There’s nothing better than a summer evening at the Greek Theatre: listening to live music outdoors, sitting high above the UC Berkeley campus.
Another Planet Entertainment, a sponsor of {510} Families, is excited to invite Bay Area families to this season’s programming. In addition to the Greek Theatre, they produce concerts and festivals at several local venues. Read on for highlights of what’s to come!
“What an amazing venue for concerts and festivals, with such a cool atmosphere, awesome acoustics, and the longest-running outdoor amphitheater in the country!!”
– Manfred A.
We love the Greek Theatre for a date night. You can bring your own food in, plus the concession stands are pretty great.
Or, bring the kids! It is a memorable concert venue for young ones, and all the restrooms have changing tables. Check out the new seating platforms at the top of the grass to get some space from the crowds while enjoying the view.
Upcoming shows at the Greek that might be of interest to kids include:
- 6/27/25: Earth, Wind & Fire – legendary uplifting energy and timeless hits
- 7/26/25: Father John Misty with Lucinda Williams and Hamilton Leithauser – poetic lyrics and warm sounds best experienced in a live music venue
- 8/2/25: Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls – big hits and sing-along anthems
Since every family is different, we suggest you browse the whole list and see what might be perfect for your family. See all of the Greek Theatre’s upcoming shows >>
Tips for Seeing Shows at The Greek Theatre in Berkeley
Most shows are general admission, so you can choose your favorite spot to sit. We like to arrive early to snag seats in the cement bleachers, but the grassy part has recently been changed to be more friendly to guests with blankets. There are also platformed seats with backs up top.
Pro tip: Bring seat cushions and/or blankets to sit on! The cement looks really cool, but your tush will thank you if you have something softer to sit on.
Parking at the Greek Theatre
Parking is pretty limited, so public transportation is a good idea. The closest parking lot, on the corner of Hearst and La Loma (point your GPS to La Loma Parking Structure) doesn’t open until 5 pm and will fill up before the show starts, so consider a public lot in Downtown Berkeley. If you have kids with you, you might want to do a drop-off situation to reduce the amount they are walking, but avoid driving on Gayley in front of the venue because traffic will be backed up.
You can always take a rideshare to the BART station after the show if everyone is too tired to walk.
Food and drink at The Greek Theatre
You can pack a lunchbox full of food (no beverages except sealed or empty water bottles). The concession stands are open through the entirety of the show, selling beer, wine, and food. You can also bring in to-go food, and there are a number of quick-service restaurants on Euclid Street, about a 5-minute walk from the theater. Just note that the walk from Euclid Street is uphill and select your shoes accordingly!
On a date or a Mom’s Night Out? Downtown Berkeley has several sit-down restaurants to choose from. We like Revival Kitchen for an early pre-show adults-only dinner. A 15-minute walk through the Cal campus will take you from Downtown Berkeley (including the BART station) to the main entrance of the Greek Theatre.
Read the Greek Theatre’s rules about food and drink here >
Be ready for a temperature change
No matter how warm the late afternoon sun is, eventually, the Berkeley air will cool after the show starts. Bring a jacket and maybe a hat for the darker hours — even in August! Layers are your friend this close to the Bay. (And yes, there’s a view from the upstairs Terrace concessions line.)
When the sun goes down and the production lights go on, there’s nothing like the energy of the crowd. It’s truly a special experience to share with your family.
A night at the Greek is an unforgettable outdoor experience where families can enjoy world-class music under the stars together in a safe and scenic environment.
Visit their website to see the full list of upcoming events.
