
Pantages Theatre (multiple locations)
A historic gem hosting spectacular Broadway shows, live music, and comedy in a stunning, ornate setting.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking

Pantages Theatre (multiple locations)
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic gem hosting spectacular Broadway shows, live music, and comedy in a stunning, ornate setting.
"Exceptional venue with amazing acoustics and comfortable seats, a fantastic place to see a show!"

🎯 Rush Tickets
Try for rush tickets in person when the box office opens 2 hours before the show for great deals!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You might do some walking to find parking or explore the historic venue.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Broadway Musicals
Main Stage
Experience world-class productions like Hamilton, Wicked, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Historic Architecture
Entire Venue
Marvel at the stunning, ornate interior of this historic vaudeville theater, a true LA landmark.

Live Music & Comedy
Main Stage
Catch touring musicians and stand-up comedians in an intimate and acoustically pleasing setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Parking Strategy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Rush Tickets
Try for rush tickets in person when the box office opens 2 hours before the show for great deals!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You might do some walking to find parking or explore the historic venue.
📱 Check Show Times
Always confirm showtimes and dates online before heading out to avoid confusion.
👂 Sound Quality Varies
Sound can be inconsistent; lower floor seats often offer the best acoustics.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Rush Tickets
Try for rush tickets in person when the box office opens 2 hours before the show for great deals!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You might do some walking to find parking or explore the historic venue.
📱 Check Show Times
Always confirm showtimes and dates online before heading out to avoid confusion.
👂 Sound Quality Varies
Sound can be inconsistent; lower floor seats often offer the best acoustics.
👻 Ghost Stories
Some believe the Tacoma Pantages is haunted by vengeful lovers!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Pantages Theatre for its stunning historic architecture and the high quality of the Broadway productions it hosts. The intimate feel and good sightlines are frequently mentioned positives. However, some reviews note that sound quality can be inconsistent depending on seating location, and parking can be a significant challenge and expense.
"Exceptional venue in the heart of downtown Tacoma. The acoustics are amazing! Wonderful sight lines and from every location and super comfortable seats.
Plenty of free street parking during the evening. Simply a fantastic place to see a show!"
Kevin Vickery
"Took my daughters out and they had a blast. Beautiful building; they sell drinks for those 21 and older and some snacks."
Christina G
"Quite the historical building, simply gorgeous inside. There was a concession stand, restrooms were downstairs, easy access to your seats. Beware of the small outdoor parking lot across the street to the west. On an event night, it's likely by reservation. Fortunately, there were a few open slots. Payment on-the-spot was by online credit card...$30 ! Find the parking garage a block to the east instead."
Bonnie Ecker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pantages Theatre is located in downtown Los Angeles. Public transportation options include various bus lines and the Metro B (Red) Line to the Hollywood/Highland station, followed by a short walk. Driving is also an option, but be prepared for traffic and parking challenges.
Yes, there are parking options. Street parking can be found but is often limited and may be free in the evenings. A paid parking garage is located a block east, offering a more reliable solution than the small, expensive lot directly across the street.
The Metro B (Red) Line to Hollywood/Highland is a convenient option, putting you within walking distance. Several bus routes also serve the Hollywood area, making public transit accessible.
It's advisable to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before showtime to account for parking, security, and finding your seats. If you're aiming for rush tickets, you'll need to be there when the box office opens, typically two hours before the performance.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to get to and from the Pantages Theatre, especially if you want to avoid parking hassles. There are usually designated drop-off and pick-up zones nearby.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Pantages Theatre website or authorized ticket vendors. For potential discounts, consider trying for rush tickets in person at the box office on the day of the show.
Rush tickets are a popular way to get discounted tickets for many shows, available in person at the box office. Keep an eye out for special promotions or group rates if available.
The box office typically opens two hours before showtime for in-person sales and rush ticket distribution. It's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.
Yes, it's often possible to get tickets on the day of the show, especially if you're willing to try for rush tickets. However, for highly popular performances, tickets may sell out in advance.
Latecomers are typically seated at an appropriate break in the performance to minimize disruption. This varies by show, so it's best to arrive on time.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The Pantages Theatre offers comfortable seating with good sightlines from most locations. Some reviewers note that sound quality can vary, with lower floor seats generally recommended for the best audio experience.
Yes, there are concession stands selling drinks (including alcoholic beverages for those 21+) and some snacks. You can also find restrooms located downstairs.
The Pantages Theatre hosts a variety of performances, including major Broadway musicals, live music concerts, comedy shows, and special events.
Absolutely! Many shows, especially musicals, are family-friendly. The historic venue itself can be an exciting experience for children.
Yes, the Tacoma Pantages Theatre is rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of two vengeful lovers, with some visitors reporting lights turning on and off mysteriously.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography and videography are prohibited during performances to avoid disrupting the show and for copyright reasons. However, you may be able to take photos of the lobby and exterior before or after the show. Always check the venue's specific policy.
The ornate lobby and the exterior of the Pantages Theatre offer great photo opportunities. Capturing the grandeur of the architecture can make for memorable shots.
Flash photography is almost always prohibited during performances at any theatre, including the Pantages, as it can be distracting to performers and other audience members.
On social media, you'll find many photos and videos of the stunning interior, the stage during performances (often from before the show starts or during curtain calls), and people posing in front of the iconic facade.
While professional photography is usually restricted, you might capture some moments during curtain calls or from very specific angles if allowed. However, the focus should be on enjoying the live performance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning your visit, consider booking tickets in advance, especially for popular shows, to ensure you get seats together. Matinee performances can be a great option for families, often with a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. Be sure to check the age recommendations for specific shows to ensure they are suitable for your children. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase, which can be a nice treat for kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
Another consideration is attending shows during the off-season or on weekday evenings, which may sometimes have lower ticket prices compared to weekend performances. While parking can be expensive, exploring public transportation options or looking for parking garages a few blocks away can save money compared to the closest lots.
💖 Couples & Date Nights
Pair your theatre experience with a pre-show dinner at one of the many restaurants in the surrounding Hollywood area, or enjoy a post-show drink to discuss the performance. The historic ambiance of the Pantages itself adds a touch of elegance and charm to any date.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Pantages Theatre's Rich History
Over the decades, the Pantages Theatres have evolved from vaudeville houses to cinemas and eventually to premier venues for live stage productions, particularly Broadway musicals. The Los Angeles Pantages Theatre, in particular, has hosted legendary performers and iconic shows, solidifying its status as a cultural landmark. The architectural grandeur of these theaters, with their intricate detailing and lavish interiors, remains a significant draw for visitors.
Interestingly, some Pantages locations are associated with ghost stories. The Tacoma Pantages, for instance, is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of vengeful lovers, with unexplained phenomena like lights turning on and off reported by visitors. These tales add an extra layer of mystique to the already captivating history of these historic venues.
Securing the Best Seats and Deals
For budget-conscious theatergoers, the 'rush ticket' strategy is a popular insider tip. This involves lining up at the box office when it opens, typically two hours before the show, to purchase deeply discounted tickets. This method is highly recommended by those who have successfully snagged great seats for less.
When considering seating, reviews suggest that while most seats offer good sightlines, the acoustics can vary. Some patrons have noted that lower floor seats provide a superior sound experience compared to those upstairs or on the sides. Therefore, if sound quality is a priority, aiming for orchestra or main floor seating is advisable.
Navigating Parking and Arrival
For a more consistent parking solution, visitors are advised to utilize the parking garage located a block to the east of the theatre. This often proves to be a less stressful alternative. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also excellent options, providing convenient drop-off and pick-up points near the venue, allowing you to bypass parking concerns altogether.
It's generally recommended to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the scheduled showtime. This buffer allows ample time for parking, navigating the venue, and finding your seats without feeling rushed. For those attempting to secure rush tickets, arriving when the box office opens, two hours prior to the performance, is essential.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit