A Legendary Stage Finds a New Home
When OCVIBE first announced plans to revive the legendary Golden Bear nightclub after 40 years, it generated a tremendous amount of buzz within the music scene. But it also opened a huge window for a new generation of music lovers to discover the true significance of this historic move. Longtime residents of Orange County have fond memories of seeing legendary names grace the stage of its original Huntington Beach location. And for those who only know of Golden Bear by name, buckle in and consider this your history lesson of one of OC’s most renowned nightclubs.
The Golden Bear first operated as a restaurant called the Golden Lion Café in the 1920s right across from the Huntington Beach pier. Despite its Orange County location, it wasn’t uncommon to spot a Hollywood movie star dining there after spending the day at the beach. By the early 1960s, it evolved into a music club and quickly established itself as a preeminent showcase for the most iconic names across rock and roll, folk, jazz, and comedy. And over the next two decades, the Golden Bear stage was graced by the likes of Janis Joplin, David Crosby, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Peter Gabriel, Jimmy Buffet, Neil Young, Steve Martin, and Robin Williams.
And this who’s-who of music extended beyond the stage as big name artists would often stop in simply to enjoy shows as audience members. The Golden Bear was appreciated for its smaller more intimate setting—where up and coming artists could be discovered, established acts could try new material, and where musicians would connect with their audience at more personal level.
Sadly, the Bear closed its doors in 1986 due to redevelopment and while there have been attempts to revive it over the years, none ever came to fruition—until now. The next chapter of this beloved icon is happening in the heart of Orange County at OCVIBE. The revitalized Golden Bear will carry over what made the original legendary. It will operate as an intimate 350-capacity nightclub where it will be a showcase for all talent and a stage for local and emerging artists. While it will have a modern twist, OCVIBE has invited Carole Babiracki-Kirby, one of the owners of Golden Bear from 1974 to 1986, to help in its development. Her knowledge and contributions have been instrumental in helping to honor the Golden Bear’s identity and legacy.
When it opens its doors, the new Golden Bear will be one of 4 live performance venues at OCVIBE. It will join the iconic 18,000-capacity Honda Center, a new 5,700-capacity concert hall, and 2,000-capacity theater. Collectively, these venues will make OCVIBE the premier destination for year-round live entertainment across Southern California. But more importantly, it will be home for all artists, whether they are taking the first gig of their career or making the 20th stop on their global tour.
Stay tuned for artist announcements, construction updates, and behind-the-scenes looks as we bring Golden Bear and more of the entertainment district to life at OCVIBE. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know.
