
Carpenter Performing Arts Center Long Beach
A vibrant venue on the CSULB campus hosting musicals, concerts, dance, and comedy, with a nod to The Carpenters' legacy.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for live performances

Carpenter Performing Arts Center Long Beach
Best Time
Best for live performances

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant venue on the CSULB campus hosting musicals, concerts, dance, and comedy, with a nod to The Carpenters' legacy.
"Great place to see a show with good acoustics and clear sightlines, even from the back rows."

🎯 Book Cabaret Seats Early
The smaller Cabaret theater sells out fast; book early for the best views and experience.
🚗 Check Parking Updates
Construction can affect parking. Look for shuttle info and arrive early.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Musical Theatre Productions
Main Theater
Experience Broadway-caliber musicals like 'Newsies,' 'The Wizard of Oz,' and 'An American in Paris' with stunning choreography and talented casts.
The Carpenters Memorabilia
Lobby Displays
See gold records, Grammy awards, and Karen Carpenter's drum set, offering a glimpse into the iconic sibling duo's legacy.

Intimate Cabaret Performances
Cabaret Theater
Enjoy close-up performances from artists like Stella Cole in a smaller, more intimate setting, perfect for music lovers.

Diverse Concert Lineup
Main Theater
From R&B artists like Bilal to flamenco guitarists like Charo, the center hosts a variety of musical genres.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Parking & Construction
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Cabaret Seats Early
The smaller Cabaret theater sells out fast; book early for the best views and experience.
🚗 Check Parking Updates
Construction can affect parking. Look for shuttle info and arrive early.
🎶 Sound Quality Varies
While generally good, some reviews mention sound system quirks in the main theater.
🪑 Seat Comfort
Some seating, especially bar chairs, may not be the most comfortable for long shows.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Cabaret Seats Early
The smaller Cabaret theater sells out fast; book early for the best views and experience.
🚗 Check Parking Updates
Construction can affect parking. Look for shuttle info and arrive early.
🎶 Sound Quality Varies
While generally good, some reviews mention sound system quirks in the main theater.
🪑 Seat Comfort
Some seating, especially bar chairs, may not be the most comfortable for long shows.
📱 Use the Parking App
The venue offers a parking app for easy pass acquisition and exit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise the Carpenter Performing Arts Center for its diverse programming, from Broadway musicals to intimate concerts, and its connection to The Carpenters' legacy. While the venue offers good acoustics and sightlines, some reviews mention that the seating could be more comfortable and the sound system occasionally needs an upgrade. Parking is convenient, though construction can sometimes cause minor disruptions.
"It was a nice venue. I went for a Spotlight Session. So those sessions actually take place on the stage and they close the curtains so you dont see the theater seating.
All of the representatives were pleasant. Everything went smoothly. I would like for the chairs to be more comfortable. They were bar chairs and tables. The advertisements that I saw online looked very different from what I walked into as far as the aura is concerned. Nonetheless, the sound was awesome. The concert was nice. And yes, I would attend a Spotlight Session again if someone I enjoy is performing.
Parking was super easy and there were attendants there to assist with obtaining parking passes for the evening."
Monique Seals
"What an amazing center! After Stella Cole announced her US tour dates, I bought tickets for the Cabaret theater section, which I guess is "backstage" of the main theater. It's a smaller venue - there were about 150 people at this concert and tickets were $65 each for the rear tables - I would have gladly picked a closer table, but they were already sold out (It seems they offer certain tables to "subscribers" or local residents first) We arrived an hour early (LA traffic) and parked using the app - which was $10 from 5pm-midnight. They did offer a dinner, but it was $43 per person and somewhat buffet style. We opted out. They have cool displays in the lobby for The Carpenters including many of the gold records, Grammy's and Karen's drum set. The show started right on time and had a 15 minute intermission. Drinks were somewhat reasonable with wine and beer being $8. Stella killed it and had a great performance. Bummed that there were no photos/videos allowed, but I snuck a few 😊."
Rich M
"Great place to see a show. Good acoustics and comfortable chairs. The only negative is there is no center aisle, so getting to a middle seat when people are seated is a challenge. Luckily, the rows are pretty wide and people are understanding as you make your way across to your seat."
PJ Leitner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Carpenter Performing Arts Center is located on the campus of California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). It's accessible by car via major freeways like the 405 and 605. Public transportation options include Long Beach Transit buses.
Parking is available and can be managed via an app, costing around $10 for evening events. Be aware of ongoing construction which may affect lot availability; shuttle services are sometimes provided.
Yes, a shuttle service is often provided from parking lots to accommodate attendees, especially during periods of construction.
Yes, drop-off is possible at the venue. It's advisable to check the latest traffic and access information before your visit.
Yes, Long Beach Transit buses serve the CSULB campus, providing access to the Carpenter Center. Check their routes and schedules for specific lines.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Carpenter Center website (carpenterarts.org) or through the ticketing platforms of specific performing groups like Musical Theatre West (musical.org).
Yes, the Carpenter Center has a main theater with various seating tiers and a smaller, more intimate Cabaret theater section, often located backstage.
While some tickets may be available at the door, it's highly recommended to purchase in advance, especially for popular shows or the Cabaret section, as they can sell out.
Generally, photography and videography are not allowed during performances to avoid disrupting the audience and performers.
Discount information can vary by performance. It's best to check the specific event details on the Carpenter Center's website or contact their box office for any available concessions.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
The center hosts a wide array of performances including musicals, concerts, dance, comedy, cabaret, and thought-provoking talks.
Some reviews suggest that while the theater offers good sightlines, the seats, particularly bar chairs in certain areas, could be more comfortable and may show signs of wear.
The sound quality is generally considered good, with excellent acoustics noted for concerts. However, some audience members have reported occasional issues with microphones or distortion.
Yes, the lobby often features displays related to The Carpenters, including memorabilia like gold records, Grammy awards, and Karen Carpenter's drum set.
Yes, the center occasionally offers ASL-interpreted performances for select shows, ensuring accessibility for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the venue offers drinks like wine and beer, which are reasonably priced. Some events may offer dinner options, though these can be buffet-style and an additional cost.
Being on the CSULB campus, there are dining facilities within the university. Additionally, the surrounding Long Beach area offers a wide variety of restaurants and eateries.
Typically, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the theater. It's best to consume any food or drinks before entering the performance space.
Options can vary depending on the specific event and catering. It's advisable to inquire directly with the venue or performing group if you have specific dietary needs.
Drinks like wine and beer are around $8. Dinner options, if available, can be around $43 per person.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, no. Photography and videography are prohibited during shows to ensure an enjoyable experience for all attendees and performers.
The lobby often has interesting displays, especially those related to The Carpenters. The exterior architecture and surrounding campus can also offer photo opportunities.
During performances, the lighting is focused on the stage. For general photography, the lobby and exterior areas are best lit during daytime or well-lit evening hours.
While general photography in the lobby is usually fine, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other patrons and avoid obstructing pathways.
Typically, you can take photos of the empty stage or the theater interior before the performance begins, but always check for any posted signage or announcements.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye out for special family-friendly events or performances that might be free or offer discounted tickets, as the center often aims to make arts accessible to the community. It's also worth noting that while food is available, it can be pricey, so packing snacks or planning a meal before or after the show might be a good strategy for families.
🎶 Music Enthusiasts
Keep an eye on their schedule for touring musicians, Broadway touring productions, and local ensembles. The center also hosts special events like Hanukkah celebrations featuring Klezmer music, showcasing its commitment to diverse musical programming. Subscribing to their newsletter or following their social media can help you stay updated on upcoming musical acts.
🎭 Theater Aficionados
Beyond musicals, the center also hosts dance performances, comedy acts, and spoken word events, ensuring a varied theatrical calendar. The venue's commitment to accessibility, including ASL-interpreted performances, further enhances its appeal to a broad theater-going audience. Checking their schedule regularly will reveal a dynamic lineup of plays and musicals throughout the year.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Carpenters Legacy at the Center
While there isn't a comprehensive exhibition on the entire Carpenters' career, these artifacts provide a tangible link to their enduring impact. For those interested in the history of The Carpenters, a visit to the Carpenter Center offers a unique opportunity to see these items firsthand. It’s a chance to reflect on their music and the legacy they left behind, right within the walls of the venue named in their honor.
Navigating Performances and Seating
For a more intimate experience, the Cabaret theater section is a popular choice. This smaller venue allows for closer interaction with performers, as seen with artists like Stella Cole. Tickets for these shows can be in high demand and may sell out quickly, with certain tables sometimes prioritized for subscribers or local residents. When booking, consider the type of performance you wish to see and choose your seating accordingly to maximize your enjoyment of the show.
Accessibility and Community Focus
Beyond specific accessibility features, the venue aims to be a hub for the Long Beach community. They host a variety of events, from dance festivals like the SoCal Ballet Scene Festival to cultural celebrations like Hanukkah concerts with artists like Mostly Kosher. This dedication to diverse programming and community engagement makes the Carpenter Center a vibrant cultural cornerstone in Long Beach.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit