As the curtains close on the 2025 summer of live theater during Pacific Conservatory Theatre’s residency, Solvang Festival Theater has announced its upcoming live entertainment programming that opens Sept. 10.
“There are many within the community that think Solvang Festival Theater is only open during the summer months when PCPA brings their incredible live shows to the open-air theater,” said Chantel Green, executive director of Solvang Theaterfest, the nonprofit that operates Solvang Festival Theater.
“Our theater hosts a variety of programming nine months out of the year! From headlining acts in the spring and fall, to our popular Music in the Garden each summer; we are thrilled to present an incredible variety of live entertainment for locals and visitors to enjoy,” Green said.
Upcoming performances include:
Mat Kearney – Wednesday, Sept. 10 . Tickets: $80-$125 . Kearney brings his Headlights Home Tour to Solvang, with special guest Steinza. Kearney has released seven studio LPs, claimed the No. 1 spot on iTunes, topped multiple Billboard charts, and amassed 2.5 billion global streams.
Comedy Night featuring Frazer Smith and Orny Adams – Saturday, Sept. 13 . Tickets: All Seats $59. Adams delivers a satirical standup routine that vacillates between the relevant and the absurd. Orny will be joined by comedian and radio personality Frazer Smith in an evening presented in partnership with Solvang Rotary.
Nashville Nights, Benefitting Friendship House – Saturday, Sept. 27. Tickets: Limited Availability, visit nashvillenights.org for details. The 2025 lineup features award-winning Nashville songwriters Marv Green, Carson Wallace, Steve Moakler, Leslie Satcher, Rivers Rutherford, and Caiden Wallace.
The Robert Cray Band – Saturday, Nov. 1. Tickets: $65-$95. (Limited autographed merchandise package also available for $78.) A blues icon, soul man and rock-and-roller, Grammy-winner Robert Cray has spent five decades carving out a space in American music with his soulful voice, searing guitar work.
Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience – Saturday, Nov. 8 . Tickets: Adults, $25; children ages 12 and under, $15 . Trainer Perondi and his cast of rescue dogs entertain audiences of all ages with high-energy excitement. The performance offers tricks, big-air stunts, comedy antics, dancing dogs, and athletic feats.
One Night of Queen – Friday, Nov. 14 . Tickets: $75-$90. Gary Mullen & The Works will have the audience dancing in their seats, while the band pays tribute to the stage theatrics, showmanship, and music of Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductees: Queen.
Show tickets can be purchased online at solvangtheaterfest.org; in person at the Solvang Theaterfest Box Office, 433 Second St.; and by phone at 805-686-1789 ext. 0.
All tickets subject to a $5 facility fee to assist with necessary repairs and maintenance of the theater facility and grounds.
Solvang Festival Theater also offers the Star Patron program that includes VIP tickets to each of PCPA’s 2026 summer shows on an exclusive Star Patron evening, a pre-performance catered reception with hosted bar; intermission reception with dessert and coffee in the Patron Garden; discounts to select Solvang Festival Theater shows throughout the year, and a tax-deductible donation that benefits the theater directly.
For retails on the Star Patron program and the 2026 performances, visit https://solvangtheaterfest.org/star-patron.