Smaller venues provide unforgettable nights for Northern California music fans.
Roseville, Calif. – Getting your musical fix, enjoying a night of laughter, or spending a couple of hours being entertained doesn't need to set you back a small fortune.
Intimate concert venues in Roseville, Sacramento, and around Northern California are helping meet rapidly growing demand from fans seeking a richer experience in a more affordable and lively setting. The money fans save on expensive tickets is often funneled back into the local community as concertgoers patronize nearby restaurants and bars.
New acts to world-class talent
By staying tuned to smaller venues, fans often have the opportunity to catch emerging acts before they hit the "Big Time" and discover veteran world-class musicians who have developed and honed their craft outside the glare of heavily marketed pop culture and mass media.
Roseville Today is always on the hunt for standout venues that provide a richer and more memorable experience. In this installment, we'll cover some amazing venues that go above and beyond without breaking your wallet. Here's a sampling of memorable and intimate concert venues worth considering.
Roseville: Goldfield Trading Post
With its super-convenient downtown Roseville location and walkable access to tasty restaurants and bars, Goldfield Trading Post offers affordability in a comfortable and lively two-story setting. An upper section includes a bar and booths, while the lower level puts fans up close to the band and gives them room to move. Dinner, drinks, and tickets for two rate high on the affordability scale. Free parking abounds.
Auburn: Odd Fellows
A welcoming place with great vibes, Odd Fellows is conveniently located in downtown Auburn, a culture-rich community home to world-class craft brews, outdoor recreation, farmers markets, festivals, funky eateries, and more. Concerts at Odd Fellows have consistently delivered a good time in what can only be described as a collegial atmosphere. Casual, intimate, and friendly, things can get a little loose here. The venue is primarily standing room only, though some ADA seating is available. Extra fun at a great price.
Sacramento: Crest Theatre
Located on K Street in Sacramento, the popular Crest Theatre offers convenience and comfort for fans looking to catch the wealth of talent that passes through town. Remodeled in 1949, the Crest Theatre has a long history in the capital city. Quality sound and elevated seating provide excellent views throughout the venue.
Grass Valley: The Center For the Arts
Known for its legendary sound system, this downtown Grass Valley venue offers both seated and standing-room options with excellent views from nearly anywhere in the house. Complemented by an art-gallery-style bar with reasonably priced drinks, it's a fun place to spend an evening. Arrive early and grab a bite or brew while strolling downtown. The Center for the Arts regularly attracts world-class talent and big-name performers to this beautifully refurbished venue with a sound that we find unparalleled.
Menlo Park: Guild Theatre
Following a beautiful – and pricey – makeover, the 500-capacity Guild Theatre can sometimes feel more like a rockin' house party than a traditional concert venue once showtime arrives. Conveniently located on El Camino Real, the theater sits within walking distance of numerous shops, eateries, and hotels. Arrive early and spend the day enjoying some of the Bay Area's best offerings.
Napa: Uptown Theatre
Located in the heart of downtown Napa, expectations for a quality experience naturally run high. Thankfully, Uptown Theatre delivers for fans. After a day exploring all that Napa has to offer, duck into this beautifully designed, approximately 800-seat venue for a glass of wine and a show.
Yes, it's Napa, so expect big names and top-tier talent to roll through town.
Oakland: Fox Theater
Oakland often gets overlooked in favor of that city on the other side of the Bay. For those in the know, Oakland's Fox Theater and the surrounding blocks come alive on concert nights. This refurbished venue, known for its ornate design, is a concertgoer's delight and a favorite Bay Area stop for world-class musicians. Take BART into town and enjoy the wide array of restaurants and bars surrounding the venue before or after the show.
Folsom: Harris Center for the Arts
While larger than many of the prior picks – and with ticket prices that can trend upward – the Folsom Harris Center still earns a place on this list for value, quality, and an outstanding overall experience.
Featuring multiple performance spaces within the complex, the Harris Center offers elevated sightlines, terrific sound, and impressive visuals. Comfortable seating and an upscale atmosphere combine to create a richer concert experience for a night out in Folsom.
