Woodminster Summer Musicals
4.7(282)google
4.0(79)yelp
FamilyNaturePerformance
Overview
A cherished regional performing arts tradition held since 1967, this highly popular outdoor theater company presents spectacular, Broadway-quality musical productions under the summer evening stars in Oakland’s hills. Performances take place at the historic Woodminster Amphitheater, surrounded by whispering redwood trees and illuminated by the spectacular stone-faced water cascades nearby. Families gather early to enjoy relaxed pre-show picnics on the surrounding forested grounds before immersing themselves in the historic musical theater magic.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 2.5-3.5 hours
Best TimeStrictly seasonal, operating only during the summer months of July through September. Arrive 30 minutes before the evening curtain time to enjoy a sunset picnic in the historic open-air hillside amphitheater.
Getting ThereLocated at the Woodminster Amphitheater in Joaquin Miller Park. Driving is highly recommended as there is no late-night transit in the hills. Navigate to 3300 Joaquin Miller Rd where large parking lots are available.
Travel Tips
- The open-air amphitheater sits deep in Joaquin Miller Park; night mountain winds trigger drastic temperature drops, requiring thick blankets and heavy winter jackets.
- Upper tier general seating consists of bare concrete tiers; sitting for multi-hour performances causes back strain, so packing a thick personal seat cushion is vital.
- Shows wrap around 11 PM into pitch-black, narrow, winding mountain switchbacks with severe post-show traffic congestion; drive slowly with high beams engaged.
Reviews
Positive
- Watching summer Broadway musicals at the outdoor theater surrounded by towering redwoods provides a visually stunning and matchless core experience.
- Before showtime, audiences are allowed to enjoy their own picnic dinners in the redwood groves, offering a beautiful natural vibe and community bond.
- Event organization is orderly, the acoustics and live orchestra are highly professional, and the seating staff and volunteers are warmly welcoming.
- Ticket prices are very fair, especially with frequent discounts or free entry for kids and youth, showing outstanding value over indoor commercial venues.
Heads up
- Being completely outdoors, temperatures on the redwood ridge drop sharply after dark, severely hurting comfort if you don't pack enough blankets and coats.
- Tucked deep in the park, there is zero public transit after late-night endings, and rideshare apps are hard to secure, rendering transit convenience very low.
- The stone or wooden amphitheater seats are quite hard, causing discomfort during long shows, and numerous steps present low accessibility for disabilities.
- The single snack bar has terrible lines, selling a limited menu of overpriced snacks, and crowd flow around it gets messy during peak intermission.