
Live Music & Theater Guide in San Francisco, United States
1. The Orpheum Theatre
Historic venue offering a diverse mix of live music and theater performances.
- Iconic Architecture: Beautiful Spanish-Baroque style decor, constructed in 1926.
- Diverse Performances: Features various artists from rock, pop, and classical music genres.
- Accessibility: Located in the heart of downtown San Francisco.
2. The Fillmore
Legendary music venue known for hosting iconic acts since the '60s.
- Rich History: Rock and roll landmark that played host to bands like Jimi Hendrix and The Grateful Dead.
- Intimate Venue: Medium-sized auditorium offering an up-close concert experience.
- Variety of Shows: Features both established and rising artists in rock, pop, indie, and electronic music.
3. The Golden Gate Theatre
Broadway-style theater playing host to touring musicals and live performances.
- Spacious Seating: Over 2,700 seats in a restored Art Deco environment.
- Touring Productions: Regularly hosts national tours of popular Broadway shows.
- Downtown Location: Conveniently located in the Union Square district.
4. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Multidisciplinary arts organization presenting visual and performing arts.
- Artistic Diversity: Offers various art forms, including theater, music, and dance.
- Community Engagement: Involved in educational programs and collaborations with local artists.
- Modern Venue: State-of-the-art performance spaces designed for maximum enjoyment.
5. The Castro Theatre
Iconic movie palace hosting film screenings and live events.
- Silent Film Presentation: One of the few remaining theaters equipped for live organ accompaniment.
- Art Deco Design: Beautifully preserved Art Deco interior, constructed in 1922.
- Cinema Festivals: Hosts various film festivals showcasing independent and classic cinema.
6. The Chapel
Intimate music venue offering an eclectic mix of live performances.
- Chapel Architecture: Built in 1914 as a mortuary chapel, it now serves as a unique performance space.
- Coffee Shop and Bar: On-site coffee shop and full bar for patrons during shows.
- Artist Development: Supports emerging artists through bookings and showcases.
7. San Francisco Symphony
World-renowned orchestra performing at Davies Symphony Hall.
- Talented Musicians: Features some of the top musicians in the world.
- Classical Masterpieces: Performs symphonic masterpieces from composers like Beethoven and Mozart.
- Contemporary Programming: Incorporates contemporary works into their programming.
8. American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.)
Professional theater company producing classic and contemporary plays.
- Artistic Excellence: Known for its high-quality productions, including Tony Award-winning shows.
- Educational Programs: Offers training programs for aspiring actors and playwrights.
- Multiple Venues: Performs at four venues throughout San Francisco.
9. The Independent
Independent music venue offering a wide variety of live shows.
- Variety of Genres: Features indie, rock, electronic, and hip-hop artists.
- Intimate Venue: Small capacity, allowing for an up-close concert experience.
- Community Focus: Supports local arts and music by featuring local acts.
10. Herbst Theatre
Versatile theater space hosting a range of performances and events.
- Flexible Staging: Adaptable for various stage configurations, making it suitable for diverse productions.
- Community Engagement: Home to several local performing arts organizations.
- Convenient Location: Located in the vibrant War Memorial Veterans Building.
11. The Regency Ballroom
Iconic concert venue featuring national and international acts.
- Artist Variety: Hosts a mix of rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music artists.
- Large Capacity: Spacious venue with room for over 2,000 patrons.
- Historic Architecture: Art Deco-style ballroom constructed in the 1930s.
12. Z Space
Contemporary theater company presenting innovative plays and performances.
- Artistic Exploration: Develops new works by local artists, pushing the boundaries of contemporary theater.
- Intimate Venue: A small, flexible black box theater for immersive performances.
- Community Collaboration: Partners with local organizations to create meaningful connections between art and community.
13. The Great American Music Hall
Legendary music venue showcasing a mix of established and emerging artists.
- Rich History: Opened in 1907, it has hosted jazz legends like Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong.
- Medium-Sized Venue: Capable of accommodating 650 attendees for an intimate concert experience.
- Variety of Genres: Features folk, rock, jazz, and blues artists.
14. The Masonic - San Francisco
Grand event space hosting concerts, comedy shows, and special events.
- Iconic Architecture: Elegant and ornate interior design dating back to 1904.
- Large Capacity: Spacious venue able to accommodate over 3,000 attendees for concerts.
- Diverse Programming: Hosts a range of events, from live music and comedy shows to corporate gatherings.
15. The DNA Lounge
Multi-room nightclub featuring live music, DJ sets, and performance art.
- Unique Venue: Multiple rooms with different musical styles and vibes.
- Emerging Artists: A platform for up-and-coming musicians, DJs, and performance artists.
- Late-Night Entertainment: Open until the early hours of the morning for late-night revelry.