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Hearst Greek Theatre: Berkeley's Historic Amphitheater

Experience world-class performances at the historic Hearst Greek Theatre, UC Berkeley's iconic open-air amphitheater with stunning views.

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The Hearst Greek Theatre, an 8,500-seat amphitheater on the UC Berkeley campus, has been a landmark for over a century. Modeled after the ancient Greek theater of Epidaurus, it hosts concerts, graduations, and addresses from notable speakers, offering stunning views of the San Francisco Bay.

A brief summary to The Greek Theatre

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially for popular events, to secure parking and ভালো seats, as parking is limited.
  • Consider public transportation like BART to avoid traffic and parking challenges.
  • Check the venue's website for the list of allowed and prohibited items to ensure a smooth entry.
  • Bring a reusable water bottle to refill at water stations, as metal bottles are not allowed.
  • Dress in layers, as evenings in Berkeley can get chilly, even during summer concerts.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Downtown Berkeley BART station (Shattuck and Center Streets), walk one block east on Center Street to the UC Berkeley campus. Consult a campus map at the West Entrance and walk east across campus to the Greek Theatre, approximately a 20-minute walk. Alternatively, take the AC Transit bus #51 from Center & Shattuck to College and Durant, then walk up Durant, turn left on Piedmont, and walk until you reach the Greek Theatre on your right. AC Transit fare is $1.75.

  • Walking

    From the UC Berkeley Visitor Center, walk north on Gayley Road for approximately 15 minutes. The Greek Theatre will be on your left. Note that this is an uphill walk.

  • Driving

    From Interstate 80, exit onto University Avenue and continue east until you reach Oxford Street. Turn left on Oxford, then right on Hearst Avenue. Continue east on Hearst, past Euclid Avenue, to Gayley Road. Turn right on Gayley Road; the Greek Theatre will be on your left. Limited parking is available in nearby campus parking garages, such as the Upper Hearst Structure and Stadium Parking Garage, for a flat rate of $22. These lots typically open for concert parking at 5:00 PM and accept credit cards only.

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Discover more about The Greek Theatre

The William Randolph Hearst Greek Theatre, known locally as simply the Greek Theatre, is an iconic open-air amphitheater steeped in history and culture. Located on the UC Berkeley campus, it offers breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay, the Campanile, and the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges. Opening on September 24, 1903, with a student production of Aristophanes' "The Birds," the theater was championed by UC Berkeley President Benjamin Ide Wheeler and financed by William Randolph Hearst. Designed by John Galen Howard with assistance from Julia Morgan, the theater's architecture is directly based on the ancient Greek theater of Epidaurus, creating a unique blend of ancient aesthetics and modern functionality. Throughout its history, the Greek Theatre has been a stage for diverse events, from theatrical productions and UC Berkeley graduation ceremonies to concerts by world-renowned artists. It has also hosted addresses by prominent figures such as President Theodore Roosevelt, William Randolph Hearst, Bishop Desmond Tutu, and the Dalai Lama. The Grateful Dead played 29 concerts at the Greek between 1967 and 1989. Today, managed by Another Planet Entertainment since 2004, the Greek Theatre continues to be a premier venue for live music and a symbol of UC Berkeley's rich heritage.

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