“While many festivals are held in all-inclusive venues, such as fairgrounds or amphitheatres, the Berkeley “happening” takes place in a plethora of settings, giving festival-goers a chance to explore the many niches of downtown Berkeley.” – Jim Harrington, Oakland Tribune
In an event as diverse as Berkeley itself, the fourth annual Downtown Berkeley MusicFest offers up ten tasty days of musical magic to satisfy every musical craving. From the otherworldy Eastern European vocal harmonies of Kitka to the political messages of hip hop artists Dead Prez, a lawnside seat to hear the Bay Area’s most adventurous orchestra, the Berkeley Symphony’s Brass Quintet or kicking up your heels at Rhonda Benin’s Twist & Shout all-out dance party, we’ve got fun for every member of your family. This far flung event, taking place in thirteen venues in Berkeley’s vibrant arts district, includes 62 performances (many free), both indoors and outdoor, and a kaleidoscope of musical genres—Jazz, Rock, Latin, R&B, Acoustic, Celtic, Bluegrass and Blues—performed by national touring artists and top local talent. Opportunities abound to get your musical groove on every way possible—listen to it, dance to it, learn about it, be it, share it, but most of all, don’t miss it!
The festival features music performances and correlated cultural events including dance, film, jam sessions, workshops, and fabulous cuisine featured at festival venues throughout the Downtown, promoting the arts and contributing to a more lively downtown community.
Join the festival community on Facebook and Twitter for up to date late festival news, invitation-only events, and contests with great prizes.
August is summer fun month in Downtown Berkeley with three overlapping events: the Center Street Summer Cinema on Saturday nights with free music and movies, Summer Noon Concerts held at BART Plaza every Thursday in August, and the Downtown Berkeley MusicFest August 19-29. The Summer Noon Concerts are produced by the Jazzschool with support from the Downtown Berkeley Association and feature talent from the Jazzschool’s Rising Stars! Summer Series.
Thanks to our Sponsors!
The Downtown Berkeley MusicFest is sponsored by the Downtown Berkeley Association, the City of Berkeley, Berkeley Symphony Orchestra, and KPFA, and produced by the Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse.
Center Street Summer Cinema evenings are generously sponsored by the Downtown Berkeley Association, Bank of America, Eco-City Builders, Alborz Persian Restaurant, Sportivo Italian Restaurant, and media partner Berkeleyside.com. Additional sponsors include HDR Remodeling, Office of Council Member Jessie Arreguin, Office of Mayor Tom Bates, and UC Berkeley Community Relations. Center Street Summer Cinema is presented by the Downtown Berkeley Association, with production support by www.AnotherBullwinkelShow.com where you may get more info or find it at www.DowntownBerkeley.org 510.549.2230 x11.
These events are a sample of the arts and entertainment that can be found all year round in Downtown Berkeley.