We are grateful to be back in our redwood rimmed Amphitheatre. This property has been under the stewardship of the Monte Rio Park and Recreation District for decades. The Variety Show moved to this venue in 1997, after a refresh of the property allowing a fitting expansion of the show with superior lighting and sound for our broad entertainment options. ( Prior to 1997, the event was held in a town hall, a roller rink – which was our site for the longest period), the Old Monte Rio School, and the New Monte Rio School ( the only other outdoor venue).

As of July 20, 2022: Safety and comfort at our event are a priority.   No ice chests will be allowed into the venue, nor any bags larger than 16″ x 16″ x 8″ (similar to S.F. Giants Oracle Park). No alcoholic beverages will be allowed into the venue. No smoking of any kind will be allowed in the venue.  All bags will be checked and there will not be in and out access once you have entered the venue.    We do expect cooler weather in the evening ( as the show begins ) and recommend that you bring an extra jacket since the evening can be chilly.  

Our seating tradition dates back to the original shows beginning in 1911. Beach / sand chairs and sometimes blankets were set out in the early am by attendees. After dropping off their chairs, volunteers monitored the venue while the attendees headed to the beach and other activities for the day.* Show-goers arrived back at the venue around 7 pm, ready to greet the surprise entertainment awaiting them for the evening. Our seating tradition has not changed much, with the exception of a larger audience and outdoor venue. While some refer to it with a grin as the “chair stampede” our aim is to seat all comfortably, first come and first serve. Fortunately, the venue offers a slight slope which creates good seating no matter where your chair is positioned.

*If you were at the Monte Rio Beach (in early years, Big Sandy) that day you would know who was attending the event – they were the folks sitting on the beach without chairs.

Day of Event Chair Set Up: Our venue will open at 7 am on July 28th to allow for first come, first serve seating. Chairs must be a beach chair (no high backs, please) or patio/camping style chair. Volunteers will help place the chairs and be on site throughout the day to monitor. Chair set up will end promptly at 2:30 pm ( when venue closes down completely for show set up). Chairs may be brought in at 4:30 pm when our main gate opens. However, placement of those chairs (regardless of style of chair) will be at the back of the venue behind other chairs already in place and monitors will assist. Aisles created for the show, which will either be lit or be indicated by an obvious footpath, must remain unobstructed for the show.