News Summary
The Irvine Barclay Theatre is celebrating its 35th anniversary with the Barclay Block Party, a free community event featuring various activities for families and a performance by Phat Cat Swinger. The theatre has a rich history of hosting over 5,000 events and attracting 3 million visitors. This event underscores its commitment to the arts and community, as it invites attendees to enjoy live music, face painting, and other festivities, while highlighting upcoming performances in their new season.
Irvine, California – The Irvine Barclay Theatre is set to celebrate its 35th anniversary this month with a free community event known as the Barclay Block Party. This celebration will take place from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on September 28, 2025, marking a milestone that highlights the venue’s rich history since its opening on September 30, 1990. The theatre has welcomed over 3 million audience members and hosted more than 5,000 events throughout its 35 years of operation.
Families are invited to enjoy various activities during the block party, including face painting, a caricature artist, a marionette show, live music, and dance performances, ensuring an entertaining afternoon for attendees of all ages. Following the block party, concert-goers will be treated to a performance by Phat Cat Swinger, a Los Angeles-based jazz and swing band featuring 11 talented members, including Blake Lewis, the runner-up from “American Idol.” This concert is scheduled to start at 3 p.m.
History and Background
The Irvine Barclay Theatre was constructed with a total project cost of approximately $17.4 million, which was largely financed through bonds approved by city voters. Contributions from the city of Irvine, UC Irvine, and private sources totaled over $11 million towards making the theatre a reality. With a seating capacity of 756, the venue serves nearly 100,000 patrons each year and has become a crucial part of the local arts scene.
The theatre’s unique mission involves presenting exceptional performances, providing professional space for community groups, and serving as a performing arts venue for the university. Approximately 50% of the productions at the theater are dedicated to community events, with UC Irvine hosting 25% and headline acts representing the final quarter. The venue typically averages around 250 events over its 11-month season each year.
Season Kickoff Performance Highlights
The 2025-26 season at the Irvine Barclay Theatre will commence alongside the anniversary celebrations. The schedule is already packed with an impressive line-up, beginning with performances from:
- Jose Limón Dance Company on September 25
- Raiatea Helm on September 26
- Joshua Redman Quartet on September 27
Upcoming performances in October include Grammy nominee David Nail on October 4 and ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro on October 5. As part of the family programming, “The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System” will be performed on November 2, followed by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s “Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party” on November 30.
Community Impact and Growth
In the past year, the Irvine Barclay Theatre has demonstrated strong community support, with ticket sales rising by 18% and revenue increasing by 14%. This growth illustrates the venue’s significant role in promoting the arts in Irvine and surrounding areas. Jerry Mandel, who served as President Emeritus from 2015 to 2023, underscored the theatre’s collaborative model which brings together community members, the university, and donors.
For those interested in attending the Barclay Block Party, free general admission tickets can be reserved online at the theatre’s official website, ensuring that the event remains accessible to all community members. With its long-standing dedication to excellent performances and community involvement, the Irvine Barclay Theatre continues to be a cherished venue for both artists and local residents alike.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Irvine Barclay Theater’s 35th Anniversary
- Irvine Standard: Irvine Barclay Theatre Marks 35 Years
- Broadway World: Irvine Barclay Theatre Celebrates 35th Season
- Wikipedia: Irvine Barclay Theatre
- Google Search: Irvine Barclay Theatre events
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COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
