics, professional sound equipment, and excellent lighting. It's helpful if the artists can access a back room to relax between sets.
What time do the doors open? Early access can help with the setup process, and it's best to discuss with the host when you can expect the doors to open. Also, implement sound checks and rehearsals.
Can you sell tickets at the venue? Most public shows sell tickets. It will help if the performance space allows you to market your event and sell tickets on-site.
The UC Berkeley campus and the local arts and culture scenes make this California gem a world-renowned destination. You'll have a diverse audience ready to attend your show, artists who can collaborate on a song, and creatives who can produce your music video. Understanding the pros and cons of planning a performance in town will help you book the best space.
Advantages
Located in California, Berkeley is a gateway to world-renowned vineyards and coastlines, which can be the backdrop of your upcoming event.
The city's diverse population contributes to its rich culture. The local food and music reflect it, and it can inspire your event.
Berkeley has everything from historic buildings to modern university halls, which can open their doors to your upcoming show.
Disadvantages
Parking is a hassle during rush hour, especially around popular areas. Remember the effect on travel time and arrangements when exploring the show locations around town.
Sudden wind and fog make the mild Berkeley weather sometimes unkind to outdoor gatherings.
Public transportation can be a major letdown for those traveling into town or around the greater metro area.
After exploring our listings and finding a perfect space, you are on track to achieve your artistic endeavors. These ideas can help you curate an epic experience for everyone.
Schedule a Visit – If you can't make it to the location in person for a site visit, many of the property owners on the app or website will provide a virtual tour. This allows you to see the space from different perspectives and determine if any issues need addressing early.
Spread the Word About Your Show – Berkeley students can be an asset to your show. Spread the word on campus, and you will have top attendance. The student body can also assist with your music video shoot, providing talent and interns to help with various aspects.
Start Selling Tickets As Soon As Possible – If your show relies on ticket sales, put them up for sale as soon as you rent a venue. Work with the in-house team to market your show and push ticket sales well before the doors open for your audience.
Make Your Show An Experience – The famous Woodstock Festival is a testament that people only remember the great moments if there are enough to write home about. Make the show memorable by offering VIP packages and free merchandise.
Concerts are expensive. Yours doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg if you use some of these suggestions to stay on budget.
Book an affordable performance space.
Giggster is your one-stop shop for exploring event settings and booking a space that meets your requirements and budget. From non-traditional to trendy, we have locations from big to small and luxurious to blank open canvas.
Sell tickets to help with expenses.
Ticket sales can cover production costs if the venue requires you to fill the space. Market your show in original and catchy ways on social media platforms. Know your target audience and get the word out via videos, posts with highlights of the event, and through email marketing.
Collaborate and get sponsorships.
Partner with other performers and local vendors to cover the planning costs. You can sell vendor booth spaces for a music festival in a spacious outdoor location. Artisan wares and food offerings typically go over well at concerts and music events.
Are you ready to select one of Berkeley's performance spaces? Book an ideal music venue at the best price, knowing the listings on Giggster are the best in town!
