Fillmore San Francisco

A whole lot of badasses have been in here to shake the chandeliers and tear down the curtains, and that's not even close to hyperbole. The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Jefferson Airplane, Santana, the Grateful Dead - the Fillmore San Francisco is where the entire psychedelic rock movement was born, and the venue still carries that revolutionary energy every single night it opens its doors.

Bill Graham turned this Geary Street ballroom into the epicenter of '60s counterculture, and somehow, despite everything in the city and the world changing around it, the Fillmore still feels like the most authentic music room in all of San Francisco. At about 1,315 capacity, it's small enough that every show feels deeply personal and big enough that the energy in the room can be absolutely overwhelming when the crowd is locked in. The famous psychedelic poster tradition continues to this day - they still hand out original concert posters at every single show, so you leave with a genuine piece of art. How many venues anywhere do that?

The Fillmore District has solid options for before and after the show. State Bird Provisions down on Fillmore is one of San Francisco's best restaurants if you can score a reservation (dim sum-style service with creative California cuisine). 4505 Burgers & BBQ on Divisadero does smoked meats that'll wreck you in the best possible way. And for a quick, budget-friendly meal, Wise Sons Deli on Fillmore does a pastrami sandwich that genuinely rivals anything you'd find in New York.

If you love live music and you're in San Francisco, the Fillmore is a pilgrimage you owe yourself. Find what's coming up on Evil Tickets and be part of the tradition.