Waterfront Playhouse & Conservatory

Owned and operated by the University of California, Berkeley, the William Randolph Hearst Greek Theatre -- or just Greek Theatre, as it's known to locals -- has played host to thousands of concerts featuring a huge spectrum of musical genres. In addition to musical acts, the venue is also used for a variety of other events including UC Berkeley's graduation ceremonies and speeches by high-profile speakers.Parking and public transportation at the Greek TheatreDue to its location street parking is extremely limited in the area around the theatre, but there are nearby lots and parking garages that are controlled by the university. The Downtown Berkeley BART Station is approximately one mile away. There are also multiple AC Transit bus stops on the surrounding streets.Getting tickets at the Greek TheatreTickets are available on the Greek Theatre website, don't come with any additional service fees, and include free shipping. The box office at the theatre is open only on the day/night of performances. If tickets are still available for the event you may purchase them at the box office, but many events sell quickly, so it's best to buy tickets ahead of time.Types of concerts at the Greek TheatreAnything and everything. No matter what genre you're into, there's a good chance the Greek Theatre has a show coming up soon that suits your musical tastes.Other places to visit near the Greek TheatreCalifornia Memorial Stadium, the home field for a number of Cal's athletic teams, is less than a half-mile away and is generally regarded as one of the best facilities in college sports. About a half-mile away is the iconic Telegraph Avenue, the famous strip full of shops and merchants that gives the city much of its appeal and flavor. A couple blocks over from Telegraph is the UC Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, one of the largest university art museums in the United States.Where to stay near the Greek TheatreBerkeley has plenty of hotels available in various locations around the city. If you don't want to stray too far from the venue, there are a group of hotels located on University Avenue.Insider tip for visitors to the Greek Theatre Because the Greek Theatre is an open-air venue, music can easily be heard from outside the facility on the street. If you happen to be in the area when a show is happening you should consider strolling around charming neighborhoods and enjoying some free tunes.Author's bio: Dennis Biles is a freelance journalist who was born and raised in the Bay Area.