Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre, Open-air theatre in Mount Tamalpais State Park, United States.
The Sidney B. Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre is an open-air theatre located within Mount Tamalpais State Park, perched at about 2,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by natural rock outcrops. The stone venue seats approximately 4,000 people across multiple tiers and offers sweeping views toward the San Francisco Bay.
The amphitheatre was built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps using serpentine rock, named in honour of Sidney B. Cushing who was associated with the Mount Tamalpais Railway. The tradition of staging theatre performances at this location, however, started earlier in 1913.
The amphitheatre has served as a gathering place for spring theatre performances for over 100 years, bringing together audiences who come to experience live productions surrounded by nature. These recurring events shape how people connect with this mountain and turn it into a cultural destination for arts enthusiasts from the surrounding region.
The amphitheatre is accessible via a walk from the parking area, with the mountain itself reachable by car or hiking trail depending on your preference. Visitors should know that the elevation and steep terrain can make getting around challenging, and sturdy footwear is recommended for the uneven ground.
In 1967, the amphitheatre hosted the Fantasy Fair and Magic Mountain Music Festival, one of the first outdoor rock festivals during that era of cultural change. This event represented a turning point when live music and artistic experimentation came together at this remote location on the mountain.
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