• Patrons scanning their tickets at the entrance to Zellerbach Hall

FAQs

Below are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about everything from ticket policies to lost and found. If you don’t see your question here, please contact the Ticket Office and we’ll be happy to help.

Patrons may bring bags into the performance hall, but they must fit under the seat or on the patron’s lap. Patrons with large items, inclusive of, but not limited to, large backpacks, luggage, shopping bags, and other large packages that will not fit comfortably at the seat will be asked to check those items at coat check. Banners, flags, or other signage that might interfere with others’ ability to enjoy the performance are not allowed inside the performance venue, nor are bullhorns and other noisemaker devices. Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited. All bags are subject to search before venue entry.

For most events, food is permitted in paper or plastic bags or small soft-sided coolers (no large solid coolers or picnic baskets). There is also a variety of food available there, ranging from french fries and other snacks to burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, burritos, pizza, and veggie burgers. No alcohol (it is sold there), no cans or bottles; non-alcoholic beverages in factory sealed plastic bottles are okay. No lawn furniture, no glass containers of any kind. Blankets, pillows, or seat cushions permitted. No cameras or recording devices. All patrons are subject to search before entry.

In addition to being one of the world’s finest presenters of the performing arts, Cal Performances also manages several of the stages on the UC Berkeley Campus, including Zellerbach Hall, Greek Theatre, and Wheeler Auditorium. These performance spaces are often rented out to other University groups and public organizations or event promoters throughout the year, including Bill Graham Presents, the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra, and many others. Some of these organizations also contract with Cal Performances’ Ticket Office on campus to sell tickets for their events as well.

Therefore, it’s highly possible that detailed information or ticket availability for a show (or other events such as UCB graduations!) you may have seen advertised as being presented “in association with Cal Performances” may not be available through our web site as the site is designed to provide only information and ticket sales for those events which make up Cal Performances’ annual performing arts season. Please check the tickets.berkeley.edu site to see if the event is listed and on sale there.

While all ticket sales are final, most tickets may be exchanged for another Cal Performances event or donated back to Cal Performances. Please see our exchange policies and ticket donations pages for more information.

Most tickets may be exchanged (certain restrictions apply). Please see our exchange policies and ticket donations pages for more information.

Because our artists, programs, number of performances and the venues vary greatly from season to season, it’s not possible for us to offer the same seats year after year.

Unfortunately, it usually means that you will have to wait to take your seat until intermission, or at an appropriate interval in the program, as requested and advised by the artists. While we do have a monitor in the lobby of Zellerbach Hall to watch the action on stage while you wait, nothing compares to the real thing. So because parking can be difficult to find in Berkeley close to curtain time, we encourage you to arrive 30–40 minutes prior to an event to ensure that you are in your seat before the curtain rises.

Most performances are not recommended for children under the age of seven; please check with the Ticket Office if you are unsure if a performance is appropriate for younger audience members. As a courtesy to others, parents or guardians may be asked to remove children creating a disturbance during the performance. Please note: All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter the theater.

Service fees partially underwrite the cost of providing services online and by phone, as well as programs needed for digital order delivery. There is a $15 per order service charge on single ticket purchases and there is a $20 service charge for all subscription orders. When purchasing single tickets in person at our Ticket Office during our regular office hours, the fee is waived. There are no per order fees associated with rush or UCB Student purchases.

To learn if we found your lost item, please fill out our form and someone will get back to you.

Lost & Found Policy: We hold items for 30 days and then non-valuables are donated to Goodwill. Valuables such as wallets, phones, and keys are held for 72 hours, then brought to UC Berkeley Police Department. Contact UCPD at 510.642.6760 after 72 hours.