Paramount Theatre Tours – World's Best Haunted House
Photo by Philip Greenspun, via Paramount Theatre website
If you’ve never been to the Paramount Theatre, read Christy’s recent post that describes just how rad that place is. It is, by far, my favorite Bay Area venue.
I’ve been wanting to do this, and post about it, for years, but I keep forgetting. Thankfully, I was reminded by my two recent trips to the Paramount to see Sufjan Stevens (and yes, it was as amazing as Christy said) and…wait for it…LEONARD COHEN. There are no words. Dude’s like 200 years old but I’d date that guy in a heartbeat.
Anyway, back to the belabored point: the Paramount Theatre hosts two-hour guided tours on the first and third Saturdays of every month. Now, you might think, who wants to see a TWO-HOUR tour of a theatre? The answer is you. Apparently the old art deco giant is riddled with secret passageways, trapdoors, hidden corridors, wacky machinery, and so much more. You should read Jon Carroll’s article from 15 years ago (he says it’s the world’s best haunted house!). Yep, you’ve been missing out on this for 15 years. Who knew? I did. I just forgot to tell you. But I’m telling you now. So do it!
The Paramount Theatre – Guided Tours
1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, 10am-12pm
The Paramount Theatre
2025 Broadway Ave [Oakland]
Meet at the Box Office entrance on 21st Street near Broadway
$5
