The Bankhead Theater in Livermore lit up with a John Coltrane Tribute last evening. We were so pleased to secure tickets to this once in a lifetime event. The small Theater was sold out...mostly old folks, but peppered with young folks, and school age music students. Branford Marsalis, from the famed music family, and his Band filled the room with an hour and a half (with an encore) of Coltrain's early revolutionary works. The auditorium was on fire. Loved Marsalis's opening ... *Livermore...Who knew!* Marsalis blew a fine Saxophone as they wove this high energy tale. Joey Calderazzo on Piano was a truly amazing player. Eric Reeves on the Base skillfully brought depth to the music. Justin Faulkner on Drums was powerful. Last, but far from least, was Dianne Reeves and her pitch perfect vocals. This beautifully crafted Coltrane Tribute will have a place in my heart forever. read more

I attended the production of a Midnight Summers Dream, performed by the CYT Tri-Valley at the auditorium. The medium size theater is quant and cozy and not a bad seat in the house. The seats weren't the comfiest. When entering the theater there is a small concession area to the right for snacks, beverages, and alcoholic drinks. There's an array of beautiful displayed paintings in the lobby and wrapped around the lobby from the California Watercolor Association. There's a coat check, bathrooms, and wheelchair access. There's an array of performances offered to suit your artistic taste. read more

See all

Went there today on a field trip with granddaughter to see her friends dance group Grupo Folklorico Tlapalli. They were excellent! But the Bankhead was a mess. Several schools were there and there was not enough room. They were frantically searching for seats for kids. I use a walker and can not climb stairs. I sat in a seat on row by walkway but was RUDELY asked to move because it wasn't the school my granddaughter was in. I could not go with her because of stairs. I offered to sit on my walker but was RUDELY told no walkers. So I stayed where I was. Finally down to 5 students without seats after several adults agreed to stand in back. I again offered my seat and said I would sit on my walker. Finally they agreed. Poor little girl sat without her class but at least she sat. Performance delayed quite a long time. Ushers genuinely rude for no reason! I didn't deserve to be treated like that read more

Went to the Bankhead for a film screening and talk back. The space is gorgeous. Plush carpet, tasteful furniture, and a bar in the lobby. Not to mention lovely artwork to peruse, and live piano music pre performance. Comfortable seats with adequate leg room in the theatre. Every seat has a good view of the stage and the sound system is amazing. Plus,the ushers are many and all were pleasant, both coming and going A really positive experience and a great place to see a performance. The parking garage is just across the street, it ui can try your luck at the open kit beside it. Lots of good dining options just a short walk away. Recommended. read more

My husband and I went to @TheBankheadLVA to see the String Queens on Valentine'sDay weekend. It was our first time there and we received a warm reception, the greeter Karen was so sweet and funny. We had THE.BEST.TIME! The String Queens are ah-mazing! They're so beautiful and passionate about their craft and they also have a beautiful mission statement. I would highly recommend checking them out on their socials, the theater's Beyond The Stage Podcast and definitely in person. read more

Bankhead Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Livermore, California

Beautiful theater, kind smart staff. Exceptional seating. Office Trivia was fun and entertaining. We did not want it to end. Great insured into the "The office" read more

Bankhead Theater - Rob Maher and myself - Performing Arts Near Me - Livermore, California

See all

Reasonable prices, free parking garage just across the street, not a bad seat in the house, lots of restaurants nearby.

Unfortunately my first impression of this theater is the insanely rude theater staff. I work in theater and have never experienced a theater that cares so little about their patrons or the experience they're giving. For multiple days in a row the box office overbooked the show and was insanely rude to the performers. If you want to have a joyful experience or want to be guaranteed to make it in the venue, go somewhere else. read more

We saw The Jayhawks last night, 9/14, it was a fantastic show. My first time visiting the Bankhead Theater, it did not disappoint. I can't wait to see another show there. Many places to have a nice dinner close by, as well as free parking across the street, super easy. read more

Bankhead Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Livermore, California

Lovely theater. Parking was relatively easy and free. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Wine was inexpensive and they had a very nice selection. You can bring your drinks into the theater with you. It's a rather intimate space, so not a bad seat in the house. Only issue was phones. It said on the email confirmation that recording was prohibited. I was sitting in the 4th row. And there were at least 8 phones out in the 3 rows in front of me recording, and shining their light in my face while I was trying to enjoy the performance. Very disappointed that they don't enforce the no recording rule. read more

So, I'm dating myself by telling everyone that I watched Debbie Gibson here at this theater :). It was such a great show! She entertained the heck out of us by singing, talking to us, allowing us to dance with her (on stage too!). But I must digress... the theater... it is an intimate theater. Every seat in the house has good viewing of the stage. It was air conditioned, thank goodness, because it was 90 degrees outside. They allow you to bring your own water bottles, which I thought was so cool. Best part!! There's a FREE parking structure in the back. Everything was there - parking, great selection of restaurants and of course, this theater. I had a great time. It is the perfect venue for an evening with Debbie Gibson :) read more

Bankhead Theater - Debbie Gibson was awesome! - Performing Arts Near Me - Livermore, California

See all

I have been here on numerous occasions and I don't think there is a bad seat in the house. It is small and intimate enough that you feel like your close to the performer and the acoustics are good. Parking is available in the garage across the street. We arrived early because my tickets were in the Will Call section. Great experience with Will Call. I showed them my ID and the tickets were printed out. On the back, there were two restaurants that The Bankhead work with that offered a discount: Uncle Yu's and Hops & Sessions. We decided to go to Hops & Sessions which turned out to be a great referral. The shows are usually over before 10:00 pm which is perfect if you want to keep the party going at one of the local bars/restaurants or just call it a night. read more

I like this theater is small, and no matter where you sit you will always have a good view. The staff is nice. They're friendly and helpful. And they take you right to your seat If you don't know your way around. They do allow you to bring water which is very nice because some places don't even allow that. They have pretty good shows, I had liked all the shows I seen here. Always a happy experience for me. read more

Bankhead Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Livermore, California

We had extra tickets for an event, and Michael let us exchange them for another event. Came back to the event and left the tickets at home. The original tickets were from Stub Hub, and when Michael exchanged the tickets, he specifically said to not lose the tickets, because the tickets originally came from another vendor. I asked if I had a picture of the tickets, would it help? Yes so my dog sitter took a picture of the tickets, and we got in. Michael went above and beyond to help us! Thank you! read more

Amazing performance! We love coming here to support the arts! Everyone who works here is so friendly and kind!

Beautiful theatre, friendly staff and an amazing performance by the Pacific Chamber Orchestra. It was my first symphony experience and one that did not disappoint. I will definitely be back for another show by PCO as they do have a few upcoming programs scheduled. It was a fulfilling way to spend my Sunday afternoon with such beautiful music by Brahms. read more

Bankhead Theater - During intermission - Performing Arts Near Me - Livermore, California

See all

I am so saddened and appalled by the Bankhead theater workers. I was there yesterday with a friend of mine who is in her 90s and we were there doing the process of getting our tickets to the concert. It was over 100° while we were standing in line and I went up to the counter asking if there was a place that I could place my friend or set her down so that she didn't have to stand in that Hot weather and since the tickets were under her name, she had to be there. So I went up to the counter and asked, and the lady at the counter told me NO! I asked if she could talk to the manager. I repeated this lady is 92 years old and she's handicapped. I don't mind waiting in the line and I told him that, but after they talk to the manager, the manager even said no, and they told us to just come back later. My friend was so upset and we're still coming to the concert and I'm just very saddened by the treatment. read more

We had an awesome time during our first show at The Bankhead! We saw Step Afrika which is a signature performance sharing the step tradition of audience participation and closes with a complex, polyrhythmic percussive symphony that brings audiences to their feet. Also cool to see the theater offers local Livermore wines and beer which you can enjoy from your seats. read more

Bankhead Theater - Bar menu - Performing Arts Near Me - Livermore, California

This was our first visit to the Bankhead Theater. When I saw that tickets were available for Keiko Matsui back in August, I bought a pair and somehow got excellent seats, Row A, seats 103 & 104! Fast forward to this year. Rats! Keiko Matsui is playing at the Bankhead and I have a recertification class to take. Then I get an email reminder from Bankhead to attend the show. Went through my old emails and found the tickets. If they hadn't sent that reminder email, I would have been in class tonight! We arrived early at 6:45. There were folks standing outside to check on vaccination cards and I.D.'s. Just inside the door were the ticket scanners and behind them were folks to help direct you wherever you needed to go. We went to the snack bar and bought a box of Junior Mints and a bottle of water. On our way to our seats, we were offered assistance which we turned down. When you're in the first row from the stage, it's pretty difficult to get lost! Everyone we met along the way, that was associated with the Bankhead was friendly and efficient. Eye contact and smiles were the standard of the day. We belong to Best of Broadway in San Francisco and Gallo Theater for the Arts in Modesto. While their staffs are 90% and 95% of the way there, Bankhead staff are there now! The show was great, the sound was great. We look forward to seeing more shows down the road. Perhaps we may even become members here! Bravo! read more

Bankhead Theater - Guitarist JP Mouräo, Keiko Matsui, Bass Guitarist Rico Belles and Drummer Jimmy Branly. - Performing Arts Near Me - Livermore, California

Very disappointing overall. The performances can be outstanding, some more so than other. But that's the performance and it's so subjective that I would never review a venue based on a performance or two. It's the rest of it: how this place has no control over its audience (tons of people with bright smartphones on, talking out loud, phone ringing, eating out of loud cellophane bags). What a terrible experience. Each. And. Every. Time. Not to mention, my son went to go get some water and the stage/center manager asked me if I had tickets inside. Perhaps I look 'less than wealthy?' Was it because I'm Asian and look less than wealthy? My son and I as a combination looked less than wealthy? I dunno. It was a terrible feeling for my son and me, who had frequented this place so often before. Man, this place has devolved over the years. read more

Nice little theater. Came here for the Nutcracker and overall it was a satisfying experience. Most of the seats give you a decent view, so you never really feel like you're missing out. The seats aren't the largest, but nothing is ever perfect right? Still, if you're watching a show, the theater is mostly good overall. read more

Love the Bankhead. All the seats are great and shows are usually very good. Parking is easy and most things are within walking distance to the theater. read more

Great theater. Not a bad seat in the house. Decent amount of different types of shows. Our favorites are plays, dancing, comedy and specialty shows like cirque. Easy online ticket system. Staff/volunteers are always helpful and welcoming read more

I have been a member in good standing for ten years. last year i updated for better seating.The bankhead has not contacted me regarding any shows and does not return my calls...They use to be very good. Regards, Bill Chestnut read more

This is a beautiful performance venue in downtown Livermore. We recently saw a theatrical version of Disney's "Little Mermaid", and apart from the wonderful job the theater group did, the Bankhead Theater proved to be a nice venue - everything new and fresh. All seats have good views, and Stadium seating throughout eliminates the problem of peering around someone's head all performance. The theater is all one level, but for those sitting in the back it's easier to go to the second floor and enter the theater from there (an elevator is available). A large, open lobby is open for refreshments before and after the show. The theater is in a large, nicely landscaped courtyard if you care to stroll around before or after the performance. Restaurants abound in downtown Livermore a short walk away. The biggest negative, not unique to this venue, is a limited restroom capacity at intermission. The line for the women's restroom was quite extensive - there is one restroom on the bottom level and one on the top level - and both had long lines. The men's room wait was better, especially if you waited past the initial crush. If you are unfamiliar with the area, as we were, a few parking tips. Street parking in downtown Livermore probably won't work: the curb parking is all max two hours, and those limits apply even on Sunday. We found a large open lot (no fee) a block or so walk away from the theater, located off S Livermore Ave, which intersects First St (from the south) or Railroad Ave (from the north). The lot is split in two by S Livermore Ave, with a smaller section nearer the theatre east of S Livermore, and a huge, several acre lot to the west. The east lot was full, and we parked in the west section. From there it's a couple block walk to the theater. Plugging in the theatre's 2400 First St address, our GPS led us to downtown Livermore, in retrospect a mistake, because we missed a nice parking garage on Railroad Avenue, across the street from Bankhead Theater. It's directly across Railroad from the Cream ice cream shop, located at 2375 Railroad. This would be a better parking choice if spots are available. We attended a Sunday matinee, and checking traffic for the return trip, the usual West 580 to North 680 backup looked bad. We were able to avoid this by exiting 580 at Fallon Rd. and then taking Dublin Boulevard all the way to a North 680 entrance. read more

See all

Bankhead is a nice theater. It's a great location across the street from a large free parking lot, and it's located on the edge of downtown with easy access to restaurants & cafes. The seats are a little cramped, but they are tiered so, even if you're sitting behind a tall person, your view won't be blocked. The snack bar was a little rinky dink, and they got the prices totally wrong, but they had really yummy lemon bars if you have a sweet tooth. Also, there is a large main restroom on the first floor, and two convenient single restrooms upstairs. Overall, I was pleased with the theater and would like to see some more exciting shows to amp up the Livermore arts scene. read more

I've lived near here and never know this part of town existed. What a nice neighborhood. Lots of restaurants and a green area. There is also a large parking garage across the street. We came to see Kinky Boots. It was actually a movie of the live show. I had difficulty getting tickets. It said everything was booked or it was ADA access. I got the only tickets left. As it turns out they were less then 50% filled. We did talked to the usher and changed seats as we were way too close and on the side. The ushers were very helpful and concessions were allowed in the theater. I recommend this theater to you. read more

What a lovely show and experience to watch Brian Stokes Mitchel last night! The caliber of this performer's work is exceptional as all of us witnessed. One of the many performances East Bay Area residents can enjoy, it makes us feel fortunate to live here. Thank you Bankhead Theater for bringing this art and high quality performances to Livermore! read more

The missus and I went to the Bankhead for the first time this afternoon. On the way out, we both looked at each other and said "What took us so long?" Because this was one of the most enjoyable experiences we've had, and we didn't have to drive more than 10 minutes to get there. The show we saw was Gilbert & Sullivan's 'Pirates of Penzance' --- and it was a barrel of laughs with spectacular music and lyrics and excellent performances. But this review is about the theatre, which is a lovely hassle-free experience all in itself, no matter what show you're going to see. Let's start with the parking - I love the multi-level parking lot on Railroad - free, open all the time, and barely a block from the Bankhead. The will-call window ticket pickup was extremely smooth even though we got there just 15 minutes before showtime because our babysitter (aka Grandma!) was running a bit late. We even had time to grab some snacks from the small theater cafe - which we enjoyed in the small outdoor courtyard because we didn't realize we could've taken our food inside the theater. Knowing how persnickety I am about my theater seats, my better half had secured us orchestra seats (third row, center) and we paid $47 each for them. But we needn't have - there's not a bad seat in the house. We checked - walking all over during intermission and trying the different sections out, including the cheapest seats in the back row corner. While we were back there, we struck up a conversation with one of the ushers. She confirmed our observation, and shared a couple more tips with us. Like the fact that food and drink is allowed inside as long it is purchased on the premises - they even provide lids as you walk in because drinks must be covered. If you have kids who are interested in the performing arts, take them to Bankhead. Not only did we see more than a dozen young ones all over the theater, our friendly usher even showed us the booster seats they provide so the little munchkins can enjoy the performance - and these seats are Velcro-lined so they don't slip off! We will be back soon, with our kids if the show is an appropriate one. But next time we'll be sitting in the cheap seats in the back row corner. Save some moolah and spend it on a nice après show dinner at one of the nice restaurants downtown instead! read more

See all

We saw the Rat Pack last night. Super! Very well done. Great band. Lots of music and the singers did Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Junior and Frank Sinatra nicely. This theater is fantastic. Ben F Tarsitano, MD read more

Tonight! The Drowsy Chaperone! A Playful Homage To American Musicals Of The Jazz Age & The Fans Who Love 'Em Against The Backdrop Of The Roarin 20s! SITREP I love live performance, and what a fun way to capture the drama of a great musical then come to the Bankhead Theater in Livermore (and, YES, I did say Livermore!) The "Drowsy Chaperone" was delightful as my first entrée into this esteemed Theater and to witness their creative and remarkably talented theater company that THE SET-UP What was remarkable about this updated performance is that we were, in a sense, watching an musical from the 20s - the actual musical "The Drowsy Chaperone" - unfolding today through the eyes of the narrator. Martin, our navigator for the night, wanted to chase "his blues" away. And so speaking directly to us the audience, he shared his addiction for musical theater, and drops the needle onto his favorite LP - the 1928 musical comedy The Drowsy Chaperone. Maybe it was just me(?), but Martin displayed all the humorous mannerisms, eclectic sense of humor, the occasional gut-ripping laughter of Mr. Pee Wee Herman (though admittedly more toned down, and not at all an imitation, but rather a fun-filled more subdued reminisce of Mr. Herman's line acting). THE MUSICAL ELEMENTS From the first moment when Martin engages us, and puts his Vinyl onto the record player - down the audio track of the *crackle of his player*, the musical performance explodes into a wonderful orchestrated cacophony of actors and actresses, playing out the funny story of: * a pampered Broadway starlet who wants to give up show business to get married to her handsome Gatsby'esque fiancé; * the Gatsby'esque fiancé who - I must say I was very impressed with - could dance, tap-dance, and roller skate all over the stage! * of starlet's show producer who first tries to convince her to give up the wedding, but then sets out to outright sabotage the wedding; * of the two wise guy pastry chefs who ARE indeed actually gangsters, putting the heavy hand on the producer to make sure he DOES indeed sabotage the wedding or else, because their gangster boss loses a boatload of money if the wedding goes forward; * of her sizzling, sexy chaperone (also a show-competitor) who seems to be at the center of all the plots to make the wedding happen or to sabotage the wedding; * and the hiLARious Latin lover Aldopho (the only name I can remember now), because he WAS the funniest character as well as my favorite of the show, who seems to be negligently & accidentally embroiled in all plots, sleeps with the wrong intended-woman, and just basically is an (acting-)bull in a (wedding-)China shop with hilarious result. All in all a freakin good time! THE VIP ROOM Since I was part of large group showing (there were 22 people in our party), Bankhead Theater invited to come to the theater an hour before show time and treated us to an absolutely delectable wine tasting which was soooooo good and made the evening even MORE pleasant that it already was! THE LOWDOWN Bankhead Theater is a fantastic time to enjoy a theatrical presentation and makes it all the worth the while to travel to Livermore to enjoy! read more

See all

I was Rolling my Whip Blue Thunder to the Bankhead Theater. I parked at the First Street Garage . Thanks to Nique and Yelp i had Tickets at Will Call for Circo Comedia . I street hiked to the Bankhead Will call window and collected my Ticket to Circo Comedia . I went to the Snack Bar and collected my Free Fat Tire Ale and a Creme Brulee and enjoyed my Snack Treat before the Performance. I was then shown to my seat by a Helpful Usher . The Circo Comedia Duo were Crack ups they were Funny and Family friendly. The Theater itself was a nice Venue . Modern and Clean. Thanks Nique and the Bankhead Theater for a Entertaining Sunday !!!! 2014 The Year Of Opportunity And New Beginnings !!! read more

See all

If you go to a concert there DO NOT sit in the front sections. The speakers are mounted high in the corners, and the sound is horrible! Very muddy. Went to the Fleetwood Mask show there, and walked out halfway through. Pro tip (as a former professional sound engineer): always try and sit close to the mixing board - that's where the best sound is. read more

I have been to this theater countless times, both performing as well as from the audience. It is a very comfortable venue, with free, easy parking and every seat is a good seat. Most recently, I came here to attend the performance of the Pacific Chamber Orchestra, directed by Laurence Kohl along with a local choral group, conducted by Rob Lappa. The performance was called Majestic Masterpieces. I thought the prices were very reasonable, but you can even get a discount sometime if you have a connection to the orchestra or choral group. In this case you could actually get a 50% discount! There is a small Cafe, where you can get coffee and snacks at intermission. read more

Bankhead Theater - One of the very cute sculptures in front of the theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Livermore, California

Wonderful theater in downtown Livermore. It's intimate and small and all seats have great sight lines! They book quality acts, especially given the size of the theater. I highly recommend coming here if they have a show you'd like to see. There are plenty of good restaurants close by and lots of free parking! read more

Another Sunday Funday, this time for the entire family to enjoy Circo Comedia. Family-friendly theater in the heart of Livermore. Thank you Nique and Yelp for the tickets, as it was something we could finally take our son to. He enjoyed every minute of the show. The dynamic duo Jean Sacucier & Patrick Côté were hilarious; not a dull moment with these two. They were so entertaining, my son was still singing the songs from the show afterwards. There was an elderly couple sitting in front of us, and the wife turned around to say it was truly a joy to hear his little laugh during the show. We enjoyed our treats before the show, thanks to the complimentary concession vouchers. The comedians stayed behind to sign autographs and take photos with the kids and their families. We all had a wonderful time and will return for other performances when coming to the area. read more

See all

This is a very intimate theater. It doesn't matter where you sit there is no bad seat!! I could go on about the theater but today I am yelping about an employee. Her name is Cristina !! We had ordered so many tickets for the season that we lost track of what we ordered and had bought some tickets twice. It was very confusing but Cristina took the time to investigate the matter and had it all written down when we arrived to the theater to see Darlene Love ! She took the time to get everything worked out so that we were all on the same page. Her patience , her people skills and her knowledge of how to problem solve is second to none!! She is surely an asset to the theater and every time we go there we will look forward to seeing her!! read more

Really wonderful venue! It's not super from from our home and we recently had a romantic date night starting with dinner at Chianti Reserve in downtown Pleasanton, then drinks across the street from Bankhead, then a wonderful Cirque Saloon show. We had wonderful, comfortable seats, and an opportunity to buy reasonably priced drinks and snacks before the show too from their friendly staff. read more

See all

The Bankhead Theatre is a great venue to see almost any kind of production.. parking is across the street with a light controlled pedestrian walk. Their is small bar inside if you wish a snack or drink. Wine, beer and wine mixed drinks are available. You can take them to our seat with a provided cover. We saw Mama Mis there yesterday and it was so great we could see it again. Seats can be expensive @$55 -110. The cost is worth it. read more

I've seen countless shows here, all ranging from my first concert (House of Floyd) to exotic bands from other countries (Battlefield band). I love how the Bankhead brings in a diverse group of entertainment for Livermore folk, they truly reach for the artistry from every corner of the world. The building is beautiful and the crown jewel of downtown Livermore; it's interior seating is comfortable, spacious and ambient. I really think Livermore would make a lot more money if they catered to the younger demographic (college students etc.) if they brought in some lesser known rock bands and indie bands to play for them, because right now it seems like that's what everyone is listening to. Last thing I saw here that was close to that was "House of Floyd" the Pink Floyd cover band Great venue with good acoustics. I hope to see more shows here in the future. read more