Thanks to Cal Performances for hosting my family. 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 Performance’s lineup of music, dance, and theatre performances – many shows in the 2024-2025 season are ideal for families. My husband and I attended a performance with our two kids, ages 5 and 8. We had a special time 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).
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 2024 and beyond. See the Entire Cal Performances 2024-25 Season >
Select a kid-friendly seat. The venue has three levels and hundreds of seats. Choosing a seat near the aisle makes a quick exit easy, whatever the reason. 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’s restaurant on the 2nd level. Seating is available 90 minutes before curtain for ticket holders only. There are also plenty of nearby kid-friendly food and drink options along Telegraph Avenue, Bancroft Way, or in downtown Berkeley.
Parking can be challenging. Zellerbach Hall is located at the South end of campus, next to the Student Union. There is a dedicated parking lot, 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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Formal attire is NOT required. During our visit to Zellerbach Hall, some theatre-goers were dressed up and others were dressed down. My kids dressed up, but I wore jeans. My advice is to dress comfortably.
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 5-year-old had trouble sitting still or staying quiet during the length of the show. At the same time, there were plenty of toddlers in the audience who happily sat through the show. At the end of the day, you know your child best!
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Bottom Line on Cal Performances at Zellerbach Hall
Cal Performance’s family-friendly lineup at Zellerbach Hall makes planning a special outing a cinch. The performance will keep everyone in your family entertained. Adults will appreciate the East Bay location!
Address: 101 Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley
