The Merc, Temecula Travel Guide

4.7 (136)

Experience live music, theater, and comedy in Temecula's oldest brick building, a beautifully restored mercantile in the heart of Old Town.

The Merc, formally known as the Mercantile Building, is a beautifully restored brick building in the heart of Old Town Temecula. Built in the late 1890s, it stands as Temecula's first brick building and has transformed from a general store to an intimate performance venue hosting live music, theater, and comedy.

A brief summary to The Merc

42051 Main St, Temecula, California, 92590, US
Click to display
Click to display

Wednesday 2 pm-6 pm
Thursday 2 pm-9 pm
Friday 2 pm-9 pm
Saturday 12 pm-9 pm
Sunday 12 pm-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Merc.

Check the Old Town Temecula Community Theater website for The Merc’s event schedule and purchase tickets in advance, as shows often sell out quickly.
Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends, as Old Town Temecula can get crowded. Free parking is available in several lots.
Explore Old Town Temecula before or after the show. It has restaurants, shops, and historical landmarks.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Old Town Temecula

Jimmy Moore Memorial Monument

Temecula Valley Museum

Temecula Duck Pond and park

Sam Hicks Monument Park

Explore The Merc on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The Merc, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From most points in Old Town Temecula, The Merc is easily accessible on foot. Orient yourself toward Main Street and look for the Old Town Temecula Community Theater complex; The Merc is part of this complex. If you're near Town Square Park, walk south on Main Street; The Merc will be on your right. From the Temecula Valley Museum, head east on Mercedes Street, then turn left onto Main Street. The Merc will be on your left. Allow a few minutes to walk from one end of Old Town to the other.
Driving

If driving, navigate to Old Town Temecula. Free public parking is available in several lots, including the Old Town Parking Garage on Mercedes Street and the 6th Street Parking Lot. Parking is also available curbside throughout Old Town. Be aware that parking can be limited, especially during weekends and events, so arrive early to find a spot. There are also some paid parking lots available from private businesses. Once parked, The Merc is within easy walking distance. Parking rates in paid lots vary but typically range from $5-$15.
Public Transport

The Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) provides bus service to Temecula and throughout Riverside County. Several bus routes serve the Old Town Temecula area. From the Promenade Mall, transfer to the Temecula Trolley (Route 55) or other local routes to reach Old Town. A single RTA bus fare is typically around $1.75.

Discover more about The Merc

The Merc, located on Main Street in Old Town Temecula, is a testament to Temecula's history and cultural scene. Constructed in the late 1890s by Phillip Pohlman, it was the first brick building in Temecula. Pohlman, who won the land in a lottery, used bricks from an abandoned brickyard to construct his general store, which became a vital part of the community.Around 1900, Pohlman sold the building to George Burnham, whose family operated a general store there for over half a century, until 1952. The Mercantile then sat empty before becoming an auto garage and later an antique shop. In 1998, the City of Temecula purchased the building, recognizing its historical significance.In 2005, The Merc reopened as an intimate performance venue and part of the Old Town Temecula Community Theater complex. This 48-seat, cabaret-style space features superb acoustics and a 1901 Steinway Model O grand piano. The Merc hosts diverse events, including live music, theater, and art shows, and showcases local talent.