Forest Theater - a bridge in the middle of a lush green forest
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Forest Theater

4.8
·65 reviews·Carmel-by-the-Sea, United States

Historic outdoor amphitheater hosting captivating musicals, plays, and unique puppet shows under the stars.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend afternoons

Catch popular shows

CrowdMedium
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Forest Theater - a bridge in the middle of a lush green forest

Forest Theater

Best Time

Weekend afternoons

Catch popular shows

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic outdoor amphitheater hosting captivating musicals, plays, and unique puppet shows under the stars.

4.8
(65 reviews)

"Being outside to watch a play wasn’t something I’ve ever done so it was such a cool, fun experience for us. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🧥 Bring Warm Layers & Blanket

Evenings get chilly! Pack a blanket, scarf, hat, and gloves for comfort.

🪑 Cushion for Benches

Wooden benches can be hard; a cushion makes seating much more comfortable.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Live Musical Magic

Live Musical Magic

Outdoor Amphitheater

Experience captivating musicals and plays under the stars with talented actors and live bands.

InstagramReddit
Giant Puppet Spectacles

Giant Puppet Spectacles

Amphitheater Stage

Witness breathtaking puppetry and community art, like the impressive 'EARTH + SKY' show.

Instagram
The Wizard of Oz Under the Stars

The Wizard of Oz Under the Stars

Amphitheater

Enjoy classic tales brought to life with incredible performances and a magical outdoor setting.

InstagramReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Outdoors

This is an outdoor amphitheater, so dress in layers! Evenings can get chilly, so pack a blanket, scarf, and hat. Consider bringing a cushion for the wooden benches to enhance comfort during longer performances. Reddit

Plan Your Arrival

Arrive early, especially for popular shows! Many visitors arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before showtime to secure good seats in the 540-seat venue. Bringing your own food and drinks is a big plus. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Catch popular shows
Crowd
Medium
When
Early evening
Why
Best seats & cooler temps
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We love hearing stories about the Forest Theater back in the day! What are some of your favorite memories? #ForestForward
forestforward
145 likes • 3.2K views

🧥 Bring Warm Layers & Blanket

Evenings get chilly! Pack a blanket, scarf, hat, and gloves for comfort. Reddit

🪑 Cushion for Benches

Wooden benches can be hard; a cushion makes seating much more comfortable. Reddit

What an absolutely amazing and beautiful couple of days I had making musical magic at the Forest Theater (even with a few raindrops) with the Monterey Symphony, Malinda DeRouen and Bernard Holcumb under the baton of Maestro Hogarth for Love Letter to Paris!! HUGE love and thanks to family, friends, Nicola Shangrow Reilly, Virginia Marine, Noemi Vera, Delia Rose and all of the wonderful stage and s...
lebertaloral
50 likes • 654 views
Giant Puppets in the Forest 🐌 🌎 EARTH + SKY 🌎 🦋 It doesn't get better than this. @paperhandpuppet brought together community through Giant Puppet creation and performance at the historic Forest Theater in Chapel Hill, NC. Gorgeous Puppetry and Live Music - that's Paperhand Puppet Intervention - a shining gem in North Carolina. Support them year-round at www.paperhandpuppet.org #environmental...
mezza9.co
247 likes • 3.9K views

🍎 Pack Your Own Picnic

You can bring your own food and drinks, including wine! Great for saving money. Reddit+1

⏰ Arrive Early for Seats

Secure the best spots by arriving 1.5-2 hours before showtime. Reddit

@paperhandpuppet #thegift is so beautiful - especially with special puppet testimonies by @elainechiosso Crystal Cavalier Brenda Wilson @louiseomotokessel @greenjaki ❤️ so many stunners in this show and just so utterly touching to see everyone reach for the light of that miraculous whale glowing and gliding through Forest Theater under a starry sky. @donovanzimmerman @janmartijnburger you and yo...
heatherlagarde
1.4K likes • 11.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🧥 Bring Warm Layers & Blanket

Evenings get chilly! Pack a blanket, scarf, hat, and gloves for comfort. Reddit

🪑 Cushion for Benches

Wooden benches can be hard; a cushion makes seating much more comfortable. Reddit

🍎 Pack Your Own Picnic

You can bring your own food and drinks, including wine! Great for saving money. Reddit+1

⏰ Arrive Early for Seats

Secure the best spots by arriving 1.5-2 hours before showtime. Reddit

🎶 Enjoy Live Music

Many performances feature live bands, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. InstagramReddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(65 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Forest Theater's magical outdoor setting and the quality of live performances, from musicals to puppet shows. The ability to bring your own food and drinks is a major highlight, enhancing the relaxed and communal atmosphere. While the wooden benches can be uncomfortable, most attendees find the overall experience charming and highly recommend it for a unique night out. InstagramReddit+1

"My husband and I went on a weekend to see The Wizard of Oz. The actors were incredible. Snacks were reasonably priced; however, you can bring your own food and drinks in, bonus! You can arrive 2 hours before the performance starts and snag a good seat; it was already maybe 1/2 way full by the time we arrived 1.5 hours before. The bathrooms were clean and workers were nice. Being outside to watch a play wasn’t something I’ve ever done so it was such a cool, fun experience for us. Definitely recommend!"

Christina George

"Wonderful live performances with live bands. Outdoor seating. It can get chilly at night, so bring a blanket, scarf, hat, gloves, and a pillow to sit on (the wooden benches are hard), etc. One can bring their own food and beverages including wine. Many very entertaining musicals!"

Lynn Stockman

"This was our first time seeing a performance at the Forest Theater and loved it! I especially appreciate how you can bring in your own food & drinks. Would love to attend another show here 🎭"

Heather Lang

What People Like

Magical outdoor setting
Quality live performances
Bring own food/drinks

What People Dislike

Uncomfortable benches
Evening chill

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Information on specific public transport or driving directions to the Forest Theater would be helpful here. As it's an outdoor venue, consider parking availability and potential shuttle services if offered. Reddit

Details on parking lots, fees, and accessibility for the Forest Theater would be beneficial. Many visitors arrive early to secure parking spots. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets are typically available online through the venue's official website or ticketing partners. It's advisable to book in advance for popular shows. Reddit

The Forest Theater operates based on performance schedules. Gates usually open 1.5 to 2 hours before showtime to allow guests to find seats and enjoy pre-show activities. Reddit

Yes, you absolutely can! Bringing your own food, drinks, and even wine is a popular and encouraged practice, making your experience more enjoyable and budget-friendly. Reddit+1

Yes, concessions are available, offering snacks and drinks. However, many visitors opt to bring their own, which is permitted. Reddit

🎫 🪑 Onsite Experience

The Forest Theater features outdoor amphitheater seating with wooden benches. Bringing a cushion is highly recommended for comfort during performances. Reddit

Information regarding accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair access and designated seating areas, would be valuable for planning. Reddit

The Forest Theater hosts a variety of live performances, including musicals, plays, and concerts featuring live bands. They are also known for unique events like giant puppet shows. InstagramReddit+1

Generally, photography and videography may be restricted during performances to avoid disturbing the audience and performers. Check the venue's specific policy. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While concessions are available, the best strategy is to pack your own picnic. Popular choices include snacks, drinks, and even wine, as permitted by the venue. Reddit+1

Exploring nearby dining options before or after a show can enhance your visit. Research local eateries for a complete evening out. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the magic of the outdoor amphitheater, especially during sunset or with performers on stage. The unique architecture and natural setting offer great photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Professional photography might require special permits or advance arrangements. Always check the venue's policy regarding photography, especially for commercial purposes. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Forest Theater is a fantastic spot for families! The outdoor setting and engaging performances, like 'The Wizard of Oz,' are captivating for children. InstagramReddit The ability to bring your own food and drinks is a huge plus for managing picky eaters and keeping costs down. Arriving early ensures you can snag seats together and let kids get comfortable before the show begins. Reddit

Consider bringing extra blankets and cushions to make the wooden benches more comfortable for little ones. The magical atmosphere of an outdoor performance under the stars is an experience kids will remember. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious visitors, the Forest Theater is a gem. The most significant saving comes from the freedom to bring your own food and beverages, including wine, which is often a costly add-on at other venues. Reddit+1 This allows you to curate your own affordable picnic. Reddit

Securing good seats by arriving early means you don't need to pay extra for premium seating. While ticket prices vary, the overall value is high given the quality of performances and the ability to customize your dining experience. Reddit

💑 Couples

A performance at the Forest Theater offers a wonderfully romantic evening. Imagine enjoying a musical or play under the stars, perhaps with a bottle of wine and a picnic you've prepared together. InstagramReddit+1 Arriving early allows for a relaxed start, perhaps a stroll around the grounds before settling into your seats. Reddit

Consider bringing a cozy blanket to share and enjoy the intimate atmosphere. It's a perfect setting for a date night, combining culture, nature, and a touch of personal comfort. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enchantment of Outdoor Theater

The Forest Theater offers a unique performing arts experience by leveraging its natural outdoor amphitheater setting. This creates an intimate and magical atmosphere, especially when performances are accompanied by live music. Visitors often describe the experience as enchanting, with the natural surroundings enhancing the storytelling and musical performances. InstagramReddit

Being an outdoor venue means embracing the elements. While this adds to the charm, it also necessitates preparation. Attendees are strongly advised to dress in layers, as temperatures can drop significantly after sunset. Bringing blankets, scarves, and hats is a common practice among seasoned visitors to ensure comfort throughout the show. Reddit

Furthermore, the venue encourages a communal and relaxed vibe by allowing guests to bring their own food and beverages. This practice transforms a simple theater visit into a delightful picnic experience under the stars, making it a more personal and enjoyable outing for everyone. Reddit+1

Community and Artistic Expression

The Forest Theater has become a hub for community engagement and artistic expression, notably through collaborations with groups like Paperhand Puppet Intervention. These partnerships bring vibrant, large-scale puppet shows to life, fostering a sense of shared wonder and creativity. The 'EARTH + SKY' and 'The Gift' productions are prime examples of how the theater supports innovative and visually stunning performances that resonate deeply with audiences. Instagram+1

These events often involve community participation in puppet creation and performance, highlighting the theater's role in nurturing local talent and fostering a collaborative spirit. The blend of intricate puppetry, live music, and evocative storytelling creates memorable experiences that celebrate art and community connection. Instagram

The venue also hosts renowned musical ensembles, such as the Monterey Symphony, showcasing its versatility in staging diverse artistic endeavors. This commitment to a broad spectrum of performances solidifies the Forest Theater's reputation as a vital cultural landmark. Instagram

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