About this venue
California Theatre of the Performing Arts is a historic theatre in downtown San Bernardino, opened in 1928 as an elaborate vaudeville house and movie palace. With approximately 1,718 seats, architecture recalling the grand American movie-palace era and its original Mighty Wurlitzer organ still in place, the venue has a distinctive character and hosts musicals, plays, concerts, ballet and symphonic performances.
Inside, the theatre combines its historic atmosphere with upgraded audience amenities and production facilities. Seating is arranged across orchestra and balcony sections, while multiple renovations have improved both visitor comfort and the technical capabilities of the stage. Concessions are also available inside the venue, making it convenient to arrive before a performance or use the interval without leaving the building.
The theatre is located at 562 W 4th St, San Bernardino, United States. Visitors arriving by car can use the parking structure directly across the street, with limited additional parking available in the lot behind the theatre, allowing for a short walk to the entrance. For broader transport options and getting around San Bernardino, see the city information further down the page.
About the city
San Bernardino, located in Southern California in the heart of the Inland Empire, is an important regional center for concerts, sporting competitions and major events, with the distinctive San Bernardino Mountains as its backdrop. The city and the wider urban area offer a variety of arenas, stadiums and outdoor spaces, allowing visitors to easily combine attending an event with a stay in this part of California. Its proximity to major freeways and regional transportation corridors also makes San Bernardino a practical base for attending events in the city and surrounding area.
The transportation infrastructure makes it easy to move around the city and connect with other parts of Southern California. San Bernardino Transit Center is the main public transportation hub, bringing together Omnitrans buses, Metrolink trains on the San Bernardino Line and the regional Arrow rail service. An additional rail option is provided by San Bernardino Depot, while travelers arriving by air can use the local gateway, San Bernardino International Airport (SBD). The combination of rail, bus and road connections makes it easier to plan journeys to arenas, stadiums and other event venues.
Before or after a concert or sporting event, it is worth exploring downtown San Bernardino and its connection with the history of Historic Route 66. Among the city's recognizable landmarks is the California Theatre for the Performing Arts, while the mountains surrounding the valley create San Bernardino's characteristic natural backdrop. For more open space, visitors can head toward Glen Helen Regional Park, located at the base of the mountains, adding a different view of the Southern California landscape to a stay centered around an event.
