The Greek Theatre

The William Randolph Hearst Greek Theatre opened on September 24, 1903, with a student production of Aristophanes' "The Birds," making it one of the oldest outdoor performance venues in the country. Financed by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and designed in the classical Greek amphitheater style, the 8,500-seat venue sits in a eucalyptus grove on the UC Berkeley campus. The Grateful Dead played 29 shows here between 1967 and 1989, and the stage has welcomed Bob Dylan, Radiohead, Tom Petty, Pearl Jam, and Adele. The open-air setting and steep hillside seating give even back-row ticket holders a clear sightline and strong acoustics.