STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE. I bought tickets to the 12/22/2017 show for "Lil Pump." Here is what their website says; "No illegal drugs or outside alcohol are allowed into the venue." This rule is not enforced what-so-ever! Minors openly smoke weed inside and outside of the venue. Before I even entered the venue, one of the security guards actually asked for a blunt from someone at the security check and let the kid take the rest in!! My group and I had to leave early because of how poor the air quality was inside of the VERY SMALL and OVER-PACKED observatory room. The show was sold-out and there were people standing in the emergency exit ways which I found extremely dangerous, yet the security, of course, did not care. I told the security guard that they should enforce their policy better and I was told to, "suck it and and get my a** out if I didn't like it." All in all, my group and I wasted about $120+ of tickets on a underground weed-fest. I will never attend this place again. read more

bought two vip tickets for beach goth expecting there to be actual perks for the $50 + i spent in each ticket. furiously disappointed as i realized vip tickets was just to trick you into purchasing beach goth merch ahead of time. i don't need a fucking bag and shirt. i asked two people in observatory tshirts and they both said the vip section was to the far end near the front of the stage and the security guards were total assholes and not doing their job. they couldn't even politely answer me when i asked where the vip section was. turns out they pointed me to the 21+ area, no vip in sight. every other music festival has a vip viewing area to see the artists up close not here! save your money for the parking the overcharge you for and do not buy vip tickets here, its not worth it! read more

It's currently 11:37pm, the doors was supposed to open at 11pm.... our feet hurt, and I'm annoyed!!!!

I went to Beach Goth, expecting only to have a fun, safe time and listen to music.. The opposite was true, and we were all subjected to dangerous conditions at this shithole. I honestly hope the Observatory is shutdown and victims get the justice they deserve. Where to begin? Change of venue after I had already bought tickets.. I saw less than half the artists I wanted to see due to overcrowding and venue not planning for the amount of people the let in, not to mention the changes of stages with no announcements or control of traffic.. My water bottle was taken and there was no free available drinking water.. Had my breasts groped by security on the way in.. Was shoved from behind to the ground by a man 2 feet taller than me.. Caught in a sea of people, unable to move or breath(I already have PTSD) while other girls screamed and cried to be let out to no avail.. Wasn't allowed to leave to grab a jacket at 1pm on Sunday, in pouring rain with no shelter.. 2 foot deep by 6 foot wide flowing river of shit and piss.. Overflowing portapotties with no toilet paper or soap at handwashing stations.. Was almost electrocuted by wires in standing water.. Throughout the weekend, guests were belittled, treated like cattle, and victimized by the staff who couldn't even answer any basic questions. Finally, the act I waited around all day freezing for couldn't play because the venue failed to care for her stuff.. Oh, and minutes after hearing this, I watched a peaceful concertgoer viciously thrown on the ground and kicked in the head and face by "security".. here's the link to the video. https://youtu.be/M9wCLtCCjyk I am searching for this person and will testify on their behalf. I left Beach Goth after this, fearing for my own safety and life after having spent over $500 to be there. read more

Literally the rudest most condescending staff I have ever encountered. Been coming for years and it's progressively gotten worse and worse. Not going back. Absolutely horrible. Go to LA for a show instead read more

The Soulquarius event on Feb 18 2017 was not as described and we are deserve a refund. I have filed an official dispute with my credit card as well as a complaint with ticketstoday and the customer service. The line to get the event was almost 3 hours line, with no event security to prevent those who cut in line. The stages were completely unsafe, all bottle-necked at the entrances and exits producing a safety hazard in the event of an emergency. Parking was not handled properly, those who parked at the secondary location were notified as they were dropped off at the event that they would need to miss the last act in order to catch the last shuttle back to their car or rick towing. Those attendees ended up having to miss the last 3-4 acts due to the event running very very late. The indoor stage of the festival could not hold all attendees at the festival, ran over capacity numerous times creating another safety hazard. The security at the event were only at the entrances and exits to the festival, VIP areas and the indoor stage. One particular security guard had to be removed by the festival organizers due insinuating a small riot as he cussed out fans threatened violence. We deserve our money back for this overcrowded event, Numerous complaints and calls for refunds were posted on their web page they deleted with web page. I NEVER again attend an event at this location due to the people they associate themselves with. read more

Love this place, but unfortunately after tonight its going to be difficult to want to come back in the future. We had been coming here for Emo Night Brooklyn for the past year, and will be there for the event tonight. However, due to their management double booking, there was an issue with our friends tickets. Our friends purchased a few days before ours, and we purchased on this past Tuesday. There was no option on any of our screens for a different set time, but when we showed up as a group, our friends that purchased last week (at the same time as our other friends) were set for a different set time due to the Observatory double booking. They werent willing to accommodate for their mistake, especially because there was not an option to select different set times. I understand mistakes happen, but everyone's times should have been changed to 10:30 and the venue should have changed the entire set time from 9:00 to 11:30. read more

My husband and I and some friends of ours went to the 15 year anniversary of Suburban Noize Records to see some of our favorite bands play. The tickets were a great price. That was probably the only good thing about the whole night. First of all when we got there, there were two stages and you had NO IDEA who was playing on which stage. The first room, where the first stage was, was EXTREMELY SMALL, not an atmosphere I would like to be in, you would not be able to move, much less breathe. Second all of the bartenders were not friendly. They were rude, and acted like they didn't want to be there at all. We tried to get over all that and enjoy the show any way, after all we drove for an hour to get down there and then waited in line for 2 hours for "will call" tickets, LAME!! During the last show of the night, the Kottonmouth Kings we were having a good time dancing and enjoying the Kings. We had moved over to the right side of the stage and had a nice spot to watch the show. We were near the stairs where they had posted guards so no one could get down in the front and get hurt. No biggie. The guard that they had posted there was very strange, he kept leaving his post every 10-15 minutes, which made no sense, you are placed there to keep people safe and to leave your post, is not safe, and then another guard has to leave his post to watch yours...? The friends that were with us were standing at the top of the stairs where they had placed the guard, who finally came back to his post. Our friend was dancing with his girl, and then all of a sudden, turns around and has a problem with our friend, and the guard grabs him by the throat and shoves him up the stairs and through the door that was in the back corner. His wife turns to me and asks what happened. We were all dumbfounded.... What the heck happened? So she leaves to go find her husband. In the meantime, my husband and I were there trying to continue having a good time. The guard came back to his post like nothing happened. The people behind us were asking us what happened and asking why the guard was being soo stupid... We had no idea what to do or what to say. Then in the midst of us talking to these other fans the guard comes up the stairs, pushes me out of the way and assaults my husband. It was not grabbing his arm and asking him to leave the venue, it was throwing punches and through my husband to the floor and starts trying to beat the crap out of my husband. It took 3 other guards to get him off my husband. Then they take the guard and my husband out one of the back doors, and don't let me go out with him. One guard took me all the way to the front of the building and told me to go stand by the guard at the front door. They would not tell me where my husband was. Finally a few minutes later a guard is walking with my husband in the parking lot. So I walk over to him and the guard and they are telling me that we can go back in the show.... ARE YOU JOKING!!! I asked the guard, I said my husband gets assaulted by one of your guards and you think I want to go back in the show, like I could have a good time. My husband's nose had a chunk of skin off, so he is bleeding, lost a contact, his hat, wedding ring and his shirt is torn and you want me to go back in the venue acting like nothing happened. I told the guy thanks, but no thanks. Obviously they were trying to cover something up and keeping from having a lawsuit posed. Normally when you take people out of a venue it is because they are causing problems, or to drunk to be in public, and you don't let people back in. Not in our case, we did nothing wrong, some messed up security guard starts punching and kicking my husband, and throws him into a corner. He had bruises all over, his ear is black and blue. Nothing is broken luckily. I will never go back to a show at this venue even if they don't use the "Massive Security" team that they used. And if I am ever at a show again and I see that team you better believe that we will not hang around. They are a joke!!!! read more

THIS VENUE IS IN CAHOOTS WITH CARR TOWING IN WESTMINSTER! We waited in a line of cars for 45 minutes to find out the parking provided by the venue was full and people were being turned away. I got out of my vehicle and asked an observatory staff member what alternatives do we have? He clearly instructed me to the Carl's Jr. parking lot around the corner on Harbor, which i will admit sound sketch but I didn't question it because 1. He was directing parking and works there. 2. He said they don't mind as if that is a back up option they can utilize, and 3. I didn't want to miss the concert I already paid for. So as you can assume my car and countless others were toed. The cab driver although courteous knew exactly where we needed to go as if he was in on this scam too. The tow company is located approximately 12 miles from the venue, and was still open at midnight glad to collect $286 per pop. Then the tow truck company was rude and obnoxious, as if we needed to kiss his ass to get our vehicle. I know this is being done by design and they are sitting back counting our hard earned cash and laughing. I VOW TO TELL EVERYONE ABOUT MY EXPERIENCE HERE. To all parties involved The OC Observatory, Carr Towing Inc, Carl's Jr and any individuals that took it upon themselves to screw us over... You will reap what you sew ya bish. read more

DONT BE FOOLED BY THE OLD OBSERVATORY... since I started going here like 5+ years ago I've seen this place go from a pretty dingy, sorta dirty, stinky place to see bands and rappers for typically pretty cheap. We just went to a $5 Pharcyde concert this past Saturday night and guess what, the remodeling they did and the cleanliness and the food and drinks all deserve nothing less than 5 stars. NO JOKE. Whoever or whatever they did to update and manage and cook and whatnot, A+ imo. Even the security guards are nice, friendly and helpful. VERY COOL FUCKING SPOT! I LOVE THIS PLACE. Now if we can only get more cool better bands to play there, we will be golden! Prices were fair and the quantity of food seemed surprisingly good too. Had the chicken nachos which was quite a bit of food for a big dude and his lady and shared the edamame which was downright tasty and plentiful as well. Had a double of Jameson and a Stella too. Greatest place in OC to see bands imo. read more

Doubt they will but can the owner chime in and explain the service fee behind in person cash transactions? The artist selection is good and consistent. read more

Honestly, had a terrible experience at this venue. First of all they were way past capacity, at one point they were throwing women into the crowd like haystacks to make room to clear the hallway. I paid like 70 bucks to see the top of someone's head. I understand the standing room but there were too many ppl. You're not allowing a safe environment for your guests and that concerns me. Fights are gonna happen, drunk people are going to happen. Trust me there was both. Security could have done a better job handling the crowd, since there were so many ppl they needed crowd control it was just a mess in there. Kinda ruined my moment. :/ I can make that $ 70 back, but I can't get that moment back, thanks alot. Will not be returning to this venue, nor will I be suggesting for anyone else to attend any shows at this venue. Had to pay to park like a mile away. They are lucky I didn't call the fire department and report them for unsafe conditions. They would fine the establishment and end the show. I have a good mind to call them and give them a heads up for the next show, management, if you're reading this ... stop being greedy and get your s**t together, this place has potential but your days of being opened are numbered. Respect the safety of your patrons they pay good money to enjoy a good show, reciprocate that and allow a safe and comfortable environment. Very poor management. Epic failure. read more

cool venue, i saw electric wizard here. i highly recommend for concerts.

I just returned from this venue after the Trampled By Turtles show and I had to file a formal complaint against one of their employees who physically and verbally accosted my company and I, He took off his vest and walkie talkie and threatened me, my girlfriend, and my brother with physical violence before chasing my brother off of the grounds with the promise of inflicting harm should he catch up to him because he wrongly assumed we had knocked over a traffic cone in the parking lot. We were forced to park behind the building across the street from the venue for ten dollars for some reason, enjoyed the show, but as we were taking the long walk back to our cars, one of the employees, a perhaps 6"2' Samoan male, approxomately 250 lbs, with very curly black midlength hair and a baseball cap and square earrings, who was wearing a grey shirt and working at the first line of traffic cones in the same spot we had previously paid for parking alongside an African American male, maybe 5"10', 150lbs, wearing a beanie that night. As we passed the Samoan security guard in the yellow reflective vest he began to follow us and insisted that we had knocked a traffic cone over and threatened us with physical violence for the act. My brother told him he was wrong and attempted to reason with the individual but the security guard, or rather, the overweight manchild who sits in a parking lot all night and threatens customers, threatened my brother, claiming "I'm from W Street, I should just kick the shit out of you" and began to pick up his pace while he removed his reflective vest and walkie talkie. My brother started to run from him at this point, and he followed all the way out of the parking lot and onto the street before my brother lost him. At this point he walked over to me and watched me and my girlfriend get in our car, and I called the police to inform them of the matter. It is utterly unacceptable how I and especially my brother was treated. Their employee was twice my brother's size, and would have easily caused serious harm to him if my brother was unable to get away from him and run out to the street in time. Thank God we were able to find him afterward and their employee did not turn his physical attack toward my girlfriend and I. If he had touched a single one of us you can bet your ass they would have a serious lawsuit on their hands. If that man is not fired, I will not hesitate to call the police the next time I go to this venue and see that employee. I have been to this venue countless times, but that man is a dangerous, volatile criminal, and I am sickened by the idea that they hired him. My brother didn't do anything but pay them for parking, tickets, and drinks, and he is thanked with physical harm as soon as he walks outside by their staff. Where do they find these idiot criminals? Worst experience at any venue ever. read more

I am currently standing in line for a show that is suppose to start at 11:00pm. It is now 11:33 and I am still waiting to get into here. Why state a time and keep people waiting and not INFORMING PAYIN G PEOPLE to get in!? This is absolutely RIDICULOUS. Diff take this into consideration when coming here! Also, you have to park far to get into the place! Diff not coming back here again. This is my second time dealing with this. read more

some people bought an early pass to skip the line, yet the first fifty people in line got in before them. a waste of money! there was also someone who passed out at the concert and nothing was done. will not come back to visit. very disappointed. read more

Take uber or Lyft if you can. $10 to park in a non secured lot that is a considerable distance is a bit steep.

I really wish I could give this no star. Went to a sold show to RL Grimes. Went with friends and it was so crazy going in with the line and crowd, no one bothered to notice that two of my legal drinking age friends didn't get wristbands. They go off and buy drinks by themselves and then we get this call and these idiot security guards kicked them out immediately without checking their ids. So INSTEAD of rectifying their negligence, they shoved them out like they were drunks. I proceeded to find out how to fix this situation, they kept pointing the finger saying only the guy who kicked them out could say it's ok they come back in. That would be Huey, the manager, as all of the muscle heads kept saying. No one would find him, call him or tell me where he was, especially this whatever assistant called Devin, who prior to walking up to him, decided to tackle a non-drunk, respectful guy who seemed to be in the same situation. I proceed to spend the next 25 minutes going back and forth because these guys REALLY couldn't care and then Devin and another dude seriously asked me to PAY THEM OFF to bring my friends back in after threatening to call the cops on them for not leaving the premises. I couldn't even care about the venue. My friends did nothing wrong and everyone had a miserable night, no refund, nada. I couldn't even care about the venue. Any stroke of bad luck and that could happen. The management, their act-first think-never school dropouts security guards are literally why I hate going to live events anymore. If I could report it, I would and I tried telling someone in the building about bribing the (which I know happens at any club all the time) but they stick by their own and laughed in my face. If you go, just watch out. read more

Observatory - Security guy kicked out friends bc he didn't give them wristbands. wanted bribe or threatened to call police if they don't leave - Music Venues Near Me - Santa Ana, California

I used to like to come here now it's such a money grab. Even if you get here way early they won't let you park anywhere but where they make you pay Cash Only and hoof it over. Not such a great place and I will limit my visits for sure read more

talked to the lady that works at the box office on tuesday 11/12/13 with regards to the Brand new show on december 9th and 10th. told me they would be selling tickets at the box office at 12pm and had about 1000 ready. Show up (as long as 50 or so other people) on thursday 11/14/13 to buy tickets for brand new. only to find out THEY HAVE NO TICKETS at the venue. How does a venue not set aside tickets for a show. i wasted my time, emotions and energy to show up early to get tickets as well as 50 OTHER PEOPLE. Such bullshit, please dont waste your time supporting this venue. When they couldnt even sell 50 tickets to fans of Brand New. read more

Been here a few times for shows. They need to do something about the temperature in the main area. They need A/C or fans or something. It was ridiculously hot in there. Also $9 for a tall boy PBR is out of control. The parking situation is absurd too. $10 for parking seems a little high. Unfortunately I will be back if they keep booking bands I like. Otherwise, I wouldn't make a point to go there again. read more

The music and sound is great, but the service is absolutely awful! Mcdonalds or KFC has better service, which is sad. It was five stars when it was The Galaxy, now that it's the Observatory it's gone downhill. I give the service a 1 star. I saw my favorite band here, and had too much to drink. I spent all my extra money on drinks, merch, and the tickets themselves. At the end of the show when the bar was nearly empty, I asked for a cup of water so I could sober up for an hour or two before I drove home and not have a hangover the next day. I was close to wasted. Slurring while I asked desperately. All the witch servers offered was a bottle of water that I had to pay for. $2 dollars a bottle, when I buy 12 packs of the same kind for $3. I was broke and couldn't afford it. They refused to help me so I asked to speak with a manager. He came out and was ruder than anyone. I explained I spent a lot of money at the bar and was drunk and didn't have the money for water since it had always been complimentary when it was called the Galaxy. I thought it was a law in California to give paying customers free water. It used to be anyways. He refused to help me. I told him when I get piled over when I drive in a few hours I'll mention his name and bar, he still didn't care. I left completely disgusted with the place and though the show was great the venue left an awful taste in my mouth. Last time security felt like jail security as well. I wish the Galaxy would come back because this new ownership has no kindness and NO customer service. Expect to leave broke at this place if you plan on having a few drinks. read more

Parking sucks over here. Considering you have to pay for it. I mean the least you can do is have visible signs and employees guiding you where it's at! We circled 5 times trying to find the entrance. Finally found it only to realize it was an exit, asked the employee where is the entrance. She told us get in line so had to make an awkward uturn and cut 5 cars. Venue was ok if you don't mind people hotboxing it. read more

Terrible service. Staff is rude and unable to provide proper information. I paid $150 for vip access and was completely unsatisfied. Don't waste your time using this venue to hold a concert or to attend one. Terrible, terrible service. read more

This venue was the work experience Ive ever had at any event. It has taking me a little over two weeks to just calm myself down to write thus review for my time at the Soulquarius event. The venue was two hours behind letting people in. The app was useless as the times were all out of wack because of the late start. Stood in line[ VIP line] for over 75 minutes part of it while it was raining. The food choices were mediocre. The wait time was beyond ridiculous between sets. We had to stand for over an hour at least for every performer while they broke down the stage and equipment to make way for the next act. Several acts were cancelled last minute. They moved the location of several artists so I stood at one stage waiting for Ms. Badu to perform only to get notified Brandy was not following but performing at another stage where I had to wait again to get to the stage. It was the most unorganized event and I will never go back and feel completely cheated out of my money and time. Not to mention there were so many people and so little security several people passed out and the audience and to scream to get the attention of medics/security for help. The pathway was blocked to other stages because people were standing in line for merchandise packages and blocked the path to where people had to push through like it was an evacuation. Do not attend any event. These organizers should publicly apologize to the fans that came out and were cheated. I know I missed at least four artists I wanted to see because of this halfway put together festival. They should not be able to call themselves a music venue and the observatory should stand for how you observe everything not to do for music consumers. if i could give zero stars I would. read more

Been to lots of shows here. The best concert venue in Orange County! The multiple tiers allow for great viewing from any distance from the stage. I've attended shows in the Constellation room, on the main stage, and festivals here. Impressed every time I visit the Observatory. read more

Just came from there. I was told by the management why would you come to a concert here. You are to old and its a he say she say thing that a girl pulled a knife on me and hit me and security said just leave this is a hood event old lady and the bouncer push me. Beware I'm old and never ever experience.... I can not explain. I guess Santa Ana and Costa Mesa are hood and if you are over 40 don't go to a concert they will pull a knife and everyone will say while would you come her! If you don't want to killed! read more

sound system was on point the security was cool bartenders were chill I'm not mad at this place good show

We went to see The Violent Femmes and left after 3 songs. Call me crazy, but if I pay money to buy a ticket, I shouldn't have to spend extra to money for the VIP or bottle service areas just to be able to actually see the band. I do not mind standing to see a show, but standing in the back when everyone that has table seating sits on top of their booths makes it impossible to see anything, unless you are over six feet. read more

I created a yelp account because I felt so compelled after having a negative experience while seeing one of my favorite artists. I was standing near a security guard near the stage and he made me feel uncomfortable for the entire show. He kept nudging my open toes with his own foot even though I was nowhere near the tape line. He made me and my group all very uncomfortable because he stared at us for pretty much the entire show. It honestly ruined the concert for me and I couldn't pay attention to my favorite artist because this guy wouldn't leave me alone... CREEP! Me and friends are never going back here. read more

finally found the time to review this venue after I came to catch the Lissie show in December 2013. Came about 3 hours early the venue to pick up my tickets at will call.(the website I bought them from stated that there was no option to print out tickets in advance but there were plenty of people with print outs for some reason. But that's an issue with the website and not the venue) The show was set to start at 8, and it being a GA show, I wanted to be early to grab a good spot in the front. When I arrived, there was only about a handful of people in line for the show so I figured I'd pick up my tickets and get in line and I'd be sure to get a good view. Right? WRONG. A man walked out saying will call would open by 6. 630 rolls around, will call still hasn't opened. By 700pm, the line to get in the show is starting to wrap around the parking lot and I'm still waiting for will call to open. Will call finally opens at 730, the same time doors open to the venue. People start pouring into the venue while I'm still waiting to pick up my tickets. If that isn't bad enough, as soon as I pick up my ticket, the security guard tells me to go to the back of the line! Fortunately a nice couple let me go in with them. I ended up being stuck somewhere towards the back. I've never had such a horrible experience with a venues will call before. Generally will call opens BEFORE doors open so I can get in line, it just makes sense that way. Am i wrong? Such a waste of my time. The venue itself was nice, pretty small and great for an intimate performance but after that mess I don't see myself coming back. Such a shame because I love catching shows at all sorts of venues and the constellation room was fun, but i wouldn't want to deal with that again. read more

A few weeks ago I came here 2 nights in a row, on the 23d for G-eazy concert and 24th to see Wiz Khalifa. First night it was good for the most part, we arrived a little later around 8. But when we were going through security, a guy was searching me and he kept touching my boobs, not my clothes but my actual body and this was very uncomfortable because I was not hiding anything, there was no sound that could indicate I was either so there was no reason for that . The girl security saved me! The next night was much better they divided lines between male and female for searching and it was much faster. Both concerts were amazing, but at the g-eazy concert there was soo many 16 year olds. I needed to talk to someone in front of this little girl and I told her "Excuse me, I need to talk to somebody in front of you," and she got up in my face trying to fight me! Her little friends had to pull her away. Talk about annoying. I wish it was 18+. The next night at Wiz Khalifa I didn't see too many teenagers and it was a much better experience. This is a great venue! Definitely recommended. read more

I am displeased at how this venue treated us. First, there was limited parking for the venue and once that closed the parking attendant could not direct us to another parking area where your car would not be towed. Many consumers were in fear of leaving their cars and left the venue ( I spoke with some of them). Second, the alleged parking for VIP/GUEST LIST ONLY in front of the venue...there were few handicap spaces available that were not being used. We had our placard and was denied entry because we were not on the list. However, I watched the gatekeeper of the VIP/GUEST LIST let people park that were not on the list. The gatekeeper and the parking team denied us entry to use the available handicap parking spaces stating, "I have two placards and laughed." Disgusting!I'm not writing this to receive a free nothing, but the venue needs to resolve the parking issue and KNOW the disability laws because your parking attendants violated my passenger's basic right. read more

I'm not a stranger to seeing live music, seeing an average of 1-2 bands a week year round, so hopefully that will solidify the validity of what I have to say in this review. I can say without a doubt, The Observatory is the most poorly managed and inconsistent venue I've ever been to. Here's a quick rundown of the shows I've seen at this venue. Hopefully this will sway anyone who has any second thoughts about attending this place. The first concert I went there went fine, Death Grips last September. There was nothing out of the ordinary, Death Grips always put on a great show. Seshhollowaterboyz was a horrible, they obviously oversold, barring me and my friend from even being able to enter the venue. Danny Brown was frustrating, unknown to me and my friends they booked upwards of five openers (never posting this online) meaning that the show started at 8:00 but Danny Brown went on to the stage at 11:30, only playing a 40 minute set. The worst and I mean worst festival/concert/anything I've been to has to be Beach Goth though. How such a horrible venue is able to book such amazing acts is beyond my realm of understanding. Beach Goth was horrible oversold, completely unsafe and unsanitary and beyond mismanaged. There were many acts where the crowds were so large, that there was crowd crush occurring. During King Krule's set, which was terrifying to be in the crowd for, I had to comfort a woman who was having a panic attack due to the size of the crowd. She attempted to jump the barrier to escape but the guards/EMT's would not let her. There were no water stations for refilling water leading to many individuals becoming severely dehydrated. I didn't think it could get any worse after the first day but I was so wrong. It poured the 2nd day, leading to one of the four stages being shut down (rain or shine they said) canceling/rearranging many artists' set times. There was absolutely no communication by the venue as to what acts were moved to what times and which ones were cancelled. The observatory didn't even have the guts to offer an apology of any sort, merely sweeping it under the rug.(There are plenty of articles about this travesty of a festival, one only has to search online.) Clipping was once again severely mismanaged. Unknown to me there was another festival being held that day (read the reviews on yelp, apparently horrible as well, big surprise), so there was no parking available on the venue. I had to make my way through what was basically a construction zone with the stages being taken down all around me, with no staff around to direct me, making me feel very out of place and unsafe. I showed up an hour after doors were supposed to open and they still hadn't opened. It was raining with no rain cover, leaving people soaked. Once inside, the opener did not start until an hour and a half after his supposed starting time. Overall, I detest this venue. They have consistently shown their lack of respect and transparency towards their customers. Their events are often oversold, unsafe and horribly run. It's irksome that such a atrocious venue is somehow able to book such fantastic acts. read more

I went there recently to see a Peter Murphy concert. I bought tickets--and made dinner reservations--the day the tickets went on sale, within a few hours. The policy had always been that you were seated according to when you purchased your reservation. When we arrived (before doors opened, which opened half an hour late, first opening band went on 40 minutes late)-- anyway, when we arrived, they said "go in this line for dinner reservations" and seated us on the balcony. They never asked my name, I could have lied to get in. 2/3rds of the seats in the bottom were empty, and were told it was "for VIPs and important people who bring stuff" ?? What? I was one of the first to make my reservation. We were then told they overbooked the show by 200 people--yet they were advertising the concert the day of the event. Most of the dinner seats were empty, yet I was far away. The waitress barely came, poor service. Our table mates disliked their food. I am glad I wasn't pressured to order, as I didn't want anything. I had been just a few months prior (but previous management) and they had double the tables. Now it was all cleared out for general admission. One star bonus, because it is a reasonably small venue. read more

the box office never answers the fucking phone and it always says your closed when your not.....

Got tickets for my kid who had to go. Could not get info on phone. Said showtime online. Did not state there were multi bands then headliner. Poor clarity of event. I will never purchase another ticket. These baby houses should learn from the real music theaters. read more

Went to the observatory last night. Ordered a burger which came out uncooked. Sent it back, they didn't give us a new burger. They put the bitten burger back on their grill and brought it back out. So if you get sick from uncooked food or other people's saliva you know why. Asked for some free fries for the inconvenience, couldn't even do that. read more

The 3 stars are for their regular concerts. The 2 missing stars would be for how annoying their festivals can be. I've been to 3 festivals there and I must say that it was my 3 least favorite festivals I've ever been to (nothing to do with lineups, just very disorganized/overcrowded). read more

I cannot stand seeing this place get a single bad review. Yeah the beer is over priced, but what venue's beer isn't? I have only been here twice. For Foster The People and Grouplove. Both time's doors opened at 7 p.m and for Foster I got there at 6 and Grouplove I got there at 6:30. Both times I met the bands because they were just standing outside.It is so simple to meet the band before and after the show here ( Most likely before). Getting there 30 minutes early and having the choice to be like 3rd row in pit, is amazing. But if you aren't a 6 foot something man, get a spot right above the pit. I got the same spot twice and everyone around me and in the pit said how I had the best spots in the venue. It is extremely small, so I love it even more. Plus you can bring banners and security are super nice. I brought a banner for Grouplove and the band started talking about it on stage. Also Young the Giant surprised us and came out and later walked around outside. Security inside and the security who scan tickets are the sweetest and most kind security staff I have ever met at a venue. I check their website every other day because I refuse to miss out on going here. I drive nearly 2 hours to go here, because I love it that much. I am annoyed with people who give this place crap for their beer, seriously I love concerts more than anything and it pisses me off when people get drunk at them. Some people are actually fans, and came for the god damn music, not to get drunk with their friends. Decor isn't so pretty, but I go here for the intimacy of the venue, not to focus what it looks like. Advice wise; Do not wear a jacket! It gets so hot in there,if you are close to the front. (due to lights and quite a few people packed into a room); Bring a water bottle if you do not want to pay $5 for one.; also it may seem fun to go in the pit but if you are more for actually watching the band go right above the pit. It seems everyone in the pit is a giant. I have been here when it was The Galaxy and The Observatory. I believe the new owner added air conditioning because it felt like sweaty when I saw Grouplove compared to Foster. Anyway, I haven't had the food here, I just get In and Out Burgers (which you can bring in the venue which is awesome) haha. I heard the food sucks and is over priced for what you get. Again this venue deserves 5 stars as an actual venue, not a restaurant nor a bar. I almost didn't go here due to bad reviews. It is an amazing venue. I have had a great experience here. If you do not do stupid shit like smoke in the venue (when there is a smoking balcony up stairs) or attack someone, security won't hassle you a bit. I hoped my review helped. I almost didn't go here due to yelps crap reviews and I am so glad I went anyway, because it is the best venue I have ever been to.:) read more