Events in San Francisco

Upcoming events with real-time pricing

San Francisco guide

San Francisco packs theater, symphony, jazz and arena shows into a small, dense center, and most of it is reachable without a car. The compact geography is the advantage, and the hills are the tax on it.

The Orpheum Theatre, the Curran Theatre and the Golden Gate Theatre carry touring musicals and plays, while Davies Symphony Hall handles classical programs. The Chase Center, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium and the Castro Theatre cover arena, rock and film events.

The calendar stays active year round, though outdoor and waterfront events cluster in the drier months. Fog and cool evenings are normal even in summer, so a jacket belongs in the bag for any show that ends late. Touring shows and symphony programs often run in short blocks, so confirm the date before you build the trip.

BART, Muni and the cable cars cover most visitor routes, and walking works in the center if you allow for hills. For Chase Center dates, the rail connection is usually faster than driving and parking. A hotel near the theater district also keeps the walk back short after a late show.

Stay downtown or in the theater district for the densest cluster of venues, and near the waterfront for arena nights. Book the anchor ticket first, then choose a hotel near a transit stop rather than the cheapest rate across town.

Frequently asked questions

What events can I see in San Francisco?

Touring musicals and plays, symphony and opera, jazz, rock, comedy and professional sports fill the calendar, with more outdoor events in the drier months.

Is San Francisco easy to visit without a car?

Yes for the center, where BART, Muni and walking cover most venues, though hills add time; for arena dates, rail is faster than driving.

How early should I arrive at a San Francisco show?

Thirty minutes before curtain works for most theaters. Add time for hills, parking and the crowds around the larger venues.

Where should I stay for a San Francisco event trip?

Wed · 8:00 PM · The Independent, San Francisco

Dec162026

Pokey LaFarge

Wed · 8:00 PM · Bimbos 365 Club, San Francisco

from

$78

Dec162026

Yung Gravy

Wed · 8:00 PM · The Fillmore - San Francisco, San Francisco

from

$53

Dec172026

San Francisco Ballet: The Nutcracker

Thu · 2:00 PM · War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco

from

$53

Dec172026

Alice In Wonderland - Theatrical Production

Thu · 6:00 PM · Presidio Theatre, San Francisco

from

$66

Dec172026

Rent

Thu · 7:00 PM · San Francisco Playhouse, San Francisco

Dec172026

The Outsiders

Thu · 7:00 PM · Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, San Francisco

from

$115

Events in San Francisco

Rent - Preview Performance

Emily Catalano

XLOV

Bernadette Peters

Syd

Josie Edwards

Labiahead - Tribute to Radiohead

The Outsiders

San Francisco Ballet: The Nutcracker

The Outsiders

San Francisco Ballet: The Nutcracker

Rent - Preview Performance

Emily Catalano

Labiahead - Tribute to Radiohead

Pokey LaFarge

Yung Gravy

San Francisco Ballet: The Nutcracker

Alice In Wonderland - Theatrical Production

Rent

The Outsiders

Venues in San Francisco

Artists playing San Francisco