Concert Venues & Theaters
Concert Venues / Comedy Clubs
Local
There are many concert venues within walking distance from campus.
UC Theater (University Ave) - hosts a variety of concerts and shows, including a shadow cast production of Rocky Horror on Halloween and Valentine's Day. The front of the theater is standing room only, but there is a seated area in the back of the theater. Tickets are usually pretty affordable (< $50).
Cornerstone (Shattuck Ave) - a venue within a pub. This is behind Pegasus books. To enter, you go through the Cornerstone pub entrance and walk to the back left. This maybe holds 300 people and does concerts and movie screenings. Tickets are usually pretty affordable (< $50) but sell out quickly.
Greek Theater -
Bay Area
Every January-February, San Francisco Sketch Fest is held all across SF. It is a great way to affordably explore the comedy clubs of SF. They host a variety of improv shows, podcast live shows, and sketch groups. The tickets are usually less than $40, but this would depend on the popularity of the cast. These shows sell out fast (buy tickets in December).
SF Symphony - You can sign up for the mailing list to find out when "Student Rush" tickets are available, which are $20 tickets for college students.
SAP Center - hockey arena in San Jose that is used for large concerts. You can theoretically get to the arena from BART, but be careful that you get back to the station before the BART stops running. Parking is safe but expensive at the venue. Tickets are mid-range to expensive depending on the artist (~$75-200). There is usually separate pit (standing) and plastic arena seated areas.
Oakland Arena - large concerts in Oakland. Directly next to the A's stadium. Easy to access via BART. Tickets are mid-range to expensive depending on the artist (~$75-200). There is usually separate pit (standing) and plastic arena seated areas. About the same size as SAP.
Palace of Fine Arts - STUNNING venue on the outside. Very close to Golden Gate Park and has its own park attached. Usually has comedy or podcast live shows. Theater has seating only (comfy red velvet seats that really recline when you sit down). Tickets usually mid-range (~$40-$100). Cheap parking on site, but they have high instances of break ins. Make sure that you don't leave ANYTHING in your car. Also accessible by public transit, but it involves BART and 2 buses.
Brava Threater Center - in the Mission! Theater has seating only. Usually has comedy or podcast live shows. Walkable from BART stop. Tickets usually affordable (~$50).
Castro Theater - in the Castro District. Theater has seating only (comfy theater seating). Tickets usually affordable (~$50). Usually has movie screenings or podcast live shows. Very close to BART stop.
Club Fugazzi - in North SF. Comedy focused but some times has acrobatic shows? Bar seating (kinda uncomfortable) but serves food and drinks during shows. Tickets usually affordable (~$50). Walkable from the Powell cable car stop.
Great Star Theater - in Chinatown. Theater has seating only (comfy theater seating). Tickets usually affordable (~$50). Usually has movie screenings or podcast live shows.
Outdoor Music
Redwood Grove Music Series- Summer concert series in the Redwood Grove at the UC Botanical Garden.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass- Annual free music festival in Golden Gate Park (San Francisco). Three days of great music from various genres, from bluegrass and folk to more pop-type music from around the world.
Stern Grove Festival- Weekly summer series of free concerts in Stern Grove (San Francisco).
Theaters (plays & musicals)
Local
Berkeley Play House
Berkeley Rep (note you can find some perks here https://hr.berkeley.edu/comp-benefits/perks).
Ashby Theater (Shotgun Players) - Their previews are often $8 tickets. If you are 25 years old or younger, they offer discounted tickets. The theater is very small and has velvet pew seating. Shows are often very queer and very fun. This theater is directly across from the Ashby Bart Station. You can also access the theater via the AC Transit 12 or 7 lines.
Contra Costa Civic Theater
San Francisco
The Gateway Theatre
Orpheum Theater