Downtown Berkeley Arts District

Berkeley’s most beloved cultural icons are congregating in the Downtown Berkeley Arts District, offering a rich diversity of cultural arts and entertainment. The Arts District is centered on Addison Street, between Shattuck Avenue and Milvia Street. Once filled with auto body shops, Addison Street has now blossomed into a hub of live theatre, live music, and performing arts education. Off Addison, many other venues welcome you to enjoy even more arts experiences.

Live Theatre

Enjoy a special night out at the Tony-award winning Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Other hip and intimate theatres include the Aurora Theatre Company.

Live Music

Listen to live jazz performances and take workshops with some of the nation’s leading jazz musicians at the Jazzschool. Hot spots like Revival Bar + Kitchen, Jupiter, Beckett's Irish Pub, the Shattuck Down Low, and the brand new home of the much loved Freight and Salvage also offer live music throughout the week.

Poetry and Literature

Follow the Berkeley Poetry Walk, a first-of-its-kind public art project that features 128 cast-iron panels of poetry embedded into the sidewalk of Addison Street. Near by, bookstores on University and Shattuck Avenues feature all types of literature, graphic novels, and art books.

Cinema

Nearby, Landmark Theatres and United Artists Cinema combine for 19 screens at five movie theatres to offer the best in independent, foreign, documentary, and Hollywood films. The East Bay Media Center offers workshops on video production and post production, and produce the annual Berkeley Video and Film Festival.

Family Activities

Families can spend time together at Habitot Children's Museum, the Berkeley Farmers' Market, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and the Downtown Berkeley YMCA. The Central Public Library offers free programs, including concerts, readings, and children's events.

Events Calendar

For up to date performances & events happening throughout the downtown, check out our Events Section.