First off the theater is BEAUTIFUL. I found lots of little hidden secrets . The service was…read moreINCREDIBLE and everyone was so nice. I truly felt welcomed as a tourist. Thank you Solvang Festival Theater for the new and wonderful experience!

(Attended 07/23/25 WE @ 7:30pm): Would I be able to solve the case behind the play's mystery at…read morethis local festival theater!? This was my first time attending a performance let alone hearing about the Solvang Festival Theater when I researched anything to do this evening. Under the bigger banner of Solvang Theaterfest and the Pacific Conservatory Theater (PCPA), this 700-seat open-air venue opened in 1974 (just past its 50th anniversary!) and has since garnered countless live performances from concerts to plays, while they continued to expand the programming to include other types of entertainment. On this fateful evening, I had the pleasure to experience the play, "Holmes And Watson", as I was a fan of the Sherlock Holmes stories and had never heard of this. Would I check the theater's schedule for something festive the next time I was in Solvang!? PURCHASE Ticket - Section 3 Row C Seat 3 + Fee ($72.00 + $3.00): A last-minute buy, I totally scored with this single seat nearly in the front row among friendly guests! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=48&select=83_WgH5VVPmXXjv_CzodHA 2024 Lucas & Lewellen Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine 4floz Pour ($12.00): Real cork, deep red color, bold berries jammy aroma, medium body, berries earthy jammy flavor, drying finish, berries earthy jammy sweet aftertaste, and medium astringency. A lovely wine that paired well with my dessert. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=48&select=qdLD2rHUPW9bpvk6zn2eDg Santa Maria Sweet Street Warehouse Tiramisu ($8.00): This was an amazingly lovely dessert with multiple layers of sweet goodness heavily covered with a dusting of cocoa powder. The large portion size was also a surprise for the price. Value all around! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=5XlcRq7PLNv-YAvHBH_TlA THE SHOW A murder, an isolated asylum, and the fallout from a dismembered criminal organization was the setting of this new mystery play with intrigue and plot twists from start to finish. Sherlock Holmes has been missing for two years (presumed dead - no body was found - after he fell off the Reichenbach Falls at the hands of Professor Moriarty), and his partner Dr. Watson has been called to try and identify the real Sherlock Holmes among three patients claiming to be him. With subtle clues, the mystery unfolds on stage with the blend of comical and dramatic roles of each of the actors. Don't spoil the ending! SERVICE The online ticket purchase was seamless, the check-in line outside the venue went swiftly, there was little to no line when I bought my beer/snack, I didn't recall seeing any security, and the volunteer staff was friendly and nice - easy-peasy! PARKING (FREE): Generally speaking, all of the many public lots throughout the town were free and spacious (I found a spot steps away), in addition to free parking along all of the surrounding streets - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE Once you walked through the front entryway, you found yourself in an open grassy area https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=DeJYP2D1HX_aq1-SVY7BkQ with seating throughout, the concession stand, the merchandise booth, and a large leafy tree. Once inside, you looked among the tiered rows of seats as they faced and curved toward the stage. The sound quality was very nice. Plenty of natural lighting since you were outdoors while the electric house, stage, and street lighting filled in the rest. I didn't recall any monitors or pre or post background music. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=72&select=qkmSKrGwWmhebCkMUx5ovg ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL I had a very enjoyable time with the performance of "Holmes And Watson" at the Solvang Festival Theater and would definitely consider another visit the next time I was doing an overnight visit! The drive from L.A. was more than two hours, so I wouldn't recommend a daytrip. However, the various convenient parking options, and the town of Solvang were major pluses. The intimacy of the theatre should prove favorable to both patrons and performers. And, there were plenty of things to do in the immediate area. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $95.00 BEFORE any discounts/tip). And, although I was only allowed to pay with a VISA card to buy the ticket online, they accepted my credit card of choice for the concessions... AMEX! 5.0 STARS