Thanks so much to Cal Performances for hosting my daughter and me for a special show. All opinions in this article are my own.
Did you know Berkeley has a world-class, 2,000-seat concert hall and theatre? Yes! It’s Zellerbach Hall, located on UC Berkeley’s Campus. It’s home to Cal Performances’ lineup of music, dance, and theatre performances – many shows in the 2025-2026 season are ideal for families. My 7-year-old daughter and I attended a performance the other night and had a truly memorable time. Just taking in the unique performance and grandeur of the venue, with all the ease of an East Bay location (a.k.a., avoiding a long drive into San Francisco), was such a treat.
Tips for Families Seeing Shows at Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley
Take advantage of the family-friendly lineup of shows. Families can enjoy a wide range of performances, from classical music to contemporary dance, and benefit from initiatives designed to engage local K-12 youth at Zellerbach Hall through the end of 2025 and beyond. You’ll see there are upcoming performances by the Vienna Boys Choir as well as a super family-friendly Disney’s MOANA Live-To-Film Concert.
ProTip: to find performances for kids, search under “Family” in the genre categories.
Other performances might not be aimed at kids per se, but could be just perfect depending on your child’s interests. See the Entire Cal Performances 2025-26 Season >
Formal attire is NOT required. During our visit to Zellerbach Hall, some theatre-goers were dressed up and others were dressed down. My daughter dressed up, but I wore a more casual ensemble. My advice is to dress comfortably, specifically as regards sitting. My daughter wore a dress that was comfy while standing, but too tight when sitting. Fancy shoes are sometimes an issue too, especially if you find yourself having to trek several blocks from your parking spot or BART.
Select a kid-friendly seat. The venue has three levels and hundreds of seats. ProTip: Choosing a seat near the aisle makes a bathroom break or quick exit easy, whatever the reason. We once went to a show that was entirely too much for my little kid (my mistake for not sorting performances by “family”). We left without disturbing anyone due to our aisle seat. Restrooms with baby changing stations are located on the Orchestra and Mezzanine levels (1 & 2). Boosters are available, too. Ask for one from the staff near the left-most stairwell just beyond the main entrance. If you and the family need a quick breather, head to the balcony on the Mezzanine level. There, you’ll catch a great view of the Campanile and Berkeley Hills.
Eat before the show. Before select performances, dining reservations can be made for a pre-show meal at Zellerbach Hall dining area on the 2nd level. Seating is available 60-90 minutes before the curtain for ticket holders. There are also plenty of nearby kid-friendly food and drink options along Telegraph Avenue, Bancroft Way, or in downtown Berkeley. We like to head to Yogurt Park after a performance for a tasty treat.
Parking can be challenging. Zellerbach Hall is located at the South end of campus, next to the Student Union. The Lower Sproul parking garage is right below the Hall, but spaces are limited and often reserved. Give yourself extra time to find parking. Roads on that part of Berkeley are one-way, and college pedestrians can cross the street unexpectedly. It’s easy to burn up time circling the blocks for an open parking space. I suggest parking further away and walking to the theatre (we found our spot at Underhill Parking Garage), taking public transit, or even biking. The venue is about a 15-minute walk from the Downtown Berkeley BART station. Several AC Transit bus lines travel down nearby streets.
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Best for grade-schoolers or older. The family performances are for all ages, but may be best for kids who are at least 6 years old. Check to see the performance’s length and if there’s an intermission. We attended a 90-minute show with no intermission, and my 7-year-old had trouble sitting still and staying quiet during the length of the show. At the same time, there were plenty of other small children in the audience who happily sat through the show with nary a squirm to be had. At the end of the day, you know your child best!
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Bottom Line on Cal Performances at Zellerbach Hall
Cal Performances’ family-friendly lineup at Zellerbach Hall makes planning a special outing a cinch. The sheer range of performances will keep everyone in your family entertained. Adults will appreciate the East Bay location!
Address: 101 Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley
See the Entire Cal Performances 2025-26 Season >>
