San Francisco regularly hosts free live music throughout the year, from major concerts to smaller performances. It’s not hard to find live music in the city. One popular program that brings free performances to the Civic Center has just announced its return for 2026.
The Civic Center Soundtrack concert series will return starting April 14. The free music series is in its third year, featuring weekly performances from local musicians in Fulton Plaza. The shows will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 to 3 pm, perfect for a lunchtime break. The series will debut on April 14 and continue through October 2026.
Along with the live music, you can also expect a lineup of rotating food trucks. The concert series is organized by the local arts nonprofit Illuminate, which is responsible for many major art installations throughout the city and for free events.
“Fulton Plaza is being reborn,” said Ben Davis, Founder and Executive Director of Illuminate. “By filling this space with the language of music and the joy of shared experience, we aren’t just hosting concerts—we are weaving the fabric of our community back together. We are proud to partner with the city to ensure that art and light remain at the center of San Francisco’s story.”
Illuminate also organizes weekly free concerts at the Golden Gate Bandshell, which typically features three shows a week.
Fulton Plaza is located near SF City Hall and the Asian Art Museum. The plaza is between the UN Plaza and Civic Center Plaza, and is an ideal spot for lunch if you work in the area. Check out the free concert series starting next week, running from April 14 through October.
