I saw Swan Lake at the theatre. The performance was amazing. The theatre itself was very nice. It was laid out correctly to avoid congestion. The crowd flowed nicely into the theatre. Plenty of restrooms so the lines were short. Even the lines at the concessions were short. I was able to order a glass of wine and enjoy the performance. Parking was easy upon arrival but I waited about 30 minutes to get out at the end. I feel like that's the case at every performance. I matter the venue. Overall a great experience. read more

Performing Arts Center - Performing Arts Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

The PAC always has a great line up. I love when they have family friendly shows. Last year we went to Bluey and this year we surprised our daughter with The Gabby's Dollhouse show. We all had an amazing time. The staff is always nice and helpful. We have sat in all different locations and there is not a bad seat in the house. read more

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Beautiful space and good views from everywhere. Sound quality good. Concessions are insanely expensive. Crabby older lady ushering first balcony on left had a grumble about everything! read more

This is not my first time attending Cal Poly PAC, though I admit, I visit infrequently, only for specific events that catch my eye. This will be my last visit. While visually, this is a beautiful and clean venue, it is mismanaged in a way that is disrespectful to the performers and patrons. Understandably, there is no screening test available that can anticipate misconduct. But there should absolutely be a pre-established and timely response to address a patron that is harassing any performer. It's inappropriate to allow them to escalate to more than four outburst, and to the degree that other patrons tried to intervene. Patron facing staff should be expected to maintain appropriate hygiene and have it enforced. Pacing back and forth along the side aisles, and leaning over audience members should not produce any odor, especially so intensely. Throughout the performance, that was a reoccurring issue. As the venue no longer allows any type of personal documentation, like photographs or videography. It's not surprising and is understandable, as there were several inconsiderate bursts of flash throughout the performance. However, this was not a policy disclosed prior to the event. As a result, the staff were frequently intruding between rows and in front of patrons, trying to communicate with people far beyond their reach. A simple announcement (even pre-recorded) before the performance would be enough to minimize these interactions and preserve the atmosphere of the event. I'm highly disappointed to have spent money and travelled for a special moment in anticipation of a wonderful evening only to be left feeling underwhelmed. I will visit my favorite performers anywhere else. read more

Located at Cal Poly SLO, is the PAC. Awesome performance center. We took our daughter to Bluey and she absolutely loved it. Interior halls and bathrooms could use an update, but overall it's nice. The attendants were all very nice. Chairs and aisle are big. We were very comfortable and there is t one bad seat in the house. We loved it and will be sure to not hesitate to go once again, when another performance/show/concert pops up! read more

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Our first time at this venue and we loved it. Spacious auditorium, perfect acoustics, comfortable seating and plenty of staff to assist attendees when needed. Ticketing was easy-breezy too. We picked up at Will Call. Parking can be a bit tricky depending on the timing of the event so go early if it's a popular show and/or holiday. And if stairs are a problem be sure to use the elevator to reach the top floor (4). Looking forward to future shows. Note: they do seem to sell drinks, including wine. We didn't partake but saw others with glasses. read more

Performing Arts Center - Sitting & waiting for the show. - Performing Arts Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

Incredible show every time; always full of entertainment with spectacular seating! The performing arts center of San Luis Obispo offers some of the best performances without the massive ticket prices, no matter where you sit. Friendly staff eases the process during those jammed packed events. The Irish dancers 'jig tour' is a must-see event, phenomenal entertainment throughout the entire show! read more

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It is not the cleanest concert venue I have ever been to. All of the attendants are pretty nice. But one of the attendants made my friend put her phone away when they clearly stated that we could record videos. When I came back from the restroom the attendant was crazy. She said to run off my phone it was disturbing lol. I literally had it in my hand by my side. Everything else about this venue was wonderful accept one of my friend's tickets was behind railing which obstructed her view. So that was a bummer for her. The attendants coming in and out of the venue were very nice. The wine for sale was just whatever. The restrooms are really clean and have many stalls. read more

Performing Arts Center - Me in the bathroom - Performing Arts Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

Our seats were $85 for Book of Mormon and we said in balcony center left side row C seat 43-45 all blocked by a hand rail. PACSLO would not refund money. Terrible seats and bad customer services. Very disappointed. read more

It's a beautiful venue. It's spacious, the lighting is pretty, and the seats are comfortable. The people are friendly. The sound quality is great. I've been here multiple times for performances and always had a good time. I highly recommend PAC SLO for events. I also recommend the side balcony seating for extra comfort! Swivel seats, recline back and enjoy! read more

Performing Arts Center - Performing Arts Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

On would think that an excellent center would have traffic control after the event is over. Had it coming in but hell no on the way out ..over 30 minutes Lame slo pac Would have had 5 stars.... maybe if there is a next time.... ok had control but why the flashing lights read more

Beautiful theatre! They need better management of parking and leaving the theatre. We had to wait in the parking structure for over an hour. Why do they not have people working to get everyone quickly and safely out of the parking structure?!! read more

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo - Performing Arts Center Fantastic venue to see a concert! State of the art sound and seating. The best and most comfortable seats in a performing arts center! Sound was excellent! FOH sound in second row was amazing! The staff was professional and polite - very knowledgable too. Beautiful presentation of pre show spirits and hors d'oeuvres! Tasty and the perfect nibble pre show! Thank you, Cal Poly! Downstairs by theater there is a seperate taste room with selected featured wines. Wine country! Standing room only. Ladies bathroom is conveniently located beyond taste room and a quick few steps from the theater itself. It's huge inside to accomodate the ladies rush hour! Ha ha. Just a beautiful and welcoming performing arts center which combined with recording artist Melissa Etheridge, made for a fabulous night of music! Bravo, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo! #SLO read more

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Went here for an orchestra show and this place is AMAZING ! Also went here to see my little ones school perform , great acoustics beautiful clean venue. Can't wait to see more shows here! read more

Staff are extremely rude and disrespectful, and I'm not talking about the students. The older women that work here don't actually want to answer any of your questions, they just want to comment unnecessarily on the way you walk and then be very condescending because they think they can be. This place is a joke and mostly only brings bland white performers to fill whatever quotas they need. If you come here and see a red headed woman that looks like she's on the verge of balding, feel free to tell her to get that stick out of her ass -- I know I'm ready to tell her a lot worse! Pathetic to know that a younger student can be more hospitable than a seasoned lobby attendant. read more

Came to see Seinfeld. Email notification from CCC said they would have cheese plates, humus, charcuterie for dinner. Arrived at 6:25 (doors opened at 6) and nothing left/available. We saw maybe 10 people with cheese plates. Don't tell people to get there before the show to eat and have only enough food for 10 people -- aside from your f@@ing animal crackers and bag of nuts. And the bitch working the concession with her "too bad ... first come first serve". Screw you read more

My Dad and I came here for a guitar event. It was so easy to park and walk to the center. I was expecting it to be harder since it's on Campus. I was also presently surprised with the performing arts center. It was clean and comfortable. Very well thought out. The acoustics were great in the theater! They have some interesting performances here that I can't wait to come back and checkout. read more

The venue inside is beautiful but the parking sucks! Cal poly should figure out how to have people directing traffic in and out of the wonderful performances that occur at this location.After such a wonderful event, it makes one wonder whether the whole experience was worth it. before I sign up to spend $85 on a ticket for an event, I will recall the feeling of being stuck in the parking structure for 30 minutes and counting. Next time Uber or not at all. read more

I went and saw Chris Thile here last week. Boy oh boy, what a treat! Funny, and cool, yet annoyingly talented. What a show. But this is a review for the PAC...sorry. Okay, the parking was stupid and free!? Drive in, you're asked what show you're there for, and told to park in the garage. Easy-piesy! Greeted warmly upon walking in, get a program and wander around. Nice and pleasant interior, warm and cozy not too college feeling, but not too stuffy feeling either. Order a Firestone DBA, take it to my seat in a plastic cup!? Yes please! The acoustics were ridiculous. With hundreds of people talking before the show it was not too loud, and when the show began, three rows from the front, it was not too loud! Did I mention the price of tickets!? So affordable! What a deal. Very impressed and can't wait to go again! read more

My allegiance to San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly makes me rate this one star higher than I intended. I've been to several plays and concerts, and except for one play, I have had an awful time with the acoustics and sound amplification in that venue, and I have excellent hearing. Moody Blues came and the sound was terrible, awful, bad. Lyle Lovett came and the sound was passable but several instruments were overmodulated to the point of "why did I just pay more than $150 for this?" Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful theatre in a beautiful place. It's just that the sound really disappoints. read more

I came to this venue to see the Magic Flute. Not only was I blown away by the quality of the production, but I was surprised by the quality of the venue itself. I imagine that it would be hard to hear the opera in some of the upper seats, but we were in the orchestra and could hear most everything very well. The musicians, singers and scenery were all great. The seats are comfortable, and parking is close and convenient. If you are attending an opera, I HIGHLY recommend the pre-opera lecture. It is tricky to find as it is in an adjacent lecture hall, and it is 1 hour before showtime, but it was great. read more

Amazed that you allowed Shen Yen to be one of the acts. Can't believe you didn't notice all the negative reviews. The marketing fooled me. Irritating waste of money. Left at intermission. read more

The Performing Arts Center is a facility any town, even a large city would be proud to have as a venue for events of any kind. I was lust at a New Years Eve Concert to a sold out house at the Performing Arts Center, It is a toast to the excellence of the San Luis Symphony and the Performing Arts Center Staff that a full house concert came off perfectly. I mean Perfectly. This place is worth every penny of the ticket prices. Check the website for specific about events as things are scheduled way in advance and I would recommend buying tickets early to get good seats! (don't all show goers know that?) The symphony had incredible, performances by the entire orchestra and solos that really knocked it out of the park, this is a must see group wherever they play. Fabulous, simply Fabulous! read more

Having lived in LA & SF, I have experienced some incredible theatres however Cal Poly PAC is absolutely delightful! It's close, it's easily accessible, parking is simple, it's affordable and there are great performers that come through the PAC. I just saw Cameron Carpenter and was absolutely mesmerized! I only wish more individuals had taken advantage of the fact that he was right here in our backyard. Lewis Black is a classic humorist and I enjoyed every moment of his show. I've enjoyed the PAC so much that I came home and purchased tickets to see Pilobolus and to Who's Live Anyways? read more

Saw a county-wide collaborative production of "Carmen," which was excellent; No troubles with the sound, and my seat was center Balcony, just about perfect distance and height to see everything that was going on. I am a student at Cal Poly, so the tickets are discounted. I don't think I would have been as satisfied at full-price, but if you take advantage of one of the discount options, it is an awesome way to catch a good show. The staff were the least pleasant part of this experience. They weren't knowledgeable about the layout and consistently sent people to the wrong area for their seating assignment. Also, I didn't get the sense of friendliness, either (though I think they are volunteers? Not that it makes a difference) Summary: Good performance, mediocre staff, seating was fine, price (discounted) was reasonable. Recommended. read more

Went to see Avenue Q here and really loved it. Great theatre. Friendly people. Wish I didn't live so far away from it...I'd see things here all the time. read more

Performing Arts Center - Avenue Q stage - Performing Arts Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

The premier venue to see a concert in San Luis Obispo. I've seen dozens of shows here and although I may have been disappointed in some acts, I've never been let down by the PAC. True, the acoustics can be hit or miss, although it never deterred me from returning. I've seen acts like Lou Reed, Jethro Tull, Randy Newman, George Carlin, Weird Al, CSN, Jason Mraz, etc etc etc. Always had a great time. Beer and wine served in the lobby, although no drinks are allowed inside. $5 parking. Friendly, elderly ushers to help you to your seat. (Oh... how they hated Carlin :) ) read more

I love that we have this venue in town.... All the shows I have gone to I've enjoyed.. I don't think there's a bad seat ... I haven't sat at the top though read more

Went here to see the nutcracker in 2017. The show itself was so-so but the theater and symphony were amazing. We sat on the floor second row from the back but it was still great seating. The floor is tiered so you don't really have to worry about seeing past anyone in front of you. Helpful staff as well. Only complaint is that the food/drinks are ridiculously overpriced. (Ex: $4 for a carton of 20 animal crackers). read more

Performing Arts Center - Second row from the back on the floor. Still great seats. - Performing Arts Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

Considering it is located in SLO County and not Los Angeles or San Francisco, it's a beautiful facility for musical performances and listening to speakers. The Christmas organ concert is intimate and home town feeling, musical performances by groups or individual artists are very professional, and notable speakers seem drawn to come here..."to enjoy the people and a slice of paradise " as stated by James Carville. If you enjoy the organ, don't miss Cameron Carpenter... arguably the most amazing organist I have ever heard. Parking is easy, and is often sponsored. "Refreshments " are available in the main hall providing some great wines from our wine region. read more

We have attended several events here; dance performances, "Beauty and the Beast," "Rock of Ages," Lindsey Sterling, and most recently, the excellent Cameron Carpenter concert. The PAC is beautiful and modern without being stark. Parking is easy, although after big events, you will get stuck waiting to get out. The staff are friendly and efficient. The refreshments available in the lobby include not only treats, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, but wine and beer. The seats are comfortable, and the acoustics are excellent. It's never too loud, not even when Cameron Carpenter was rocking the in-house pipe organ. It's a local gem, and I hope to attend more events there. read more

I'll preface this review by stating that my family and I don't attend too many events in facilities like the PAC, but it does seem to be a very good facility for the area. I rate it four stars, using the Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara as a five-star standard. (We saw CATS there years ago.) My wife and I saw Joshua Bell perform, and the sound was magnificent sitting in the Orchestra Section in the center somewhere around Row J. The real treat for us is the San Luis Obispo High School Senior Showcase which takes place every year the night before graduation. (It usually happens the same weekend as CPSU-SLO's graduations ceremonies, which takes up ALL the available hotel rooms for miles around!) The SLOHS Senior Showcase is FREE to the public and is a wonderful way to experience the PAC while seeing some truly great and not-so-great performances. It's a great event in which the outgoing high schoolers get to experience performing on the stage of what some people consider a world class venue. Finally, I have heard what many reviewers here have written--that it is well worth the money to hear C. Carpenter perform on the pipe organ. read more

Nothing short of spectacular and every show seen there is amazing. Seats are comfortable and being able to see is not an issue anywhere.

Wow ... Given tickets to PAC for Xmas ... Just went to the show ... But wouldn't you know it ... Same ole' same ole' problem .... (sat center stage too) hearing device did not work .... just static ... you'd think the sound tech or whom ever would check to see if the system was on or even worked ... SOOOO disappointing ..... HEARING SYSTEM DOES WORK FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED AT THE PAC. read more

saw a great dance tribute here, loved the theater, very crowded lobby, great ushers