The Tri-Valley is home to a thriving arts and culture sector, featuring a variety of museums, art galleries, cultural celebrations, theaters, and experiences. Read below for some of our favorite ways to explore the unique arts and culture offerings in the Tri-Valley.
Bankhead Theater
The Bankhead Theater is easily the largest venue in the Tri-Valley, boasting 507-seats and presenting rotating art exhibits as well as exceptional musical, dance, and live-stage performances all year round. Located in the heart of Downtown Livermore near a variety of restaurants, shops, cafes and lounges, the Bankhead Theater is also a hub for community events and cultural celebrations like the Livermore Innovation Fair, Native American Day, and Diwali.
Blackhawk Museum
The Blackhawk Museum is widely known for it’s extensive classic car gallery, housing a rotating collection of ninety rare, unique, and historically significant automobiles. However, it’s also home to four additional galleries that highlight various cultures and wildlife from around the globe. Visitors are welcome to explore each of the give galleries with admission, including the nationally-acclaimed Spirit of the Old West, Into China, Art of Africa, World of Nature, and its popular Classic Car Collection. The museum also features various events including galas, car shows, and educational events.
Read more about the Must-See Museums in the Tri-Valley.
Shakespeare in the Vineyard
Visitors to the Tri-Valley have the unique opportunity to enjoy Shakespearean performances under the stars. Every summer, the Shakespeare & Performing Arts Regional Company produce live, outdoor performances at a Livermore Valley Winery. Previously known as The Livermore Shakespeare Festival, Shakespeare in the Vineyard has been voted best live performance by the East Bay Times three years in a row: 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Livermore Murals
Nearly 20 larger-than-life murals painted by local artists adorn the walls of businesses and buildings throughout Downtown Livermore and the surrounding areas. Some of these pops of color are easily spotted from main roads while others remain tucked away in less trafficked areas. Visitors are encouraged to check out our Downtown Livermore Mural Guide to find, view, and strike a pose with these attractive works of art.
The Harrington Gallery
The Harrington Gallery is 2,000 square foot fine-arts gallery inside Pleasanton’s Firehouse Arts Center, which also houses a 221-seat theater and a 1,800 square foot classroom. Located in the heart of Downtown Pleasanton, the Harrington Gallery features seven group exhibitions per year, highlighting works by both established and emerging local and regional artists working in a variety of styles, genres, and themes.
Cultural Celebrations
The Tri-Valley is a melting pot of diverse cultures and ethnicities, with a wide variety of cultural celebrations to participate in. Some events include Dublin’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival which draws in thousands of people to the Tri-Valley each year, the ever-popular Scottish Games held at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, and Downtown Livermore’s Native American Day celebration that takes place in front of the Bankhead Theater.
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