I would not say this is the best place in town for a show unless you like long bathroom lines at intermission, clear bag policies, not being able to bring your own food and water and then being faced with junk food concessions(cash only, $3 ATM fee), and mostly alcohol and other unhealthy drinks. Staff members were nice and helpful though and they do get some good acts coming through town. read more

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Warpaint was the perfect way to celebrate my brother's birthday in Eugene. It was my first time at the venue, so I made sure to review the website and left my purse in the car after reading the clear bag requirements. Oddly enough, there were so many bags that didn't fit the criteria, so rules were pretty lac despite the sign outside the entrance. Reserved seats are available on the second level, but tickets were otherwise general admission. It looks to be an old movie theater with most of the seats ripped out. They did keep some seats in the back, helpful for those unable to stand for long periods of time. Murals enhanced the walls leading to the restrooms and second level. Bathrooms were vintage but clean with a mirrored lounge area. Drinks were available in the lobby. The crowd was a mix of generations; many parents with their teens like myself. We caught Sego, their opening band, who were pretty cool. I hadn't seen Warpaint since they opened for Depeche Mode in Chicago, 7 years ago and was excited to see them on their home turf. They put on a great show (unless you had epilepsy, flash was intense) and came out for a double encore. A great time was had by all! Easy walking distance to the parking garage. read more

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It's a little small, it's a little dirty, but y'all... it's FUN. Parking is easy in the garages nearby, it's in a fun area of the city, and if you get there early you won't be stuck in the longest outside lines Ever. I went here in my early twenties when I still lived in WA and realized last night that huh, I Have been here before! Acoustics are Good Enough, you're definitely going to want earplugs for a rock show, but whether it's a heavy metal band or a Faerie Ball (it was a long time ago), you're going to have fun. The floor gets crowded, and your night will depend largely on the type of people who go to whatever you bought tickets for, but that's not on the venue. The balcony upstairs works well for a bar, I like how easy it is to keep it separate from the youth when it's an all ages show, and when seating is GA, the balcony gives you a chance to sit down if you're wily enough to grab a chair. The bathroom situation is small but clean (I only use the ladies so someone else will have to fill you in on the other side), and the secondary room makes it easy to wait in line comfortably. That second room is also great for fancy attire adjustment and accoutrement application should you go to that sort of thing. All in all we will be perfectly happy going again the next time something rolls through we want to see. read more

McDonald Theater - My boy's first rock show and he only got roughed up by one shi**y person - Performing Arts Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

I didn't expect much knowing this was an older theater. The sound upstairs was OK, but WAY better downstairs on the floor (SRO). The seats upstairs are old-school, and quite cramped for tall long-legged people, and there was a large group of loud drunk people talking through the show, so we opted to go downstairs so we could hear the music. Once we were downstairs, the music quality was way better, and the floor is slightly sloped so you can still get a view of the stage even if someone taller stands in front of you. The staff here are GREAT! read more

Normally I really don't mind this venue for concerts, or going to see the occasional comedian. It really is a neat place, and the acoustics inside this old place you really can't beat. We just saw Cody Jinx the other night, he was amazing. The comedians I have seen here have been Nick Swardson, and Adam Devine from Workaholics. They were all wonderful. I do not mind going here in support of my favorite people. So here is what I do mind, and this is why the two stars! Previous to the other night I had no issue. When I go to events I expect for my purse to be gone through. Perfect, I have nothing to hide. I have I.D, money, lip gloss, and gum that has always been in my purse. The one thing that chapped my ass was the security saying I couldn't have my gum, and then to make a comment about the type of gum I had! Oh that is old lady gum any way! Umm okay! Well you look about 40 years older than me, but I wasn't going there until now!! They made me throw a brand new un opened pack of ice breakers gum in the box... or should I say my old lady gum in the box!! I understand there are children that spit their gum on the floor, but I am not one of them! The other thing that really chapped my ass, was the amount of people I saw that had gum!!! Maybe they didn't have old lady gum like I had!! Sorry, but my old lady gum doesn't stick as much as the other crap! Too bad I am a respectable person that throws my gum in the garbage, or if I can't find a garbage I find an old receipt in my purse or something and spit it in there! My next complaint...the drinks were not that great! I have been having migraines from the haze, there really is not too many options of what to drink, I had water. And also a nasty what was supposed to be sprite. My guy ordered my a vodka pineapple, they barely put pineapple juice in the drink. The ladies restroom smelled so rancid! It was like using a bucks out doors, and a cross between being in a fishery on the coast! I even heard other women making even worse comments about the women's rest room! Love the small venue feel, and everything else, but just the crappy treatment by the staff! So not cool!! read more

The historic McDonald Theatre truly is an atmospheric and fitting venue for a mid-sized college town. Opened in 1925 and owned by the Kesey family (same as the renowned author) it originally served as a cinema house until the early 2000s. Since being converted to an all-purpose venue, it offers a mixture of live concerts, stage performances, weddings, proms, and other entertainment and celebratory events to the local community. Keeping with the classic feel of last-century architecture and ambiance, the interior has large vaulted ceilings and plenty of open space. This in turn amplifies the acoustics during live shows, making it an especially popular scene for hip hop, EDM, and reggae music. The main floor is standing room only, which encourages free movement and dancing. A seated balcony area looms above, which is reserved for those patrons over 21 due to the serving of alcohol. In additional, the venue also offers a fashionable separate full bar area which includes an outdoor smoking space. Over the years I've personally seen many shows at this establishment and have come to appreciate it. Although it offers nothing to knock your socks off, its yester-year feel and great acoustic quality keep me coming back for live music and artists old & new. read more

McDonald Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

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This theater is quite beautiful in a historic sense, yet simultaneously divey. Came to see the Devil Makes Three, and it did NOT disappoint! The band was excellent, but the theater had great sound, and I love the general admission floor - my favorite kind of venue for concerts such as this! The bar was wildly ill-equipped to serve the number of people trying to get drinks. We waited in line over 30 minutes, and then couldn't take our drinks into the theater. Nonetheless, we had a great time goofing around in line with the rest of the thirsty mob. Good vibes all around! Definitely recommend seeing a show here! read more

We really enjoyed this small, yet inviting theater. The live music sounded great, almost like a private show. The line to get in and the line at the bar was quick and easy. The downside was only having one bathroom. Be sure to go before the show! ;) read more

McDonald Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

I've heard about the McDonald theater for years but have never been there, until this last Saturday. While staying with a friend, they suggested we check out the Banff film festival that comes to Eugene annualy. The theater itself appears old and ran down from the front, the inside could use an update, but on the other hand, I think it being aged as it is, gives it an original feel. A feel that Eugene loves. Even with all the people loaded into this place, it never got too crowded. UNLESS you had to use the bathroom. It's a good idea to cut out a few minutes early if you really need to go, or you just may be 40+ people deep waiting your turn, while doing a 2 step! What I thought was great about this place, was not only the lounge they had, but the fact you could take your Ninkasi or Hef into watch the flick with you! Being able to drink beer and watch a movie is a thing of beauty! The patio out back was nice as well. It's covered for those rainy days that RARELY happen in Eugene, but also allows for your to enjoy the warm evening air. The place isn't bad! I wouldn't mind catching a concert here either... read more

My favorite indoor venue in town. As a 40- something the balcony area is very nice since I don't want to stand all night. Sound is near- universally good even from the balcony area which I can't say for a lot of other venues. I've never had to wait in line for the bathrooms either read more

This is one of those venerable old Eugene buildings that has been able to change with the times, there aren't many left but this one is great. The classic balcony and lobby type theater has evolved from vaudeville acts to first run movie theater to its current status as the best midsized performance space for bands coming through town on their west coast tours. I've been to enough varying shows here to say that it still performs well as special screening venue for films like Warren Millers perpetual snow fest every year but also as a good sized spot for bands a little too big for the WOW hall (http://www.yelp.com/biz/wow-hall-eugene). read more

I came to see a hip-hop artist here and while the artist always puts on an amazing show I was underwhelmed by the McDonald Theater. First of all the ticketing system is very confusing. I purchased tickets through their ticket provider and never received an email with a confirmation. Of course they don't answer their phones so leading up to the concert I was worried I had forgotten to buy tickets since so many months had gone by. The ticket company was able to tell me over the phone that tickets would be at will call but that when you create a profile the don't store and information for your upcoming concerts. Anyways, the staff were nice even though they have the job of patting you down and looking through your bag. I didn't go upstairs but I would get there early if you plan to grab a seat above. We stayed downstairs for the show and I liked how the floor is a little slanted so you can get a decent view if you're standing being the crowd. I honestly didn't think the sound was good at all. I have seen this artist so many times and I was disappointed at how it didn't sound that great at this venue. My boyfriend also had to wait in line for over half an hour just to grab a bottle of water while drunk girls ran around trying to cut in front of him. Either way it wasn't a bad time but it wasn't a venue I'll come back to unless there's an artist I really really want to see. read more

McDonald Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

I've seen 4 shows here, now so I think a review is needed. It's a nice old school theater that has many national acts to come through. I guess it's nice to in be in Eugene, because a lot of good music comes down this way while bands are touring down the I-5. There is usually a good amount of real sketchy people hanging out before and after the show, especially hippie shows. There is a nice bar in the back of the venue, which can get pretty packed quickly, so get what you need and find a place to chill before the show starts. I think the beer prices are pretty modest, and the selection is decent as well. They usually have some Ninkasi or Oakshire on tap. The sound in the venue is pretty good if you are on the floor. If you are up on the balcony, it isn't as good, and the sound is a lot lower in my opinion. But if you feel like sitting at all, by all means, take the balcony route. I like this venue a lot, and I think it's probably one of the better venues in Eugene to see live music. read more

I always get the feeling they want me to have a great experience. They let me drink more than they probably should. They know we're excited to see artists we love and respect. That's wonderful and I don't have one negative thing to say about the staff here. They are kind and the vibe has always been positive. Some highlight shows for me include Slayer, Modest Mouse, Lamb of God, Iron & Wine, Chimaera, Blues Traveler, Five Finger Death Punch, Mickey Hart, and so many more going back through the years. Floater on New Years Eve is always amazing. I find the sound quality to be pretty darn good. Lots of high-caliber bands tour with their own sound guys, so sound inconsistency is to be expected at times. The stage, proscenium and lighting are gorgeous, the mezzanine is fantastic and the bar up there is awesome to have access to. I love the smoking deck and the main bar as well. They try their best with the bathrooms and I appreciate that. The merch area is accessible and works quite well in this space. They are in the heart of the city and there's a lot to do in downtown Eugene these days before and after a show. Eugene has become one of my favorite downtown scenes anywhere in the Northwest actually. But like partying in any decent sized city, it helps if you act like a big boy and have cash to play with. That's not asking too much, is it? I would like to see the owners redo the outside, have it washed and thoroughly touched up. I agree that it is a beautiful building with obvious exterior neglect, and it is a Eugene landmark that needs to pop a little more and be showcased accordingly. But that is my only complaint. I've been to many other similar venues in Oregon and the PNW. The McDonald is near or at the top in comparison. Go spend a night at the Hawthorne in Portland, or the Domino Room in Bend, to name a few. Holy hell. Thank you McDonald Theatre for all the memories, and for those to come. Eugene is lucky as hell to have you. read more

This is an older theater, but is still pretty nice. Located in downtown Eugene where all the action is. The staff was very helpful and nice. Overall a good place to watch a comedy show. read more

I have seen two shows here at the McDonald Theater now and I think it is time for a review. I have tried to give it the benefit of the doubt thinking that maybe the first show I went to was wack. But in fact I just recently went there last week to see Young Thug (I know he doesn't bring out the best crowd) but that is beside the point the venue itself is ridiculous. From the staff, the area, and the location it is all terrible and if I can see the same show in Portland at the Roseland I would rather go there then make the trip to Eugene to have another horrible experience. The first show I went to see was last year and it was a DJ battle, so completely different then a rap concert, and that was the lamest thing I have ever been too. The place is in such a great location, right in downtown Eugene where all the bums hangout outside so walking in you feel like you are going to get mugged and when you leave you really feel like you are going to get mugged. The security is not great both shows I have been to someone had to be taken out of the concert or at the end of the show they would be on the ground outside with police everywhere. If you want to feel safe I wouldn't suggest coming to the McDonald Theater. The staff there is mediocre, for they don't really check you when you walk in. Someone could sneak a dangerous weapon or substance in no problem and that's sketchy. I am not 21 so I can't say how the upper lounge/bar is. I have heard it is decent. So there is maybe some perks after all. The security is not very strict when it comes to people smoking in the crowd my friend and I probably have lung cancer now from all the second hand smoke. The security also does not take care of something when people start fighting in the crowd they just tell them to knock it off, when they never do. The two concerts I have been to have been standing up concerts so you can dance and what not. However I am the type of person that likes to be in the front row where all the action is. I am little so it is not hard for me to squeeze my way through and get up there. Although at this past concert I wish the stage would have been wider so that way the crowd doesn't push you up against the railing the entire time and there could be room for everybody. If you want to be in the front I guess you have to pay the price of the 5,000 bruises you get on your rib cage and legs from the railing. I understand this isn't the venues fault it is mine for wanting to be up so close, but if the stage was wider I feel like this problem wouldn't have been so bad. Finally, let me tell you about the location. I wish it wouldn't be so sketchy outside it is downtown Eugene which is not a very scary place. I would be more afraid of Portland venues then here, but think again the McDonald Theater is 10 times freakier than any place I have been too in Portland (and I have been to many different types of concerts before). I really wish the McDonald Theater was awesome because it is very close to go see cheap shows at and could be a great time. However every time I have been there I have never had an excellent time like have had in the past at previous concerts at other venues. The spot it is located in is perfect to take a quick taxi there if you are intoxicated and it is a cheap ride as well. When you get there the place looks like a ghetto broken down dump, I mean the inside could be really awesome if they fixed it up and updated things. But everything looks like its from the 70's or 80's. With a new remodel and higher security I think the place would be a cool location to see your favorite artists. Maybe when I am 21 (which is not too far away) I will go see a show and hang out in the lounge and hopefully have a better experience instead of on the floor with a bunch of pushing sixteen year olds. I will give McDonald Theater another try if there is someone I am really wanting to see, but if I can see them at the Roseland in Portland I would rather make that trip. Hope you have a better experience then I have had. read more

A really great venue to go see a show -- relaxed, great views from multiple areas...but seriously, four women's bathroom stalls in the entire place?? Going to the bathroom during a crowded show (we did a double-header this weekend seeing Yonder Mountain String Band 2 nights in a row) was an epic project, taking close to 45 minutes just to pee. For a girl with a tiny bladder and who is bummed about having to miss a large chunk of every set of one of her favorite bands, this was a big bummer. read more

Great place to see a concert. I recently saw Graham Nash here and the acoustics were excellent. Seats were comfortable and the size was perfect. I bet everyone in there had a great view. I know we did! read more

Worst Experience Imaginable. Staff spoke condescendingly to us, was extremely rude, unhelpful and wouldn't even let me speak to a manager. Completely unacceptable. Truly abismal customer service. I will never, ever buy a ticket to a show here again. I will never go to a show here again even if I were put on a guest list. I wouldn't be so vocal about this had they given me an opportunity to share my experience, instead they showed me the utmost of disrespect. I just am in disbelief. If I could rank this negative stars I would. About the actual venue, the sound in the past has consistently been poor but the theater is cool. It has a really cool vibe and I love how clean it is. Very clean. I suppose this is a positive. read more

I just got thrown out of the balcony by security for texting during a boring Dave Chappelle show. Thrown out by force! Nice work McDonald Theater... Way to treat a paying customer! Is there a negative number star review? NEVER COMING HERE AGAIN! read more

Great venue and place to see a show. Gray haired bartender with glasses should be fired. Super big asshole slammed our money down and was rude. Not a person that should work in customer service. Not letting it get me down. JERK! read more

Little hole in the wall type place, but it's pretty cool walking in with the wild red carpet and upper balcony. But word to the wise , me and bf wanted to sit upstairs so our feet wouldn't be super achy. The chairs upstairs are super tight. Now I am no skinny girl , but a little curvy and you're wedge in between the hard cup holder armrests and tiny chairs. read more

On October 17th I attended a Hobo Johnson Concert at this venue. The group was absolutely amazing but the speakers are so blown that you couldn't understand half of the words over their instruments. We bought early entry and weren't allowed into the actual area where we'd be standing until only about five minutes before the normal tickets. I have the entire concert on YouTube so if you search for it you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. read more

Bartender is awesome! Food was good but salty! Standard menu items The smell of barf kept assaulting my sinuses! Too bad, cute little dive bar downtown! Oh, beer was not very cold!! read more

I've given the McDonald a couple chances figuring every experience can be different from the last, unfortunately I've given up on this place. It's so sad that such a beautiful old theater is being so sorely neglected and let go. Its in such a great location with good space unfortunately everything has been unmaintained for so long it can be a pretty icky experience. To top it off, the staff is pretty much useless from ticketing, to will call, to ushers to bartenders, it's all sub-par even on it's best day. Totally worth the extra drive time to head to Portland for the same show on a different day. read more

Never have I had so much unprofessionalism displayed. The issue here is the staff not the venue. Although I thought the McDonald theater was dirty and completely ran down. (Minus the sound equipment that was on point) I'm on tour. We just came from Reno which was amazing . The venue was nice, clean, modern, and they didn't charge a house merchandise percentage. (McDonald theater is 15%) Also the venue tagged my group in all the social media posts and put us out on the flyer. McDonald did neither. It Takes 30 cents and some effort to reprint a flyer. I called 7 times the past week for ticket numbers got no response. Then I get there and the security (who looked like he was 65 years old) wouldn't allow my people in the door. They said I had to get the Tour manager ,who then came and said let us in, and there was still a issue allowing my people in the door. First off security can't secure anything if they are on social security. Half the people you had working didn't make me feel safe as a artist. Hence the 30 person brawl security did nothing about outside. Second the venue was not catered lady told me they had "sandwich stuff in the fridge if I was hungry? No venue made me feel less important then McDonald theater it was dirty they had super small green rooms and everyone had attitudes as if The show was inconveniencing them. Truthfully everyone there only got hours because WE were working there. For the hassle I'll pay the extra little bit and cutberth or lane events center Is where I'll take my business. I may sound petty talking about letting the TOUR PACKING IN THE DOOR or CATERING. But these are things other venues are doing with no questions asked and we wonder why no one books Eugene shows. I've toured with lil Wayne and others this was unacceptable. DO NOT Book McDonald theater. I guarantee If this was some hippy reggae concert I bet y'all would've had proper security catering and maybe even dusted the place before they got there. Smh and this is my hometown support? wish I could put 0 stars.. read more

Went there for a show tonight for the first time ever. Weird Al was amazing, the venue sucks ass. Checking purses for pens and gum like what the fuck is that?? Small fucking seats and they are piled in so close that you can't even sit in the seat straight because your knees won't fit behind the seat in front of you. I will never attempt any show here again. Make sure the show is really worth the sore ass and cramped knees if you're considering seeing one here. read more

Good venue, but the staff is extremely condescending and drunk with power. After I accidentally entered the bar area - despite being 21, and despite it being right next to the concert stage - the man checking IDs decided to call security on me. It took quite a few minutes of overwrought explaining to get into the show THAT I PAID FOR. I never plan on attending another show here again and have filed a formal complaint with the theater. Awful experience with terrible employees. read more

Worst concert hall i have ever been to They couldn't pay me to go back If you smoke and aren't 21 (I'm 20) DO NOT BUY TICKETS! My experience: Went to the hall about and hour and a half in i need a cigarette so i walk towards the entrance were i see sign's stating "No re-entry" then i over here a staff member tell other patrons that there's a smoke spot but you need to be 21 making sure i heard this correctly i asked and he confirmed it you have to be 21. So i go back into the hall about 25min later i just can't take this anymore so i make my way towards the back so i can smoke and try not to bother to many people (I wasn't the only one so i figured no big deal) so a security guard comes up to me and says "stomp that out" so I say OK you caught me put it out then he comes back and draws on my hand then i ask him what was he doing (i was hoping he was giving me access to go smoke outside) nope a warning which is absolutely reasonable considering i did break there no smoking rules. So i get back towards the crowd and start watching again, 4 songs later someone passes me a Joint just out of reaction i start reaching over to grab it but then i notice its not a cigarette but weed so i shake the dude off saying nah I'm good (don't smoke weed) Within seconds of this all happening this guy is behind me telling me this is the second time i have caught you smoking (note i don't even anything in my hands....) So i start trying to explain what the deal is but he doesn't care he "caught me" no mater what i said. My recommendations are not to go to this place, if someone offers you something ya might get kicked out with no refund. read more