Tucked away on the Dominican University campus in San Rafael, Angelico Concert Hall is one of those under-the-radar spots that locals love and visitors stumble upon by chance. The venue first opened back in September 1921, and its 1920s architecture really does transport you. With seating for 800-plus and surprisingly good acoustics, Angelico Hall is a go-to for music fans who want quality performances without the chaos of downtown San Francisco.
Step inside Angelico Hall and you’re immediately in the middle of a lively cultural scene—university events, public concerts, and even the occasional big-name speaker. The location’s a real plus: it’s central to Marin County and spares you the headaches of city traffic and parking.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
The hall’s name, a nod to Saint Thomas Aquinas’s nickname, hints at the Dominican heritage of the university. If you have a minute, check out the building’s details—there’s a lot of craftsmanship here that’s easy to overlook. Not many folks put Angelico Hall on their Bay Area itinerary, but those who do often end up coming back for the cozy vibe and year-round lineup.
Overview of Angelico Concert Hall
Angelico Hall sits right in the middle of Dominican University of California in San Rafael, blending historic architecture with impressive acoustics for Marin County’s arts crowd.
History and Architecture
Angelico Hall opened in September 1921, so it’s been around for more than a century. The name “Angelico” comes from Saint Thomas Aquinas’s nickname, tying back to the university’s Catholic roots.
The building’s loaded with 1920s architectural touches. The main auditorium can seat over 800, making it one of the larger venues in Marin. You’ll spot those classic early 20th-century features as soon as you walk in.
Angelico Hall has kept its historic charm but updated what’s needed. The acoustics? Honestly, they’re impressive—perfect for live music.
Significance in Marin County Arts
This place is a cultural anchor in Marin. You’ll catch everything from university events to public concerts here.
Regular concert series bring in classical, jazz, and all kinds of music. A lot of Bay Area musicians love performing here, mainly because the sound is just that good.
The Leadership Lecture Series, which brings in well-known policy makers and thinkers, has become a staple in Marin’s intellectual scene.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
For folks in Marin County, Angelico Hall offers top-tier arts programming—no need to trek into San Francisco. Being in central San Rafael means it’s easy to get to no matter where you’re coming from.
Planning Your Visit
Heading to Angelico Concert Hall? A little planning goes a long way. The venue’s easy to reach, the seating’s comfortable, and you’ll find some great local spots nearby.
Getting There and Parking
You’ll find Angelico Concert Hall on the Dominican University campus in San Rafael, California. If you’re driving up from San Francisco, take Highway 101 north to the Central San Rafael exit and follow the signs. It usually takes about 30 minutes, unless traffic’s a mess.
There’s free parking in lots close to the hall. For busy nights, plan to get there at least half an hour early—parking fills up fast. The main lot sits right next to the hall, and if that’s full, you can park at Meadowlands Hall.
Public transit is an option, too. Golden Gate Transit buses run from San Francisco and other parts of Marin. The nearest stop is just a quick five-minute walk from the entrance.
Accessibility and Seating Options
Angelico Hall’s fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps leading to the main entrance. They offer designated wheelchair seating with companion spots nearby, and these seats give you a great view—just make sure to reserve ahead.
There are about 800 seats total, arranged in a classic concert hall style. If you want the best acoustics, aim for the center sections in rows 5 through 15. The first few rows get you close, but you might find yourself looking up at the stage.
You can book tickets online through Dominican University’s website or call the box office. Ticket prices change depending on the event, and there are discounts for students, seniors, and groups of ten or more.
Nearby Attractions and Dining
Make a night of it—San Rafael has plenty to offer. The Dominican campus itself has stunning architecture and peaceful gardens, great for a stroll before the show.
For food, downtown San Rafael’s just a ten-minute drive. Sol Food serves up legit Puerto Rican dishes, and Il Davide’s the spot for fancy Italian. Both are happy to see concert-goers—just let them know you’re on a schedule.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
If you’re making a weekend out of it, you’ve got options. China Camp State Park is nearby for hiking, and you can check out the Marin Civic Center, which Frank Lloyd Wright designed. And of course, the rest of the Bay Area’s right down the road, so Angelico Hall could be your jumping-off point for more exploring.
Events and Experiences at Angelico Hall
Angelico Hall keeps a packed calendar, drawing both Marin locals and out-of-towners. The sound’s fantastic, and the setting feels personal—perfect for a mix of performances and gatherings.
Concerts and Performances
You’ll find a wide range of musical events here, from classical to jazz and beyond. Angelico Hall’s especially known for its classical shows and jazz nights, featuring big names and up-and-comers alike. The annual Spring Concert with The Sewer Band is a crowd favorite—folks look forward to it every year.
Dominican University’s music students also perform regular recitals, so you might catch tomorrow’s stars before they make it big. The acoustics really do make every note stand out, whether it’s a quiet classical piece or a wild jazz solo.
Performers seem to love how close they feel to the audience in this space. If you want to check what’s coming up, Dominican University’s website has the full concert schedule—most events run from September through May.
Conferences, Weddings, and Workshops
Angelico Hall isn’t just for music. The space works well for conferences and seminars, both for the university and outside groups.
With its elegant design and inviting atmosphere, the hall’s become a popular spot for weddings and special events. The events team’s pretty helpful, too—they’ll work with you to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Workshops pop up throughout the year, covering everything from music appreciation to academic talks. And the Leadership Lecture Series? That’s where you’ll hear from some of the country’s top policy makers and thinkers.
If you’re interested in booking the hall for a private event, just reach out to Dominican University’s events department.
Art Exhibitions and Community Engagement
Angelico Hall isn’t just about performances—it sometimes hosts art exhibitions that highlight work from students and local artists. You might catch mixed media, printmaking, or whatever visual art forms folks are experimenting with at the moment.
This venue feels like a cultural anchor, tying Dominican University to the wider Marin County scene. Events spark conversations about topics like immigration or social change—sometimes heated, sometimes hopeful.
Community engagement? It’s not just a buzzword here. The hall brings in local schools for special shows and teams up with area arts groups for collaborative projects. That’s how arts and culture get into every corner of the region, or at least that’s the hope.
Honestly, if you look at the programming, you can tell the hall’s trying to balance being a resource for students and a gathering spot for everyone else. It’s a bit of both, and that mix keeps things interesting year-round.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Angelico Concert Hall
Art Works Downtown San Rafael
Bear Valley Visitor Center
Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre
Downtown San Rafael Art District
Elk Watching in Marin County
Ember Stomp
Italian Film Festival
Marin Art and Garden Center
Marin County Fair
Marin County International Festival of Short Film & Video
Marin Shakespeare Company
Marin Symphony
Marin Theatre Company
Mill Valley Film Festival
Mill Valley Music Festival
Mountain Play
Point Reyes Lighthouse
Ross Valley Players
Sausalito Center For The Arts
Seal Watching in Marin County
The California Film Institute
The Playhouse in San Anselmo
Throckmorton Theatre
Tiburon International Film Festival
Tule Elk Reserve
Whale Watching in Marin County
Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
