The Starry Plough & La Peña: 50 years of Support, Friendship, & Solidarity

Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 | 8pm-9:30pm (doors 7:30pm)

Tickets: $5-$25 sliding scale

The Starry Plough and La Peña —both envisioned and founded as political-artistic community hubs— have had interconnected histories since their very origin in 1973 and 1975 respectively. In fact, La Peña owning its building at 3105 Shattuck Ave. is to a large extent the result of the solidarity of The Starry Plough’s then owner Bob Heaney. He recognized the importance of the struggle that La Peña was supporting in those years and, despite his own intentions of expanding The Starry Plough to the open space next door (former restaurant Le Petite Village), encouraged La Peña to take it instead — “I see your cause is bigger than ours right now,” community members recall him saying.

We can’t imagine having better neighbors than them. This is the story of real allies who have always understood their common role of providing a space for community building, political organizing, and creative expression. A role as essential today as it has ever been, given our current political “leaders” and their insistence on instigating social isolation and fear.

What happens at our venues is exactly what resistance looks like to us. It’s community care, and healing.

Anchors of our chosen families, our diasporic cultures, and our intertwined histories, both The Starry Plough and La Peña continue to nurture their friendship to this day, spending long hours together and creating strong communities one song/beer at a time!

Come celebrate this story of love and support as we induct The Starry Plough into our Hall of Fame and prepare for La Peña’s 50th Anniversary in June!

• La Peña is a wheelchair-accessible venue with step-less entry, wide doorways, and accessible restrooms.
• Masks are strongly encouraged. If you’re experiencing COVID-19, cold, or flu-like symptoms, please consider staying home to protect our community. HEPA air purifiers operate throughout our space.
• Restrooms are all-gender

We strive to make La Peña a welcoming, accessible space for everyone. If you have any specific needs or questions about accessibility, contact us in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate. Email us at [email protected]

• Public Transit: The 18 bus line stops directly across the street (Shattuck & Woolsey), and Ashby BART is just two blocks away.
• Parking: Free street parking is available, or park at the Ashby BART station for a fee.
• Bike-Friendly: Bike racks are available outside the venue.

Become a La Peña member today! Enjoy a 25% discount on tickets to this event, plus access to other exclusive perks. Learn more at: Lapena.org/members

Contact us at [email protected].

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, United States