One of the most popular ways to enjoy the Woodminster Amphitheater is to plan a picnic dinner before the show. Picnic tables are available throughout the park on a first come, first served basis, or groups can reserve picnic areas through the Oakland Parks & Recreation Department. You will probably want to arrive not later than 6:30 pm to have time for a leisurely picnic before the show starts (promptly) at 8 pm.

There are a few dozen picnic tables within the amphitheater itself that can be reserved through Producers Associates for a nominal charge of $20 per table, per night (to cover the cost of the gate keepers). Each person entering the amphitheater picnic area must have a ticket for that night's show, and restrictions apply in terms of the number of tickets you must purchase to reserve a table. These in-amphitheater picnic tables are not available for any reason before 5:30 p.m. on the night of an 8 pm.

Picnic Table Map

Note: These picnic tables are reserved early, and most tables for Saturday nights are booked by returning season ticket holders before they're available to the general public.

For information about reserving picnic tables call 510-531-9597.

Food & Snacks

There are snack bars inside the amphitheater. Coffee, hot chocolate, soft drinks, hot dogs, candy, popcorn, and cookies, and more are available for purchase.

You may also bring your own refreshments. There is no restriction on bringing food or beverages into the amphitheater, to consume either at a picnic table or in your seats. (It should be mentioned that though you are welcome to bring alcoholic beverages, we do not sell alcohol in our concessions booth.)

There are grills available in the park to use before the show. No fires within the park, except for charcoal fires on City-provided barbecue pits. Please put out your fire before leaving the picnic site. We encourage visitors to dump their coals in designated containers. If these containers are not accessible, please remove coals from the park to avoid a potential fire. While there are grills in the park for one to use, the City of Oakland’s, Parks and Recreation Department’s policy is no fires or barbecuing of any kind anywhere in the park on Red Flag Days. We ask that you please do not use the grill or light any fires on Red Flag Days for the safety of all.