I've been to this theater a couple of times for different shows and it's pretty good! Bathrooms are clean, they have a bar, and it feels easy to go in and out. The only bad part is the parking since it's in such a busy area. read more

The historic Balboa Theatre in the Gaslamp district on 4th is a landmark to the city of San Diego. The Balboa first opened in 1924 and then closed in 1986. It remained closed until 2008 where it was restored and now it full of performances from comedy shows, plays and music. On this first time visit I came here to see Bobby Lee's stand up performance. Our seats were in the balcony level way above. At this level it is a little diffcult to see the stage as you have to angle your head down wards to see the stage. Viewable but its very far. The seats are very tiny and it difficult to walk across as every inch is used up in the theatre. Acoustic were great and the overall detail and restoration is amazing to look at. Great theatre venue overall but would recommend not sitting in balcony. read more

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Fun experience Especially when we only got the tickets 30min before the show on a whim. Seats were not too bad, it's a little dingy in decor (the colors look like a child that got ahold of playdoh and mix all the colors) but, I guess that would be my only negative opinion, once ABBA (Swedish) started it all didn't matter. They were fun and very talented. Very entertaining. I enjoyed those around us that were attending. Bathrooms are extremely clean. Price wasn't bad, entering with security was actually super pleasant and very professional and polite. Exiting wasn't too bad either, read more

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Attended a silent movie showing and was pleasantly surprised of the experience. They explain a little about the movie before it starts and had an organ player for the entire film. Only drawback is the parking situation. read more

Balboa Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - San Diego, California

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Watching the Nutcracker ballet tonight at the Balboa Theatre definitely got me in the holiday spirit. We arrived about 45 minutes before the show, so check in was effortless. The theater has an intricately decorated ceiling, opulent carpeting and was beautifully adorned with understated Christmas decor. My dear friend hadn't eaten all day so we were happy to discover some decent concessions options, including Nutcracker themed snack packs, a mini charcuterie board and a hummus set alongside chips, cookies and bottled drinks. However, while I expected an upcharge, the concessions pricing was ridiculous. There were also two bars, but we weren't interested in drinking tonight. Bathrooms were down a few flights of stairs but otherwise spacious and ready to access. First floor hallway can get packed right before the show with people squeezing past to get in merch and concessions lines that are set up right outside the main theater and bathroom entrances. Stage lighting and sound were good. The performance was marvelous, and our orchestra seats allowed us to see every move, expression and delightful costume detail of the talented dancers. read more

Balboa Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - San Diego, California

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As you can see from my pic, this is an old-style theater - inside and out. So, please set your expectations accordingly. The hallways and stairs are a bit tight. The inside architecture is from a past generation. Having set your expectations, we found the facilities up to par and the seats comfortable. For the performance we attended, the acoustics were good and every seat had an appropriate view. Plan for lack of parking, or rideshare. We really enjoyed our show, and this place was good. read more

Balboa Theatre - outside view - Performing Arts Near Me - San Diego, California

We came in for the first time last week for Cirque Christmas Spectacular. The show was wonderful. The theater is perfectly designed. Not too big and not small either. The staff were all very friendly, welcoming, helpful and professional. We got wine and chocolate for the show. The lines for the drinks and snacks went by quickly and the ladies behind the counter were wonderful! I have back issues and typically have difficulty sitting too long. But these seats were comfortable and leg space wasn't so tight that I couldn't cross my legs. The restrooms were in the basement. It was difficult to walk down to the restroom but I managed slowly. The parking I had pre-booked is just across the street and was easy to get there from the theater. I liked this theater so much that I booked Spamilton for January. Looking forward to seeing the spoof of Hamilton! Should definitely be fun! Looking forward to coming here regularly. With so many restaurants nearby, it's a perfect spot for a nice date night with dinner and a show. read more

First time attending a show at Balboa Theatre located in Gaslamp/ downtown San Diego. Parking can be challenging (paid lots or metered street parking). It is beautifully maintained for a historic venue that is over 100 years old. We noticed the non-functioning "waterfalls" on either side of stage. One of the staff explained to us that there used to be actual water running down those waterfalls to cool the building before performance. What an interesting piece of history! The acoustics were good in the space, and seats were relatively comfortable. Only issue I had was that the ladies' bathroom was located in basement. So plan accordingly! read more

Balboa Theatre - Interior - Performing Arts Near Me - San Diego, California

The Balboa theater is located just at the rear of Horton Plaza in Downtown San Diego, on Fourth Avenue just below Broadway. I think the best place to locate parking when you visit the theater is to choose the nearby Horton Plaza parking Garage. However, on the Sunday afternoon of my visit to the Balboa Theater, there happened to be an afternoon Padres baseball game at the nearby Petco Park, so I found a place on the street, but it was many blocks away near the corner of Fifth Avenue and Cedar Street. The event was the Gay Men's chorus of San Diego performing Broadway Show tunes. I was in the front row behind the orchestra center. However, next time I think I will choose somewhat further back, as the conductor was blocking my view. The show was great, with many solos, sing alongs and even dance alongs to a song from the Rocky Horror Picture Show. The staff at the Balboa was kind, helpful and efficient. read more

Saw a 1980's classic movie, "Fast Times at Ridgemont High " with my girlfriend at the Balboa theater. Watching one of my favorite comedies of all time on the big screen was a treat. Bought the prepaid parking when I purchased the tickets, while the parking lot was a little hard to find because the address is on one street and the entrance is on a different street, it was well worth the money. Parking in the gaslamp district can be very difficult. It was a very short walk of less than 2 blocks to the theater from the parking garage. Go see a show, concert, or movie at the Balboa Theater, you're sure to enjoy the retro classic experience. We'll definitely return. read more

Balboa Theatre - Marquee on 4th Ave. - Performing Arts Near Me - San Diego, California

Went to Balboa theater for the first time to see DnD the Twenty sided tavern. All of the volunteers and employees were so helpful, kind, and patient with the sheer volume of people that went to this show. The show itself was amazing and the architecture of the theater was so beautiful! read more

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What a great venue! My grandson and I came here to watch the Dogman Musical. Parking structure was close by so it was a nice easy walk to the theater. The snack bar is a bit pricey but I was expecting that. It was nice to have that available. The merchandise was a little set up just across from the snack bar. The restroom was plentiful (it wasn't crowded at the time) and very clean. Inside the theater it was cozy with the red/maroon color and cozy seats. The security made sure everyone was going to their assigned seat and they also made sure that you knew not to take photos during the performance with their handheld signs. We enjoyed our time watching the musical. I wouldn't mind coming to this venue again. read more

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I have been to the Balboa Theater several times during the many years I have lived in San Diego. Most often I have been there to see live bands, but I have been there to see some live theater productions and even a film showing of the Princess Bride. I like the location, downtown in the Gaslamp, as there are so many great places to have dinner nearby. Most recently, my husband and I went to see OMD perform there on a Tuesday night. The Balboa Theater is a very lovely old theater with some striking architecture. It is well maintained also. We were very late in purchasing our concert tickets so found ourselves in almost the back row of the Orchestra seating area. We are used to buying the best tickets we can, so we were worried about our experience. However, even from the back, we had a great view and the acoustics were spot on. It is great to have a theater where all the theater goers can enjoy the show. There were a couple of negatives, however. First, the aisles are quite narrow. Basically, the whole row has to stand if someone wants to get a drink or use the restroom. Luckily, we had a row of friendly people who didn't mind. Also, the area outside of the theater where there are a couple of temporary bars and where they sell the concert merchandise was super crowded. Though they have a few benches, it was impossible to just hang out and have a conversation, as there was simply nowhere to stand without people running into you. The lines were not terribly long, but it is just that the area is super narrow. As it is an old theater, I'm not sure what can be done. All I all, I enjoy going to see shows at the Balboa Theater. I see that they are showing a bunch of old 80s films this summer. I may need to return soon! read more

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Love our local Balboa theatre. The staff is friendly, quick, and always ready to assist. The seats are pretty padded and the venue is pretty enclosed which makes the acoustic spectacular! This is my fifth show here and it's always a smooth process. Keep up the good work Balboa theatre. People should come support the arts more often! Thanks for a great time. read more

Balboa Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - San Diego, California

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Hi yelp! I like the feeling of being in a theater, and this place had the vibe I like. Some theatres don't bother to have the vibe that I like but this one did. You can always trust it will be a good time if I think it's a good vibe. Everyone says that about me. I got really good seating. Seat C4 and my husband sat next to me, our hotel was very close by! I didn't have to wait that long in line and the security guard told me the parking rules without being condescending or anything. They made everybody go through the scanners, some people had to get full body checked but I didn't. I think it's because I have a naturally trustworthy demeanor. They also trusted the nice good looking woman behind me. I didn't really like the merchandise they were selling for the show. Not my style. read more

Balboa Theatre - We got there early!!! - Performing Arts Near Me - San Diego, California

A lovely theatre! Honestly any seat in the house would provide a lovely view for any show. Really easy process to check-in. Wish it was a bit easier to find your seat (as a first timer) but made sense eventually. The theatre itself was well maintained and clean. I will say the prices of concessions was quite high, but it is what it is. Parking can be difficult since it's downtown, but if you plan ahead you can find a nearby garage with good pricing. read more

Such a great place to catch any type of show. We love attending events at Balboa Theatre.

The Balboa is an elegant theater, restored to an era that must be experienced first-hand. There are two levels, the main floor, plus balcony seating. I appreciate the effort on the decor from the floor (plush carpeting) to the detailed regal crown molding on the ceiling. The lighting was exquisite from the interior to the exterior. I was in town and saw that the Live from Laurel Canyon tour would be here for one night. It is a documentary of music legends from the 1960s and the 1970s: Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, the Eagles, the Byrds, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, to name a few. The musicians are touring and sharing their recreation of these music greats and they told tidbit stories of their beginnings. It was fascinating and interesting from the first song to the last. It was a night to remember. Check out the schedule and plan a night at the Balboa. Don't forget to tell 'em Rosemary sent ya! read more

Balboa Theatre - The music legends of Laurel Canyon - Performing Arts Near Me - San Diego, California

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Seeing a live show says it all! Especially with a comedienne that i adore most! The experience was excellent. Due to the people behind the scene thats made it great! From the security down to the usher that made that possible to flow it smoothly. Parking: First, better to reserved it online months before the show; second, try trolley. But if you are stuck and prepare to park on the streets better to come 3-6hours early to get a street parking close to the venue. Cause the parking garage charge costly . read more

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Beautifully restored, Balboa Theatre is a historical treasure in downtown San Diego. There isn't a bad seat in the house - and the seats are COMFORTABLE to boot! I had a blast at a shadowcast of the Rocky Horror Picture Show from the balcony, great view of the stage. Such a fun time, staff were wonderful as well. Pro Tip: you can purchase reduced parking in advance for the Horton Plaza garage-- check out the Balboa's website to save I'll definitely be back -- they're doing silent movie showings with live musical accompaniment on Mondays that im looking forward to checking out! read more

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The event here was nice. It was the SD Mayor Todd Gloria's Annual State of the City Address. There is no bad seat in this theatre, all have a great view of the stage. The location is right in the middle of downtown. It is very old and historic here. One of my history assignments in grade school here in San Diego included the Balboa Theatre and so it is very nostalgic for me as a San Diegan. Due to the way we were brought into the theater, (there was a lot of security and very strict guidance on how to get in) I didn't have an opportunity to enjoy anything about the foyer, or if there are old school concession stands, or being able to look at any of the ornate elements in the theater. We were rushed in and guided to a seat right away, so there was no ability to actually "take it in" nor reminisce on any of the other significant parts of the theater that are important to see. About halfway through the Mayor's speech, I noticed a smell or odor. It almost smelled as if a homeless person had slept on the seat next to me the night prior. It was not pleasant, so I looked for my face mask to wear for the rest of the speech. The event ended on time and so the experience was nice, just memorable about the odor in the seats. The tradition of having the Mayor's Annual State of the City Address here is great. I wonder if maybe considering other larger beautiful venues would be more practical since so many people are unable to attend, due to capacity. I suggest The Rady Shell, Symphony Hall, Civic Center Broadway Theatre, etc..so that more taxpaying San Diegans may participate in the event. Overall, great event. read more

Balboa Theatre - Mayor's State of the City Address - Performing Arts Near Me - San Diego, California

The Balboa theater is beautiful. There are many great places to eat before you enter show up early. Park 45 minutes before the show and be at the show at least a half hour before it starts. They do have drinks in the intermission. We are at the ukulele British orchestra performance. There are elevators to take you up faster than the stairs. Again, show up in front of the theater at least 45 minutes before the production This is a really great way to spend an evening. read more

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This is a really nice venue. Saw BIg Bad Voodoo Daddy here for their Christmas show. The sound was pretty good. I do wish they had a dance floor, especially for a band like this. I also feel the stage was pretty small for a band like this as well. read more

Balboa Theatre - Big bad voodoo daddy - Performing Arts Near Me - San Diego, California

Came here for a sold out event tonight. Pros: -There is so much character to the building and it's beautiful to look at. -within walking distance from the Civic Center trolley stop, making it very easy to get to. There is also an underground parking lot across the street that is well lit and clean Cons: -the seats in the balcony are tiny! If you have longer legs, be warned. I'm not even that tall and my knees were hitting the seat in front. Other: -no food or drinks allowed Overall, happy to have visited here. I would definitely try to get the seats up front with more room in the future. read more

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The Balboa Theatre is a charming little venue, emphasis on little. The lobby is so tiny, it feels less like an entrance and more like a suggestion. As for parking, let's just say it's an adventure that I didn't feel up for. I took the trolley instead, which seemed like a good idea until I found myself waiting amid some rather...colorful characters. If you're considering it, plan accordingly--or don't, if you enjoy impromptu sociology experiments. I arrived a bit too early, and the security guard suggested Starbar across the street. While I appreciate his effort to help, it was not quite my vibe. Let's just say it was more "shot and a prayer" than "martini and a view." Now, the theater itself: The sound was good, which is important, and the venue is cozy enough to feel personal, though perhaps not the best choice for a full-throttle concert. Fran Lebowitz giving a talk? Absolutely. A loud band with amps cranked to eleven? Maybe not. Overall, it's got potential. I'm sure it will only get better, but for now, I'd say come for the intellectual discourse and maybe skip the mosh pit. Oh, and drive yourself--trust me. read more

Balboa Theatre - The Stage A Night With Fran Lebowitz - Performing Arts Near Me - San Diego, California

This place is a timeless classic. It got that old scent but doesn't necessarily feel old. They do a good job keeping up with the place despite it being built in the 1920s. The stairways are wide but the steps feel a bit small so watch yourself as you climb up / down. Be prepared to spend around 15 bucks for beer / wine / truly and about 8 dollars for anything non alcoholic. Sat a few times in the lodge and orchestra but this review I will talk about the seats in the balcony. And while the view is still very much worth it. The seats aren't. If you're above 5ft 6 inches you'll probably struggle as the seats are super close and it very much feels like they are stuffing as many seats into the area than they should. You will be sitting on top of one other. You'll have not a ton of leg room. And if someone stands up in front of you even if it's rows ahead of you, you'll be distracted and your view might be blocked. But once again the price is typically good enough to justify it and if you're okay with that then it's perfect. Which is why I gave this place four stars. If you're not okay with that as you sit in the balcony then pay more money or know that this place is going to give you a 3 star rating. Happy I went. Always great people and service when I get there. Would attend again. read more

Balboa Theatre - Balcony Row N - Performing Arts Near Me - San Diego, California

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Shoutout to Barbara in guest services who showed us our seat and pointed out the hidden goat. Go find the goat. She will lead you to bigfoot. read more

I was really lucky and got to see Stassi Schroeder with my girlfriend a couple of weeks ago and this theatre is huge. I didn't realize it looking outside but when the show was over and the lights were turned out you could see the balcony and woah, it is gigantic. From my old Downtown partying phase I remembered to park near Horton Plaza, there is a underground lot that has $10 parking. Friendly staff and a great time and acustics, can't wait to see another podcaster here. read more

Wonderful experience! Mommy Dearest Tour with Stassi, Beau, and Taylor. They had ushers to help us find our seats. The usher noticed someone was in my seat and asked an entire group of 7 women to go to their assigned seating. A bottle of water was overpriced at $4 but it was the only thing I bought. Staff was nice. Bathrooms accessible, cute, clean theatre. Only complaint was it was a little stuffy. I am glad I was not freezing cold but circulated air may have helped a bit. We were in the Loge area so maybe stuffiness/heat rises and I should have purchased orchestra tickets. Horton plaza parking system has changed and it is very confusing. Your credit card is now your ticket. Purchase $15 discount parking ticket in advance if you can. read more

Balboa Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - San Diego, California

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I ordered and paid for tickets to the John Cleese appearance entitled I'm not dead yet". I was told I would have access to my etickets 24 to 48 hours before showtime. When it was less than 24 hours before showtime, I still didn't have them. To deal with this, I was referred to etickets. I got lots of condescending platitudes about how ticket arrival was guaranteed 24 to 48 hours before show time, but no answer to the obvious and direct statement "well it is less than 24 hours before showtime now and I don't have them so that guarantee is clearly not being met..., what are you going to do?" Basically, etickets said the problem was the Balboa Theater, but the Balboa Theater makes you go through etickets. I don't have this issue when I buy expensive tickets from other venues in San Diego. read more

This is smaller venue than the Civic Theater, which is appropriate for the smaller shows. You can park at the Horton Plaza garage nearby. Customer service was good and friendly. My only complaint is that the balcony seats in front of you are close so there isn't much legroom especially when people have to get by. The good thing is that you won't have problems seeing the full stage from the balcony. My family and I enjoyed watching Bluey! read more

Balboa Theatre - Balcony Row R - Performing Arts Near Me - San Diego, California

The Balboa Theater has the kindest most helpful Staff and Ushers. Beautiful place to see a show! read more

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people that work there are dull with their goofy uniforms. They can't laugh or something will pop out their arse. first and last time going there. nice venue horrible management. if I want to see comedy and laugh this is not the place, I will go elsewhere. They hire kids as security. Lame twats read more

A beautiful art deco theatre with great line of sight from every seat. The loge is my favorite.

Recently attended a wonderful Jake Shimabukuro ukulele show at this theater--thank you to Mike and Lory for the invite. Located next to Horton Plaza in the heart of downtown SD, this theater feels historic and stately, yet not stuffy. It's also well maintained with spacious bathrooms. The view from the balcony was fantastic and the speakers were excellent too. Our limited interactions with staff were friendly. I took public transit and didn't have to worry about parking. Wouldn't hesitate to watch another performance here in the future! read more

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The Magical Cirque Christmas Show at $72 ea for the nose bleed section was a joke for a show that should truly cost $15. The knee space for seats is ridiculously small, and I'm just 5'4", for what turned out to be a slow sloppy children's show with adult innuendos throughout by the main showman/magician, who did no magic tricks just pretended to and making jokes about it. Several people seated around me had nothing good to say about the show either. Good for some, their tix were free. Unfortunately for me I feel pranked to the tune of $144! read more

Gorgeous theater and we saw a good performance. My issue is with the ridiculous security policy. You get checked more throughly than TSA, and when they found an iPad in my bag( I use it for work and it is always with me) they said I couldn't come in with it. They offered the idiotic suggestion that I go back to my car (parked many blocks away) and leave it there. In the end i had to check it. Luckily they did put it in a safe on an office (I found this out later) but we almost left without seeing the show rather than let some stranger take my iPad away and keep it who knows where. I have never had ANY venue including Broadway theaters refuse entry for something like this. One of the staff gave the explanation that the glare would disturb other guests (as if I would open it during the show?) At LEAST warn guests of your draconian policies before they show up. read more

We saw David Sedaris at this lovely historic theatre. It's more than a century old. The stairs are rather steep. There is a lobby bar, but it wasn't staffed when I was there. read more

Our show (Home Free) was amazing and was elevated to exceptional at the Balboa Theater. The sound was superb. We look forward to future shows there. read more

Balboa Theater is a decently sized theater to watch the arts in the heart of downtown San Diego. For my first time at Balboa Theater, I came to watch a comedian. It is located in Horton Plaza, right in the heart of the bustling San Diego night life. With that said, parking is difficult and expensive. It may be beneficial to Uber to the location, especially during weekends where festive bar hoppers are sprawling through the streets. There was a long line for entering the theater, but security kept everything flowing smoothly and efficiently. When I entered the seating area, I wasn't too impressed by the decor, but everything was clean and well kept. It wasn't the biggest theater I have been to, but it also means that every seat is a good seat. I have no qualms about the technical aspects of the theater. Lighting, sound, and stage were all great. Overall, through the hassle of downtown traffic, the theater hosts professional staff and equipment to put on a great show! read more

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