Thanks to a creative spirit and steadfast countercultural streak, the roots of San Francisco’s music scene run famously deep. The list of artists who have made a name for themselves here reads like a who’s who of music history, spanning genres from jazz to rock to punk. From bands like Journey, Third Eye Blind, and Sly and the Family Stone to solo artists like Santana and Huey Lewis, the Bay is home to some serious music mojo. Read on to discover the city’s most iconic musical venues and must-sees spots for those of us with a song in our heart.
With over 100 music venues along the Bay Area, there’s always a show to catch and new talent to discover.
From the famed and ginormous open-air venues like Oracle Park where Bruce Springsteen and Lady Gaga light up the night sky during yearly festivals to smaller stages like The Saloon or The Independent, you can choose your own musical adventure. Are you looking to catch a fan-favorite in town for one night only, or are you anticipating discovering up-and-coming artists hoping to catch their big break? In San Fran, you’ve got options.
Go full instrumental mode with Club Deluxe for Big Band tunes or The Chapel where you can get West Coast New Orleans-style Jazz every night. The vaulted ceilings make for a jaw-dropping concert setting no matter who’s playing.
Perhaps the city’s most well-known venue is The Fillmore, opened by concert promoter Bill Graham in 1968. This intimate theater is where many famous acts got their start, including Creedence Clearwater Revival and Santana. It’s still going strong, regularly hosting many of today’s hottest acts.
Whatever genre you’re into, there’s a music festival in San Francisco to suit your taste. One of the most anticipated events of the year is Outside Lands, a music and art festival that takes place in Golden Gate Park. Past headliners include Paul McCartney, Radiohead, Pearl Jam and Stevie Wonder. Prefer banjo strums to pop beats? Don’t miss Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, a free outdoor festival featuring influential bluegrass, folk, rock and blues artists. Similarly, Stern Grove Festival hosts free concerts every Sunday from June through August at the Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove. And if you prefer to see some of the world’s buzziest up-and-comers, try Noise Pop. The event spans a couple of weeks and hosts dozens of shows at smaller venues all around the city.
No matter what corner you’re on, there’s a show nearby to be seen. From life-changing moments witnessing a life-long hero perform on a large stage, to small, intimate moments with an up-and-coming act in a crowded room – this city is the perfect spot to explore every facet of musical tourism.