Performances & Events

Name: Up Close: A Conversation with Brad Bird and Michael Giacchino
Start: 2026-07-22T19:30:00+00:00
End: 2026-07-22T19:30:00+00:00

This calendar reflects publicly listed events. For inquiries about rentals or hosting your event, please click here to learn more.

Wed July 22nd

Up Close: A Conversation with Brad Bird and Michael Giacchino

Wed July 22nd

Up Close: A Conversation with Brad Bird and Michael Giacchino

Event Details

Date: Wednesday July 22nd, 2026
Time: 7:30PM

Gates open

6:30 pm

Presented by

ArtPower at UC San Diego

Pricing

Tickets: $35–80
UCSD Students: Limited free tickets via SSO

Ticket prices are inclusive of fees.

Description

For the third consecutive year, Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe-winning composer Michael Giacchino returns for an intimate conversation with two-time Academy Award-winning filmmaker Brad Bird. Together, they have shaped some of the most beloved films of our time, including The Iron Giant, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, and Incredibles 2.

Presented as part of The Science of Story, this candid discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative partnership between filmmaker and composer. Through stories and reflections from more than two decades of collaboration, Bird and Giacchino reveal how story and music come together to create unforgettable cinematic experiences.

GETTING HERE

The Epstein Family Amphitheater is located at 9480 Innovation Ln, La Jolla, CA 92093.

Take the Trolley: The amphitheater is located next to the Blue Line Trolley, UCSD Central Campus Station. For more information about the trolley, visit the MTS website >

From the North: Take I-5 south and exit La Jolla Village Drive. Use the right lanes to turn right onto La Jolla Village Drive and take the first right onto Villa La Jolla Drive.

From the South: Take I-5 north and exit La Jolla Village Drive. Use the left lanes to turn left onto La Jolla Village Drive and take the first right onto Villa La Jolla Drive.

PARKING

The closest parking structure is Gilman Parking Structure. UC San Diego requires parking permits 7 days a week. Permits can be purchased at permit machines or through the Parkmobile App. Visit UC San Diego Transportation for information on where to buy your permit, and costs.

ABOUT THE VENUE

Accessible Seating

Wheelchair-accessible seating is available in all seating areas for patrons in wheelchairs and their companions.

MORE INFO

If you need additional information andor assistance, please contact amphitheater@ucsd.edu.

WHAT CAN I BRING TO THE SHOW?

You may bring in empty refillable water bottles, small personal bags (16” x 16 “ x 8”). All bags are subject to search by security officers. We encourage that you dress in layers and for those who have tickets to the General Lawn Section to wear shoes without heels.

WHAT CAN'T I BRING TO THE SHOW?

Additional prohibited items include: strollers, large backpacks, flags, tobacco products, alcohol, cans, bottles, ice chests, picnic baskets, lawn furniture, weapons of any kind, umbrellas, pets, hula hoops, musical instruments, laser pointers, bicycles, and skateboards. Cameras with a detachable lens of any kind and professional recording devices are not allowed, including GoPros. Scooters, skateboards, roller skates, and other recreational wheeled equipment are not permitted at the Epstein Family Amphitheater. UC San Diego is a smoke-free campus.

If you have questions, please contact amphitheater@ucsd.edu.

CAN I BRING LAWN FURNITURE, CUSHIONS, OR BLANKETS?

For the safety and comfort of all, you may not bring lawn chairs or furniture. The lawn is quite steep and not safe for lawn chairs. You can bring in personal seat cushions, blankets, or seating, as long as they fit your personal space. We encourage the same for the stone bench seating areas on both General Admission and reserved seating shows.