Symphonic Series
Ticket Information – At The Performance – First Congregational Church of Berkeley
Chamber Series
Ticket Information – Piedmont Center for the Arts
Ticket FAQs
Have a question about your tickets or attending a Berkeley Symphony concert? We’ve got answers! For information about our Chamber Series, please scroll down to “Chamber Series Information“.
Do you offer children/student discounts?
Yes! We love seeing families at our symphonic series concerts.
- Children under 6 can attend for free.
- Students K–12 can also get free tickets through our Students at the Symphony program!
For tracking purposes, we ask that parents or teens select the ticket type that best matches their situation.
Kids Club is available for families with children 12 and under or kids with sensory needs. It’s a welcoming space with toys, coloring pages, and snacks—a great break area during the performance. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
More student discounts!
- College students with valid ID can purchase tickets to our Symphonic concerts for just $10.
Free children’s tickets and $10 college tickets are available by phone or online at berkeleysymphony.org.
Do you offer senior discounts?
Yes—we offer a 10% discount for seniors who need it. If you’re able to pay full price, we encourage you to do so in support of others who may need the discount. Please call our box office to request this offer at 510-841-2800.
What if I bought tickets and I can’t make it anymore?
We understand—life happens! If you can’t make it to the concert, you are welcome to give your ticket to a friend or neighbor who loves music. Tickets are transferable!
If you let us know at least one day before the concert, we’ll happily:
- Exchange your ticket for a credit (to use later in the same season), or
- Convert it into a tax-deductible donation.
Contact the Box Office at (510) 841-2800 or email [email protected].
Can I get a refund?
We’re unable to offer refunds, but see the question above for some great alternatives if you can’t make it.
I’ve misplaced my tickets. What now?
No problem! All digital tickets are emailed to you right after purchase, and again the week of the concert.
You can:
- Print the attached PDFs,
- Show the barcode on your phone, or
- Add tickets to your Apple or Google Wallet.
If you prefer paper tickets and lose them, contact the Box Office. We’ll reprint them and have them waiting at Will Call.
Can I buy tickets at the concert?
Yes! Tickets are available at the Will Call table starting at 2:30 PM on concert day.
NOTE: We recommend arriving early if you’re buying tickets at the door, as lines are longest between 3:30–4:00 PM.
You can always skip the line by purchasing online or by phone ahead of time.
How do I contact the Box Office?
Our box office is not located at First Congregational Church of Berkeley.
Phone: (510) 841-2800
Hours: Monday–Friday, 10 AM–4 PM
On concert days, phones are answered from 10 AM until 12 PM.
Email: [email protected]
We strongly recommend resolving any ticket issues before arriving at the venue.
At the Performance
What should I wear to the concert?
Whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident!
You’ll see everything from jeans and sweaters to cocktail dresses and button-downs at Berkeley Symphony performances. Some people enjoy dressing up for a night out, while others come straight from work or school. There’s no dress code—just come as you are and enjoy the music.
The venue is a historic church, so we recommend dressing in layers in case it gets chilly. If you’ll be sitting in the balcony, consider comfortable shoes—there are stairs and no elevator access.
What about concessions or snacks?
The venue does not sell concessions. Sometimes, community partners sell snacks outside the concert hall—but we can’t always guarantee this.
- We do offer complimentary tea and water at every performance.
- Outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the sanctuary. Ushers may ask you to discard them upon entry.
Intermission and Post-Concert Delights
All concerts include a 15-minute intermission, as indicated in the printed program.
SYMPHONIC CONCERTS For the 25/26 Season, Symphonic Series post-concert receptions are ticketed events with limited availability. You can purchase a VIP Symphonic Reception Subscription by clicking HERE. These ticketed add-ons include access to an exclusive reception with wine, catered hors d’oeuvres and conversations with our musicians and guest conductors in a relaxed, elegant setting.
CHAMBER CONCERTS After the concert, we encourage you to stick around for our post-concert reception! Chamber Series receptions are free to all attendees and include wine and light snacks.
Are there items I can’t bring?
Yes, for the safety and comfort of all guests, certain items are not permitted inside the venue.
The First Congregational Church of Berkeley reserves the right to prohibit any items that are considered dangerous, disruptive, or restricted at the request of the performers. This may include large bags, outside food or drink, noisemakers, or other items that could interfere with the performance or audience experience.
Can I take photos or video?
Before, after and during the intermission, you are welcome to take photo and video to remember your time at the symphony. Tag us on socials @berkeleysymphony!
Due to licensing agreements with the artists and composers, audio and video recording during the performance is strictly prohibited. Thank you for helping us honor the music and protect the integrity of the performance.
First Congregational Church of Berkeley
All of our 2025–26 Symphonic performances take place at:
First Congregational Church of Berkeley
2345 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA 94704
The entrance to the performance hall is on Dana Street.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes—the Orchestra level is fully accessible.
Please note that Balcony access is via stairs only, as there is no elevator.
If you need to change seats due to mobility concerns, contact the Box Office and we’ll assist you.
Those who can’t use stairs may find it easier to be dropped off by the new ramp on the Channing Sreet side of the building if they have a driver. This ramp takes you through the new portion of the Church and out to the portico on the Dana Street side where the entrance of the performance is.
What about parking?
While parking is not provided by the venue, there are a few nearby options:
- Street parking is available around the church (watch for signage). On Sundays, street parking is free.
- Nearby city lots and garages can be found along Durant Ave, Bancroft Ave, Telegraph Ave, and Dana St.
We always recommend arriving early to allow time for parking.
How do I get to the venue?
First Congregational Church of Berkeley is centrally located at 2345 Channing Way, just a few blocks from the heart of downtown. Please note that the entrance to the performance hall is on Dana Street.
Public Transit:
We’re about six blocks from the Downtown Berkeley BART Station, making us easy to reach from anywhere in the Bay Area.
Multiple AC Transit bus routes also pass nearby, including 1, 51B, 49, 52, 851, and F. Routes 18 and 800 stop just three blocks west of the church at Shattuck Ave. & Channing Way.
Biking:
Live nearby? Ride your bike! There’s bike parking available on Dana Street and in the church parking lot.
Chamber Series Information
Everything you need to know before you join us in the gallery.
Do you offer discounts for children or students?
Yes! We love seeing families and students at our chamber concerts.
Our chamber series takes place in an intimate, art gallery setting with fewer than 100 audience members seated close to the musicians. This up-close environment makes for a powerful and personal concert experience.
That said, children should be able to sit quietly through the full performance—there is a 15-minute intermission, but no early exits or Kids Club program due to limited space.
- Children 16 and under: $15
- College students (with valid ID): $15
Discounted tickets are available online at berkeleysymphony.org or by phone.
Please note: Our “Students at the Symphony” program applies only to our full symphonic concerts at First Congregational Church of Berkeley
What if I bought a ticket but can’t make it?
We get it—plans change!
If you can’t attend, you’re welcome to give your ticket to a friend or neighbor who’d enjoy the performance. All tickets are fully transferable.
If that isn’t possible, let us know at least one day before the concert, and we can:
- Exchange your ticket for credit (to use this season), or
- Convert it into a tax-deductible donation
Contact us at (510) 841-2800 or [email protected]
Can I get a refund?
We’re unable to offer refunds, but you do have great options listed above.
I’ve lost my ticket. What should I do?
No worries! We do not issue physical tickets for our chamber concerts. Simply check in by name at the door—we’ll have you on our guest list.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Yes! Tickets are available for purchase at the Will Call table starting at 3:30 PM on concert day. Buy online or by phone ahead of time for the fastest experience.
How do I reach the Box Office?
Our box office is not located at Piedmont Center for the Arts.
Phone: (510) 841-2800
Hours: Monday–Friday, 10 AM–4 PM
Concert days: Phones answered 10 AM–12 PM
Email: [email protected]
We strongly recommend resolving ticket questions before the day of the concert whenever possible.
Piedmont Center for the Arts
Where is Piedmont Center for the Arts located?
We’re located at 801 Magnolia Avenue, Piedmont, CA 94611, right across from Piedmont High School and near the center of town.
Where can I park?
There is free street parking available around the venue. Please allow extra time to find a spot, especially on evenings or weekends when nearby events may also be happening.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The venue is wheelchair accessible through the rear of the building from Bonita Street. If you have specific accessibility needs, please reach out ahead of time so we can best support your visit.
What should I wear to a performance?
There’s no dress code! Whether you’re in jeans or dress shoes, you’ll fit right in. Most people go for “casual nice” or smart casual, but comfort is key.
Can I bring food or drinks into the venue?
No food or drink is allowed inside the performance space unless otherwise noted for a special event. We encourage you to enjoy refreshments before or after the show.
Intermission and Post-Concert Delights
All concerts include a 15-minute intermission, as indicated in the printed program.
CHAMBER CONCERTS After the concert, we encourage you to stick around for our post-concert reception! Chamber Series receptions are free to all attendees and include wine and light snacks.
Is there public transit nearby?
While Piedmont is not directly served by BART, the closest BART stations are MacArthur and Rockridge, both a short ride away by car or rideshare. AC Transit lines such as the 11 and 33 have stops within walking distance of the venue.
When should I arrive?
We recommend arriving 15–20 minutes before showtime to find parking, check-in at the door, and settle in. Doors typically open about 30 minutes before the performance.
Questions
If you have any questions, please email tickets@
We thank you for your support!