There are plenty of wonderful free events in San Francisco, including free concerts that are perfect for music lovers. The Golden Gate Bandshell frequently hosts multiple free shows every week, and now a free concert series is returning to Downtown San Francisco. The live music series called Civic Center Soundtrack has launched again, starting earlier this month on April 8.
The free concerts are returning for another year after a successful debut in 2024. Every Tuesday and Thursday, local musicians will perform live from 12 to 3 pm in the manicured plaza near SF City Hall. The free shows will continue through the end of July, and you can expect three different performers at each show.
“The Civic Center Soundtrack concert series is all about bringing people together and injecting new life into Fulton Plaza,” said Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “By showcasing live music right in the heart of downtown, we’re not just creating a space for great performances—we’re making sure San Francisco stays a vibrant, must-visit destination for both locals and visitors alike. It’s an exciting way to energize the area and make sure our city’s cultural pulse stays strong.”
The concerts are at 147 Fulton St, between Hyde and Larkin St, near the Asian Art Museum and SF Public Library. We recommend taking public transit, as parking can be difficult in the area.
Check out the upcoming schedule for Civic Center Soundtrack here:
- 4/22: Gaby, Lolah, Lost Coast
- 4/24: Barb Murphy, Ben Lang, Pete Kronowitt
- 4/29: Donovan Plant, Junior Correa, Tilde Mouw
- 5/1: MonMon Lady, Randy Trio, Sax Andy, and Sushi
- 5/6: Jo Jo, Kale Frank, No Mansfield
- and more…
The concert series is organized by arts nonprofit Illuminate and the San Francisco Public Library. Fulton Plaza is located between the main branch of the SF Public Library and the Asian Art Museum, and it recently received an installation of over 1,200 LED lights hanging between the two buildings as part of a public art installation titled SPECTRA. The LED installation is a 2-year project by Illuminate, which is known for creating light installations throughout the city. The nonprofit is currently working on reinstalling the beloved Bay Lights on the Bay Bridge.
If you are able to check out the concerts, we highly recommend exploring the San Francisco Public Library while you’re there. They have plenty of great resources you can access for free, and all you need is a library card.