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San Jose Civic
135 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95113, United States
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Al
Review №1

Seats were nice, place was very well ventilated and staff was good. Restrooms were clean but on the upper level. Not sure if this was this show or the centers setup but the sound system was very poor, there is no noise absorption which did not help either. This is right at the train station, for parking there are hotel parking garages open for paid parking.

Aj
Review №2

I had a great time watching Dream Theater performing live at San Jose Civic Center. Everything about the show was terrific -> Sound/Lights/Ambience/Seatings etc.

Ji
Review №3

The place and area is cool. Old theater with cool vibe. Had a great time inside the theater for the comedy show. Lots of stuff to do around the area for food at all price points. Went to Johnny Rockets and that was underwhelming to say the least. Everything is walking distance around there, easy walk and area is well light and safe as you can be today around the area. The one thing that detracts from the whole experience is the parking. You can find it with lots of structures and lots but the service is horrible. Did at lot north of the Tech museum, paid when I got there. Only takes cards, not cash. When I left the machine ate the slip without raising the gate. Four security guards not 25 feet away, talked to them on buzzer, never showed up. Parking is zero stars. Someone lifted the gate because tired of waiting.

Sc
Review №4

Beautiful theater that has a lot of history within its walls. Seats are tight fitting for a giant person such as myself. Other then that everything was great.

Bo
Review №5

Really nice ambiance and for once, the ratio of women to men is 3 to 1 (a definite first for norcal). The crowd is a lot older so it has a sort of business casual feel to it but not bad. The ambiance is what does it for me. Classy, sleek, very SOMA-esque. Nice place if you feel like dressing up with the girls and going out. Gotta keep it classy though.

al
Review №6

Great show!! The seating is pretty good even if youre on the side (lower level) but if you are general admission I think Itd be pretty difficult to see A N Y T H I N G. Mostly because, there isnt any incline.THE SECURITY WAS TRASH. ABSOLUTE GARBAGE. And yes, I understand their job is to make sure nobody takes in anything dangerous, but a bag check woman TOOK MY WATER AND DRANK IT. So dont bring in any food and water because they wont let you bring it in.

Sh
Review №7

We went with our grand daughter and her family to see “Elmo” at the Convention Center. Parking was accessible, snacks and souvenirs were appropriate. The only thing that detracted from the situation was adults constantly moving about (not bathroom breaks for children as there wasn’t children with them). Even so my grand daughter loved seeing Elmo.

Al
Review №8

The Civic is an interesting venue. It is quaint and personal for performances. They hold other events there for children and adults - training sessions and performances. Art and acting are also activities you can explore here. An initial review of the surroundings and grounds show some challenges for accessibility. You can get around by there is some accommodation you need to make to find accessible entrances and areas you can freely move around in with anything that has wheels on it.

Lu
Review №9

Had an wonderful time seeing the Try Guys preform in early July 2019. Such a beautiful and clean venue!

El
Review №10

Went her twice with my daughter. The shows are always beyond what you pay. Saw beauty and the beast and Shrek. Both great shows

sa
Review №11

Amazing place for Crunchy roll expo and the workers there were so helpful. Cant wait to come back again!!!! The place was so clean and such a nice place to go!

Da
Review №12

I was generally impressed with this venue. It was the first time I have been here, but this venue was far better than the last time that we saw NF at Ace of Spades. I did find it kind of odd that the sound equipment was basically in the middle of the floor, but with limited space in this event, I guess its where it worked out best!

ja
Review №13

I went here for the NCT 127 concert and the venue was pretty nice! I anticipated not being able to see the stage well (Im 4ft 11in and was in the second row in the second section back from the stage), but I saw everything perfectly!The only issue that there may have been is that the venue is relatively small once everyone is going in or coming out of the main lobby, but thats to be expected at almost any concert.For parking there are a ton of garages in the area just a short walk away! I cant speak for all of them, but I only had to pay $5 for parking!I would DEFINITELY come back to this venue again for any event!

Da
Review №14

Nice size venue, great place to see a concert! The large stage can handle the large sets that some artists bring to display (ie. The huge CUBE V3 by Deadmau5). Lots of room down on the floor for GA standing room, and plenty of seating upstairs on the balcony with some downstairs as well. It doesnt matter where you are to watch the show, the acoustics of the theater provide a great sound which fills the whole place very well. Not to mention, it can handle a large sound system with a lot of bass no problem.

Ti
Review №15

This is a really nice venue. Its big yet small enough so there were not a lot of bad seats. Went to New Japan Wrestling and it was a ton of fun and I would go to more wrestling events here. The odd thing was at one stand they said you cant have the lid for the soda bottles and when we were at our seats many people had bottle caps.

Ro
Review №16

I have gone to a few concerts here and have enjoyed them all. The sound is always good and being a smaller venue one can see the performance better. Snack and bar area is easily accessible and the rest rooms. The staff is helpful and pleasant.

Sy
Review №17

I had never been in this wonderful old venue. Its a beautiful renovated building. The show was great so glad we went. There are 2 bar areas for drinks and snacks. The venue is not too big so everyone has a good seat.

Ca
Review №18

Saw the piano guys here and the theatre was clean and well organized. The acoustics were fine and I thoroughly enjoyed the concert. Would come back for another event.

Ka
Review №19

Its a great venue for concerts, the acoustics are really good, the personal who works there is very helpful and polite ( mostly elder people ) The bar offers an OK selection of beer, wine and cocktails at reasonable prices, the only inconvenience is if you are seated at the balcony seccion is that the rows are very narrow, so if you are a tall person or have long legs you might find the seating pretty uncomfortable, on the good side, bathrooms are clean and well maintained, in general this is a good venue to enjoy concerts or conferences!

Ja
Review №20

Restaurants, bars, events, parking garages, and museums will help you plan an entertaining afternoon or evening.

Li
Review №21

First time there. Saw Ghost so it was awesome. Half rock show, half wardrobe change.

Ka
Review №22

I love this venue! Its big enough to draw in amazing talent, but small enough to feel cozy and intimate. The food options will hold you over and the restrooms are clean. The photos on the wall of those who have graced the stage here are always fun to look at! The staff is always pleasant :) We last saw Jewel here and of course, well be back soon!

Ev
Review №23

Great place I went to see Tony Bennett wonderful performance on May 3

Co
Review №24

This venue was great. Not a bad seat in the house.

Al
Review №25

Went to see Deadmau5, Cube V3. The accoustics were amazing and the visuals were even better. Thank you for such an awesome experience

Ir
Review №26

Nice venue in central downtown San Jose. Only thing that I wasnt fully aware of when purchasing tickets was that the rows starting in 2 are not on a second level. They are on the outskirts of the first level rows, however the views were still decent.

Ef
Review №27

Great place for a concert or a show. Great seats everywhere. No free parking, as long as you are willing to pay and walk you’ll be fine.

Ro
Review №28

Well before Covid 19 was announced and the restrictions and obvious reasons as to why people of the thousands shouldn’t be packed into a venue were learned, tickets went on sale for an event to which a group of my friends and I purchased. Unlike other venues who refunded the tickets people bought,, this venue decided to hold onto everybody’s money and announce that the event is postponed, but still on the eve before the event haven’t announced the new date.There are many reasons as to why I am giving this review a 1 Star; One being the above, two being that none of my friends or I would consider going to a concert in 2020 considering this pandemic is still going on and expected to last into 2021, but also because there are many people who are out of work and need that money back. If it so happens that this is postponed to 2021, they shouldn’t be allowed to hold onto people’s money for 8+ months. Lastly, many of the ticket purchasers are now going to have to replan to attend this event for whatever date this venue puts the show on for and may now not be able to attend due to schedule conflicts.I get that this venue is also hurting due to the State wide restrictions Covid 19 has caused, but they should give at least the option to the ticket purchasers to keep their tickets or get a refund as there are numerous reasons as mentioned above that cancelling the event or refunding those that wouldn’t want too or simply can’t go would be the better path. I personally would not buy any more tickets to an event here as I find their actions extremely selfish.

Ga
Review №29

I love this place! So much history. Take a few minutes and walk around the perimeter of the Civic to see some of the acts that have performed there over the years.

Ne
Review №30

The seats are not in a very good condition, and they have only one restaurant with a few options. Easy to arrive, with many parking options around.

K
Review №31

Beautifully preserved theater. Comfortable seats upstairs. Friendly staff. And no bad seats all can easily see stage

Er
Review №32

Saw Air Supply concert. Nice venue. Great crowd. Fun time

An
Review №33

Such a great little venue in a very convenient spot downtown. Easily accessible from light rail and plenty of parking just a short walk away.

Jo
Review №34

Wow. My brother my brother and me is such an amazing experience. The hall was good also, but the show was amazing. Im so happy to be able to experience them in person finally, and Im excited to see them come back to San Jose. The venue had okay food and our seats were pretty sweaty. We had great seats though.

Pa
Review №35

Very nice place in the center of San José. With the nice concert of IL DIVO!!!

ja
Review №36

Amazing venue and very helpful people. i loved the little after party for graduates

La
Review №37

I keep coming here for the kids programs. I live about a hour away but I love this place. Parking is near by, there is a lot of space inside and never feels over crowded. It doesnt take long to find your seats and every seat seems to be a good one. I have sat on the side and floor both really nice. Staff is nice and helpful. No complaints here. I love taking my toddler to shows here.

Ro
Review №38

Saw National Geographic wildlife photographer Paul Nicklen speak.. about conservation and climate change.. Excellent presentation.

He
Review №39

Saw a comedian perform. Acoustics were fine. No bad seat in the house. Generally well maintained. Easy parking options close by.

Ma
Review №40

A nice older style arena type theater. Great location

Jo
Review №41

Awesome venue, walls lined with pictures of past legendary performers. Cool layout

Ir
Review №42

This is a great place to see a concert at, there are no bad seats.

Le
Review №43

Saw NCT 127 there! Nice venue and helpful staff.

Ma
Review №44

Totally loved coming here to see NF. Only issue was they have no parking. Had to use public parking, but it was in walking distance so not to bad.

Ge
Review №45

Great venue to see a musical act, in this case Gordon Lightfoot, for not too much $$$. Parking ok. Very friendly people, no bad seats, good sound, decent video. Will be back!

Ge
Review №46

Great experience, Air Supply still got it...45 years and still going...

Tr
Review №47

It was a really nice venue. Smaller then I thought so it was intimate and really any seat in the place is a good one. I went to sit down and my seat was taken. The girl in my seat wouldnt move and I was stuck standing in the aisle for 15 minutes during the show (which was rather exspensive). The ushers finally found me a spot and put me at the VERY FRONT of the stage. I got too see Lindsey Stirling stand right in front of me on the floor and play inches away from me. The overall experience was amazing and Ill be back for sure.

Ma
Review №48

We enjoyed Madeline Albrights words of wisdom and insight on todays political climate. Fantastic!

Ro
Review №49

Great venue. We saw Lindsey Stirling in concert. Staff was really friendly, parking wasnt too bad, and the show was great!

Ha
Review №50

Older style auditorium. Flat main floor may make it difficult to see stage. TV screens show speaker. Old DeAnza was better.

lo
Review №51

I love attending concerts at this venue! Its small and intimate! I enjoy the concert so much more!

Ma
Review №52

Every employee was curious and polite. The emts were curious and polite the atmosphere all over was wonderful. I want to thank everyone there for a fun time

Pa
Review №53

Secretary Albright is amazing at 82. What a history. What a story teller.

Al
Review №54

A good venue, its pretty big and not terrible small. So glad they blast their air conditioning through the show, otherwise Id pass out from it being crowded. Staff are helpful and not rude.

El
Review №55

Intimate theater for live music, especially amplified acoustic, with good views throughout. Parking can be a challenge sometimes, though.

Ne
Review №56

Very nice venue, not really a bad seat in the house! If you happen to be far away or on the balconies, there are jumbotrons (but they werent on for us). Super clear and professional sound, some snacks and a bar is available

th
Review №57

Awesome. It was so much fun watching NF perform there. The views are also amazing, and easy to access the second floor.

Ch
Review №58

Great place to go see a show the crew that sets up the show and runs the spot lights and cameras, and video wall and sound are so friendly and do a great job.

An
Review №59

This place is an awesome venue!! Good times!! Reasonably priced food and drink. A smoking section. Staff are cool too. Worth checking out!!

Is
Review №60

Great concert! Had a blast enjoying the Jaguares Or also known as Caifanes... Amazing memorias. Wish for them to come back again next year.

Ti
Review №61

Awesome venue for concerts. Great seating for general admission. We went to the balcony towards the middle and had great views

Me
Review №62

Beautiful theater with good sound. Actually had a fantastic view from the balcony, even

Be
Review №63

I enjoyed the venu, was great for a concert, Nightwish was awesome as always

An
Review №64

Attended the San Jose speaker series featuring Madeline Albright and had a wonderful time. Seats were comfortable, staff was helpful, all in all a great evening out.

ka
Review №65

Perfect. Im disabled. They were very accommodating.

De
Review №66

Love the smaller setting compared to larger stadiums. Hardly any bad seats. Clean restrooms. Overall a good experience

Ch
Review №67

Saw Crush live here. Best experience of my life.

Fl
Review №68

A very spacious venue with a great amount of seats. For shows in the round, all seats have a great view, but otherwise the stage is quite far from the galleries.

Ge
Review №69

Awesome place for events! Just a little small imo, and kinda old but historic building.

w
Review №70

The balcony seats are absolute murder if you have legs. however, the acoustics are nice and public parking is nearby.

Ma
Review №71

I loved the place its beautiful its organized the staff help to find seats the view is amazing

Jo
Review №72

Box office is outside, and you can purchase tickets there with fewer fees than online via Ticketmaster. Theres a loading zone in front of the theater but for box office ticket purchases as well as for shows. Theater is part of a combination of four theaters, Center for the Performing Arts, California Theater, and Montgomery Theater

Ch
Review №73

Nice venue, not the best accoustics but small enough to feel nicely intimate.

Rh
Review №74

Dave Kozs show was fantastic. Excellent location.

Mi
Review №75

Saw REO Speedwagon here nice venue. Every seat is a good view of the stage. 2 very large video screens.

Da
Review №76

Cool classic theater space. Great lines of sight and acoustics (at least for a spoken word performance). Friendly and helpful staff. Easy access to a relatively cheap parking garage a short walk away. Restaurants and bars close by, too.

Bi
Review №77

The history of this theater is fascinating. So many famous bands have performed here since it opened on 1937. You can just feel it when you walk in. Before today, I hadnt been here since the 80s. The refurbishment is really top notch!

Jo
Review №78

Not a bad seat in the house...but not much legroom - tight accommodations

Do
Review №79

Beautiful venue with lots of parking andbus/train available nearby. We can see well from every seat in the theater.

Ma
Review №80

Seen Theresa Caputo here she was amazing great venue very well organized

Mi
Review №81

I have a subscription to the San Jose Speaker Series which includes Madeliene Albright, Captain Scott Kelly, Donna Brazile & Michael Steele, Bill Nye, and James Comey. This is an intellectually challenging speaker series, and Im immensely excited! This venue seats about 2850 folks and is historically significant with performances frn Billy Holly, Barbra Streisand, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and many others before todays venues were available.

Jo
Review №82

Beautiful building wonderfully restored to mid century elegance.

On
Review №83

The stage is pretty hard to see if your seat is on the ground level.

Rh
Review №84

First time here for an NCT 127 concert. The venue was great. Lots of ushers to help you get where you needed to go and lots of room to get around. No waiting in the ladies room, awesome. Very nice facility and easy to get to. I would definitely come back here.

Ca
Review №85

No such thing as a bad seat here! My favorite place to see a show.

Ni
Review №86

This is a review of the venue - not shows that may happen at the venue.This is not my favorite venue. Its tired, and its old. Feels like a cross between a school hall and a theatre. The seats in the main auditorium are fold away type seats that youd expect someone to bring to a picnic in the park, the seats around the edges that are fixed (albeit the same type of seat) dont offer much leg room so if you are tall you must get an aisle seat.The standard audio is functional but I find it hard to hear the detail in spoken word from when toward the back (particularly at a comedy show).The bar and the restrooms are small and generate very large inefficient lines.That all said, the place has some character.If you found the review useful, be sure to like!

Da
Review №87

I really like this venue. All seats are great sound is great.

Er
Review №88

Saw John legend as part of Google marketing live 2018. Cool

Ca
Review №89

Its a small venue but that makes it cozy. Ive always had a good experience with all the concerts Ive seen here over the years.

Mo
Review №90

For 100% of the shows I’ve gonna to here, I can NEVER get on board with the security. It’s a shame such a great venue is held back by something as insignificant as the security company they hire, however, the staff is so terrible they outdo the 5 stars this venue would’ve gotten without them.

Em
Review №91

Cool place to see any event, all the seats have a good view of the stage.

do
Review №92

It is a very old building. The according are good. The view of the stage seemed good from every angle. The seats are not plush but are ok if you are not in the floor. On the floor the seats are folding chairs. The lighting was fine. The center seats about 2,800 people.There is a bar but it is CASH only. You can take the drinks to your seats. Water or soda is $4.00, wine is $9.00, mixed drinks begin at $10.00. they offer a few candy bars.If there is a show or concert playing here that you are interested in you wont be disappointed in the venue.

Jo
Review №93

Clean venue, easy in & out ,good parking close by, loved it

Iv
Review №94

Small and nice venue. Im not giving it 5 stars because I didnt like the sound

Ca
Review №95

How the he** did this place ever get such a high rating?? It has the most inefficient venue management I have ever seen! We’ve been here for an hour and have already had to stand in 4 different lines - One to get our ID’s checked, one to get our tickets scanned, one to get our ID’s checked (again), and a gigantic one at the ONE bar they have open at a sold out show. Come here if you’re 21+ and want to spend half of the show waiting in line.

Fr
Review №96

Very good venue. Johnny was in top form!

Ca
Review №97

The venue is nice, but the seats had no leg room and Im a short person. We were in the first row of the balcony and my legs were up against the wall. It was less room than an airplane.

Si
Review №98

One of the most historic theaters in San Jose. Fantastic views and very intimate experience.

Ab
Review №99

Easy to go through security. Fast to scan ur ticket and three more people help me to go to my right seat.

Em
Review №100

We got there early to get good balcony seats right next to the stage. I specifically waited to buy merchandise before the show because I wanted to be close to the performers. After the opening act when everybody was already seated, a security guard told us that we had to move somewhere else because they were closing off the section. This displaced about 45 people and at that point there werent any good seats left. While my sister and I were looking for a place we could sit together, another guard ordered us to find a seat quickly. We were angry that they waited until there was no room before closing the section. Perfume was fantastic and our view ended up being okay. The only reason theyre getting three stars is because the staff selling merchandise were polite and helpful.

Information
99 Photos
100 Comments
4.5 Rating
  • Address:135 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95113, United States
  • Site:https://sanjosetheaters.org/theaters/san-jose-civic/
  • Phone:+1 408-792-4111
Categories
  • Performing arts theater
  • Arena
  • Auditorium
  • Event venue
  • Live music venue
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
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