Attended the Studio 8 Film Festival's opening night shorts program this past Friday, with a…read morecompilation of works by alumni from the former SF Art Institute, projected on the screen. Lots of interesting pieces, and some impressive cinematography, it was a lovely experience. The venue was cute and cozy, an experimental microcinema that could fit probably no more than 30 people inside. The simple classic folding seats in the theater room were creaky and not very comfortable for long periods of sitting. A few seats and small tables were set up in the rear and side of the room as well. A nice outdoor patio in the back was decorated with plants and string lights. Snacks were available for sale from their cafe next door, but items were pricey! $3-4 for tea, and they just gave us the tea bag and cup to make it ourselves. At least there was a bar-style popcorn machine in the lobby for guests to help themselves to popcorn for free. They don't show films here often, but for special events, it's a cool lil spot to enjoy the weird and wonderful.

Super fun art house, fresh interesting takes on the world via film. I've been a couple times,…read morechill, interesting, great for a date night, weird, beer, treats, low key

So fun!! The team makes it very accessible and easy. Minimal instruction and felt super safe…read moresmashing some stuff up. Good memories and great to do with friends!

We signed up for this experience even though we'd never done it before because the business had…read moregood overall reviews. Unfortunately, our experience was incredibly disappointing from start to finish. We were the first customers to arrive when they opened, yet there was no one at the front desk. We stood there waiting until an employee finally came out. He had us sign a waiver even though we had already completed it online. The first thing we noticed was how dirty the place was. There were used Band-Aids and blood-stained alcohol wipes scattered across the check-in counter. It immediately gave us concerns about the cleanliness of the facility. When it was time for axe throwing, the employee asked if we'd done it before. We told him we hadn't, and he replied that he didn't really know how to do it either. The only instruction he gave was that he thought we should hold the axe at the base and throw it. There was no demonstration, no safety briefing, and no guidance. The axes and throwing knives were extremely dull and rarely stuck in the target. At one point, half of the wooden target wall split in two and fell to the floor, exposing the wall behind it. Despite this obvious safety issue, the employee was nowhere to be found. He disappeared into the back office and never checked on us. About halfway through our session, another group of customers arrived and waited nearly 20 minutes before he finally came out. He simply told them to wait while he prepared their rage room. After we finished axe throwing, we had to go find him so we could start the rage room. He told us to give him a minute to set it up but offered no instructions about what we should do in the meantime. We ended up reading the posted signs ourselves because no one explained the process. The rage room itself was very small and contained only a few bottles, two tires, a printer, and a speaker. Our package was advertised as lasting nearly an hour, but we were completely finished in about 25 minutes because there simply wasn't enough to break. Before leaving, we asked to use the restroom. It was just as dirty as the rest of the facility, with used paper towels all over the floor and more discarded bandages. It was obvious the place hadn't been properly cleaned before opening, or possibly for quite some time. Overall, this was one of the worst entertainment experiences we've ever had. Between the lack of cleanliness, poor customer service, minimal instruction, safety concerns, and the disappointing value for the price, we cannot recommend this place. If I could give it a -10, I would. Save your time and your money and go somewhere else.

Saw 'Night Mother at this intimate theatre. It's not light subject matter (ideations of suicide,…read moremother-daughter relationships, and family secrets), but it is a beautifully written play and the performance last night was deeply, deeply moving! Billie J. Simmons, as the mother, was extraordinary. To witness and share such a powerful range of emotions was a transcendent gift to the small audience. A truly remarkable experience.

I come here with my mom on Thursdays for the free dress rehearsal shows on occasion and it's always…read morea treat. The stage is small and the seating encircles the performance area so you'll see a different angle depending on where you sit. Of course the shows will be vary in quality but I've always enjoyed my time there and usually befriend some senior citizens in the audience. I also had a fantastic cookie last time.

I'm extremely disappointed with all out comedy. I had a bad experience a while ago but then tried…read moreto give the place another shot recently and left feeling disappointed. I feel like it's just not for me. Now, I'm giving 1 star because I have further concerns about their professionalism and customer service considering the owner kept changing their response to my other review to random rude replies. First they wrote in all caps saying I'm spam, then they said something like "your car wasn't even ever here".Maybe they are confusing me with another customer and not intentionally trying to manipulate the feedback to discredit my review, but I still can't recommend this place by the odd and unprofessional behavior toward customers regardless of who they think I am instead of offering the typical kindness that you'd expect from a business. It's safe to say I won't be giving this another shot in the future

We went to All Out Comedy Theater for an improv musical, and it was fantastic! The performers were…read moreso talented -- funny, quick on their feet, and the way they turned audience suggestions into a full-on musical was seriously impressive. The energy in the room was contagious, and the crowd was fully engaged the whole time. It's such a fun, welcoming space with a great vibe. If you're looking for a night out in Oakland that's different, hilarious, and totally unique, this is the place!

This is a spectacular annual event held at the Regency Ballroom, dedicated to Edward Gorey,…read moreamerican author and artist with a lot of unique and interesting works in his lifetime, some a bit creepy yet still remarkable, including illustrations for Charles Dickens and Virginia Woolf, and a single popup book in 1982, The Dwindling Party, the theme of the 2025 Edwardian Ball I had the pleasure of attending this past weekend. The line to get in wasn't long and went quickly around 9pm on Saturday, an hour after opening time. And there was so much to see and do inside, we didn't know where to start. The decor and setup were magnificent and not cheap looking, a lot of attention to detail. There were multiple levels to engage with activities and exhibits throughout. On the entry level, there was a ghostly "concierge" (more like mimes... if you ask them a question, they don't talk, but they will probably make you laugh as they stay in character), several attached rooms/lounges with bars and arts & crafts, such as shadow puppetry (guests could create their own shadow puppets), and the grand ballroom offering fashion portraits on one side (which we took advantage of, as the artist was talented), a tea room and exhibit on the far end, and the main stage with a fascinating program during the 2-day event. Live entertainment took place on and off the stage, including musical performances by several different bands made up of talented musicians, aerialists, circus acts, and burlesque by Vau de Vire Society, and reenactments of some of Gorey's books, including The Dwindling Party of course, which was great with the elaborate sets, props, costumes, and music by Jazz Mafia. But I was even more wowed by the marvelous production of Gorey's The Listing Attic, so quirky and done with such artistry by the performers. From the event entryway, there was one set of stairs to the right leading to a second level coat check (and a dead end). Another set of stairs leading to a second level of the ballroom, with first-come first-served seating along the balcony to watch the entertainment on the stage below (no VIP or special tix needed, this was open to all). The second level also led to more stairs going up, what felt like at least 4 levels, with a few stops along the way (like vendors/entertainers selling nightmares or taking your dreams!?!). At the top level was the Museum of Wonders, which was not just a display of oddities and interactive exhibits, but also felt like a whole 'nother world. More live music and entertainment presented on a beautifully decorated and lit stage in this room, as well as from a lovely gazebo at the center of all this extraordinary madness. And even though we had already gotten fashion portraits of ourselves on the main level ballroom, we opted to also do portraits in the museum, this one an "offensive" caricature. If that's not enough, there's a basement floor below street level, where the Vendor Bazaar was located. This section was lined with merchandise booths selling unique costumes, clothing, hats, jewelry, a plethora of quirky items, and even gourmet chocolate. Food was also available from the bar on this level, though we only ordered drinks while at the event, several custom cocktails and Death in the Afternoon, one of their drink specials for the night, all of which were decent but pricey. There were several different bars available, and we hardly encountered any waits for drinks. Beyond the captivating environment filled with endless pieces of art to explore and performances to enjoy, the attendees added to the entertainment and charm with creative and impressive costumes, one of which could even tell your fortune. Yes, we met some interesting characters while there. And friendly and helpful staff (vendors, bartenders, coat check, security, etc.) made sure guests had an amazing time. I always thought this event would be too fancy for me, but as it turned out, it was just right. Not perfect... it did feel overcrowded at one point, especially going up and down the staircases between 10-11pm, and wait times for portraits weren't the fastest... but for the most part, it felt very comfortable, welcoming, and fun, the entertainment value high, well executed by the organizers, and best when you expect the unexpected. It was definitely a one-of-a-kind and memorable experience. I'm sure to return and take advantage of the early bird pricing next time.

This event is still awesome! I went there with a new friend on Friday. It was her first time there…read more We both had fun at the event. There was a new thing there this time with the guy in the corner serving hot tea & a butter cookie in nice tea cups for only $1 there. There were tables that you could sit at too which was nice. The upstairs area was open too which was nice for people who wanted or needed to sit dowm at the event.

This is the most beautiful venue I have ever visited…read more I love the layout with multiple bars on the back wall. It was very easy to grab a drink whenever I wanted. The merch stand could be in a better spot, but this is an old theater and that wasn't a thing back when it was built. I was amazed by the size of the stage once I got to the floor. From the outside I had no idea how tall it would be. The balcony is huge and for some shows would be a great view. I was on the barricade singing along to New Constellations and The Midnight. It sounded so good and I can't wait to come back for another show!

The inside of the theater is beautiful. Thats pretty much it for a positive note…read more Seating is super tight. Sound was not very clear at the balcony level. Unless you are seated very close up, you are just looking at an ant. Drinks are close to $20 each. Also, if you order water at the bar, they tell you to go get water in the lobby. Bad service for that.

Something fun to do on a Sunday night with friends and family…read more Shelton Theater Comedy - Cheaper Than Therapy Bartender - Serene, she made wonderful drinks and was so helpful. The deco was so fun. Had so much different arts on the walls. Wow, the show had 5 comedians. They all were so funny. It is a must go see.

WARNING FOR SOLO WOMEN TRAVELERS: TDLR - The bartender is super pushy to get you to drink more or…read morebuy HIM drinks even when told clearly-- NO. After he thinks you are toasty enough, he will go around from behind the bar, hug you from behind, and play it off as if you wanted to dance with him ALL without your consent. Very creepy and slimy swindler behavior. COMEDY: The show was super fun! The comedians were all great and handled the crowd's up&down energy well. I definitely would come here more often if it wasn't for the harassment from the bartender. If you go here with a group a people, this place is great. If you come here for a date night, it's a great night. If you come here by chance as a party of one, PLEASE WATCH OUT. The specific bartender I'm talking about definitely hustles people into drinking. To each their own but I think bartenders are supposed to respect the sanctity of a NO and also help curate a safe space rather than prowl & pounce/predatory. I didn't catch the bartender's name but his descriptions are: Mexican, tattooed, full beard, went to SFSU, 5'6" or so, portly in stature and not sure what his schedule was but he worked on a Thursday night when I encountered him. Good luck & stay safe y'all!

I attended an event at Groundfloor and found the venue to be super cute and cozy…read more It's a short walk from MacArthur BART and has tons of private booths and plenty of seating to get work done. The kitchen area was nice and clean, as were the bathrooms, and overall I enjoyed the vibes of the space.