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The Merc: Temecula's Historic Performance Venue

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

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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

Local tips

  • 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.
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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.

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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.

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