San Francisco has always been a hot spot for music rebels. It’s the city that birthed Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin and The Grateful Dead in Haight-Ashbury during the ’60s, its sound as eclectic as its people. Whether you’re new in town or are looking for varied music-themed plans, we’ve come up with the ultimate list of things to do for music lovers in San Francisco. From legendary venues and historic landmarks to electric festivals and intimate performances, here’s our guide to exploring the city’s rich music scene.
1. Vibe to your favorite tunes at a live music venue
One of the best things to do for music lovers in the city is to catch a live show at an iconic venue. From halls to historic theaters, there’s almost too many venues to count. But if we had to choose, as a starter, one of our favorite spots is certainly The Fillmore. It has hosted legends like Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and The Velvet Underground and Nico, so a concert at the century-old building is a no brainer.
Additionally, the Great American Music Hall is the longest running independent music venue in the city that welcomes local and international artists seven days a week. Other options include The Chapel, the iconic SF JAZZ and the Chase Center for superb acoustics.
2. Dig through CDs and vinyl at a record store
If you don’t do record stores, you should start now. These spots are not just for hipsters; besides vinyl, you can find so much more, from CDs and movies to signed posters, books and interesting memorabilia. What’s more, many record stores host live shows from time to time and serve as meeting spots for the community.
Depending on the genres they specialize in, there’s Jack’s Record Cellar for soul, jazz, or blues, Rooky Ricardo’s Records for 45s & LPs from the ’50s – ’70s, Originals Vinyl for jazz, rock, soul and world music, and Explorist International for international pop, early blues and Americana. Lastly, if you want a little bit of everything, go to Thrillhouse Records and Amoeba in Haight-Ashbury for all genres.
3. See some of the best cats in the biz at a swanky jazz club
Much like its rock ‘n’ roll legacy, San Francisco has a long history of jazz music, dating back to the 1940s when hundreds of African Americans came to the Bay Areawork in military shipyards. The tradition continues and both locals and visitors alike can catch a performance of blues and jazz at one of the city’s hot jazz clubs.
From Comstock Bar to Local Edition and Geelou, guests can enjoy talented musicians as they sip on their go-to cocktails. Then, there’s the dog-friendly The Royales Bar, Feinstein’s at the Nikko, also known for its cabaret shows, Madrone Art Bar, and many more.
4. Or opt for a dinner and a show
Combine a great jazz performance with a scrumptious meal at a supper club in San Francisco. Whether you prefer the B-Side restaurant and bar of SF Jazz, the Happy Hour at Keys Jazz Bistro, the elegant Black Cat bar or the New American cuisine of Mr. Tipple’s Recording Studio, you’re guaranteed a great evening out.
5. Experience an electrifying music festival
The Bay Area hosts some of the most exciting music festivals in the country. From Outside Lands and Noise Pop to San Francisco Jazz Festival and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, there’s plenty to choose from. You can look forward to world-famous headliners and unique emerging artists from the local scene.
🎵 You can see all upcoming music festivals in the Bay Area here.
6. Go on a music tour
Haight-Ashbury Flower Power Walking Tour dives into the vibrant 1960s counterculture movement and the landmarks and streets tied to icons like Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, The Grateful Dead, Joni Mitchell and countless others. Similarly, the San Francisco Music Tour with Magic Bus transports people back to the musical past of Haight-Ashbury and the Summer of Love. The tour starts in Union Square, but also gives more insight into other San Francisco neighborhoods like Chinatown that were pivotal in music and culture.
7. Get lost in a music store
If you love synthesizers, you should add ROBOTSPEAk to your bucket list of places you want to visit to see their range of modular synthesizers, drum machines, and audio gear. For guitar enthusiasts, Real Guitars on Lafayette Street is the city’s oldest guitar shop with a focus on vintage guitars, amps, and accessories. Furthermore, Bronstein Music offers rentals, school-oriented sales, and repair services for all band and orchestra instruments, guitar, bass, ukulele, musical electronics, and more.
8. Spend the night at a music-themed hotel
Whether you’re in town for a visit or are planning a rockin’ staycation, Music City Hotel offers a number of rooms in line with different budgets.
You can choose between the Shared Capsule Room designed to resemble a tour bus or a Private Room for a little more privacy. Part of Music City, a hub of entertainment where you can record, rehearse with your band, and catch a live show, there’s music history to uncover in every corner of the building. If you want to learn more about music and feel like a rockstar, this is one of the best things to do for music lovers.
9. Experience the magic of a Candlelight concert
Incredibly talented musicians, gorgeous venues and thousands of twinkling candles—a Candlelight concert is a music lover’s dream with an added visual bonus. These performances pay tribute to some of the most iconic artists of yesteryear and modern day in the likes of Vivaldi, Queen and Taylor Swift. Additionally, famous film and anime scores get the Candlelight treatment, as well, so there’s really something for every taste.
🎵 You can see all upcoming Candlelight concerts here.
10. Discover the captivating We call it Experiences
Lastly, the popular ‘We call it’ series celebrates international music and dance styles at top-rated destinations for live music fans in the likes of BRAVA Theater Center. It is one of our top choices of things to do for both music lovers and dance enthusiasts alike. You can see fiery tango performances, electric drum shows, and much more!