Discover Rad Live Music in San Francisco
Your guide to the best concert halls, jazz clubs, and nightclubs in the city
4 Min Read
4 Min ReadLive music in San Francisco has been a celebrated past-time for many generations. Jazz, blues, funk, soul, alternative, indie, electronic, pop and more made their way to nightclubs and lounges all over the city.
Even today, the city invites some of the biggest acts in music and attracts crowds from all over the country. Live music is just one reason to make SF your home.
And the diverse food scene, music, and art culture are other reasons people from all over the world are drawn to this city.
When moving here for the first time, it can be intimidating looking for and locating a home. There is so much to learn and several factors to consider.
So, people are choosing to rent a furnished apartment, such as those offered by Blueground, because of their convenience, luxury, and comfort. Making a transition to a new city or even a new neighborhood should be easy, fun and exciting – not difficult or daunting.
As a tenant, you can download the Blueground Guest App to have everything you need via the palm of your hand, including cleaning and maintenance services, as well as neighborhood advice. Located in some of the most sought after areas of San Francisco, there’s sure to be a cool music venue or concert hall near your new home.
Here are a few of our top picks:
The Fillmore
The Fillmore started out as a dance hall from the early 1910s through the 1930s, and then in the 1940s, it became a roller rink.
By 1952, famous musicians would perform, including James Brown, Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland, and Ike and Tina Turner.
Open for more than a century, The Fillmore has welcomed artists from all backgrounds and genres. The band with the highest number of appearances is Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, who played 27 times at this popular venue.
Other iconic stars who have graced the stage include; Los Lobos, Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams, No Doubt, Radiohead, Prince, The White Stripes, Dave Chappelle, and Tom Jones.
Today, there are shows scheduled nearly every day of the week.
Bottom of the Hill
You can find music shows seven nights a week at Bottom of the Hill. Listening to live music in San Francisco at this venue makes for a fun night out. They have performances from indie, alternative, punk, hard rock, funk, pop, and hip-hop artists. Rolling Stone magazine named them “the best place to hear live music in San Francisco.”
In addition, San Francisco locals, featured artists come to perform here from all around the world.
While attending a live show, you can buy food or drinks at the full bar. The club also offers an outdoor patio area where you can enjoy some fresh air or escape the crowd.
Club Deluxe
Located near the neighborhood of Lower Haight, Club Deluxe is a cozy and intimate space that serves great cocktails. Music plays every night of the week and features jazz, blues, and other live music. During the weekend, shows take place in the afternoon as well as in the evening. Club Deluxe attracts guests from all ages and backgrounds, who want to enjoy fantastic music in a laid back, enjoyable atmosphere.
The Warfield
The Warfield is a large concert hall in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district. Also called the Warfield Theater, this music venue has room to accommodate 2,250 guests. With a 86 year history, many well-known artists have made appearances here. Some notable names include the Grateful Dead, U2, Prince, and David Bowie.
Major theatrical productions have appeared on stage here such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show and the Cantonese Opera from China. You can buy tickets over the phone, online or at the box office 90 minutes prior to the show’s start time. Recording equipment, alcohol, and bottles are not allowed inside the theater.
Great American Music Hall
In the heart of San Francisco, is the Great American Music Hall. As the oldest music club in the city, artists have taken the stage here since 1907. The 5,000-square-foot concert hall has a spacious dance floor, a professional sound system, two full-service bars, and a modern kitchen.
Many mainstream acts have performed here such as Lady Lamb, Omar Apollo, IDLES, Jamila Woods, Yungblud, and many more. The Great American Music Hall is available to rent for private events. People have hosted weddings, private concerts, holiday parties, and corporate events here.
Biscuits & Blues
Biscuits & Blues is a venue that offers live music in San Francisco to blues fans of all ages. The venue is intimate and comfortable and includes a menu with Southern cuisine.
After opening for business, nearly 25 years ago, Biscuits & Blues is still one of the premier blues clubs in the country. This club is in the center of San Francisco’s theater district. It’s only one block away from Union Square, and walking distance to the cable car lines and Powell Street Bart Station. The box office is on-site and located above the club.
The restaurant, bar, and club are all together on the ground floor.
For the early shows on Friday and Saturday, the purchase of dinner for each person is compulsory. The venue does not provide standing room, and all guests are seated on a first come first serve basis.
Popscene
This indie club features underground and up-and-coming artists from all musical backgrounds. DJ’s and live music come together to create dance parties where guests can groove to indie, electronica, new wave, Britpop, 60’s soul, 90’s alt, chillwave, future bass, and more.
Throughout the club’s 21-year history, they’ve welcomed many diverse artists including Sam Smith, Calvin Harris, Muse, Killers, Mumford and Sons, Dandy Warhols, Jessie Ware, and countless others.
