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Picnic spots with performing arts

You look for a picnic spot that puts you in the middle of the performing arts. You want your meal to be accompanied by the sound of a live production.

Based on 776 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Moonlight Amphitheatre image 1
Moonlight Amphitheatre image 2
Moonlight Amphitheatre image 3
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Performing arts theater

Outdoor amphitheater offers spacious seating with excellent sound and lighting under the stars. Atmosphere feels energetic and fun, welcoming families and music lovers alike. Views remain great from any seat, enhancing live theater and musical performances.

Bringing your own food is allowed, making it easy to enjoy a picnic dinner on the grassy knoll or in reserved lawn seating. You can also bring a lawn chair and sit close to the stage if that suits your vibe.

Outdoor shows feature professional musicals and plays with excellent sound and lighting. The venue welcomes food and drinks and hosts performances involving both youth and adults.

People are saying

"This outdoor theater has the perfect atmosphere for a fun date night."

"I loved watching the amazing outdoor theater productions here."

"I loved watching the musicals and plays at this outdoor theater."

Good to know

1

The event is free to attend nightly through December 23rd, 2023.

2

Free parking is available at the venue.

3

You can bring your own food and drink to enjoy during events.

02
The Ford image 1
Performing arts theater

Outdoor hillside setting creates a picturesque, intimate theater with excellent acoustics and comfortable seating featuring padding and cup holders. The venue offers a relaxing atmosphere with no bad seats and a tropical park-like backdrop, insulated from nearby noise. Free shuttle service and convenient parking support easy access despite some crowding.

Bringing your own food is allowed, and several picnic tables sit near the stairs between the checkpoint and theater. Food and wine can also be bought at the market or food court, with options to enjoy them at various seating areas or inside the theater.

An intimate outdoor theater offers great views even from the back. Picnics are welcome with tables for food near the seating area, enhancing the experience for movies, plays, and concerts.

People are saying

"It's an awesome, intimate outdoor theater for performing arts."

"It's a beautiful and intimate venue."

"This outdoor venue is beautiful and intimate."

Good to know

1

Parking at The Ford can be very limited, so arrive early.

2

You can bring your own food and drinks to The Ford.

3

Expect heavy traffic and parking challenges on event days.

03
Woodminster Summer Musicals image 1
Performing arts theater

Rustic outdoor amphitheater offers an intimate setting under breathtaking stars with old-style sliding backdrops and great sight lines. The atmosphere is chill and cozy, with clear sound and a historic vibe from its Depression-era WPA origins. Visitors often bring cushions and warm gear due to cramped seating and chilly nights.

Picnic tables sit among the trees and above the stage, some near BBQ grills. Bringing your own picnic is common, and tables are available to grab before shows or for use in the park outside.

Outdoor theater offers a small, intimate, and cozy setting under the stars. Shows include community theater and summer musicals that create a unique live performance experience among the redwoods.

People are saying

"I loved the outdoor theater under the stars; it was magical."

"The shows here are so fun and energetic!"

"I loved watching community theater shows outdoors here."

Good to know

1

There is a $10 parking fee for the venue.

2

Bring a seat cushion for comfort during performances.

3

Prepare warm gear for chilly night shows.

04
Brengle Terrace Park image 1

Large park with multiple sports courts including tennis, basketball, and pickleball, plus baseball fields and a Frisbee golf course. Atmosphere stays peaceful and mellow with plenty of space, gardens, and walking paths. Facilities include an amphitheater with good seating and sound, plus picnic and playground areas suited for families and dog walking.

Several picnic areas and picnic tables provide spots for meals and gatherings. Playgrounds nearby make it easy to enjoy a picnic with kids.

Musical theater and plays run regularly at the Moonlight Amphitheater. Shows include local productions and musicals with strong performances.

People are saying

"This park is great for family gatherings and picnics."

"It's a great place for kids to have adventures and make memories."

"I love having picnics here; it's where my family made memories."

Good to know

1

You can reserve tables and grill areas for parties at the park.

2

The park includes basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts, baseball fields, and a Frisbee golf course.

3

The bathrooms at the park often lack basic supplies.

05
Montalvo Arts Center image 1

Expansive grounds combine grand Mediterranean architecture, lush gardens, and outdoor art sculptures with wooded hiking trails. The atmosphere stays peaceful and elegant, offering quiet spaces alongside intimate outdoor theaters. Visitors find a calming refuge with scenic views and well-maintained lawns ideal for picnics and photography.

Beautiful grounds offer plenty of space for a peaceful picnic under large trees or on the lawn. The area provides amazing views and a relaxed setting for family outings or romantic dates.

The small theater offers an intimate experience with perfect acoustics where every seat has a great view. Performances happen indoors in the carriage house and outdoors with concerts, plays, and art installations.

People are saying

"It's a quiet escape surrounded by beautiful nature and art."

"It's a beautiful place for a picnic surrounded by nature."

"You can explore beautiful grounds and trails before the Performing Arts."

Good to know

1

It is free to wander the property, and no tickets are required.

2

Parking at the Montalvo Arts Center can fill quickly, especially during events.

3

Tickets are only required for special events at Montalvo Arts Center.

06
The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park image 1

Outdoor music venue offers 360-degree views of water and cityscape with excellent sound quality. Atmosphere feels open and lively, especially during general admission shows without assigned seating. Comfortable seating and stunning sunsets create a memorable live music experience.

A large grass field in the back offers plenty of space to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic. Events like the Symphony's Picnic at the Park happen here, and food can be brought or bought on site.

An outdoor theater with a visually stunning setting hosts concerts, musicals, and symphony performances. The venue offers a state of the art experience for live music and theater events.

People are saying

"Watching the Symphony here felt magical with ocean breezes and open skies."

"I found this place to be a nice spot for a picnic."

"The sound and lights for the performing arts here are amazing."

Good to know

1

They add a mandatory 22.5% service charge for each drink.

2

Parking through ParkWhiz is easy, but arrive early due to limited spaces.

3

There are multiple food options available for various dietary needs.

07
John Hinkel Park image 1

Open hillside with unusual trees and serpentine stairs creates a jungle-like atmosphere within the city. Quiet and secluded, the park features a natural wood playground and an amphitheater that invites relaxation and small gatherings. Hills and little paths encourage active play and exploration.

Three picnic tables sit near a small playground, making it easy to watch kids while eating. An amphitheater adds a unique backdrop for gatherings on warm days.

Amphitheatre performances take place among the trees, creating a natural setting for plays. Drama unfolds in an outdoor space that includes a kids play area nearby.

People are saying

"I found the park to be really nice and gorgeous."

"I loved seeing plays among the trees."

"It's a great place for a picnic."

Good to know

1

Bring your own chair or pillow for seating in the amphitheater.

2

Expect limited parking with only four spots available.

3

The park is great for kids and has a playground.

08
Shoreline Amphitheatre image 1

Outdoor amphitheater combines spacious layout with a unique sunken stage design and excellent sound quality. Lawn seating offers a comfortable, festival-like atmosphere with good views from nearly every seat. Bike-friendly grounds and numerous food options add to the lively, fun vibe.

Large grass lawns and picnic tables provide plenty of space for spreading out a blanket or sitting down. Areas overlooking the water and near the house offer scenic spots for picnics and relaxing.

Open theater offers good views from all seats and acoustics on point for outdoor performances. The space suits large musical festivals well.

People are saying

"I had a wonderful time at this amphitheater for concerts."

"The bathrooms here are plentiful and kept clean."

"You can have a picnic on the grass area overlooking the water."

Good to know

1

Parking is often a nightmare, with long wait times to enter and exit.

2

Expect over an hour to leave the parking area after events.

3

Handicapped parking is often inadequate and poorly managed.

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