San Jose Center for the Performing Arts - a white building with a sign
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San Jose Center for the Performing Arts

4.5
·3k reviews·San Jose, United States

A classic art deco theater renowned for its superb acoustics, hosting Broadway tours, concerts, and diverse performing arts.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Prime time for shows

CrowdHigh
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San Jose Center for the Performing Arts - a white building with a sign

San Jose Center for the Performing Arts

Best Time

Evenings

Prime time for shows

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A classic art deco theater renowned for its superb acoustics, hosting Broadway tours, concerts, and diverse performing arts.

4.5
(3k reviews)

"Every seat in the house is a good seat, with marvelous acoustics and a classic charm that makes shows feel special."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Broadway Productions

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

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

Dance & Ballet Performances

Main Theater

Witness captivating dance troupes and ballet companies showcase their artistry on stage.

Special Events & Comedy

Special Events & Comedy

Main Theater

Enjoy unique events, from orchestral concerts like Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert to stand-up comedy.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

Popular shows at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, especially Broadway productions, sell out quickly. Booking your tickets well in advance is highly recommended to secure the best seats and avoid disappointment. Check the official website or authorized resellers for show schedules and availability. TikTok+2

Getting There & Parking

The San Jose Center for the Performing Arts is walkable from Diridon Station for those arriving by Amtrak. For drivers, parking is available nearby, though it can fill up quickly for popular events. Consider ride-sharing services or public transport to ease your arrival. Reddit

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Prime time for shows
Crowd
High
When
Weekend Afternoons
Why
Family-friendly matinees
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings/Afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds for tours/special events
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🪲🧃 In just one week, @beetlejuicebway will be at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts from August 1 - 6, 2023! Check out a sneak peak of the show with the Original Broadway Cast! Get your tickets today using the Broadway San Jose website! #BroadwaySanJose #BroadwaySJ #Broadway #BeetlejuiceBway #SayMyName #SanJose #BayArea #Musicals #Theater
@broadwaysanjose
171.8K likes • 1.8M views

🎯 Book Broadway Early

Popular Broadway shows sell out fast! Secure your tickets for musicals like Beetlejuice or Frozen well in advance. TikTok+1

🚶 Walk from Diridon Station

If arriving by Amtrak, the venue is a manageable 16-minute walk from Diridon Station. Reddit

#Ben&Ben Live… #FilAm #San Jose Center for the Performing Arts
@nene33666
1 likes • 52 views
Happy 408 Day, San Jose! Here’s to another year of Broadway in San Jose at the Center for the Performing Arts! @sanjosetheaters ☀️ #broadway #broadway #sanjose #sanjoseca #broadwaysj #downtownsanjose #downtownsj #siliconvalleylife #siliconvalley #musical #theater
broadwaysanjose_
191 likes • 5.1K views

🪑 Check Seating Views

Most seats offer good views, but check seating charts online for specific sightlines, especially for central locations. Reddit

🎶 Diverse Music Acts

From Filipino artists like Ben&Ben to Persian singers like Behnam Bani, expect a wide range of musical genres. TikTokInstagram

🎶 Behnam Bani Usa Tour 🎶 ▪️20 September Los Angels Peacock Theater ▪️27 September San Jose Center For The Performing Arts ▪️ 18 October Houston Stafford Centre ▪️ 15 November Dallas McFarlin Memorial Auditorium ℹ️ Info & Ticket : Tarticket.com
tar_production
0 likes • 218.1K views

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. TikTok+1

🚶 Walk from Diridon Station

If arriving by Amtrak, the venue is a manageable 16-minute walk from Diridon Station. Reddit

🪑 Check Seating Views

Most seats offer good views, but check seating charts online for specific sightlines, especially for central locations. Reddit

🎶 Diverse Music Acts

From Filipino artists like Ben&Ben to Persian singers like Behnam Bani, expect a wide range of musical genres. TikTokInstagram

🎭 Accessibility Options

The venue offers accessibility features, including wheelchair access. Inquire about specific needs when booking. TikTok

🚗 Parking Considerations

Parking is available nearby but can be limited during peak events. Consider ride-sharing or public transport. Reddit

💧 Simple Concessions

Concessions offer basic drinks in plastic cups. For a more elevated experience, consider dining before or after the show. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(3k reviews)

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

Beautiful classic architecture
Excellent acoustics and sound
Comfortable seating with good views

What People Dislike

Occasional seat direction mix-ups
Limited concession options
No center aisle for middle seats

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok+1

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. TikTok

Broadway San Jose often offers season ticket packages that can provide savings and priority seating. Check their website for details on subscription options. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

🎫 🎭 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. Reddit+1

The acoustics are frequently praised as marvelous and strong, contributing to an excellent audio experience for both musicals and concerts. Reddit+1

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. TikTok

Yes, there are concession stands offering a selection of drinks. However, some visitors note that the options are basic and served in plastic cups. Reddit

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. TikTok

📸 📸 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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The San Jose Center for the Performing Arts hosts family-friendly shows like Disney's Frozen and Bluey (though Bluey tickets are not currently listed). These productions are often geared towards younger audiences, offering a magical experience. TikTok

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. Reddit

🎶 Music Enthusiasts

For music lovers, the San Jose performing arts schedule is a treasure trove. You can catch a wide range of artists, from Filipino sensations like Ben&Ben and Josh Tatofi to Persian pop stars like Behnam Bani and Ebi. TikTokInstagram+2

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. TikTokInstagram+1

🎭 Theater Aficionados

Broadway San Jose is a major draw, bringing top-tier touring productions like Beetlejuice, The Lion King, and Mean Girls to the stage. TikTok+2

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. TikTokReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Broadway San Jose: A Premier Destination

The San Jose Center for the Performing Arts is a cornerstone for Broadway San Jose, bringing acclaimed touring productions to the South Bay. Audiences can expect to see major hits, from long-running classics to contemporary blockbusters. Shows like Beetlejuice, The Lion King, and Frozen have graced its stage, offering a taste of the magic of Broadway right in San Jose. TikTok+2

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. TikTokReddit

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. Instagram

Diverse Musical Performances

The San Jose Center for the Performing Arts is not just for musicals; it's a vibrant venue for a wide array of musical genres and artists. From Filipino artists like Ben&Ben and Josh Tatofi to Persian singers such as Behnam Bani and Ebi, the center hosts a global spectrum of talent. TikTokInstagram+3

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. TikTok+2

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. Instagram+1

Venue Features and Visitor Experience

Visitors often highlight the classic charm and beautiful architecture of the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. The venue is described as spacious with comfortable seating, and importantly, most seats offer clear views of the stage and excellent acoustics. This makes it a favored spot for various performances, from intimate talks to grand theatrical productions. Reddit+1

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. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

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