1683 Best Performing Arts Venues in USA

In a dramatic building designed by Peter Eisenmann, the Wexner Center for the Arts houses contemporary art—including performance art and mixed-media works. The cabaret-style theater features intimate concerts, rarely screened movies from independent film makers, and discussions or lectures with filmmakers, artists, and performers.

This quirky, oft-madcap, and hilariously funny spoken-word event is part reading, part circus variety show. Writers range from unknowns to rising stars and the occasional well-known author. Writers with Drinks usually takes place at the Make-Out Room, at 3225 22nd Street in the Mission.

This popular Oakland club is one of the nation's best jazz venues.