So, your Candlelight tickets have been purchased and you’re eagerly counting down the days until your concert. Talented musicians, a gorgeous venue and thousands of twinkling candles await, and if you’re wondering how best to prepare for the show, we’ve rounded up some things to know before attending a Candlelight concert in SF.
1. Plan your journey
Seating at Candlelight concerts is usually assigned on a first-come, first-served basis within each zone. That’s why we recommend getting to the venue as soon as the doors open, which is usually 60 minutes before the show start time. More often than not, Candlelight venues are located in the city center, so it’s usually super easy to get there by muni, bus, cable car or taxi if you’d rather leave the car at home.
2. Dress code
Simply put, there’s no real dress code to adhere to at a Candlelight concert. Comfort is key, but if you’d like a little guidance, we recommend going for smart casual. You’re also welcome to dress up like the artist being honored on the night! From a Beyoncé-inspired fit to a grungy nod to Nirvana, you can slip on a costume and pay tribute to one of your favorite singers or bands yourself.
3. Can you take photos?
Yes and no. At the start of the performance, the musicians will ask you to refrain from taking pictures until they give you the okay to do so. This is usually during the last few songs in the setlist. As it can be super distracting, they’ll probably ask you to turn the flash off your camera and to keep your cell phones on silent for the entire show.
4. Candlelight is flexible
Life can sometimes get in the way of fun plans, and Candlelight understands that. For that reason, Candlelight gives you the option to pay a small fee for the flexible cancellation ticket option. This allows you to reschedule or claim a refund when you cancel up to 48 hours before the concert start time, no questions asked.
5. The program
At Candlelight, the setlist is tentative and subject to change. Having said that, you can expect the musicians on stage to perform the artist’s biggest hits or most popular compositions. There’s often a few nice surprises and fan favorites included too, and concerts typically take place over the course of 60-65 minutes.
And there you have it – five essential things to know before attending a Candlelight concert in SF. Find your seat surrounded by a sea of candles and immerse yourself in soothing sounds produced by talented musicians in an unbeatable atmosphere. And if you want to spread the magic, you can treat your loved ones to a Candlelight gift card that can be used to purchase a concert anywhere in the US.