Forget asking "what's happening in San Francisco this weekend"—the real question is "how do I possibly choose?" Super Bowl LX lands at Levi's Stadium on Sunday, and the entire Bay Area has transformed into a week-long celebration of football, music, and excess. Here's how to navigate the madness.
Look, this isn't a normal weekend. The Super Bowl hasn't been back in the Bay since 2016, and the city has rolled out everything it's got. We're talking Calvin Harris at a warehouse, Shaq throwing a literal carnival, Dave Chappelle at Chase Center, and Bad Bunny headlining the halftime show. Oh, and there's also actual culture happening for those of us who don't care about football.
I've sifted through the invite-only parties, the sold-out shows, and the $5,000 ticket packages to find events regular humans can actually attend. Some are free. Some require planning. All of them are better than watching the game alone on your couch.
Fair warning: if you don't have tickets yet, some of these shows are running low. Friday and Saturday are packed. Sunday, everyone's either at the stadium or posted up at a bar.
How this list works: Events are organized to help you plan around the big game. Each listing tells you what, why, who, when, and practical details. Mix and match. Find more at AllEvents.
What: The biggest sporting event of the year, complete with Bad Bunny's halftime performance and whatever teams actually made it this far.
Why go: It's the Super Bowl. In your backyard. That halftime show with Bad Bunny is going to be absolutely unhinged in the best way.
Who it's for: Anyone with several thousand dollars burning a hole in their pocket, corporate sponsors, and extremely dedicated football fans.
When: Sunday, February 8. Kickoff at 3:30pm PT.
Need to know: Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. Tickets start around $5,000 and go up from there. The stadium is about 45 minutes from SF—plan transportation now or prepare for chaos.
Super Bowl Experience at Moscone Center
What: The NFL's official fan festival with interactive games, autograph sessions, past Super Bowl memorabilia, and Pro Bowl Games activities.
Why go: It's the most accessible way to feel like you're part of Super Bowl week without spending a mortgage payment on tickets. Kids absolutely lose their minds here.
Who it's for: Families, football fans who want the vibe without the price tag, and anyone who wants to meet current and former NFL players.
When: Through Saturday, February 7. Friday 10am-10pm, Saturday 10am-10pm.
Need to know: Moscone Center North & South. Adults $45, kids 12 and under $25. This is your last chance—it closes Saturday night.
What: Dance music royalty Calvin Harris headlines this massive Super Bowl weekend party with Diplo and Sonny Fodera at an industrial waterfront warehouse.
Why go: Calvin Harris rarely does club shows anymore, and Pier 80 holds 15,000+ people. The production on this is going to be insane.
Who it's for: EDM fans, people who want to dance until their legs hurt, and anyone looking for that "big night out" energy.
When: Friday, February 6 at 5pm.
Need to know: Pier 80 Warehouse. 21+. Tickets from $150-400+. This is produced by The Midway crew, who know how to throw a proper rave.
What: Rock legend Sting performs his greatest hits in one of SF's most beautiful venues as part of the NFL's Studio 60 series.
Why go: Palace of Fine Arts is intimate (around 1,000 seats), Sting is a living legend, and hearing "Roxanne" in that setting will hit different.
Who it's for: Rock fans, people who prefer actual musicianship over DJs, and couples looking for something sophisticated.
When: Friday, February 6 at 7pm.
Need to know: Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, 3301 Lyon Street. Premium packages through On Location. This is an upscale event—dress accordingly.
What: Shaq's annual Super Bowl party transforms the Cow Palace into a carnival complete with Tiësto, T-Pain (DJ set), Disco Lines, and DJ Diesel (that's Shaq himself).
Why go: It's part festival, part carnival, with a 6-hour open bar included in your ticket. Shaq on the decks playing bass music is genuinely entertaining.
Who it's for: Party people who want maximum chaos, fans of over-the-top production, and anyone curious what a basketball legend's carnival looks like.
When: Friday, February 6, 8pm-2am.
Need to know: Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave, Daly City. 21+. Tickets from $238 include open bar and carnival bites. It sells out every year.
What: The second massive party at Pier 80 this weekend features T-Pain and Sean Paul bringing 2000s R&B and dancehall vibes, plus actual ribs.
Why go: T-Pain live is genuinely incredible (the man can SING), Sean Paul's catalog is all hits, and there's literally barbecue.
Who it's for: Millennials who peaked during the ringtone era, dancehall heads, and anyone who needs a break from EDM.
When: Saturday, February 7, starting at 2pm.
Need to know: Pier 80 Warehouse. 21+. Same venue as Calvin Harris but different vibe entirely.
What: Comedy icon Dave Chappelle brings his unmatched storytelling to the Warriors' arena for what's sure to be a culturally significant set.
Why go: Chappelle performing during Super Bowl weekend in the Bay? He's going to have material. The phone-free policy means you'll be present for whatever happens.
Who it's for: Comedy fans who appreciate long-form storytelling, people who want to be part of a moment, and anyone willing to laugh for two hours straight.
When: Saturday, February 7 at 7pm.
Need to know: Chase Center, 1 Warriors Way. Tickets from $150+. No phones allowed—they lock them in Yondr pouches.
What: The legendary Maxim Super Bowl party takes over The Midway with performances by HUGEL, Loud Luxury, and Bay Area rapper Larry June.
Why go: Maxim parties are notoriously over the top, and The Midway is one of SF's best club venues. Larry June repping the Bay is a nice touch.
Who it's for: Nightlife enthusiasts, people who want to see and be seen, and anyone chasing VIP energy.
When: Saturday, February 7 at 8pm.
Need to know: The Midway, 900 Marin Street. VIP tables and general admission available. This crowd skews influencer-heavy—you've been warned.
What: Celebrity chefs and NFL players gather for one of the most anticipated culinary events of Super Bowl week, all benefiting student hunger initiatives.
Why go: Where else can you eat dishes from top chefs while mingling with current and former NFL players? The Hibernia building is stunning.
Who it's for: Foodies, people who want to combine their love of football and fine dining, and anyone passionate about ending student hunger.
When: Saturday, February 7, 4-7pm.
Need to know: The Hibernia, 1 Jones Street. Tickets are steep but all-inclusive. This is a charity event, so you're eating for a good cause.
What: The premier Grateful Dead tribute band plays two nights at the stunning Fox Theater, recreating complete Dead shows from the archives.
Why go: DSO doesn't just play Dead songs—they recreate entire concerts, setlist and all. Friday and Saturday means two different shows.
Who it's for: Deadheads, jam band fans, and anyone who wants music that's the opposite of a DJ set.
When: Friday, February 6 & Saturday, February 7 at 7:30pm.
Need to know: Fox Theater Oakland, 1807 Telegraph Ave. Tickets around $55-75. Two-night passes available. If Super Bowl madness isn't your scene, this is your escape.
What: Conductor Harry Bicket leads the SF Symphony in an all-Mozart program featuring soprano Golda Schultz and tenor Allan Clayton.
Why go: Mozart with world-class vocalists at Davies Hall is exactly the antidote to Super Bowl excess. Plus, it's genuinely excellent programming.
Who it's for: Classical music lovers, people who need a cultural palate cleanser, and anyone who wants to pretend the Super Bowl isn't happening.
When: Friday, February 6 & Saturday, February 7 at 7:30pm.
Need to know: Davies Symphony Hall. Tickets from $35. Friday might be less crowded since everyone else is at parties.
What: The "As We See It" star and podcast host brings his unique brand of observational humor to SF's legendary comedy club.
Why go: Glassman's standup is sharp and unpredictable. Cobb's is intimate enough that you'll feel like you're in his living room.
Who it's for: Comedy fans who know Glassman from his podcast "Take Your Shoes Off," TV fans, and anyone seeking laughs without arena pricing.
When: Saturday, February 7, 7pm and 9:15pm.
Need to know: Cobb's Comedy Club, 915 Columbus Ave. 18+. Two shows means two chances. Way more affordable than Chappelle.
What: The artist KAWS's first major West Coast museum exhibition features massive sculptures, paintings, and a 36-foot inflatable on the rooftop.
Why go: Love him or hate him, KAWS has become one of the most recognizable artists of our generation. The rooftop installation alone is worth the trip.
Who it's for: Contemporary art fans, Instagram photographers, and anyone curious why cartoon characters with X'd-out eyes took over the art world.
When: Open Saturday-Sunday 10am-5pm. (Note: SFMOMA is closed Friday, Feb 6)
Need to know: SFMOMA, 151 Third Street. Adults $25. Skip Friday—museum's closed for a private event.
What: The first major exhibition exploring the artistic relationship between Impressionist masters Édouard Manet and Berthe Morisot.
Why go: Legion of Honor is gorgeous, the exhibition is getting rave reviews, and it's the perfect escape from downtown Super Bowl chaos.
Who it's for: Art lovers, Impressionism fans, and anyone who prefers 19th-century French painting to 21st-century American football.
When: Open Saturday-Sunday 9:30am-5:15pm.
Need to know: Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park. Adults $17. The setting alone—overlooking the Golden Gate—is worth the trip.
What: A free exhibition at SF Public Library celebrating the Black community's influence on sneaker culture, featuring rare kicks and cultural artifacts.
Why go: It's free, it's timely (sneaker culture + football weekend = synergy), and the library's African American Center always does these exhibitions right.
Who it's for: Sneakerheads, hip hop fans, and anyone who wants to experience culture without spending money.
When: Open Friday-Saturday. Check library hours.
Need to know: SF Public Library Main Branch, 3rd Floor. FREE. Perfect pre-game activity that won't break the bank.
What: Oakland's legendary funk band continues their hometown residency at the city's premier jazz club.
Why go: Tower of Power playing at Yoshi's is as Bay Area as it gets. This band has been making people dance since 1968.
Who it's for: Funk and soul fans, Oakland loyalists, and anyone who appreciates a horn section that could power a rocket.
When: Friday, February 6 & Saturday, February 7 at 7:30pm.
Need to know: Yoshi's Oakland, 510 Embarcadero West. Shows have been selling out—check availability now. These are seasoned pros playing their hometown.
What: Various bars and venues are hosting free watch parties for those who want the Super Bowl energy without the Super Bowl price tag.
Why go: Big screens, fellow fans, wings, beer. It's the communal experience without the mortgage payment.
Who it's for: Literally everyone who didn't get tickets but still wants to watch together.
When: Sunday, February 8. Kickoff at 3:30pm PT.
Need to know: Barbarossa Lounge (714 Montgomery St) has a free party starting at 2pm. Novela, Palm House, and dozens of other bars across the city will be packed. Arrive early or prepare to stand.
Candlelight Concerts: St Ignatius Church hosts "Best of Bridgerton" (Friday 8:45pm) and "Coldplay vs Imagine Dragons" (Friday 6:30pm) if you want string quartets by candlelight between parties.
Post Malone at Fort Mason: Free show on Friday, but you had to win tickets through a Bud Light sweepstakes. Worth checking if any last-minute availability pops up.
SoundBox: Dream Awake: The SF Symphony's experimental venue hosts violinist Alexi Kenney Friday-Saturday at 8:30pm in an immersive, genre-bending format.
How do I get around? BART is your friend. Downtown will be a mess. Levi's Stadium is in Santa Clara—plan transportation well in advance or you'll miss kickoff.
Where should I stay? Downtown SF puts you near Moscone and most parties. Book now or pay triple. South of Market (SoMa) is closest to the action.
What if I don't care about football? Dark Star Orchestra, SF Symphony, the museums—plenty of culture happening for those who want to opt out of sports entirely.
Is anything actually free? Super Bowl Experience has some free elements on Front Street. Watch parties at bars are free (buy drinks). The library exhibition is free. De Young is free Saturdays for Bay Area residents.
How crazy will it be? Very. This is the biggest event SF has hosted in years. Expect crowds, traffic, and surge pricing on everything. Also expect a really good time if you lean into it.
Your move: Whether you're dropping five figures on tickets or watching from a barstool, Super Bowl LX weekend in San Francisco is going to be one for the books. Bad Bunny's about to make halftime history, Calvin Harris is turning a warehouse into a festival, and Dave Chappelle picked the perfect weekend to do comedy. Choose your adventure and dive in. Find more events at AllEvents.
