Location: San Francisco
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Things to do in San Francisco, California (CA): The Best Concerts & Shows
Every neighborhood in San Francisco has its own personality, from the hippie chic of the Upper Haight to the hipster grit of the Mission. The Marina district boasts trendy bistros and postcard-perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge, while Noe Valley offers quaint and quiet boutiques. Wave hello to the sea lions at Pier 39, and sample local cheese and charcuterie at the Ferry Building. Sit in on a yoga session in Dolores Park or marvel at the Dutch Windmill across from Ocean Beach.
Restaurants in San Francisco
1. SFJazz Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By WalnutBaron - San Francisco, United States
We saw Chris Botti and an amazing group of talented musicians in this wonderful venue on a Thursday night in early January. Botti said that--even though SFJazz is only 5 years old--it has already gained a reputation among professional musicians as one of the premier locations for sound quality, audience enthusiasm, and a high fun factor in all the world. The concert was the best we've ever attended, and we had a very intimate view of the stage and the musicians and their interaction with the audience. We will never forget our experience.
2. Herbst Theatre
3. The Fillmore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Famed rock concert venue.
Reviewed By michelecZ4797LR
Went for a concert this past Friday. For those looking for information on food and seating, if you are the very first people through the door when they open, head upstairs to the left and there's about four tables where you can sit and still see the show from the balcony. There's also a bar in that area and another bar and food available in the Poster Room. If you are lucky enough to secure one of these tables, send one of your party into the Poster Room, there's a variety of bar food such as nachos, vegetarian sliders, burgers, quesadillas, delicious cookies etc. Pay there and get a table number. They will send a server with your food back at your original balcony table when it's ready. Food service is only available on the second floor. As far as sightlines on the first floor in the ballroom, it gets pretty packed, and if you're small you might want to find a space up front. Tall people will have no problems from the sight lines from the back of the crowd.
4. Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,419 reviews
Designed to look like a Roman ruin, this golden building is certainly a beauty to behold.
Reviewed By Bad_Seed4 - Canberra, Australia
I did not know about this place, my hotel was in the area and we were having an evening stroll and came across it and its the place for your IG or family shots While we were there in the twilight, there was a group taking wedding photos and another group all dressed u in their finery taking family shots. Evening is a good time because its less crowded, I can imagine taking photos would be trickier in the daytime because of more people. Its just beautiful. Its a lovely place to wander and take in the architecture and sit and contemplate (and take photos!)
5. San Francisco Opera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 315 reviews
We have been thrilling audiences in San Francisco since 1923. We are known for commissioning numerous world premieres, training some of opera's greatest young artists and being one of the world's leading opera companies. Come visit us during our fall season (September - early December) or our summer season (late May - early July) and enjoy an incredible night out.
Reviewed By permia
When on our travels we always aim to attend an operatic presentation. Thus we were thrilled that Tosca was hosted during our time here. It was a marvellous performance, with quite an international ensemble. Impressive acoustics enhanced the soaring singing. A traditional staging, there was no hint of a modern setting. The opera house is imposing with a fine facade comprising Classical forms. Inside is gorgeous with the auditorium particularly attractive.
6. San Francisco Symphony
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 256 reviews
Presents and performs over 220 concerts annually, from September through July. In 2011-12 celebrates its 100th centennial season- learn more at our website.
Reviewed By Lubydubydoo
It hardly matters what the program is (though some are better than others) nor where you sit in the auditorium. You don't even have to be a classical music lover or know much about it. An evening at the symphony is a balm for your body, soul and heart. Treat yourself, relax and take in the sounds of perfection! At our most recent visit we listened to Handel's Messiah, which was magnificent. Can't wait to return this week for another wonderful performance.
7. San Francisco Ballet
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Experience wonderful ballet performances from October through May.
Reviewed By 280richr - Tampa, United States
My wife and I were treated to a performance of the San Francisco Ballet. It was magic. The dancers were world class and the orchestra clearly among the best in the region. If you are looking for a night out to remember you will not be disappointed.
8. Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
Home to the San Francisco Symphony, this modern structure created quite an architectural controversy when first built.
Reviewed By doctorbove - Sacramento, United States
We have been here a couple of times now, and can't be more happy with our experiences! If you can make it through the parking escapade in this (or any busy city), and to the venue itself, you will be pleasantly rewarded. Home to the San Francisco Symphony, the venue is just as equally impressive. The staff are helpful and friendly, the seats and hall itself are clean, and the music...OMG, THE MUSIC! Please, go hear for yourself. There is not a bad seat in the whole house. Just last night, we went to see Alfred Hitchcock's 1959 masterpiece, "North By Northwest" on the big screen with the music provided live by the SF Symphony. Wow! What a musical score, and such a great performance! Bernard Herrmann plus Richard Kaufman, who can go wrong? If they play this every year, we will be back every year to see it. Thank you for a magical night, and wonderful experience!
9. Orpheum Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 371 reviews
BroadwaySF is the preeminent theatrical entertainment company in the Bay Area, bringing live entertainment experiences to San Francisco’s premier venues, the Orpheum and Golden Gate Theatres. We present current hits fresh from Broadway, original Broadway cast productions, pre-Broadway premieres and one-of-a-kind events that are at the forefront of the national theater scene.
Reviewed By CVTravelers
I recall going to the Orpheum theatre with my parents many years ago. It clearly has been renovated and the lobby and rest rooms are very nice. My wife and I sat in the orchestra section and the seats/view of the stage were very good. We would definitely recommend the show which was very entertaining and the actors were amazing. We did not leave our seats at intermission but noted that many people returned to their seats after the second act had started. I imagine this is the result of fairly small rest rooms and generally congestion. This is something to keep in mind since you really don’t want to miss any of the show !!!
10. War Memorial Opera House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
This beautiful beaux arts structure is home to the San Francisco Opera.
Reviewed By Carol1205 - Novato, United States
We attended Shen Yun and had dinner downstairs. Although the performance did not meet my expectations, I enjoyed the theater and dinner very much.
