Last Updated: November 20, 2025
Best Concert Venues, Stadiums & Theaters in the San Francisco Bay Area
The Bay Area is a cultural powerhouse known for its vibrant music scene, world-class sports, and thriving performing arts community. Whether you’re catching a live show at the legendary Fillmore in San Francisco, cheering on your favorite team at Chase Center, or enjoying a summer concert under the stars at the Shoreline Amphitheatre, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences. This guide highlights the top concert venues, stadiums, and theaters across the Bay Area — including San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and beyond — so you can plan your next night out with ease.
Largest Stadiums & Arenas in San Francisco
From iconic concert halls to cutting-edge sports arenas, the San Francisco Bay Area is packed with incredible venues for every kind of live entertainment.
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium - San Francisco, California
Capacity: 7,000
Primary Events: Concerts, Special Events, Award Shows
Notes: Historic venue near City Hall
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California Memorial Stadium - Berkeley, California
Capacity: 62,467
Home Teams: California Golden Bears (NCAA Football)
Primary Events: College Football, Concerts, Special Events
Notes: Historic stadium with views of San Francisco Bay
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Chase Center - San Francisco, California
Capacity: 18,064
Home Teams: Golden State Warriors (NBA)
Primary Events: NBA Basketball, Concerts, UFC, WWE, Award Shows
Notes: State-of-the-art arena in Mission Bay, opened 2019
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Davies Symphony Hall - San Francisco, California
Capacity: 2,743
Primary Events: San Francisco Symphony, Classical Concerts, Special Performances
Notes: Part of San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center
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Fox Theater - Oakland, California
Capacity: 2,800
Primary Events: Concerts, Comedy, Live Performances
Notes: Historic 1928 art deco theatre in Downtown Oakland
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Golden 1 Center - Sacramento, California
Capacity: 17,608
Home Teams: Sacramento Kings (NBA)
Primary Events: NBA Basketball, Concerts, WWE, Family Shows
Notes: 90-minute drive from San Francisco
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Golden Gate Theatre - San Francisco, California
Capacity: 2,297
Primary Events: Broadway Musicals, Touring Productions, Special Events
Notes: Historic theatre in the Theatre District
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Golden State Theatre - Monterey, California
Capacity: 1,300
Primary Events: Live Music, Comedy Shows
Notes: 2 hr 44 min drive from San Francisco
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Great American Music Hall - San Francisco, California
Capacity: 470
Primary Events: Live Music, Indie Concerts, Alternative Artists
Notes: Oldest nightclub in San Francisco, opened 1907
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Greek Theatre Berkeley - Berkeley, California
Capacity: 8,500
Primary Events: Concerts, Comedy, Outdoor Performances
Notes: Historic outdoor amphitheater on UC Berkeley campus
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Haas Pavilion - Berkeley, California
Capacity: 11,877
Home Teams: California Golden Bears (NCAA Basketball & Volleyball)
Primary Events: College Basketball, Volleyball, Graduations
Notes: UC Berkeley campus venue
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Kaiser Permanente Arena - Santa Cruz, California
Capacity: 3,500
Home Teams: Santa Cruz Warriors (G League)
Primary Events: Basketball, Concerts, Community Events
Notes: 90-minute drive from San Francisco
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Levi's Stadium - Santa Clara, California
Capacity: 68,500
Home Teams: San Francisco 49ers (NFL), San Jose State Spartans (NCAA Football)
Primary Events: NFL Games, College Football, Concerts, Soccer, WrestleMania, Super Bowl 50 (2016)
Notes: Silicon Valley stadium, FIFA World Cup 2026 venue
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Masonic - San Francisco, California
Capacity: 3,300
Primary Events: Concerts, Comedy, Theatrical Productions
Notes: Historic venue atop Nob Hill
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Maples Pavilion - Stanford, California
Capacity: 7,329
Home Teams: Stanford Cardinal (NCAA Basketball & Volleyball)
Primary Events: College Basketball, Volleyball, Graduations
Notes: Stanford University campus
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Monterey Fairgrounds - Monterey, California
Capacity: 10,000
Primary Events: Monterey Jazz Festival, Monterey County Fair
Notes: 2 hr 30 min drive from San Francisco
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Mountain Winery - Saratoga, California
Capacity: 2,500
Primary Events: Summer Concert Series, Jazz, Classical
Notes: Intimate hillside venue, 50 miles south of San Francisco
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Oakland Arena - Oakland, California
Capacity: 19,596
Home Teams: None (formerly Golden State Warriors)
Primary Events: Concerts, Ice Shows, Family Entertainment, WWE
Notes: Historic arena, Warriors played here 1966-2019
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Oracle Park - San Francisco, California
Capacity: 41,915
Home Teams: San Francisco Giants (MLB)
Primary Events: Baseball, Concerts, College Football (Redbox Bowl)
Notes: Waterfront ballpark with views of San Francisco Bay
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Paramount Theatre - Oakland, California
Capacity: 3,040
Primary Events: Concerts, Oakland Symphony, Oakland Ballet, Film Screenings
Notes: Stunning 1931 art deco theatre, National Historic Landmark
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PayPal Park - San Jose, California
Capacity: 18,000
Home Teams: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
Primary Events: MLS Soccer, Concerts, Rugby, International Soccer
Notes: Soccer-specific stadium in Silicon Valley
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SAP Center - San Jose, California
Capacity: 17,562
Home Teams: San Jose Sharks (NHL), San Jose Barracuda (AHL)
Primary Events: NHL Hockey, Concerts, WWE, Figure Skating, NCAA Tournament
Notes: "The Shark Tank" in Downtown San Jose, 50 miles south of SF
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Shoreline Amphitheatre - Mountain View, California
Capacity: 22,500
Primary Events: Concerts, Music Festivals, Tech Company Events
Notable Performers: Dave Matthews Band, Metallica, Dead & Company
Notes: Premier outdoor venue in Silicon Valley, 40 miles south of SF
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Stanford Stadium - Stanford, California
Capacity: 50,424
Home Teams: Stanford Cardinal (NCAA Football)
Primary Events: College Football, Concerts, Special Events
Notes: 35 miles south of San Francisco, hosted 1985 Super Bowl
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Sutter Health Park - West Sacramento, California
Capacity: 14,014
Home Teams: Sacramento River Cats (MiLB - Triple-A)
Primary Events: Minor League Baseball, Concerts, Community Events
Notes: 90-minute drive from San Francisco
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Toyota Pavilion at Concord - Concord, California
Capacity: 12,500
Primary Events: Concerts, Music Festivals
Notes: Outdoor amphitheater in East Bay, 30 miles from SF
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War Memorial Opera House - San Francisco, California
Capacity: 3,146
Primary Events: San Francisco Opera, San Francisco Ballet, Special Events
Notes: Historic venue, site of UN Charter signing (1945)
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Best Outdoor Amphitheaters in the Bay Area for Summer Concerts
Nothing beats live music outdoors in the Bay Area’s perfect summer weather. Venues like Shoreline Amphitheatre, Greek Theatre Berkeley, and Mountain Winery offer scenic backdrops, great sound, and unforgettable performances. Discover where to enjoy your favorite artists under the stars.
Historic Bay Area Venues You Need to Visit
Step inside the past at the Bay Area’s most iconic performance spaces. The Fillmore’s legendary stage has hosted music’s greatest names, while the Fox Theater’s Art Deco beauty makes every event feel timeless. These historic venues capture the spirit and legacy of California’s entertainment culture.
Where to See the Biggest Events in the Bay Area Year-Round
From major concerts and sports playoffs to film festivals and cultural showcases, the Bay Area is always buzzing with excitement. Explore year-round events at Chase Center, Oracle Park, and San Jose Center for the Performing Arts — the region’s most popular destinations for unforgettable experiences.