Live Music & Theater Guide in San Francisco, United States

San Francisco, United States, San Francisco, Culture & Entertainment, Live Music & Theater Guide

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.