Live Music in San Francisco

It only takes leaving San Francisco to fully understand what a vibrant live music scene us locals are privy to. Few places in the world offer a comparable diversity and wealth of music and music venues. From tiny dive bars to massive stadiums, San Francisco features the best live music experience for miles.

The most classic place to see a show is the historic and beautiful Fillmore Auditorium. Located in the heart of the Fillmore District, which in itself, is a hotbed of jazz, "the Fillmore" hosts a wide range of midsize acts from Morcheeba to Snoop Dogg to Jurassic 5. The walls are plastered with nostalgic concert posters, and you can watch from the main floor or from the beautiful, upper balconies.

Another famous venue oozing with history is the Warfield. Newly renovated, this former vaudeville theater features lovely, ornate Edwardian architecture and a fantastic balcony. The Warfield hosted legendary performances by Jimi Hendrix, the Grateful Dead, and Nirvana back in the day. More recently, the likes of Interpol, DJ Paul Oakenfold, and local favorites Cake and Soundtribe Sector 9, have all frequented the infamous stage.

Both the Independent and Slim's are the spots to catch indie rock, reggae superstars, and hip-hop acts. A hip crowd flocks to either for the drink specials, dance floor, and hotshot acts on the brink of stardom. More relaxed Hotel Utah and more edgy Bottom of the Hill host local up-and-comers, with the latter leaning towards a punk rock appeal.

If jazz is more your style, don't miss Yoshi's. The San Francisco branch of the famous Oakland venue, Yoshi's is a classy setting to relax and enjoy a show while noshing on sushi from its acclaimed restaurant. On occasion, they add soul and hip-hop to the line-up.

Fillmore Auditorium

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1805 Geary Boulevard
(at the corner of Fillmore Street)

Music in a palace!...
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Independent

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628 Divisadero St

Freedom to hear great music...
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Warfield

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982 Market Street
(between Fifth and Sixth streets)

Historic concert hall...
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Great American Music Hall

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859 O'Farrell
Between Polk and Larkin sts

Booking the Hottest Bands...
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Slim's

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333 11th St
At Folsom St

Come Discover the Next Big Name!...
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Hotel Utah

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500 Fourth Street

Be a star!...
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Mezzanine

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444 Jessie St

Dance with the masses...
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Bottom of the Hill

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1233 17th St
At Missouri St

Top-Notch Concert Venue...
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The Boom Boom Room

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1601 Fillmore St
At Geary Blvd

Blues Legend's Playpen...
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Elbo Room

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647 Valencia Street
(between 17th and 18th streets)

Multi-level entertainment!...
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