Rio Theatre

1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA

Address:	1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
Phone:	+1 831-423-8209
Site:	riotheatre.com
Rating:	4

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 27

Gina Blanchard

I used this venue for my wedding. I must pre-face by saying I am not the easiest bride to handle. My lack of caring actually makes things difficult. I pushed off most of, if not all of, the questions asked of me until the week of (or even day of) my wedding. I was sick on the day of and completely useless. That said, Christy was a pleasure to talk to and to work with and was prompt in returning emails (I live off grid and phones are not easy to come by.). She let us in whenever she could so we could do planning and even offered suggestions (GREAT suggestions) for who we should use for vendors. The place was... BEAUTIFUL. Breathtaking. The lighting was perfect; the sound was wonderful, the marquee was amazing and giant, and everyone who was working there that day made my chaotic (my fault) wedding go off without a single problem. This is inexpensive and fun, and I recommend people use it for a wedding venue possibility in Santa Cruz. EVERYONE keeps telling me how amazing and perfect the wedding was and how it was the most beautiful, fairytale wedding they had ever been to. If I could, I would do it again! Maybe for a 10 year anniversary!

Athonia Cappelli

This venue gets an eclectic range of acts including everyone from Flamenco guitar master Al Di Meola (@alDiMeolaMusic) to Mandolin master @David_Grisman. On 12/2/16 darkwave pioneer Peter Murphy (@PeterMurphyInfo) did an otherworldly set for a ½ full house. It was a little disappointing that more of Santa Cruz did not turn our for his show on a Friday night. Peter Murphy gave his all and we are grateful for the performance. Artists we need to come to Rio include • Suzanne Vega (@suzyV) • Emeliana Torrini (@EmilianaTorrini) • José Gonzalez (@_JoseGonzalez_) • The Weepies (@TheWeepies) How do we get them into the lineup? Tip: Theres plenty of free parking on side streets around the venue. Lock em up!

Chris Conners

We paid somewhere in the area of $130 for two tickets to see Vicente Amigo in what they called Gold Circle or some such...thinking we didnt have to get there early since surely these would be premium seats. There were only six or so seats left and they were all up front to the side obscured by monitors. Terrible view and too loud. Really frustrated and disappointed. We ended up sitting to the back in general seating and these were actually much better. I would never pay that again for seats at Rio. Speaking of seats, no matter how good seating you get there the seats themselves are old and uncomfortable.

Gary L

Historic theater with some problems. Beware of the hours advertised on the web "10a - 6pm". There is nobody there and you will waste your time like I just did. Bummer! I just wanted to pick-up my Will Call tickets early from the box office as people in my party would be arriving at different times. I did call ahead to their telco number, but just a recording and no mention as to when the box office REALLY opens. It would be nice to make some sort of arrangements to allow this OR at least provide correct information about their hours. I´m just sayin....

Elizabeth Skolnik

Saw House of Floyd at RIo last night. If you think a show at the RIo Theater will have great sound, not a chance The Rio Theater sound system was turned off and the only speakers were on stage. Sound was terrible! I was expecting a great Floyd experience with surround sound and it was a disappointment. As folks were streaming out the doors after only 4 songs, the Rio staff sat there waving goodbye. When I stopped to tell them that the sound was terrible one staff person recommended Don Quitos for better sound. What a laugh!

Dac Carbone

Lame room. Saw Salmon there. Def not a good fit for them....or anybody on my playlist for that matter. Poor sound, zero lighting, VIP tix not worth it bc there was nothing VIP about it, no booze was sold, all seating except on the flanks behind the speaker towers...and the employees...if thats what you call them were a Lil snobbish.

Michael Smith

f this place. This a-hole at the door saw my camera and told me its not allowed. I had to walk 3 blocks back to my car. When I get back to the show there are people with cameras all over just snapping away. I will never go to the RIO again.

Eli Triona

An old theater which has turned into a decent venue for live music and performances. Not the best acoustical environment around but it gets the job done.

White Rose Angel

One of My absolute favorite venues! I have seen Warren Haynes most recently.... John Hiatt, Rodney Crowell , Greg Brown ....

Kornorstone Pictures

Love this theatre! Old school and very cool. My movie is debuting there June sixth 2017. Check it out "Hope Dances"

Joe Sandmeyer

Lovely venue for the 2017 Sammy awards. Even with free admission, plenty of seats.

Sandy Glass

Great, small intimate music and performance venue with lots of history behind it.

Nancy Balph

Comfy seats, great place to see a movie or live show. Parking is a bit tricky.

Wendy Winfrey

Great theatre for small venues. Line for the womens restroom was way too long.