Fox Theater

The Fox Theater is Oakland's historic and iconic music venue that hosts a variety of live shows, entertaining and attracting music lovers across the globe.

Why Visit Fox Theater?

Fox Theater is a very well known and iconic entertainment venue in Uptown Oakland. This is a renovated and restored 1920s theater, with majestic and dramatic Moorish architecture and interiors as well as a lighted marquee attracting visitors from the streets. The vibe of the place is immensely energetic and electrifying and you immediately feel transported into another era. The place is renowned for hosting concerts and performances as well as regularly hosts major artists, indie bands, and even comedy events, so there's always something exciting on the schedule. Though the cost of tickets varies based on the performance, the experience does deliver without being too pricey.

The location is a great pick for a chill group outing filled with fun and music as it offers an unforgettable experience and loads of memories to cherish with your loved ones. A key highlight of this place is that it's simple to make your visit into a spontaneous night out because there are many fantastic restaurants and pubs in the area if you want to grab a bite. It is recommended to visit the theater from September to May when the performance schedule is packed and the cooler evenings make the theater even more cozy, attracting both locals and tourists from across the nation, boasting an unbeatable experience and ambiance right in Oakland.  

• Entrance fee: Ticket prices vary depending on the show, it is advised to refer to the website
• Opening hours: 
• Weekdays 10 am to 6 pm 
• Saturdays 10 am to 3 pm 
• Average Duration to explore: 3-4 hours

What to Expect

1. Architectural Grandeur: Marvel at the intricate details, from the ornate ceilings to the majestic chandeliers.
2. World-Class Performances: Enjoy a diverse lineup of events, including concerts, Broadway shows, comedy acts, and film screenings.
3. Historic Tours: Dive into the theater’s rich history with guided tours that reveal its past and restoration journey.
4. Vibrant Atmosphere: Located in downtown areas like Oakland or Bakersfield (depending on the Fox Theater you visit), the venue is surrounded by lively restaurants, bars, and shops.

Tips for the Best Experience

• The Fox Oakland Theater is a completely cashless venue, so keep in mind that no cash is accepted at the box office, bar, merch stand, or coat check. They accept all major credit cards and Apple Pay. 
• Tickets typically go on sale Fridays at 10 am, while on‐site purchases are available 30 minutes before doors, if still in stock. 
• Note that all tickets are only valid for the day, date, and hour chosen at the time of purchase and are not eligible for refunds, exchanges, or cancellations.
• Doors usually open one hour before showtime. It is advised to check each event listing for specifics before arriving. 
• You can carry small snacks, sealed water bottles, and personal bags in the theater but nothing large or professional recording gear. Though point and shoot cameras are allowed.
• All age groups are welcome unless restricted by the event. Kids under four are discouraged unless it's a child‐specific show,
• For parking, the venue recommends the Franklin Plaza Garage that you can enter via 19th St between Franklin & Broadway. 
• The theater also has a smoking section both upstairs and downstairs.
• Accessible seating can be requested via Ticketmaster or in person.

How to Get There

By Metro (BART)

You can take any BART line that stops at 19th Street Oakland Station as it's the closest to the location. From there, it's just a 2-minute walk to the Fox Theater on Telegraph Avenue.

By Train

You can either take the ferry or Amtrak to the nearest stop at Jack London Square. From there you can take a short cab or hop on a bus, like route 12 or 51A, to reach the theater in about 10 minutes.

By Bus

Several AC Transit buses stop near the theater, including lines 6, 12, 18, 33, 51A, 72, 72M, 72R, NL, and 1T.

By Car

If arriving by car, drive via I-580 or I-980 and take the 18th Street exit to reach the destination.

What Else Should Travelers Know?

• Accessibility: The theater is wheelchair accessible, with accommodations for guests with disabilities.
• Dining Options: Explore nearby restaurants for pre-show dinners or post-show desserts.
• Local Attractions: Pair your visit with other nearby landmarks, such as museums, parks, or shopping districts.