Experiencethe SF Live Concert Series: Free Live Music Concerts in San Francisco
Free concerts across San Francisco's iconic venues and public spaces start this May and will last all summer long.
San Francisco's reputation as a great city for live music is about to get a major boost. SF Live is a new series of free music concerts designed to showcase San Francisco's local talent, as well as its great music venues and public spaces.
Each concert in the line-up has been carefully chosen by the people who know San Francisco's music scene best: the organizers and managers of some of San Francisco's most historic music venues. Concert-goers can anticipate a diverse and dynamic selection of music, from rising indie bands and well-known jazz ensembles to high-energy pop and more.
SF Live Concerts
Sudan Archives
July 27, 2024 Crane Cove ParkHeadliner Sudan Archives combines R&B, hip-hop, and experimental electronic music with West African fiddling. Her openers will include Lalin St. Juste and Kossiko, a dynamic artist known for appearances on HBO's "Euphoria".
San Cha, Healing Gems, and Peña
August 3, 2024 Golden Gate Park BandshellPresented by El Rio, this exciting set features the multi-hyphenate San Cha, the unconventional Healing Gems, and the genre-busting Peña. The whole thing kicks off with DJ sets from Brown Amy and drag performances from Dulce De Leche and Per Sia.
West Grand Brass Band
August 8, 2024 Union SquareThis dynamic group of musicians from Oakland blends traditional brass band music with modern styles, creating an ever-evolving mix of classic tunes, innovative covers, and original compositions. Opening for the band will be Alvon Johnson, a remarkably versatile artist, world traveler, and frontman of an iconic big band that delivers fresh takes on jazz standards.
Dueling Swing Bands
August 15, 2024 Fulton PlazaGet ready for double the fun with this battle of the bands at Fulton Plaza. More details will be announced, but we can guarantee you'll be dancing up a storm at this set.
Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew
August 17, 2024 China Basin ParkIn “Remain in Light”, Adrian and Jerry, with their all-star backing band, bring you powerhouse renditions of Talking Heads classics like “Once In A Lifetime”, “Psycho Killer”, “Take Me To The River”, and selections from their respective solo careers.
Eagles of Death Metal
September 7, 2024 Potrero Del SolDon't let the name fool you; California's own Eagles of Death Metal are not a headbanger's type. Their name disguises their style, which is a mix of bluegrass, rock, and punk. Head to sunny Potrero Del Sol for this exciting outdoor event.
Tony Lindsay
September 12 - October 12, 2024 Union SquareAfter 25 years as the lead vocalist for Santana, Tony Lindsay has garnered 11 Grammy awards, traveled on several world tours and recorded on seven albums. Tony has become a regular performer for local professional sports teams, singing The National Anthem. His opener will be Jarekus Singleton, a musical trailblazer with a bold vision for the future of the blues.
GoldFish, Bag Raiders, and Mykki Blanco
September 21, 2024 Union SquareThis is one eclectic slate of performers! Mykki Blanco, an internationally renowned musician, performing artist, and LGBTQ+ activist, is a trailblazer of queer rap. Electronic music pioneers GoldFish mix tireless house beats with multiple live instrumentals. And Australian dance music royalty Bag Raiders will keep the party going with their streaming juggernaut set list.
Participating Music Venues
The music mavens behind some of San Francisco's top performance venues are helping to curate the SF Live series. Besides attending these free shows in public spaces, be sure to visit these great establishments for their own regularly scheduled concert programming.
The Great Northern
Host to everything from live music to art battles to Pride parties, The Great Northern is a hidden gem in San Francisco's Design District. High ceilings and plenty of space make any event here feel truly "great'.
Who's Playing at The Great NorthernMonarch
Hip, chic, and just a little bit gaudy, Monarch is emblematic of San Francisco's nightlife. This SoMa venue regularly hosts top DJs and fun theme parties.
Who's Playing at MonarchMr. Tipple's
For a laid-back evening of live music, head to Mr. Tipple's. Tight jazz combos and stiff cocktails make for the perfect pair in this intimate venue in San Francisco's Civic Center neighborhood.
Who's Playing at Mr. Tipple'sBottom of the Hill
The heart of San Francisco's indie rock scene, Bottom of the Hill has consistently ranked high among music lovers' favorite Bay Area venues. Bottom of the Hill has seen generations of greats grace its stage before they hit it big, including Green Day, Alanis Morisette, Queens of the Stone Age, Arcade Fire, Blink 182, and more. If you're looking to discover what's next, chances are you'll find it at Bottom of the Hill.
Who's Playing at Bottom of the HillEl Rio
On the outer edge of The Mission, El Rio regularly hosts some of the most fabulously queer dance parties and performances in the city. With its ample outdoor space, it's the perfect spot to move to the beat this summer.
Who's Playing at El RioKilowatt
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Kilowatt is a Mission mainstay that has the feel of a casual local haunt with the added benefit of a stage and terrific roster of performers. Plus, the team doesn't mind if you bring in food from any of the incredible restaurants on the block!
Who's Playing at KilowattThe Chapel
The Chapel is unique for what it was before it started hosting great live music. In its past life (pun intended), it was a mortuary! Don't worry; there's nothing spooky about it now! High, arched ceilings create great acoustics for performers who run the gamut from rock to classical.
Who's Playing at The ChapelDon't miss out on the excitement of SF Live Concert Series. Bookmark this page for updates and immerse yourself in the free music events this summer in San Francisco
Tyler is the Sr. Manager of Global Content & Communications at San Francisco Travel. He has lived in San Francisco since 2015 and has been part of the San Francisco Travel team for just as long. He enjoys splashy production numbers and outdoor sporting events equally, which means you can usually find him at one of San Francisco’s many great theaters or at Oracle Park, cheering on the Giants.
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