288 S Second St, San Jose, CA

3BELOW THEATERS:
Home of The Playhouse, The Clubhouse, The Arthouse, and the Schoolhouse

3Below has been home to professional live musical theater, theatre for young audiences, independent and first run films, and education and community engagement programs since 2018 when the venue was completely reimagined and reopened for stage, screen, and comedy events.

3Below is a new moniker, as of 2024, for all programming including for series of live entertainment, special events, movie screenings, classes, and community engagement programs offered at 3Below. 

About The Venue

3Below Theaters is located in downtown San Jose at the corner of San Carlos and South Second Street. The theaters reside at the lower level of the 2nd & San Carlos Parking Garage. There are three theaters: Theaters 1 and 2 seat up to 97 guests and can be used as a classroom, meeting room, or theater space for film and live entertainment. Theater 3 is 3Below’s flagship theater. This beautiful newly renovated theater, seats up to 257 guests. 

The venue also boasts an unique lobby for gathering and has a café with a full menu of freshly made quick serve items you can enjoy before, during, and after events either in the theaters or in the lobby. The venue also features a bar and a retail shop featuring theatre memorabilia and the work of theatre artisans. Enjoy your lunch or dinner or even just a light snack on our outdoor patio, with indoor seating also available. Pre-show and at intermission ~ shop for theatre souvenirs to bring home.


3Below Café

The lobby/cafe at 3Below is the perfect place to unwind whatever the time of day or get excited before a 3Below event. You’ll find free WiFi, lots of comfy seats in creatively decorated zones celebrating the ’50s-’80s, and a menu filled with hot bites and cool treats.


Parking

3Below is located “below” the parking structure on the corner of 2nd Street and San Carlos. There are entrances to the parking structure on 2nd and 3rd streets.

  • If you’re traveling on San Carlos, turn left on 3rd Street and then take the first left into the parking structure.
  • If you’re traveling on 2nd St, turn left into the garage entrance just before San Carlos.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR WHEN YOU ENTER THE GARAGE: Although the entry has a sign that offers the option to Pre-Pay, we recommend you do NOT do so. Instead, simply press “ticket” to retrieve a ticket and bring it in the venue with you where we will scan it to tell the system you receive free parking for up to 3.5 hours.

After you’ve parked AND removed anything of value from your vehicle, head toward the 2nd St side of the garage where you’ll find an elevator and stairs that lead to the ground floor. The 3Below lobby will be on your right as you arrive on the ground floor from the elevator; on your left if walking in from the lower level.  Note: there is no elevator on the 3rd St side of the garage.

Bring your parking ticket inside with you for validation. Validation covers 3 hours and 30 minutes of free parking. Please take that amount of time into consideration when planning your visit if it includes dining before or after a 3Below event.

3Below validations and the downtown parking validations CANNOT be combined.