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Top picks in San Jose

Performing arts

Performing arts venues where the production quality matches the price of the ticket instead of feeling like a community theater rehearsal.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
California Theatre image 1
California Theatre image 2
California Theatre image 3
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Performing arts theater

Beautiful old theater blends historic architecture with modern touches and ambient lighting. Excellent acoustics enhance opera and symphony in an intimate setting with comfortable seating and wide stage views. Iconic balcony offers a classic view for concerts and ballet.

A gorgeous, restored theater offers a classic, iconic setting with a nice balcony view of the stage. It hosts concerts, plays, ballet, and opera, enhancing performances with its beautiful details.

People are saying

"The performing arts here are in a beautiful and well-kept theater."

"I saw some really cool movies and performances in this gorgeous setting."

"I found parking nearby and it was very convenient."

Good to know

1

Parking at the Civic Center is easy to access and located one block away.

2

The first 90 minutes are free in the parking garage.

3

The California Theatre hosts operas, plays, musicals, and more.

02
San Jose Stage image 1
Performing arts theater

Small theater company offers expert performances with dangerous stunts done gracefully. Shows have creative set designs and strong comedic momentum. Leadership brings two decades of experience ensuring consistent high quality.

Small theater company delivers professional live theater with exceptional proficiency and fabulous shows. Productions build strong comedic momentum and reflect two decades of experienced leadership.

People are saying

"The live theater here is professional and the performances are quality."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for popular shows to ensure seating.

2

Parking is available nearby, but it can fill up quickly on show nights.

3

Shows typically run for about two hours with a 15-minute intermission.

03
Montgomery Theater image 1
Performing arts theater

Small, intimate theater with excellent acoustics and comfortable seating offers a charming, old-world atmosphere. Shows often feature talented children in musicals, creating a family-friendly vibe. Layout ensures good views from most seats, enhancing every performance.

Old and beautiful theater offers a charming venue with accommodations for walkers. Shows include children's musicals and CMT performances that provide a great theatre experience.

People are saying

"It's a great, fun place for children's performances."

"I had a great time, it was a fun place."

"I loved the children's musical performances here."

Good to know

1

The entrance to Montgomery Theater is wheelchair accessible.

2

There is no designated parking at the Montgomery Theater.

3

The 50W San Fernando Street garage is a cheaper parking option.

04
Historic Hoover Theatre image 1
Performing arts theater

Small auditorium offers intimate seating and beautiful architecture for cozy shows. Perfect for community theater and school plays with comfortable striped seats and good lighting. Ample parking available despite campus crowds.

Cozy and well designed for small performances, this theater hosts school plays, community theater, and musical productions. It suits intimate live shows like Marathi dramas and small singing events.

People are saying

"It's a nice, cozy venue for performing arts."

"I found parking easily because it's part of a middle school."

"The seats here are comfortable and striped."

Good to know

1

The bathrooms and wheelchair access are available at the Historic Hoover Theatre.

2

Parking can be a little rough if multiple groups are using the campus.

3

There are three parking lots available at the Hoover Theatre.

05
Broadway San Jose image 1
Performing arts theater

Classic theater building features fantastic sound and intimate stage for emotional musicals and plays. Seating is close but cramped, affecting ease of access. Nearby parking and restaurants add convenience to the experience.

Musicals and plays here offer emotional performances with creative storytelling. The venue provides close seating and a classic theater atmosphere that suits live shows well.

People are saying

"I found the performing arts here, like the MJ musical, very entertaining."

"It's a fantastic building for live shows right in downtown."

"The parking here is great and easy to find."

Good to know

1

Parking is available nearby, making it easy to access the venue.

2

Restrooms are located far apart, with both indoor and porta potties available.

3

Food concessions offer limited options, mainly snacks, beer, wine, and hot chocolate.

06
Hammer Theatre Center image 1
Performing arts theater

Small theater offers intimate setting with excellent acoustics and close stage views. Warm candlelight creates a cozy atmosphere that enhances audience connection. Hosts musicals and theatre in a clean, community-focused space.

Most seats sit close to the stage in this small, quaint theater. It hosts musicals and theatre performances in a clean, community-focused space.

People are saying

"It's a fun and festive place for entertainment."

"It's a small, intimate venue, perfect for a candlelit show."

"The intimate venue makes the performing arts feel so immersive."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough on weekends, so arrive early.

2

There is free parking half a block away from the venue.

3

The theatre has limited disabled access, so check in advance.

07
Orchestria Palm Court Restaurant image 1

Space feels like a brick warehouse filled with vintage mechanical music machines such as self-playing pianos and orchestrions. These antique musical machines perform throughout the evening, creating a magical ambiance that blends with lively Italian dining on weekends.

Antique musical machines like self-playing pianos, orchestrion, juke boxes, and Violano-Virtuoso perform throughout the evening. These machines take turns playing, blending into the atmosphere without being disruptive.

People are saying

"The atmosphere here is full of character and vintage details."

"The vintage music machines create a truly unique atmosphere."

"You've got to see the antique mechanical musical instruments playing tunes!"

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating on weekends.

2

The restaurant is only open for dinner from 5:30 to 9:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

3

Orders must be placed by 7:40 pm during operating hours.

08
City Lights Theater Company of San Jose image 1

Small black box theater offers intimate seating and exceptional acting that draws you close to the story. It features a mix of drama, comedy, and musicals with thoughtful stage design. Vibrant local plays keep the atmosphere engaging and cozy.

An intimate theater with every seat close to the stage creates a feeling that the play is happening right in front of you. The venue offers a variety of plays including drama, comedy, and musicals, all with excellent acting and set design.

People are saying

"The acting in the performing arts here is really well done."

"It's an intimate theater where all seats have a great view."

"The actors at this Local Spot were so impressive, and the costumes were so detailed."

Good to know

1

Parking is recommended under 280 for easy access to the theater.

2

Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office before the show.

3

The theater specializes in newer plays, offering a fresh experience.

09
San Jose Center for the Performing Arts image 1

Performing arts theater offers excellent acoustics and clear views from every seat. Spacious and classic charm enhances musicals and plays. Accessibility features like ramps and elevators ensure comfort for all visitors.

Shows include musicals and plays with clear views from every seat. The theater is huge, clean, and organized with comfortable seating and no bad spots.

People are saying

"The performing arts venue has really comfortable seats with great viewing."

"There's plenty of parking available nearby."

"The bathrooms here are clean and there are plenty of them."

Good to know

1

Parking is available nearby for $10 after 5pm.

2

The venue is ADA accessible for individuals with disabilities.

3

The seats are comfortable, making for an enjoyable experience.

10
3Below Theaters image 1
Movie theater

Small theater offers intimate atmosphere with whimsical vintage decor and excellent sound quality. Hosts live local theater with outstanding plays and original productions. Convenient parking with validation makes visits easy and stress-free.

Creative decor and a well kept, clean environment make this theater stand out. It hosts live local theater with outstanding plays and original productions, offering a great experience for adults.

People are saying

"This small theater's lobby is packed with cool, nostalgic decor."

"I loved the live performances and exciting events here."

"Parking is available upstairs and it's free!"

Good to know

1

Parking is free for the first couple of hours, validated for 3.5 hours.

2

The theater hosts live performances, including shows like 'Who's Holiday' and 'Disenchanted.'

3

Arrive early as films start right at showtime with no trailers.

11
CMT San Jose Creative Arts Center image 1
Performing arts theater

Vibrant atmosphere and decorated hallways welcome children warmly. Instructors offer specialized training in dance, acting, and vocals. Productions highlight diverse roles with professional-quality costumes and well-organized activities.

Programs focus on children's musical theatre with a variety of roles for all participants. Final performances showcase each child's part, and the theater is clean and comfortable.

People are saying

"It's an amazing performing arts experience with kids singing, acting, and dancing."

"It's so kid friendly; my daughter loved her performance."

Good to know

1

The center hosts performances featuring young actors aged 8 to 14 throughout the year.

2

Final performances showcase each child's role, highlighting their talents and teamwork.

3

CMT offers a variety of musical theatre programs for children aged 6 to 16.

12
San Jose Civic image 1
Event venue

Historic theater shines with intimate setting and great acoustics. Hosts musical galas and comedy shows in a cozy space. Enjoy warm cookies at the bar while soaking in beautiful architecture.

Beautiful, historic theater with old-fashioned decor and great seats. Hosts a variety of events including musical galas, comedy shows, live music, theater, and lectures.

People are saying

"I found it to be a great venue for live shows, with no bad seats."

"It's a beautiful historic building with lots of character."

"It's a beautiful, cozy theater with no bad seats."

Good to know

1

Parking in nearby lots can fill up before the event.

2

The ticket line can be very long, so arrive early.

3

The bathrooms at the venue are clean and well-maintained.

13
CineLux Almaden Cafรฉ & Lounge image 1

Small theaters provide a cozy lounge with comfortable rocking seats and a clean environment. Tickets are affordable at $10, making it a budget-friendly spot for performing arts. Casual atmosphere suits relaxed visits with limited showings.

Small theaters offer a cozy and comfortable setting with clean spaces. Tickets cost about $10, making it an affordable option compared to others charging $25.

People are saying

"You can watch movies here for a really low price."

"I found the parking easy to access and always plenty."

"I found the performing arts here to be great and inexpensive."

Good to know

1

Tuesday movies are discounted, making it a great day to visit.

2

Enjoy $5 movie nights on Tuesdays at CineLux Almaden Cafรฉ & Lounge.

3

Tickets cost only $6.50 before 6pm every day.

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San Jose, California

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