Summer: The Donna Summer Musical
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Woodminster Amphitheater

4.7
·275 reviews·Oakland, United States

An enchanting outdoor amphitheater in Oakland's Joaquin Miller Park, renowned for its summer musical theater series under the stars.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer evenings

Magical theater under the stars

CrowdHigh
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Summer: The Donna Summer Musical

Woodminster Amphitheater

Best Time

Summer evenings

Magical theater under the stars

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An enchanting outdoor amphitheater in Oakland's Joaquin Miller Park, renowned for its summer musical theater series under the stars.

4.7
(275 reviews)

"Theater under the stars is always a special evening at this hidden gem in the Oakland hills."

Vertical photo
TIP

🧥 Bring Layers & Blanket

Evenings can get cool in the hills. A blanket and seat cushion are highly recommended for comfort.

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking can get busy, especially on weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot and enjoy pre-show picnics.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Summer Musical Series

Summer Musical Series

Experience beloved Broadway hits and classic musicals performed under the stars in a stunning outdoor setting.

TikTok
Joaquin Miller Park Setting

Joaquin Miller Park Setting

Enjoy the unique ambiance of an open-air stage surrounded by the natural beauty of redwood trees.

TikTok
Community Talent

Community Talent

Witness the dedication and talent of local performers bringing vibrant stories to life.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Outdoors

Woodminster Amphitheater offers a magical outdoor theater experience nestled in the Oakland hills. Pack layers, as evenings can get chilly, and consider bringing a blanket and seat cushion for maximum comfort during the show. Reddit

Plan Your Visit

Summer musicals are a long-standing tradition here, drawing enthusiastic crowds. Arrive early for prime picnic spots or to secure parking, which can get busy. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for popular shows. TikTok

Best Times

When
Summer evenings
Why
Magical theater under the stars
Crowd
High
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Slightly fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Fun night under the stars enjoying Guys & Dolls at Woodminster Amphitheater. Congrats to Olive for an awesome performance! You did the neighborhood proud! @visitoakland @jodie0317 #Oakland #musicaltheatre
miekohd
12 likes • 297 views

🧥 Bring Layers & Blanket

Evenings can get cool in the hills. A blanket and seat cushion are highly recommended for comfort. Reddit

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking can get busy, especially on weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot and enjoy pre-show picnics. Reddit

For those who were dying to see a clip, a little angel caught this from the wings. Thanks angel. @jenbrooksonstage as Cynthia. @warlowphan as Barry. Beautiful:The Carole King Musical at Woodminster Amphitheater
jenbrooksonstage
131 likes • 1.7K views
Woodminster Amphitheater Entrance
landonlesserjones
7 likes • 98 views

🎟️ Book Woodminster Amphitheater Tickets

Secure your spot for popular summer musicals by purchasing tickets in advance online. TikTok

🍷 Outside Food & Drink Welcome

Pack a picnic, a bottle of wine, or beer to enjoy before the show. Reddit

Last chance to see Guys & Dolls is tonight!!! Run don’t walk to the Woodminster Amphitheater. . Www.woodminster.com for Tickets . #bayareatheatre #outdoortheatre #sanfranciscocityguide #sanfrancisco #thingstodo #oakland #oaklandevents #berkley #eastbayevents #bayareaevents #bayareamoms #bayareakids #bayareatoddlers #marincounty #walnutcreek #pleasanton #theatre #musicaltheatre #broadwaymusicals
woodminstermusicals
89 likes • 4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🧥 Bring Layers & Blanket

Evenings can get cool in the hills. A blanket and seat cushion are highly recommended for comfort. Reddit

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking can get busy, especially on weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot and enjoy pre-show picnics. Reddit

🎟️ Book Woodminster Amphitheater Tickets

Secure your spot for popular summer musicals by purchasing tickets in advance online. TikTok

🍷 Outside Food & Drink Welcome

Pack a picnic, a bottle of wine, or beer to enjoy before the show. Reddit

🎶 Enjoy the Sound

The sound system has improved, offering a great audio experience for the performances. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(275 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Woodminster Amphitheater for its magical outdoor setting and the high quality of its summer musical productions, highlighting the talent of local performers and the enjoyable 'theater under the stars' experience. While the venue is loved for its community spirit and the ability to bring outside food and drinks, some find the seats uncomfortable and the theater itself a bit run-down, with parking also being a point of congestion. Reddit+1

"We come here every summer to watch a show. It’s a lot of fun for local entertainment. Love that the community comes together to put this on. Even if you are traveling through, if try to catch a show for lots the experience! You can get picnic tables to grab before the show or you can picnic at the park right outside. Parking gets cray inside but it’s also part of the experience and to be honest, it’s not that bad for an event like this. Highly recommend!"

James Hong

"Had a great time at Anastasia! Great venue and great performance. Plenty of snacks and good vibes."

Robin Feng

"Wonderful shows/musicals. The talent, costumes, singing, dancing, music, and choreography are excellent. The sound system is so much better the last few seasons. Theater under the stars is alway a special evening."

Jacqueline Hayes

What People Like

Magical outdoor setting
Talented local performers
Community theater tradition

What People Dislike

Uncomfortable seats
Venue needs updates
Parking congestion

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Woodminster Amphitheater is located in Joaquin Miller Park in the Oakland hills. Driving is the most common way to access it. Parking is available on-site but can fill up quickly, so arriving early is advised. TikTokReddit

While public transport can get you to the general Oakland area, direct public transit to the amphitheater itself is limited. It's best to check local bus routes and schedules, but driving or ride-sharing is often more convenient. TikTok

Parking is available within Joaquin Miller Park, but it can become 'cray' during peak times and popular shows. Many visitors find it part of the experience, but arriving early is key. Reddit

Absolutely! You can enjoy a picnic at tables available before the show or at the park right outside the venue. It's a great way to enhance your evening. Reddit

While the amphitheater is an outdoor venue with natural surroundings, efforts are made to accommodate visitors. It's recommended to contact the venue directly for specific accessibility questions regarding seating and pathways. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You can purchase Woodminster Amphitheater tickets online through their official website, www.woodminster.com. It's recommended to buy in advance, especially for popular summer musicals. TikTok+1

Shows at Woodminster Amphitheater typically start in the evening, often around 8 PM, allowing for a beautiful theater-going experience under the stars. TikTok+1

Some performers or productions may offer discounted tickets. For example, one performer mentioned messaging them directly for discounted tickets to Anastasia. TikTok

Show content can vary. For instance, 'Jersey Boys' has a Parental Advisory (13+) for brief strong language. Always check the specific show's advisory if you have concerns. TikTok

Yes, outside food and drinks, including a bottle of wine or beer, are permitted at Woodminster Amphitheater, making it a great spot for a picnic. Reddit

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

It's advisable to dress in layers as the evenings can get chilly in the Oakland hills. Bringing a blanket is also a good idea for added warmth and comfort. Reddit

Some visitors find the seats uncomfortable and cramped. Bringing a seat cushion is highly recommended to improve comfort during the performance. Reddit

Recent reviews indicate that the sound system has significantly improved over the last few seasons, offering a much better audio experience. Reddit

Woodminster Amphitheater is known for hosting summer musical theater productions, including popular shows like 'Guys & Dolls,' 'Anastasia,' 'Sister Act,' and 'Jersey Boys.' TikTok+6

Yes, it's considered a family-friendly venue, with many shows being suitable for a wide audience. It's a great place for a family tradition. TikTok+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Woodminster Amphitheater is a fantastic spot for families looking for a unique entertainment experience. The summer musical series often features well-known shows that appeal to all ages, making it a great outing for children and adults alike. TikTok+1 The outdoor setting adds an element of adventure, and the community-focused productions ensure a welcoming atmosphere. Reddit

To make the most of your family visit, consider arriving early to secure good seating and enjoy a picnic dinner beforehand. Reddit Remember to pack layers and blankets, as it can get cool in the evenings, and bringing seat cushions can add extra comfort for younger attendees. Reddit The vibrant performances and the magical ambiance under the stars are sure to create lasting memories for the whole family.

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Woodminster Amphitheater offers an affordable way to experience quality live theater. The ticket prices are generally reasonable, especially when compared to larger, professional touring productions. TikTok+1 Furthermore, the ability to bring your own food and drinks, including wine and beer, significantly cuts down on on-site expenses. Reddit

Opting for a picnic dinner instead of dining out before or after the show is a smart way to save money. Reddit Additionally, attending on a weekday evening might offer a slightly less crowded experience and potentially easier parking. Reddit The overall value comes from the combination of an enjoyable performance, a unique outdoor setting, and the freedom to manage your own food and beverage costs.

💖 Couples & Date Nights

Woodminster Amphitheater provides a wonderfully romantic setting for a date night. Imagine enjoying a picnic dinner under the twilight sky, followed by a captivating musical performance surrounded by the natural beauty of the Oakland hills. TikTokReddit The intimate outdoor atmosphere, combined with the shared experience of live theater, creates a memorable and special evening. Reddit

Consider bringing a bottle of wine and some favorite snacks to enhance your picnic. Reddit Dressing comfortably but stylishly, and bringing a blanket to share, can add to the cozy ambiance. Reddit The 'theater under the stars' experience is inherently charming and offers a unique alternative to typical indoor entertainment, making it perfect for a romantic getaway.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of Outdoor Theater

Woodminster Amphitheater offers a unique and enchanting theater experience, set against the backdrop of the Oakland hills. The open-air stage, nestled amongst redwood trees, creates an intimate and magical atmosphere that's hard to replicate indoors. TikTok This natural setting enhances the storytelling, making each performance feel special and memorable. It's a chance to enjoy live entertainment while being immersed in nature. Reddit

Audiences often rave about the 'theater under the stars' aspect, highlighting it as a truly special evening. Reddit While the venue has a long history, dating back to 1967, it continues to evolve, with recent improvements to its sound system enhancing the overall viewing experience. TikTokReddit The combination of talented performers, beautiful surroundings, and a community-focused approach makes Woodminster Amphitheater a beloved summer destination. Reddit

Planning Your Perfect Picnic

One of the most cherished aspects of visiting Woodminster Amphitheater is the opportunity to enjoy a pre-show picnic. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks, including wine and beer, to savor before the performance begins. Reddit Many attendees arrive early to claim picnic tables or find a comfortable spot in the surrounding park areas to set up their feast. Reddit This tradition adds a relaxed and social dimension to the theater outing, allowing friends and families to connect before the magic of the show unfolds. TikTok

When packing your picnic, remember to also bring essentials for comfort. As the amphitheater is outdoors, evenings can get cool, so packing layers of clothing and a cozy blanket is highly recommended. Reddit Additionally, many visitors suggest bringing a seat cushion, as the existing seats can be a bit uncomfortable for extended periods. Reddit These simple preparations can significantly enhance your enjoyment of the entire Woodminster Amphitheater experience, from your picnic to the final curtain call.

A Legacy of Summer Musicals

For over five decades, Woodminster Amphitheater has been a cornerstone of summer entertainment in the Bay Area, producing high-quality musical theater. Reddit The Schlater family has been instrumental in this long-standing tradition, ensuring that the amphitheater remains a vibrant hub for local talent and a beloved destination for theatergoers. Reddit Shows like 'Guys & Dolls,' 'Anastasia,' 'Sister Act,' and 'Jersey Boys' have graced its stage, showcasing impressive choreography, costumes, and vocal performances. TikTok+6

The amphitheater prides itself on showcasing the talent within the community, making each performance a testament to local artistry. Reddit This dedication to community-based theater, combined with the unique outdoor setting, creates a special bond between the performers and the audience. It's this blend of professional-level production and local charm that keeps audiences returning year after year, making Woodminster Amphitheater a cherished summer tradition. Reddit

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