San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
A classic art deco theater renowned for its superb acoustics, hosting Broadway tours, concerts, and diverse performing arts.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime time for shows
San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
Best Time
Prime time for shows

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A classic art deco theater renowned for its superb acoustics, hosting Broadway tours, concerts, and diverse performing arts.
"Every seat in the house is a good seat, with marvelous acoustics and a classic charm that makes shows feel special."
🎯 Book Broadway Early
Popular Broadway shows sell out fast! Secure your tickets for musicals like Beetlejuice or Frozen well in advance.
🚶 Walk from Diridon Station
If arriving by Amtrak, the venue is a manageable 16-minute walk from Diridon Station.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Broadway Productions
Main Theater
Experience world-class touring Broadway shows like Beetlejuice, The Lion King, and Frozen. A must-see for musical theater fans!
Concerts & Live Music
Main Theater
From international artists like Ben&Ben to local talent, catch diverse musical performances that fill the venue with energy.

Dance & Ballet Performances
Main Theater
Witness captivating dance troupes and ballet companies showcase their artistry on stage.

Special Events & Comedy
Main Theater
Enjoy unique events, from orchestral concerts like Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert to stand-up comedy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Getting There & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Broadway Early
Popular Broadway shows sell out fast! Secure your tickets for musicals like Beetlejuice or Frozen well in advance.
🚶 Walk from Diridon Station
If arriving by Amtrak, the venue is a manageable 16-minute walk from Diridon Station.
🪑 Check Seating Views
Most seats offer good views, but check seating charts online for specific sightlines, especially for central locations.
🎶 Diverse Music Acts
From Filipino artists like Ben&Ben to Persian singers like Behnam Bani, expect a wide range of musical genres.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Broadway Early
Popular Broadway shows sell out fast! Secure your tickets for musicals like Beetlejuice or Frozen well in advance.
🚶 Walk from Diridon Station
If arriving by Amtrak, the venue is a manageable 16-minute walk from Diridon Station.
🪑 Check Seating Views
Most seats offer good views, but check seating charts online for specific sightlines, especially for central locations.
🎶 Diverse Music Acts
From Filipino artists like Ben&Ben to Persian singers like Behnam Bani, expect a wide range of musical genres.
🎭 Accessibility Options
The venue offers accessibility features, including wheelchair access. Inquire about specific needs when booking.
🚗 Parking Considerations
Parking is available nearby but can be limited during peak events. Consider ride-sharing or public transport.
💧 Simple Concessions
Concessions offer basic drinks in plastic cups. For a more elevated experience, consider dining before or after the show.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts for its beautiful, classic architecture, excellent acoustics, and comfortable seating, making every seat feel like a good one. The friendly staff and well-maintained grounds add to the positive experience, though occasional minor issues with seat directions and limited concession options are noted.
"Visited this classic again and can share it has kept its charm and aged very well. Acoustics are marvelous, lighting was good, and getting in and out was pleasant. My latest visit was to see Sam Harris. I think the photo illustrates well that every seat in the house is a good seat. While this show was a one person talk I’ve also been here for elaborate stage productions including musicals and opera with similar appreciation for the quality and acoustics. Staff were very friendly and bathrooms were in good shape too."
Benedict Pedro
"The theater is beautiful, spacious, with comfortable seats and no obstructions. The staff is friendly and cheerful, although occasionally give an inaccurate seat location directions. The on-call booth is outside, easily accessible, and has a ramp too. Memorabilia for each show is offered in the front lobby. Two concessions stands offer a few drinks options, that in order to keep it logistically simple, eliminate any glamour, using plastic cups. Would be nice to have a phone booth customized for each show and an outdoor (and/or indoor) lounge with up leveled refreshments."
Gergana
"The San Jose Center for the Performing Arts are a beautiful and spacious theater with comfortable seating and clear views from every spot. I appreciate the staff being welcoming and helpful, even if seat directions occasionally gets a little mixed up. Acoustic is strong and the venue has a classic charm that makes shows feel special."
Nadia Gisbert
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The San Jose Center for the Performing Arts is approximately a 16-minute walk from Diridon Station. This route is generally considered safe and straightforward for most visitors.
There are several parking lots and garages near the venue. However, for popular shows, parking can fill up quickly. It's advisable to arrive early or consider alternative transportation like ride-sharing services or public transit.
Yes, several VTA bus lines and light rail routes serve the downtown San Jose area, with stops within walking distance of the performing arts center. Check the VTA website for specific routes and schedules.
Yes, there is a designated drop-off area at the venue, making it convenient for those using taxis, ride-sharing services, or being dropped off by friends and family.
The venue is committed to accessibility. They offer accessible seating, and the box office is easily accessible with a ramp. Inquire directly with the box office for specific needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can typically be purchased through the official Broadway San Jose website for musicals, or through authorized ticket vendors for other events. It's always best to buy directly from the source or reputable resellers to avoid counterfeit tickets.
Tickets for highly anticipated shows like Disney's Frozen often go on sale months in advance. Keep an eye on the Broadway San Jose website and social media for announcements.
Broadway San Jose often offers season ticket packages that can provide savings and priority seating. Check their website for details on subscription options.
Refund and exchange policies vary by event and ticket vendor. It's crucial to review the terms and conditions at the time of purchase. Generally, tickets are non-refundable unless an event is canceled or rescheduled.
Yes, the box office is available for ticket purchases. For some events, limited seats may be available at the box office on a first-come, first-served basis starting a couple of hours before showtime.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
The seating is generally comfortable and well-spaced, with most seats offering clear views of the stage. Some reviews mention that seats in the middle of a row might require navigating past many people.
The acoustics are frequently praised as marvelous and strong, contributing to an excellent audio experience for both musicals and concerts.
Run times vary by performance. For example, CLUE has a run time of 90 minutes without an intermission. Always check the specific show's details for accurate timing.
Yes, there are concession stands offering a selection of drinks. However, some visitors note that the options are basic and served in plastic cups.
Age recommendations vary by show. For instance, CLUE is recommended for ages 12 and up. It's always best to check the specific show's guidelines before attending with children.
📸 📸 Photography & Videography
Generally, photography and videography are prohibited during performances to avoid disturbing the artists and other audience members. Check the specific event's policy, but assume no flash photography is allowed.
The theater itself, with its art deco style, can be visually appealing. The lobby often features memorabilia from current shows, offering some photo opportunities before or after the performance.
The exterior of the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, with its classic architecture, can make for nice exterior shots, especially during the day or when lit up at night.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When attending with children, consider the age recommendations for each show, as some may be more suitable for older kids. The venue's comfortable seating and good sightlines make it easier for children to enjoy the performance. It's also worth checking if any pre-show activities or workshops are available, as seen with the Moulin Rouge event, which can add extra fun for families.
🎶 Music Enthusiasts
Concerts here benefit from the venue's strong acoustics, ensuring a great sound experience. Whether you're into live bands, solo artists, or even orchestral performances like Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert, the center offers diverse musical programming.
🎭 Theater Aficionados
The venue's classic ambiance and excellent acoustics create a truly special atmosphere for experiencing musicals and plays. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended for these popular shows to ensure you get the best seats.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Broadway San Jose: A Premier Destination
Attending a Broadway show here is often described as a special experience. The venue's classic charm and excellent acoustics enhance the theatrical performances, making each musical or play feel grand and immersive. It's recommended to book tickets for these popular shows well in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly.
Beyond the big Broadway tours, Broadway San Jose also hosts other significant theatrical events and performances, solidifying the Center for the Performing Arts' role as a vital cultural hub for the region. Keep an eye on their schedule for upcoming announcements and diverse theatrical offerings.
Diverse Musical Performances
Concerts here often feature impressive sound systems and stage setups, creating an energetic atmosphere for fans. Whether it's a pop concert like Becky G's Mi Casa Tu Casa Tour or a more traditional orchestral performance like Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert, the venue aims to deliver a high-quality audio-visual experience.
For music lovers, checking the San Jose performing arts schedule is key to discovering upcoming concerts. The diversity of artists performing ensures there's something for almost every musical taste, making the center a significant stop for touring musicians in the Bay Area.
Venue Features and Visitor Experience
Staff members are frequently noted as being friendly and helpful, contributing to a positive visitor experience. However, some reviews mention occasional inaccuracies in seat directions and a lack of a center aisle for seats in the middle of rows, which can be a minor inconvenience during crowded shows.
While the venue offers basic concessions, some patrons suggest that for a more refined experience, dining before or after the show might be preferable. The overall sentiment is that the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts provides a special atmosphere that enhances the enjoyment of live performances.
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