Solvang Festival Theater

Solvang Festival Theater

Solvang Festival Theater
5
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Top ways to experience Solvang Festival Theater and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles144 reviews
Excellent
127
Very good
15
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0

Mark V
Studio City15 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2014 • Couples
I've been to the Dorothy Chandler, the Pantages, the Greek, the Bowl, the (now defunct) Universal Ampitheater, theaters in London and New York, but my favorite venue.... is the Solvang Festival Theater.

Now lest you think I've suffered a blow to the head, allow me to explain....You'll never see a high end Broadway production here. After all, the Dorothy Chandler seats 3200 people. The Hollywood Bowl seats 17,000. This theater has 700 seats. It's shaped like a bowl, so even the back row is less than 100' from the stage. It's like watching a show in your backyard.

The summer nights are FREEZING! But people bring sweaters and blankets and the theater serves hot chocolate, coffee and brandy to warm you up. The acoustics and lighting are terrific and the shows are way better than you'd expect, because these shows are first performed on stage at the Allan Hancock college in Santa Maria.

As a result, you're seeing the fruits of labor of up to two hundred people at this tiny venue. Last summer, I was blown away by the play Cyranno. The lead actor was simply superb, but all the smaller roles were well played as well. I also enjoyed Curtains and Little Women at this theater.

You expect the actors to give their all. But everyone connected with this facility clearly LOVES what they are doing and it's infectious. I HIGHLY recommend this place. One of the best vacations we've taken, was to Solvang in June. We picked blueberries at a nearby farm, went bicycle riding/wine tasting to Los Olivos, fed the ostrich and emus at the nearby tourist attraction, strolled through the town and capped it off with an intimate show. What could be better than that?!
Written September 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

dcruz007
Mumbai, India142 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2014 • Couples
The town is amazing, makes you feel you are in a different world (being in US) . Do not spend time in museums, as they were not worth the time. Roam the streets , visit shops at leisure, have chocolates/pastries. Check the Sunny garden park, pretty cute little place, visit the Lavender fields nearby .
Written August 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

reese3
Warrenton, VA160 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2017 • Friends
If you are in Solvang during the summertime, you must attend a play here. The outdoor theatre in the round is not only a beautiful setting but the acting and plays are very high quality. Many actors are from the jr. College arts department but there are professional actors as well. I have been here many times and I have never been disappointed. There is a concession stand for refreshments, but you can go early and take a picnic with your own wine With you to enjoy on their grounds before the play. It can be chilly at night so bring a coat or blanket. (you can rent a blanket for the evening if you wish) even during hot, summer days, the nights can cool off quickly. Try not to sit in sec one or two only because during the summer months, the sun can be in your eyes as the sun sets.
I highly recommend it for family or friends. Great date night.
Written July 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

John F
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2017 • Family
If you live on the Central Coast or visiting anywhere between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo you must immediately stop working and buy tickets to this outdoor theater. As a long time resident in San Luis Obispo county we had never experienced this magical place with great acting, food, atmosphere, and entertainment. From the greeters, to the concessions, to the show, the entire experience was top notch. We saw Beauty and the Beast and it was simply spectacular. During the song "be our guest" Lumiere at one point was near our seats and turned and welcomed my daughter to the dinner and that was moment PCPA and the Solvang theater became a place we will continue to support by going to show after show for many years to come. In fact the actor in full character looked at her and said "why hello, when did you get here, welcome." The ability to reach out and engage the audience in this way without missing a beat was absolutely powerful for my daughter and family to experience. So with that said here is the breakdown of the venue;

-Bring warm cloths, hats, gloves and cushions to sit on. (they rent cushions for $2)
-Blankets are also a great idea. (they rent those as well)
-Seats are stadium style with backs and are surprisingly well suited for larger guests and children can see over people in front of them easily
-Gates open at 6:30pm (8pm show) so you can eat the concessions food or picnic in their nice lawn area or patio seating
-Solvang bakery does the food and desserts. Amazing. Appears to be wine available as well.
-Photos with Gaston with the kids after the show was just great

I'm in the hospitality business and have been for years. When you can get volunteers, actors/actresses, and basically everyone on the ground working in harmony you can create magic. That is what is happening in Solvang with this theater company. Kudos to management and directors for bringing in such amazing actors and actresses, staff, and volunteers to support your operation and be a part of this community.

If your reading this.......buy tickets......go have a picnic with your family......buy some hot cocoa and cookies at intermission.....and make local theater and the arts a part of how you live. I know we will for many years to come.
Written June 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

troydawson369
Paso Robles, CA98 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2014 • Family
I have seen maybe 6-7 plays, and each time I leave wondering how soon I can get back again.

The actors and types of performances make this under-hyped venue a gem for adults and older children. They open the doors about an hour before the performance. They have a nice shaded grass area and patio to enjoy a picnic meal. The prices for food and drinks are reasonable.

The weather in Solvang during the early summer can be cool, and sometimes overcast/foggy. You would do well to bring a blanket. However, the late fall brings enjoyable and warm weather to watch the performances.
Written December 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

critics_critic
Los Angeles, CA313 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2013 • Couples
This was one of the best seasons so far. We look forward to 2014! If you plan to attend the Solvang Theatre Festival. Take advantage of the Wine Valley Inns Theatre package. Call and ask for Sandra Hallman when you make your reservation. If you are just coming up for the day to see a show. They offer 50% off seat the 3rd Wednesday of every month in the summer.

Professional Theatre, and very very reasonable prices. There is not a bad seat in the house, you will love it!

It gets cold at night, and since it is outdoors, bring a jacket and a blanket, and you are good to go!
Written October 8, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kirk F
Los Angeles, CA115 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2019
We attended a PCPA performance of "A Gentleman's Guide To Love and Murder," which we had seen on Broadway. The sets, lights, costumes -- all technical aspects of the musical -- were extraordinarily professional, and while the acting was not Broadway caliber, of course, it was an entertaining piece. The theatre can get cold later in the evening (we were there in mid-June), so definitely bring or rent a blanket.
Written June 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

carlk132
Visalia, CA, United States3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2018 • Couples
Last Saturday we saw the PCPA production of Mamma Mia. Of course, this is a musical with wonderful music and dancing. The cast operate as a finely tuned machine, and not only that, they appear to love their jobs and their dancing and acting. The house was packed that night, and the cast brought the entire audience to our feet by the end. We absolutely loved the performance. I also need to mention that the lighting, costumes, and sets are well done and perfectly orchestrated into the performance. PCPA is wonderful.
Written August 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

I7623SHricharde
United States5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2018 • Family
This outdoor theatre was a great experience under the stars. We saw the Hunchback of Notre Dame. The actors were so talented. There are blankets to rent for the cool evenings, food, hot coffee and cocoa, as well as friendly people. We enjoyed it immensely.
Written June 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jamesbC6618SA
39 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2017 • Family
This outdoor theater is unique in that it is a performance in the semi round stage. Different then most stage areas, you sit around half of the circular stage becoming more involved with the presentation. It is open air seating so depending on weather temps & conditions, dress accordingly. Been to many PCPA plays, concerts & special event performances and always left satisfied. At intermission there is food & drink available in the area.
Written December 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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