When the music venue 924 Gilman opened in 1986, the West Berkeley location quickly became a community staple and has been the starting place for a variety of successful punk and rock bands including Green Day, The Offspring, and Rancid. To this day, it remains a foremost institution for all. Open to people of any age and entirely substance free, it is a place many young people and music lovers can go to discover music that not only feeds the soul but also the community.
Walking into the venue with an address of the same name, the 5,830 square foot industrial building is relatively simple on the outside, consisting of red brick and collages on the windows. The inside is similarly rugged but effective, consisting of a large rectangular room with a cement floor, windowless walls that are decked out in colorful graffiti and posters, with large black speakers mounted on the walls and floor.
There are no seating or chairs of any kind, therefore those who choose to watch shows at 924 Gilman all converge on the floor for a standing experience. While it undoubtedly depends on the show, 924 Gilman is a place that is rarely sparse of people. “(924) Gilman, it’s usually pretty packed,” Berkeley High School sophomore Ellah Altman said, “It can get pretty lively as the night goes on.”
924 Gilman has a rich history as an important and historical location in Berkeley. Widely known as a place that revived punk music in the 90s, it is an operation that is entirely volunteer-run. At the time, the founders hoped to create an inclusive and authentic music location and venue that was free of traditional money promotion. Being volunteer-run, 924 Gilman has no formal owner, but rather operates on a system in which dedicated volunteers run bi-monthly meetings and vote to keep the venue running, ensuring the production of around 20 shows a month. “We shouldn’t have to be paying to some big guy to keep the stuff that we love running,” BHS senior Maisy Matthews said, “Everything should be community owned and shared amongst the people because it really just creates more space for creativity.”
While the majority of staff are often adults, Gilman is an inclusive music venue that also gives a multitude of volunteering and educational opportunities to students. This includes programs to gain volunteer hours by helping to run the space, whether that be working the cash box and cleaning up, or giving the chance to attend free sound design classes. At times, some students have even been able to sell their own art, and interview other volunteers and musical guests for their own personal projects. Gilman also advertises themed activity nights. For instance, goth night has specific shows throughout the year, with the most recent being Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. During these specific nights, viewers are encouraged to dress to the theme, while goth musical artists and bands are invited to perform. For many people, including BHS students, efforts like these are why 924 Gilman creates such a dynamic and safe place for every kind of person, being a venue people return to time and time again. BHS junior Nico Thomas is one frequent 924 Gilman audience member and volunteer. “It’s a good place that allows kids to explore the musical community without having to be fully exposed to substances,” Thomas said, “Just being able to go to shows continuously, while also being a part of responsibility in the community.”
Overall, 924 Gilman is a location every Bay Area music lover should visit at some point of their life. Created and operated with good intentions, and a space where reliable and local punk music can be showcased and enjoyed, it is an important location in Berkeley’s music scene. Upcoming bands include TRSH, Thoughts on Bowling, and Kerosene Heights.
Aside from the music, Gilman is also a place that ensures community, connection, and opportunity for many different kinds of people with distinct music tastes and creativity. 924 Gilman has cemented itself as a music location with a powerful legacy and lasting impact.