Top Things to do in California
The 10 Best Performances in California, United States
California is a fertile, peaceful place where you’ll find a near-equal balance of vineyards and deserts, beaches and mountains, hippies and traditionalists. Catch an epic wave in Big Sur or swirl a glass in Napa Valley. Be dazzled by the Joshua Tree night sky or just star-gaze in Hollywood. Swish down the slopes of a Tahoe ski resort, or cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge with the top down and the music blasting. Above all, don’t forget to soak up some Golden State sunshine.
Restaurants in California
1. Marrakech Magic Theater
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,192 reviews
This unforgettable evening begins as you enter into a historic speakeasy. The perfect setting for a remarkable evening of entertainment. Upon entering you will be escorted into the Oasis Lounge where you will witnesses world class sleight-of-hand magic prior to the main performance. A wonderful assortment of drinks and Moroccan appetizers are available for purchase prior to the show. You will then be escorted into our intimate showroom for Jay Alexander‘s unforgettable performance of magic, mentalism, and psychological feats such as human lie detection. This evening of entertainment will lift your spirits and leave a lasting memory. Find out why Bono of U2 called it “Astonishing” and Monty Python’s John Cleese said it was “Wonderful!" You'll witness intriguing feats of mentalism, sleight-of-hand miracles, and throughout, Jay Alexander’s clean comedy will keep you laughing! Get your tickets today!
Reviewed By boocarolinas
Five of us went to the Marrakech for an evening of preformance art. We had no idea that we were going to be treated to an evening of laughter, wonderment and "Magic". This is not the usual "magic" show that we often see on tv, or other venues. Jay Alexander provided us with an insider's view of how one perceives information and processes it. He explained that trickery, lie detection and psychology play a huge role in his brand of "magic".The performance is held at a historic speakeasy that is decorated in the Moroccan style. While we awaited the performance, we enjoyed drinks and Moroccan appetizers in the outer lounge. Jay entertainained the seated patrons with card tricks that were a wonderful prelude to the actual show in the theater. That short period merely piqued our interest for the second half of the evenings entertainment! Space is limited for the Thursday thru Saturday double shows at 6:30 and 9:00 PM performances. There is one show on Sunday at 6:30 PM the doors open promptly at 5:30 PM for the pre show amusement and snacks, etc. Tickets for General Admission were $55 pp. and $65 for front row. It was well worth every penny for the laughs, wonder and the experience of listening and watching Jay Alexander share his love and passion for "illusions".
2. Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By CTBCalifornia - Groveland, United States
I just saw the San Francisco Symphony perform with Michael Tilson Thomas conducting in his final year with SFS. Tickets were scarce, and I wanted to be able to see the faces of MTT and his troupe, so I sprang for top cost best available. It was my first visit to Mondavi Center, and I was very impressed. The venue is lovely, and the amenities are excellent. The seats are larger and more comfortable than Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, and there is no bad seat that I could see. I am happy that I sprang for the high end seat I got, but I also now know that I don't need to do that in the future, any seat would be good.
3. Playhouse Merced
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Gymlikestoeat - Merced, United States
Very high quality live entertainment takes place at this wonderful little Playhouse on Main St. in Merced. Their seasons have a wide range of shows from musicals to more serious "straight" plays and you just can't beat the ticket prices. Tickets are available online, by calling their box office or in person. Beer, wine and snacks are available in their recently renovated lobby. Please support live theater and see a show at Playhouse Merced. Discount prices are available for students and seniors.
4. The Speakeasy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 564 reviews
San Francisco’s most extravagant and decadent nightlife party! Get dolled up and step back in time to the roaring 20’s for an evening of romance, spectacle and celebration in this “choose-your-own-adventure” immersive experience. Cabaret, casino, and plenty of hidden rooms to explore.
Reviewed By ErinT1273
I wanted to do something super cool and unique for my 40th and THIS was seriously the best! 12 couples, a 2 hour private event that allowed us to visit and take some fun photos before the show, then the show OMG the absolute most amazing, fun, exciting, I can’t verbally express it you have to experience it! My friends are from all areas of my life, childhood, teens, 20’s, 30’s and the new friends we’ve met through our kids starting school. They are all great but definitely an eclectic group to throw together and this event brought us ALL together so perfectly each and every person LOVED it could not have chosen anything better. I’m so excited to plan more date nights here with the few friends who were unable to make it!!
5. Magic and Wine Theater With David Minkin
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 80 reviews
Orange County's premier magic experience. David Minkin's award-winning magic show is paired with an intimate wine tasting for an unforgettable evening in an elegant setting. A three hour journey into a world of wine and wonder with an International Champion of Close Up Magic.
6. Scot Nery's Boobietrap
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 152 reviews
The best thing to do in Hollywood on a Wednesday! Voted "Best in LA" by the LA Magazine and LA Weekly. Boobietrap brings together world class performers from all over the world to bring you an unforgettable show experience. You'll see Magic Castle magicians, Cirque Du Soleil circus performers, Netflix Comedians, and surprise celebrity all in one show- doing their best four minutes on stage. “Wildly weird and entertaining!” - Huffington Post "I'll come back every time I'm in town for the good feeling it gave me!" -Academy Award winner Emma Thompson “Very fun!” - People’s Choice winner John Stamos “I had a blast” - MTV‘s Jackass’ Steve-O Audiences looking for a million laughs, a rollicking night out, and feed worthy photos are sure to say the same.
Reviewed By 580larryf - Los Angeles, United States
Amazing shows! I've been many times and it's always a blast. Expect the unexpected! Casual and friendly crowd. Good vibes only. GO GO GO!!!
7. The Loft Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 168 reviews
The Loft Theatre-Lounge-Dining is South Lake Tahoe, California's only live performance theatre, high-end lounge, and restaurant which offers a full array of exquisite homemade, handcrafted Italian cuisine from award-winning Chef Lisa Devincenzi-Miller, along with a full-bar, and award-winning wines from around the world. Don't miss our strolling close-up magicians during your dining/lounge experience seven nights a week. You may make real-time reservations at here on our website or on OpenTahoe. The Loft Theatre presents Magic Fusion starring Magician of the Year, Tony Clark nightly (show dark Wednesday). Show times are: Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday, one show nightly at 7:30p. Saturday and Sunday, two shows nightly at 4:30p and 7:30p. The show is approximately 75 minutes long, and appropriate for all ages. Tickets are $27.95 (+tax/fees). Reserved seating is available here on our website, or in-person starting at 4p daily from our Box Office located at the main ground floor entrance of The Loft in the Heavenly Village Shops, right next door to the Toy Shop, and a few doors down from Starbucks. We highly recommended buying your tickets in advance through our website, as demand for the show is high year-round. Magic Fusion producers Paul Reder and Tony Clark are well-known in the regional entertainment circuit and have produced more than a dozen magic-based shows including the award-winning blockbuster "Illusion Fusion" that was rated Lake Tahoe's No. 1 attraction on both Trip Advisor and Yelp. The Loft Theatre-Lounge-Dining is open seven days a week, from 4pm-2am.
Reviewed By Mariepb138
This is the first review I write in my entire life but I do it because it’s so worth it!!! If you have a chance to spend some time in Lake Tahoe, don’t miss the opportunity to go watch the Magic show. Our show was hosted by Robert Hall and we shared a amazing moment thanks to his talent and professionalism while remaining accessible and so funny! Thank you again to this great man. Forget the clubs or the casino, go to the magic show! A very good invest for couple, family or with friends You’ll thank me later ????
8. Beach Blanket Babylon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,983 reviews
"Beach Blanket Babylon," San Francisco’s hilarious pop culture musical revue, is the perfect night out with friends. Celebrating more than 16,000 performances and seen by more than six million people from around the world, this internationally acclaimed production continues to delight audiences at Club Fugazi in San Francisco's North Beach district with its spectacular costumes and outrageously gigantic hats! “Beach Blanket Babylon” follows Snow White as she takes a fast-paced journey around the world in search of her “Prince Charming.” Along the way she encounters a star-studded, ever-changing line-up of hilarious political and pop culture characters, including Donald and Melania Trump, Kim Jong-un, Taylor Swift, Colin Kaepernick, Wonder Woman, Sarah Huckabee, Vladimir Putin, Ivanka Trump and Jared, Lady Gaga, Prince, Barack and Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Harvey Weinstein, Bernie Sanders, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Oprah, Prince Harry and Meghan, and the Golden State Warriors.
Reviewed By MancTeacher - Manchester, United Kingdom
I have been visiting San Francisco for over 16 years and this show has always passed me by. This year I decided to go on New Year's Eve. And, boy was I glad I did. From the minute it starts, you are taken on a wild and zany ride. Everything you can think of from Politics through to popular culture is sent up. From Madonna to Ariana Grande and Clinton to Trump and the whole thing is a blast. Terrific costumes and the cast change at lightening speed, and the performances are energetic and incredibly funny. The venue itself is small and friendly and the staff go out of their way for you to have a great time. When I return to San Fran, I am headed back to Beach Blanket Babylon, for sure. A 1st class night out.
9. Belly Up Tavern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
This massive venue showcases a wide variety of internationally recognized musical acts.
Reviewed By michaeltross - Las Vegas, United States
This venue is one of the last remaining iconic venues of Southern California. Located in beautiful Solana Beach and just walking distance to the sand. The club has a restaurant, which offers an amazing menu of tasty quality food. Not your typical bar food. I mean a hot fresh meal. The room is huge with a perfectly balanced PA system. The night I was there it was packed and everyone was having such a good time. The staff was friendly and having a good time too. This place is full of positive energy and they know how to do it right when it comes to a live venue. So much fun. Thank you and I look forward to coming back.
10. National Comedy Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
The National Comedy Theatre is San Diego's nationally acclaimed improv comedy show and the longest running show in the history of the city. Performances every Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 & 9:45 p.m. and Sundays at 7:30 p.m.
Reviewed By SGeries - Yukon, United States
My wife and I were looking for something to do during the night other than going to a smoky bar. I learned of the NCT online and decided to give it a shot. The theater was small, but very nice and comfortable. All the employees and performers were very nice, very friendly and very fun. We had a great time! The improv show was very professionally put together and the college students simply did an excellent job. We were very impressed with these young comedians. We will certainly return.
