Music in San Francisco
Over the decades the city has loved all genres like punk rock, new wave and
hip-hop. With super cool venues like The Fillmore and Mabuhay Gardens
playing pivotal roles the city has its places where music makes things
happen. San Francisco’s music is rooted in the Beat Generation of the 1940s
and 1950s. It has evolved over the time of 1960s with iconic bands like the
Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane defining the "San Francisco Sound."
Today San Francisco continues to be a cultural hub with a strength in
supporting musical communities.
Music Festivals in San Francisco
1. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival
This free non-commercial festival draws over 750,000 people each year,
offering a vibrant mix of bluegrass, folk, country, and Americana music
across six stages. The
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival
will be happening in October at Golden Gate Park. With over 80 artists
performing, it celebrates both legendary musicians and emerging talents.
Conceived by venture capitalist Warren Hellman in 2001, the festival is also
known for its exciting community-focused atmosphere.
2. Outside Lands
The festival has a diverse lineup of rock, indie, electronic, and hip-hop
artists. It also offers a culinary adventure with top chefs and local
vendors. The
Outside Lands Music Festival
will be from August and a must-attend event for music lovers. Here you can
enjoy interactive art installations and eco-friendly initiatives all within
a atmosphere that celebrates the creativity in San Francisco. With multiple
stages and a vibrant energy outside Lands promises an unforgettable
experience in the city's heart.
3. BottleRock
Since its debut in 2013, BottleRock has drawn over 120,000 attendees yearly.
The festival features a mix of legendary headliners and emerging artists
across genres like rock, pop and hip-hop alongside a culinary experience
that highlights local restaurants and Napa Valley wines. Set against the
scenic beauty of
Napa Valley BottleRock
offers a vibrant festive atmosphere making it a perfect blend of music and
gastronomy.
4. Portola Music Festival
This 21+ festival will feature acts like Rufus du Sol, Jessie Ware,
Disclosure, Justice, M.I.A, and Fisher, delivering a mix of electronic, pop,
and dance music. The
Portola Music Festival
, set for September at Pier 80 in San Francisco, is a vibrant annual event
known for its diverse lineup and lively atmosphere. With redesigned VIP
areas and a cashless payment system, the festival ensures a seamless
experience. Whether by public transit or reserved parking, getting to the
festival is easy making it a must-attend for music lovers in San Francisco.
Music Venues in San Francisco
1. Great American Music Hall
It was originally opened in 1907 as Blanco's and transformed into the
Great American Music Hall
in the year 1972. It has hosted amazing artists like Jerry Garcia and Robin
Williams and continues to be a loved spot for live music showcasing both
famous and new talent. The place is also a historic concert venue known for
its musical heritage and architecture.
2. The Fillmore
This place is located at 1805 Geary Blvd, the venue has a capacity of around
1,200 people and is housed in a building originally constructed in 1912 as
the Majestic Hall.
The Fillmore
is a historic music venue in San Francisco California renowned for its
pivotal role in the music scene particularly during the 1960s and 1970s. It
is known for its vibrant atmosphere iconic psychedelic concert posters and
unique traditions such as offering free apples to concert-goers and
providing commemorative posters.
3. The Warfield
The venue transformed in the 1980s when the main floor's seats were removed
creating a general admission space that became a favorite for rock concerts
due to its intimacy and exceptional sound quality.
The Warfield
Theatre affectionately known as The Warfield, is a historic music venue in
the Theatre District of downtown San Francisco, California. With a capacity
of around 2,300 seats it has been a critical player in the city’s
entertainment scene since its opening in 1922. Originally built as a
vaudeville theater The Warfield boasts ornate architectural elements, adding
charm and enhancing the concert experience.
4. Chase Center
The
Chase Center
is a modern indoor arena in San Francisco's Mission Bay neighborhood known
for its impressive design and versatility. It was officially opened in
September with a Metallica and the San Francisco Symphony concert. This
venue can accommodate around 18,064 spectators for basketball games and is
adaptable for concerts and various events. It is the home arena for the
NBA's Golden State Warriors and the WNBA's Golden State Valkyries.
