Four Distinct Venues. One Amazing Venue Rental Experience.
Whether you’re planning for a show-stopping stage spectacle, an important speaking engagement, or a conference that needs to run like clockwork, Cal Performances’ top-tier venue rental spaces are perfect for a wide variety and scale of events. You get access to state-of-the-art facilities, and, most importantly, some of the best event and crew pros in the business to help make it happen. Plus, your event will be set right in the heart of the vibrant and bustling UC Berkeley campus.
Prime Locations
Our venues are set in prime locations on the UC Berkeley campus, where beautiful settings co-exist with the daily flow of thousands of students, academics, staff, and visitors. They are widely recognized as home to some of the world’s most prestigious performing arts presentations.
Expert Team
From stage crew specialists to seasoned front-of-house managers, ticketing experts, and event managers, our venue rentals come with a team of highly experienced professionals ready to ensure your event is a success.
State-of-the-Art
Zellerbach Auditorium is a magnet for top artists and production companies, known for its spacious stage, in-house recording and video capabilities, and top-of-the-line lighting and sound equipment, including a Meyer Sound Constellation acoustic enhancement system.
Venues Available for Rent
Zellerbach Auditorium
This well-equipped Berkeley venue regularly hosts outstanding dance, music, and theater performances, and is ideal for a wide variety of events, including large-scale productions, speaking engagements, multi-day conferences, livestreams, graduations, and more.
Capacity: 1,973
Zellerbach Playhouse
Situated right at a primary UC Berkeley campus entrance, this intimate theater offers flexible seating and exceptional sightlines. It serves as an ideal setting for plays, concerts, comedy shows, spoken word events, conferences, meetings, and graduations.
Capacity: 439–547
Hearst Greek Theatre
Nestled in the Berkeley hills, this historic outdoor amphitheater features spectacular Bay Area views, and has a rich tradition of hosting iconic concerts, ceremonies, high-profile speakers, private events, and more.
Capacity: 8,500
Wheeler Hall Auditorium
Located past Sather Gate on the UC Berkeley campus, this versatile space is ideal for campus, community, and corporate events, screenings, lectures, large meetings, and comedy or spoken word performances.
Capacity: 705
Rental Process
To ensure a successful event, we partner with you through the following stages of the rental journey, from early planning to post-performance wrap-up.
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Initial Inquiry
Submit our online rental inquiry form. We will respond within two business days.
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Date Confirmation
If available and approved, we will place a hold on your date.
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Estimate
We will confirm event details to provide a full quote (labor, venue use fees, equipment, ticketing, custodial, etc.). We’ll also walk you through submitting your rental request for review under UC Berkeley’s Major Event Policy to see if any additional safety and security measures are necessary.
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Contract
Approve the final estimate, sign the rental agreement, and submit a 100% deposit (or ASUC-approved purchase order) no later than eight weeks before your event.
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Ticketing
Upon receiving the deposit and contract, our Ticket Office requires five business days to set up your event once all information is provided.
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Advance
Shortly after the full confirmation of your event at contract signing, your event manager will contact you to finalize run details, front-of-house needs, catering, merchandising, and additional equipment if necessary.
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Insurance
No later than 30 days prior to your event, a certificate of insurance must be submitted.
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Performance
On event day, our full team (event manager, ticket office, front of house, facilities, and production) will support your event.
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Settlement
A final settlement statement covering rental, labor, equipment, and ticketing fees will be sent within 30 days following your event.