Oakland is Getting a Brand New 1,000 Person Capacity Music Venue
Thanks to KQED for sharing the news that Oakland is getting a brand new 1,000 person capacity music venue in downtown.
A new music venue, Ceremony, is set to open next month in downtown Oakland near the corner of Broadway and 13th Street. With a capacity of 1,000, the venue aims to fill a gap in the East Bay’s live music scene, hosting a variety of touring acts, local performers, and themed DJ nights. Its programming will span multiple genres, including rap, R&B, punk, Latin, comedy, and queer pop.
Located at 1220 Broadway, Ceremony features a 6,013-square-foot ground floor with a wrap-around mezzanine and a state-of-the-art sound system. Two bars and a kitchen will offer food and drinks to concertgoers. The venue’s location is particularly convenient, sitting next to the 12th Street BART station, making it accessible for Bay Area residents.
The team behind Ceremony is also responsible for Crybaby, a 400-capacity nightclub that opened in 2022 just a few blocks away. While Crybaby quickly became a fixture of Oakland’s music scene, Ceremony was actually the team’s initial project, delayed by the pandemic and the building’s ownership changes.
The venue will occupy a space with a rich history. Originally built as the Lux Theater in 1948, the building later served as a Goodwill from 1988 to 2019. Extensive renovations have transformed the space into a modern music hall while maintaining its architectural character.
Ceremony’s size and location set it apart, as there are few venues in the Bay Area with a similar capacity, and none in Oakland. It seeks to complement larger venues in the region by providing a space for mid-sized performances and events. The venue may also host outdoor block parties on 13th Street, adding to its potential as a cultural hub for the downtown area.
The venue is expected to contribute to downtown Oakland’s nightlife, offering a space for diverse events and audiences. Ceremony’s opening highlights the ongoing efforts to reinvigorate the city’s cultural scene despite limited public funding for arts and culture.
The initial lineup of performances will be announced soon, showcasing a mix of well-known artists, DJs, and comedians. Ceremony is positioned to become a key player in Oakland’s growing arts and entertainment landscape.
The first announced show will be on March 22 with Comedian Sam Jay.
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