California Center for the Arts, Escondido

Sue Palmer opened for Joe Castro.What a phenomenal woman! I have never seen anyone make a piano dance like she did! Super fun and relatable. Joe Castro rocked socks,just!sayin!

The seating was comfortable, and our view was great. Pricing was overly done since it's an older auditorium. The sound wasn't too bad.

Just saw Carmen and Divertimento #15. (Mozart) ant the center. What a great production put on by the City Ballet company and Orchestra! The centers theater is well maintained. More people should know about this venue and the programs available.

Very cool! Went for glass blowing event. Great stories and art!

It was a beautiful place in the heart of the city. 1. Very easy to navigate 2. Varitey of venues for park picnics to ballroom 3. Availability of good food places nearby and Starbucks is just around the corner. 4. Well maintained

Accessibility: there are many accessible/handicap parking spots in the parking lot as well as multiple ramps to get onto the sidewalk that leads to the museum, theaters, ticket office and conference area. When heading toward these buildings from the parking lot the pathway is lit with string lights and street lights in the parking lot. You might come to an option that says the left hallway is for the museum and right hallway for the theaters, ticket office, conference center...only the right side has a ramp so you might need to take that and go a little further until the sidewalk wraps around to the museum side. It's not much farther. If you come from the other side of all these buildings because you parked somewhere else, it is more flat ground and ramps. The museum has a pull door and inside it is very well lit with tons of open space. There are restrooms open in the museum and they have one larger stall for those who need it. Experience: I really loved this museum. It's beautiful inside, very spacious, not too hot or cold, and the tickets are not too expensive compared to some museums. The staff are super friendly and helpful, and the art is very well taken care of. I will definitely come back. Outside the museum there is Grape Day Park which is absolutely beautiful, free, and has many benches and trees with shade.

A place where the homeless live. The fountain is full of trash. This was on a Sunday afternoon. The mayor isn't doing the job he promised.

Excellent venue. Sight lines are great. One of the best sound systems around.

The California Center for the Arts, Escondido is a beautiful venue that brings the community together through music, art, and education. Whether you're attending a live concert in the concert hall, a theatrical production in the intimate theater, or exploring the rotating exhibits in the museum, every experience feels thoughtfully curated. The grounds are relatively clean and well-maintained, with stunning fountains, sculptures, and plenty of space to stroll before a show. (While it's hard to control outdoor debris at times, the staff does a great job keeping things tidy.) The staff is always professional, welcoming, and helpful, whether you're picking up tickets, visiting the museum, or attending a performance. Parking is free and convenient, and the location is within walking distance of several great restaurants if you want to make a full evening of it. The Center also hosts some free community events, dance lessons, art festivals, and cultural celebrations throughout the year, making it a true gathering place for all ages. I highly recommend checking their calendar regularly, you're likely to find something that speaks to you! The Center has two excellent performance spaces: the 400 or so-seat Center Theater and the 1,500 or so-seat Concert Hall, both known for their outstanding acoustics. I've enjoyed live country concerts like Dwight Yoakam and Lee Brice here. I also recently attended the Shen Yun production and a performance by the ATLYS Quartet. Overall, the venues are intimate and offer a wonderful way to experience live entertainment. I highly recommend it and only wish they had more upcoming concerts.

04-06-2025 After being overseas for 2 months, it was great to be back in time to celebrate Lao New Year 20. This venue was perfect for the celebration. Main event held in The Grand Ballroom, very suited to accommodate our community to enjoy the cultural entertainments and beauty pageant. As for the Lyric Courtyard, there were plenty of shaded area for vendors to pitch their tents to showcase various food, snacks and drinks for attendees to purchase. In addition, Grape Day Park provided verdant spacious field for individuals to freely roam with clean washing facilities. The best part, parking was no hassle. After not being in the loop for many years about Loa New Year celebrations, it was a joyful experience to take part; especially I get to see my two beautiful nieces enjoyed themselves being part of the pageant. What a celebration it was! Happy Lao New Year 2025 to all! : )

I have been to this venue a couple of times for dance performances in the early 2000s, but hadn't been there for several years. Recently, my husband I went up to Escondido to see The Reverend Horton Heat perform on Valentine's Day. There are a lot of positive points to this arts center. First, there is plenty of parking. We were able to park easily and it was free. Next, there are some pretty cool murals on the outside of the center. Also, the location is near several restaurants in case you would like to grab a bite before the show. This arts center is also a conference and events center. My husband has been there for a work conference, as there are several other rooms outside of the main theater. On the inside, however, the theater is not really beautiful. I think it was built in the 90s. In some ways it looks like a cool, old theater, but it doesn't have any intricate decoration or design. And, it is badly in need of repair/renovation. The carpet, paint, and tiles are faded and chipped. The bathroom, though clean and spacious, is badly outdated. When we arrived, I wanted a glass of champagne, but the long concessions line would have caused us to miss the first opener. So, we skipped. Later, we were both parched and went to try to buy a drink and some water. Unfortunately, the line was still terrible. We then went to a drinking fountain to get a sip of water. It did work, but barely... something else in need of renovation. Also, they really need to do something different with the concession line. Perhaps, it would be nice to be able to buy bottled water in a different area away from the bar. I would say that most of the staff members we interacted with were polite. I'm guessing is is more about the band rather than the venue, but the crowd was very well-mannered. We sat in the 4th row center so our view was perfect. Seats felt cramped and not very comfortable, but the sound was good. All in all, I had a generally positive experience, but would certainly not go out of my way to attend this venue again.

I came to a magic show here last month! A real magician's performance. It was very cool :) the staff at the theater were friendly and helped me find my seat (you get assigned a seat number on your ticket). The theater is beautiful inside and the performance went great! I will be back!

I had a concert here cause I play trombone and I think it was amazing it was a very nice place very big also we had changing rooms which I found nice plus very cool and nice seating for the people watching the concert

I was part of the Endangered show 4 years ago and it was an amazing exhibition to bring community together all ages and cultures to look at the environment and the astonished by beauty, as well as concern about the loss or you need more projects that unify and give a voice to all those different sides of an issue in order to resolve them

We visited the California Center for The Arts in December for the Nutcracker show. Overall, we had a positive experience. The pros: - a beautiful, classical theatre. The theatre is slightly curved at the ends so most of the seats have good views of the stage. I would highly recommend the middle mezzanine seats (one story above the orchestra section). - plenty of bathrooms that were clean and well kept (they had bathrooms on each floor which meant little to no lines) - friendly and helpful ushers - FREE parking right next to the theatre The cons: - ticket prices seem high for the location (this is Escondido, not downtown San Diego). Some shows were over $100 per ticket even for children. - they have a ridiculous service charge of 20% of your total if you purchase online on their website (plus the Ticketmaster fees if you buy through Ticketmaster). The only option to avoid that fee is to buy tickets directly at the box office.

A fantastic venue- I have been here many times over the years for various shows and events. I just saw a play here while up on the balcony- highly recommended if you don't want to sit around a bunch of people, or if you like seeing the behind-the-scenes action. There's plenty of parking, lots of restrooms, and everything is spacious and well-laid out. Overall, if I see this business listed as the place something is held, I am always pleased because this is such a great space. Pros: - ambience - comfy seats - lots of parking - near restaurants and other activities Cons: - none really

Great local theater for live shows. This is a real gem in Escondido. Two theaters for large shows and intimate outside places for summer music gatherings. They also have classrooms used for special events and an art museum on campus. They don't have as many concerts as they use to before covid, but hope it picks up this year with more variety. The staff is helpful from the nix office people to the ushers. A variety of restaurants closeby for before or after a shows. Its a wonderful place and the city should be proud to have this huge Art center campus bringing culture to the area.

I always liked California Center for the Arts in Escondido. Well maintained. Love, love, love Jason Mraz, his music and what he does for diversity and inclusion.

Shen Yun Show: first, do your research to see if you desire to pay to have the Falun Dafa spiritual practice, which some consider a cult, to be pushed upon you. I also thought the music and dances and costumes were repetitive without diversity. Yet the costumes and dances and music were very nice but the same over and over.

The California Center for the Arts in Escondido is one the finest regional performing arts centers in the country IMHO.  We finally attended a performance here for my 75th birthday.  The Concert Hall is an open venue with great acoustics and not a bad seat in the house.  Ordering our tickets online from the Center was easy, but there was a $10 surcharge on each ticket.  There is a private car park about two blocks away from the Center entrance.  Directional signage could be better.  My one complaint is all of the up and down stairs -- seemingly not ADA compliant. There are elevators between the floors, but their locations are not obvious. Fortunately, Center Staff are friendly and very helpful. Overall, though, this is the cultural center of North San Diego County, and a superior venue to others located in downtown San Diego.  We'll be back!

Great place to see a concert. Acoustics are very good. Well, I have not sat everywhere in side to see a show, the seats I have sat and have excellent sidelines. The only thing that you should be aware of is that there are lots of steps to get around to different seating areas.

I've driven by this many times, and finally was able to check it out. We were in one of the smaller theaters, and for the performance we saw it was perfect. After the show we were able to get some refreshments next door and chat with the performers. The whole area was super cute, will enjoy coming back.

There should be a designated system where people can properly line up before doors open, everyone was just standing around up front unorganized which eventually turned into nearly shoving one another once they unlocked the doors to receive our tickets. But the place is amazing I had an amazing time at the performance. Love that they offer snacks but they seem a bit too expensive for us. Bathrooms on the lower floor confused us as well.

The grounds are beautiful. The center is located in Grape Day park, which has a lot of history in Escondido. Escondido's City Hall is also connected. The architecture is stunning. What ever you are attending at the Art's Auditorium, you will not regret showing up early or sticking around to take in your surroundings. We came here for a recital being held in the smaller auditorium. It's just as beautiful inside.

A solid 4 star review for CCAE and their Northern Lights holiday display. My kids loved the fake snow and all the lights. There was some food for purchase but nothing that said holiday treats. I was really hoping for a hot beverage and cookies for my kids! With that said, this was my second time visiting Northern Lights and I'll definitely return next year. Thanks CCAE!

What an amazing place. It's small/medium size is a perfect accomplishment to give all seats great views from where you sit. We came to see Shen Yun, another bucket list must see for me. We sat about 4 or five rows from the orchestra. Great seats! We love plays and the arts. This is not one to miss. The facility offers easy parking with lots of handicap spots. It's a very short walk to the theater. A little disappointed in the adult drinks. There is no alcohol. I was so needing a glass of wine once we entered. Food is limited to snacks. So don't come hungry.

Wow what a nice place for a convention or outing. I went here recently for a convention. Parking was very simple and ample. After you parked there was a nice bridge and brought you to the main areas. It was very colorful. The park itself was very nice and no one loitering. Saw a park ranger multiple times during my time here. He was very nice and courteous. The venue very spacious and with clean rest rooms. They have a small food area which was very reasonable and the staff was great. The gentleman taking the orders immediately noticed my accent and guessed I was from Boston right away. I will be glad to come back here for any event. It's a 5 star location for sure!!

A last minute night out we went to the art center to watch a movie with a Q & A with the actors. The parking lot was large and a bridge to cross over. The grounds were wonderful and filled with art pieces. The theater was large with an abundance of seating tiered around the room. They did have an open bar to elevate the night to accompany the movie experience. The entire night was great and fun to pick the brains of the actors. I would love to come back to see anything and get the opportunity to enjoy more of the art of theater has to offer.

Seats are way too small and the amount of people allowed for events must be a fire hazard. Never felt so claustrophobic for an event before. Very disorganized staff and seat rows had no visible label that we could find. If I were hosting an event it would not be here.

I have to say I was truly disappointed in this place and the way it is ran. I have had to come here for multiple work events and every time I have gone: -everyone comes in Pea-coats b/c the AC is cranked so high, even in winter in San Diego that we were all shaking. They never adjusted it either, after being told it was too cold for everyone. -No coffee or any food was provided -One time they had a little bit of water and didn't even replenish it so it was gone before we even got to lunch. -it's pretty sterile looking and does not have a worm vibe at all. Disappointing and unprofessional, in my opinion...and I've been to many business socials and networking/training events. I wouldn't book one here!

The California Center for the Arts is located slightly outside the buzz of sunny San Diego. I had a chance to visit this place for the Street Legacy: SoCal Style Masters exhibit. The campus is beautiful, with plenty of open space and murals painted throughout. The Street Legacy show encompasses the culture of Southern California through representations of street art, skating, low riding, and surfing. The exhibit showcases over 100 local artists and is organized by Bobby Ruiz, the CEO of streetwear brand Tribal Streetwear and Dr. Jim Daichendt. They did a phenomenal job. Many exhibits bring attention and ask questions about issues within the community. Others display the culture that we California natives grew up on every day. The Street Legacy show is one of the most extensive collections of street artists that California has seen. If you are in the area, do yourself a favor and check it out. We are lucky that the California Center For The Arts provides a platform for this kind of art to flourish. Street Art is now accepted as contemporary art and is prominent in fashion and pop culture. If this art offends you or you don't understand it doesn't mean it has to be shut down. Art is about asking questions not providing answers, I think that was accomplished. Thank you!

Two beautiful theaters and an event center located in heart of Escondido. I've been to so many different events at the California Center for the Arts over the years including large traveling productions, small local musicals, Yelp events, and even Gem and Mineral shows. It's surprising just how nice this place is. During it's first few years it was considered a boondoggle but it seems to have added plenty of value and much needed culture to this city of taco shops and car washes. Be sure to check out the concert and event schedule and make it a point to check this place out. - Plenty of free parking in the north lot. - The connected park is full of homeless so don't stray too far. My ongoing list of events - Dia de Los Muertos - Bob the Builder Live - smART Fest 2017 - smART Fest 2018 - Palomar Gem and Mineral Club Gem Show 2017 - Palomar Gem and Mineral Club Gem Show 2018 - CSP "The Adams Family" Interesting - If you're in the Center Stage theater look for the mysterious door with no stairs next to the ceiling. There's also no stairs to the door from the outside.

We were here for International Guitar Night 2019. Loved that the parking lot is huge and that parking is free. There was no clear direction on how to get to the venue after leaving our car, but we just followed the groups of others heading in the general direction of the building until we ran into an usher, letting us know to continue straight ahead for our event, or to enter the doors on the left for the Amy Grant show (good for Amy Grant for getting the big venue!) The lobby of the building we were in was a bit cramped, with all the people milling about, but we didn't spend much time out there. Once we were scanned, we walked to the front to get to our seats. The seats weren't the most comfortable ever, but they were good enough for a 2.5-hour show. We definitely enjoyed the night of music, with performances by Luca Stricagnolli, Antoine Boyer, Samuelito and Cenk Erdoğan. The sound quality in that space was very good, and we were in the second row, so we had a good view of the guitars and the players. I wasn't able to get pictures of the performances - the venue very clearly posts signs that discourage videos and pictures inside the theater - but people were snapping pictures during the final bows, so I figured I'd be safe to do the same. It's a nice, comfortable venue for performances, for sure.

I just attended a show (small theater, Jersey boys) and the show was great, superb! However the restroom situation was beyond ridiculous. We were a group of five women and went to the restroom at intermission. Men's was downstairs, women either had to take an elevator (not close) or climb a huge staircase to go up but the line was so long that it ended up going back down the stairs!!!!! My aunt is handicapped and wouldn't have been able to go back down the stairs to the end of the line, fortunately a women gave her and another with the same problem cuts. My sister and I had to use another building and that line was just as long. I saw another review where there were plenty of restrooms, we were only offered 1 option in that building with the small theater. My sister and I missed the beginning of the 2nd part and couldn't sit until we were told to do so. What a mess! My aunt almost didn't make it in time! It figures that the men's restroom was close by. We paid for upgraded seats but will not use this theater again! Shame on your treatment of women and the handicapped and this should also be a health violation! Shows that everything else can be great, such a fantastic performance but my god, the restroom situation ruined it!

I've been to this venue a few times now. The first time was to watch a play, the second time was for a Dia De Los Muertos event, and then a few weeks ago for a tasting. We tried a sushi roll, a charcuterie board, some tacos, pasta, and desserts! I was so stuffed and everything I had was really good. I love how each dish was presented and that we also got to meet the chef. Looking forward to working with them in a few months!

We just attended the Nutcracker Ballet. We previously attended the Northern Lights. Well done this Christmas Season. We've never been to an event there that disappointed. Truly enjoyed the ballet today and the lights 2 weeks ago. Bravo!

Just saw "Ain't Misbehaving" in the smaller theater at CCA. Had a wonderful time. The orchestra was fabulous. The singing was well done. The fun dancing added to performance. Particularly loved the lighting during the song with the cigarette... The shadows really added drama. Well done.

We came here for The Nutcracker, and it was awesome! Parking was super easy, the decorations in the venue were beautiful, our seats had a great view, everything was really comfortable. The stage props and music were very awesome. We had a great experience. The staff are super helpful. The only downsides are the women's bathrooms are inconveniently located (far from the seats) and had lines during intermission. Plus there were no lids on the free water cups, so you can't take them to your seats (drinks must have lids). There was a line to order drinks during intermission, so we didn't have time to try a hot chocolate. I also do wish they turned on the light displays around the venue outside like the light tunnel walking in. Overall, really awesome and would love to return again!

I came upon this place last night for our company event that was hosted, I have lived in the area or California for about a year and half this place was beautiful at night. The atmosphere is engaging and the venue space enormous I can truly see why so many people like this place. When i stepped outside I got to see some of the Art and the way the designed the architectural is beautiful as well. There was a choir event as well going on, they were singing beautifully last night it was a great experience at this spot and I was impressed with how fluid the area feels. I will be looking more into this location and i want to get better photos to put up for my review as well from the daytime.

I'm hard of hearing and the infra-red hearing system is really super nice! My normal situation when going to a movie or concert, etc. I miss most of the words. With this system, when I saw Les Mis, I heard every word! I cried, I was so amazed and very pleased!

Marvelous and spellbinding performance with a sprawling symphony of classic and primal beats. I heard these performers are some of the greatest traveling ballet troops of our time and after experiencing, 'Masterpieces' by 'Astana Ballet,' last night I believe it. One of the performances has a score compatible to the must gripping scenes from Game of Thrones. Thank you Daphne for your incredible hospitality.

SHEN YUN - I've always wanted to go and see this show and finally got a chance to. This Chinese production advertises sooooo much. I mean, before their performance here at the Escondido Center For The Arts, I was getting flyers in the mail weekly. They were also at the malls and stores passing out flyers. They were everywhere!!! All of their reviews were great so I said I'm going! What can I say about the performance - it's like a Chinese version of Cirque Du Soleil and so much better. The acrobatic moves were awesome and the colors of the costumes and backdrops were so vibrant!!! It's a mesmerizing show and I would recommend going to see it. Every year they have a different show so that just because you've seen it once doesn't mean you can't see the show again. I understand they have 6 different dance troupes that travel the world to perform. The 5 stars is actually for the show itself although the Escondido venue was a great place to have it.

Northern Light show: We drove from Carlsbad to Escondido last night (12/19/22). Sadly, it was not worth the gas and time. Yes, there were a few lights that were well done, but only saw a few minutes of blinking lights to music. The big snowflake lights above the sidewalks were not on. The 2 or 3 minute show came on twice while we were there for about 45 minutes. I know it took a lot of work to hang the displays so I'm giving it 3 stars, but it did not come close to meeting their advertisement. I never even saw the Santa's Café for hot chocolate and cookies. Sorry Escondido.

I'm a huge advocate of the arts! Growing up I was always active in dance, music and theatre and I am passionate in the belief that it should be available to everyone, everywhere to enjoy and explore. We are fortunate to have this center for the arts here in North County San Diego. The California Center for the Arts, brings in many brand name acts and also organizes local events to serve the community. Over the course of the last year, we had the opportunity to attend two community and Yelp Events: Dia de los Muertos and our first CMYE Event: Dancing With Our Stars, starring our own CM Trish S. Over the years, we have viewed multiple performances at the center for the arts, such as Jake Shimabukuro live (returning this week). He plays ukulele like a rock star! The Rifftrax holiday show with Mystery Science Theatre and Weird Al Jankovic! What a holiday hit! The California Center for the Arts also has museum exhibits (recently, one exhibit was on the topic of African American hair) with interactive educational sessions, presentations and book signings. Keep supporting the arts...in your community...everyone, everywhere! #Everyone #Everywhere #CaliforniaCenterfortheArts

I've been to a bunch of different kinds of events here over the years. Ballet Trocadero de Monte Carlo (Drag Ballet), Les Miserables, Forbidden Broadway, Kids in the Hall, Ben Folds with the Symphony, Morrissey, and community events like season announcements and the annual Dia de Los Muertos celebration. Plus the private parties like Yelp events, and the DWOS fundraiser. The small theater has hosted events like Dame Edna, the Reduced Shakespeare Co. and a live broadcast by Riff Trax, that was broadcast to movie theaters around the world. It is a pretty theater, but the layout is a little awkward, especially for someone with mobility issues (Mom). You go up several levels to go down stairs in the back, to the restrooms. What? Why is that a good idea? Couldn't we just enter from the ground floor? Seriously, there are unnecessary stairs everywhere in this place. The other problem is that the large theater was built a bit small. With price guarantees on large-scale productions like Big Names & Broadway tours being so large, they have to charge more per ticket, or lose some money. Just a little bigger, and people could afford to go to more shows! The museum space is very nice, and very easy to navigate. I love going to the Dia de los Muertos exhibit every year.

Wonderful performance of the Nutcracker! Great venue, great cast, comfortable seating, we absolutely loved it! Had not been here in years but will definitely keep an eye on upcoming events. Thank you for a wonderful Christmas treat!

We recently had both our wedding ceremony and reception at CCAE's lyric court and sculpture courtyard. We are beyond pleased with everything! Rachael Sharp was our coordinator and she navigated our families, order of events, and our many questions throughout the planning process perfectly. Terry, who also works in events, is also very sweet and the two of them took great care of us! We sent many emails while planning and everything was answered quickly and fully. Also, while we were deciding on a venue, they did not flood our phones and emails and were very patient with us (which is a HUGE bonus- so many venues call daily once they've got your contact info it's ridiculous). Our guests raved about the food, stunning location, and wonderful staff. We have been told by many that ours is one of the best weddings they've been to! A day of coordinator through CCAE comes at a VERY fair price and I can't imagine going through this whole process without one- Rachael is to credit for the "smoothness" of our entire wedding. We did a brunch, so there were even some custom items the culinary team put together and everything was delicious. It was so important to us that our guests not go home hungry and we definitely accomplished that. The staff are all incredibly kind- they even helped me navigate throughout the venue in my giant ball gown. I also heard wonderful things about the server etiquette. If you're thinking about hosting your wedding at CCAE I highly recommend it! We couldn't be happier!

Went here for a wedding over the weekend, and it was beautiful. The ceremony itself was at a church, so the reception was held at this venue. There is a ton of parking at one end of the facility, and the event was towards the other side, so we walked through the campus to get to it. We entered the venue through a red carpet and after a few minutes, were brought into the theater. After watching a video montage of the newlywed an a projector at the top of the stage, the curtains opened up to reveal the reception taking place right on stage. The stage lights added beautiful lighting, and you look out to see all of the rows and levels of seats. At the same time, it also added a little extra heat to the hot 105 degrees it was outside. The reception itself was very beautiful and traditional, but the unique location made it extra special. Good itself was good, a typical sit down meal you would expect at a wedding. The venue had a ton of staff on hand, both in food service and as ushers.

Mariachi Festival and VIP Tacos and Tequila event has always been a treat for myself, my friends and family. Concert, dance, singing, food,... lots of fun. Great cultural experience. This is a professional music festival. Have fun.

Went here for an outdoor concert in August 2019 to see Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan and Charlie Musselwhite. All Blues musicians. The seating area is all on the grass and if you get there early enough you can find a spot right up front. You can bring a blanket or a chair to sit in the grass area. Not bad for only $45! Sound was good and not too loud. Get here early as you will go thru a metal detector station. No outside food or drinks are allowed so don't even try to bring a cooler or large backpack or purse as there are size limitations and they will search your bags. Have not been to the inside for a concert or event so I can't give you a review on the inside yet.

We had our rehearsal dinner here April in the museum courtyard and I've been meaning to leave a review about how wonderful it was! Coby and Vivienne were so helpful and efficient with all the planning, the courtyard was so beautiful and such a perfect spot, and the food was Extremely delicious and really elegant, which we weren't expecting given how reasonable the cost was - we were so impressed by the whole experience and really grateful that we came across this place as an option. We'd highly recommend it to anyone looking to do an event!! Thanks CCAE!

CCAE is generally known for taking lower-key acts where it's expected you will be seated. In recent years they've taken on more and more rock shows. I love rock shows. But in a theater style venue it just doesn't make sense to me. Some people want to sit, and others want to stand, but in this theater, if you want to sit in good seats, your only option is to watch the row of standing people in front of you, instead of the show.... Which means now YOU will now have to stand up and bum out the people behind you. The theater style seating doesn't allow allow easy access in and out if you want a beer (which you probably will at a rock show) which means you will have to make the entire row seated beside you stand up to give you room to exit the row. Enter my experience: The real trouble started when a sloshed 265 lb woman in a dress 3-sizes-to-small stood up in front of us and proceed to use her inebriated boyfriend as her own personal stripper pole. The act itself was so mocking to everyone that wasn't standing or drunk, and so intentionally distracting that everyone behind us asked US to ask them to sit down. It was like being forced to watch Jabba-the-Hut give Tom Arnold a lap dance. Do you wanna see that with your mom? To say she was uncomfortable is an understatement. This is obviously not the venue's fault. There are no necks redder than my step-dad's, so he suggested climbing over THEIR seats to the empty row in front of THEM, which my mom wasn't having. So I rushed her off to the side to a row of empty seats away from the chaos. No sooner as I seat her I look back in shock to see my step-dad cradled in a Hulk Hogan style headlock and a multi-person melee ensues that is now outshining the bedazzled spectacle onstage. Surreal. I peeled everyone off each other we're escorted out by security, who, thankfully, was more than understanding and cool. They even offered a full refund and re-seated us in another area. But ultimately the damage was done and the night ruined. In my humble opinion, the blame ultimately has to fall on the theatre-style-venue for taking on rock acts like these. Either everyone's gotta stand up, or everyone's gotta sit down. Otherwise you're screwed out of your money. CCAE has, in the past been known for presenting lower-key acts where it is expected that everyone will be seated, so thats what we were expecting. My 2 cents: Stop doing rock shows here. Sorry mama.

Deceived! Expected to see dances and costumes as advertised. The bases or Agenda of the whole show is to spread the word about their religion "Falun Dufa" every Singers sang about it, about 1/3 of the dances were about it. Very expensive to have this religion given to us when we were there to be entertained. So if I had to say what the story line is... Definitely is their religion. Pros are the dancers are athletes! Very talented.

Easy to find. Free parking. Comfortable seating. My only gripe with this place is it's soooo confusing to find a restroom!!! Makes you take an elevator to the bathrooms then you have to take some more stairs down. I can't imagine how someone in a wheelchair can navigate this maze!

Ug. Went to a concert. Trapped in the middle. Horrible to not be able to move. Not going back

This was my first time here. I went to see an amazing play my friends son was in (Beauty and the beast). The theatre is nice but I didn't like getting through to my seat. There isn't space to walk when ppl are sitting. It's hard not to step on them or bump them. It's also super cold inside there so bring a jacket or you'll regret it. Now that I've come, I'm super interested in whatever other plays they have here because now I know I love plays! Don't take any pics (my bad... didn't know!) Or they shine their flashlight at you.

I've been coming to the California Center for the Arts, Escondido for many years. It's great to have this so close to home. The sound in the concert hall wasn't that great many years a go but i've been coming back more recently for a few parties. I was invited to go see a Christmas concert a few days a go so I got to go back in the concert hall and the difference was amazing. The concert hall seemed more grand from what I remembered. The sound was great and I really enjoyed the Christmas concert. The grounds here are beautiful. Perfect for large parties. I love the open courtyard and it's always great to hang out there during a party. I finally was able to see their art gallery last month and it was amazing. It's great to show off local artwork. I always have a great time when I get to come here. Until next time!