Events at Folsom Street Foundry, San Francisco

About Folsom Street Foundry

The Folsom Street Foundry (now known as The Foundry SF) is an industrial-style event venue in San Francisco’s SoMa district. It occupies a renovated 1936 warehouse at 1425 Folsom St (at 10th) (www.thefoundrysf.com). The building retains its original Art Deco / Moderne architecture – red brick walls, steel‐sash windows, and geometric details – as part of the Western SoMa Light Industrial Historic District (www.thefoundrysf.com). Inside, the space has been fully modernized: high ceilings, exposed beams, and up-to-date lighting and sound gear give a cutting-edge feel while preserving that warehouse character. Overall the venue spans roughly 4,400 square feet and can hold on the order of 400–500 people (www.peerspace.com), making it one of San Francisco’s larger independent club‐style spaces. The Foundry SF markets itself as “more than just an event space – a living piece of San Francisco’s dynamic history” (www.thefoundrysf.com), reflecting both its vintage bones and role in the city’s culture. In fact, the location has a storied legacy: it sits in the heart of SoMa’s mid-20th century “Miracle Mile,” once home to famous LGBTQ bars and clubs (Febe’s, The Stud, Ramrod, etc.). The venue’s own history section notes the building was “formerly known as Folsom Street Foundry, continuing the tradition of being a gathering place where diverse communities came together” (www.thefoundrysf.com). Today it functions as a multipurpose hall – equally at home hosting electronic dance music nights, tech conferences, holiday festivals or business gatherings – blending its gritty industrial look with upscale finishes (sleek bars, chic furniture when needed) and a vibe that evokes old-school warehouse raves. All told, what makes the Foundry special is this contrast: it’s one of the few truly independent warehouse spaces left in SF, with preserved vintage style and modern amenities (edmidentity.com).

Events and Programming

• Nightlife & Concerts: The Foundry SF is best known for club-style events and live music. Promoters host dance nights almost every weekend with top local and visiting DJs. For example, in September 2025 the venue hosted house/tech veteran Justin Martin (What To Do label) for a vinyl-heavy set (edmidentity.com). Likewise, a major “house/funk” event in October 2025 featured legends François K and DJ Spinna (ra.co). Styles run the gamut: from underground funk/acid house to hip-hop or disco mixes. Frequent parties include Friday or Saturday night DJ showcases (often 21+ concerts) and indie dance events. Ticket prices for public shows typically range from $20 up to around $40 (as an example, one 2025 lineup had admission $25–$40 (ra.co)). Big-name DJ nights can sell out, so fans often buy in advance.
• Specialty & Cultural Events: The Foundry also welcomes creative pop-up events and festivals. It has hosted performance art and interactive parties – for instance, a live dating show called “Love Isn’t Blind” toured through the space in early 2024 (www.thefoundrysf.com). Tech and art gatherings happen here too: in Feb 2024 a “Community Arts and Technology Symposium (CATS)” party for Apple Vision Pro users took over the venue (sfstandard.com). Community celebrations, often tie-ins to holidays or local culture, are common. (NBC Bay Area reported a large Diwali festival with lights, dancing and live music “took over the Foundry” in November 2023 (www.thefoundrysf.com).) Seasonal and theme parties – from Halloween and Pride-related events to New Year’s shows – also occur. In short, you might find tech demos, indie film screenings, or community fundraisers in addition to dance music.
• Corporate & Private Rentals: By day and off-hours, the Foundry SF is heavily used as a private event space. It is promoted for corporate gatherings, off-site conferences (e.g. during Salesforce’s Dreamforce (www.thefoundrysf.com)), product launches, weddings, holiday parties, and more. The venue offers flexible layout (furniture on wheels, staging, etc.) so it can be configured for seated dinners, presentations, or trade-show style floor plans. Their in‐house team can handle production, catering, audio/visual needs and even valet parking for large events (www.thefoundrysf.com). Catering and alcohol must meet California licensing rules, and the Foundry works with approved partners for service (www.thefoundrysf.com). Because it’s a turnkey space, event planners often book it months ahead. (The venue’s website features a long gallery of past parties and mentions clients like tech companies and NGOs.)
• Recurring Programs: In recent years the Foundry has introduced regular “happy hour” and daytime dance programming. Local nightlife press noted that by fall 2022 the venue ran weekly early-evening gatherings – for example, Thursday through Saturday evenings starting at 5pm, plus a Sunday “tea dance” from 3–10pm featuring local DJs (48hills.org). These daytime-to-dusk events were designed to cater to people who want an early-evening dance scene or a casual lounge atmosphere. So depending on the promoter schedule, the Foundry might have both late-night club shows and earlier brunch/afternoon parties.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets to events at The Foundry SF are sold by each event’s promoter or organizer; there is no public box office selling walk-up tickets except perhaps for will-call at showtime. Fans typically buy online through authorized ticket platforms or the event webpage. Showcase nights often go on sale weeks in advance. For example, the Resident Advisor listing for a 2025 event shows $25–$40 tickets (ra.co). Presale opportunities (for fan clubs or venue mailing lists) can pop up, so it’s a good idea to follow the Foundry SF newsletter or social media for announcements. General tips: buy early for popular DJs (some sets sell out fast), watch for email presales if available, and bookmark the event listing (search on “The Foundry SF” plus the artist or date). Day-of-door sales are not guaranteed – if a show is labeled “sold out,” there will likely be no seats for late buyers. When attending a ticketed event, arrive well before showtime in case of lines or id checks. Payment at the door is usually by card, and prices include all fees up front (no hidden “convenience charges” beyond what is shown at purchase). Finally, note that many events are 21+ (see Policies below), so bring valid ID when collecting or buying tickets.

Seating and Layout

The Foundry SF is essentially open-plan rather than tiered or seated. It comprises two connected event areas: the main performance hall (~3,200 usable sq ft) and a smaller front lounge/bar area (~1,200 sq ft) (www.thefoundrysf.com). The front lounge is an “intimate urban” space with bar seating and club couches for roughly 100 people (www.thefoundrysf.com). It’s a comfortable spot to sit with a drink before entering the main room. Glass double doors separate this bar lounge from the main hall, so both areas feel integrated yet distinct (www.thefoundrysf.com). In the main hall, the floor is flat and mostly empty to accommodate standing or dancing – there are no fixed rows of seats. Attendees typically remain on their feet for concerts. The front bar area’s seating (and a small raised section near the entrance) are the only places to sit. In practice, most early-arrivals and lounge-goers will snag a chair near the bar; once the crowd grows, almost everyone steers toward the open floor.

When the room is witnessing live performances, you’ll want to pick a spot on the dance floor. The luxury at the Foundry is that a 4-corner Danley Sound system delivers balanced audio everywhere (www.thefoundrysf.com). For best acoustics, many regulars stand centrally or slightly back from the speakers. If you like bass up close, move near the front corners where the subwoofers fire. If you prefer moderate volume, head toward mid-room – the sound remains clear because Danley boxes avoid the “comb filtering” issues of line arrays. There are no bad sightlines – the warehouse stage area is raised slightly but not on a steep incline, so as long as you’re a few feet back you can see over shorter heads. One perk: the lighting rig and video projectors (Epson HD lasers) can create huge wall images (www.thefoundrysf.com), so standing off to the side may let you enjoy immersive visuals. Simply put, viewing is general admission. If there’s an official seated section (rare outside corporate lectures), it will be small and not pre-reserved. Otherwise, plan on a standing experience, with the front lounge area as the only real “seated” option.

Getting There and Parking

Address: The Foundry SF is at 1425 Folsom St (between 10th and 11th Streets) in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood (www.thefoundrysf.com).

Public Transit: The venue is well-connected by Bay Area transit. The closest BART/Muni Metro station is Powell Street (about 3–4 blocks away, located at Market & 5th St). Powell Station is served by all BART lines (Yellow/Blue/Red/Green) via the Powell Street station, making it fast to reach from downtown or the East Bay. Montgomery Station (at Market & 2nd) is a similar distance and also an option. Several Muni bus routes pass nearby: for example, the 14R (Rapid) and 27 (Bryant) run along Harrison St/10th St one block north, and lines 7, 9 and 9R run on nearby Mission St and Ferry St (moovitapp.com). A more detailed example from Moovit lists “14R, 27, 7, 9, 9R – BART: Yellow” as serving routes near the Foundry (moovitapp.com). (Muni streetcars end at 4th & Howard, about 4 blocks off; you’d then walk or transfer.) If coming from Caltrain or Amtrak, take any Muni east toward SoMa or BART west to Powell. From the Embarcadero area or North Beach, you can walk down Folsom St a few blocks. Note that late-night transit still runs (Muni and BART night owl service has limitations, so rideshares/taxis are common after hours).

Driving & Parking: Street parking exists along Folsom, 10th, and nearby side streets, but it’s often metered and can be crowded on event nights. The venue notes that street parking is available but limited. The larger option is to use a garage: the nearest is the SoMa Hub Garage at 255 12th St (ProPark), just a few blocks blocks north of the Foundry (www.thefoundrysf.com). This covered garage is often cited as convenient for Foundry events. According to parking apps, overnight/event parking at SOMA Hub typically starts around $15 per day (for example, Way.com lists a “starts at $15.00” daily rate (www.way.com)). Another nearby lot is the Impark garage at Bryant/Harrison, a short walk away. If valet is preferred, The Foundry can arrange third-party valet service for an event, though it doesn’t have its own lot (www.thefoundrysf.com). The venue’s FAQ suggests SoMa Hub and similar lots as the top recommendations (www.thefoundrysf.com). In summary, if driving you should plan at least an extra 15–20 minutes before curtain to find and pay for parking.

Rideshares and Walking: Many visitors use Uber/Lyft. The safest drop-off is right in front of the building on Folsom St at 10th St. (Large vehicles should be mindful of blocking the crosswalk.) On foot, the Foundry is a short walk from downtown. From Union Square it’s about a 12-minute stroll. The Moscone Center is a 5–10 minute walk east. If you’re cruising the city by foot or bike, the area is flat and bike-friendly; a few bike racks stand on Folsom, though bringing a bike lock is smart. Overall, most locals recommend transit or ride-share to avoid parking hassles on big event nights.

Inside the Venue

General Atmosphere: Stepping inside, expect a polished industrial vibe. The entrance leads into a glass‐walled front bar and lounge area. This furnished lounge feels like an upscale neighborhood bar – exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, lounge seating and a full liquor bar. From here, double‐glass doors open into the much larger main hall (www.thefoundrysf.com). The main hall is a wide, warehouse‐style room under a high ceiling (with skylights for daytime events). When a show is on, colorful DJ-style lighting and video projections often fill the space. The sound is booming (more below), and crowds typically fill the dancefloor with a nightclub energy. By contrast, during a corporate or dinner event the lights and seating would be arranged for a calm, well-lit multi-purpose hall. The built-in style ensures there are no dark back hallways – you’ll generally stay in one open area. The venue has male and female restrooms conveniently located on-site.

Bar and Food: The Foundry SF has its own in-house bars. In fact, when it first opened in 2013 it was noted to have a beer-and-wine bar on site (sf.eater.com). Today those bars offer full cocktails and beer/wine service. The front lounge’s bar serves snacks and drinks before people spill into the main room. The main hall has additional bar stations on the perimeter, so patrons never have to exit the building for a drink. Professional catering is usually brought in for private functions; some public events might feature light appetizers (e.g. passed hors d’oeuvres). As a rule, outside food or drink cannot be brought in. Alcohol service is handled by licensed bartenders. (For large events, staff may set up a small menu of premium snacks or hire a chef – one review in 2022 even praised a new gourmet food menu and cocktails at the Foundry (48hills.org).)

Production & Amenities: The venue comes loaded with tech gear. The main stage area is equipped with professional lighting rigs and HD projectors that can project giant images on the walls (www.thefoundrysf.com). A recent equipment list shows the main hall has four Epson HD projectors (combined into one 7680×1080 display via Resolume Arena software) (www.thefoundrysf.com). The Foundry also provides stages, DJ booths, microphones, mix consoles, and a full range of sound equipment. Whether it’s a concert or corporate show, the hall has in-house AV staff and gear so outside rental needs are minimal. For example, the sound system is library-grade: four corner-mounted Danley SH-96HO full-range speakers, multiple subwoofers and monitors, all powered by high-end amplifiers (www.thefoundrysf.com). (In fact, one EDM review bragged about the Foundry’s “44,000-watt Danley Sound Labs system,” calling it a night “for the history books” (edmidentity.com).)

Visitor Practicalities: Expect standard concert-entry procedures. Arrive at least 30–60 minutes before showtime on busy nights. Doors are usually open 1–2 hours before a performance. At the entrance you will have tickets checked (print or mobile) and IDs checked for 21+ events. A quick bag check or metal detector screening is possible, especially on large show nights. The Foundry often offers a coat check in winter or for large parties. Guests will generally line up on Folsom St or inside the lobby until the event starts. Merchandise tables are typically set up near the front in the lounge area if it’s a music show. Cell phone reception in the building is usually reliable, and Wi-Fi may be provided for certain corporate events (but not necessarily free to the public). The venue is indoors, so weather is never an issue once inside – shows go on rain or shine. Keep your phone handy for the event schedule; and remember the big open space means sound can be very loud, so earplugs are a good idea. (Staff and security will enforce any photography rules: usually small personal cameras and phones are allowed, but professional cameras, recording or flash use may be prohibited during performances.)

Nearby Amenities

• Dining (Pre-Show): South of Market has many casual dining options within walking distance. On Folsom Street itself and the nearby blocks you’ll find popular lunch/dinner spots like pizza shops, American comfort restaurants and sushi bars. A well-known choice is Sutro’s High Tide Pizza (1192 Folsom, a block away) for quick pies. Just a few blocks south on Townsend St is KoJa Kitchen (Korean-Mexican fusion currently famous in SF). If you want Mexican food, there are taquerias on Mission St one block away. A bit east on Mission are family-run cafes and newer gastropubs. (Also, if you arrive early, note the Foundry started hosting “happy hour” events – local press mentioned gourmet bites and cocktails from Chef Patricio Duffoo starting at 5pm several nights a week (48hills.org).) Don’t forget downtown or the Mission: just a 10–15 minute walk east along Folsom/Mission you reach the Union Square restaurant district, with everything from upscale grill shops to casual diners.
• Bars and Nightlife: Beyond the Foundry itself, the neighborhood has plenty of nighttime spots. Just up Folsom toward 9th St are a few dive bars and lounges (the area around 1015 Folsom was historically known for clubs). On nearby streets (7th, 8th, 11th, Townsend) you’ll find breweries, cocktail lounges and casual pubs. For instance, the innately San Franciscan Whitechapel Gin Bar is within a mile. In the same vein, many downtown hotel bars (Marriott Marquis, Palate Paradise, etc.) are a short cab or 10-minute walk away at Market Street. Essentially, it’s easy to grab a bourbon or cocktail pre- or post-show on any nearby block.
• Hotels: If you need a place to stay, SoMa and downtown are tightly packed with hotels. One block west on Folsom (around 7th St) is the Inn on Folsom – a boutique inn housed in a historic building, often used by travelers working in SOMA. Nearby at 2nd & Mission is the Marriott Marquis, a large convention hotel. A walk a few minutes north brings you to downtown resorts like the W or Hyatt Regency, or to the Loft District where there are several renovated boutique hotels. Even the Union Square area (8-10 minute walk) has dozens of options from big names (Hilton, Westin, Sir Francis Drake) to budget chains. So whether you want a lavish stay or a cheap room, you can find it within a short distance.
• Before/After Event: To make the most of the night, plan extra time. If you intend to dine locally, don’t arrive at 10pm unless it’s standing room only – most restaurants stop seating by 9pm. After the show, late-night transit options include BART (runs until past midnight) and night buses (e.g. 14X Owl on Mission). Otherwise, rideshare apps operate all night; the neighborhood is well-mapped. For example, The Foundry is just a few minutes’ walk from major taxi ranks or 24-hour convenience stores, so late-night pick-ups are convenient.

What Makes This Venue Special

The Foundry SF stands out in San Francisco for its combination of historic character and contemporary rave-friendly features. First, the building itself is unique. You are dancing in a real 1930s factory space – not a refurbished theater or concrete convention hall. With its original brick walls and steel industrial windows, it feels atmospheric and authentic. Many Bay Area fans love this “warehouse” vibe; indeed EDMIdentity noted that the Foundry is “one of the few truly independent, warehouse-style spaces left” in the city (edmidentity.com). Those looking for a classic old‐school club experience (fog, laser lights, vinyl records) will find it here. Another special element is the state-of-the-art production in this gritty wrapper. The Foundry’s built-in AV is a rarity: powerful four-corner Danley sound (44,000 watts in use at some nights (edmidentity.com)) and giant dual projectors make performances immersive. DJs have raved that the acoustics and visuals elevate any set. For example, a review of Justin Martin’s show praised the sound system as delivering bass so rich and clear it felt “like stepping back in time” to the 1990s SF rave era (edmidentity.com).

Culturally, the Foundry has a special place too. In a city where so many clubs are corporate-owned or short-lived pop-ups, this venue emerged from old SoMa and stayed edgy. Its owners explicitly tie it to San Francisco heritage. Their presentation frames the Foundry SF as “a living piece” of the city’s evolution (www.thefoundrysf.com), and the mezzanine bar and artwork pay homage to SoMa’s queer and arts history. For patrons, that translates to a feeling of belonging and nostalgia. In fact, the 2022 local press coverage describes the Foundry as one of the places “rebooting” the city’s underground scene, with a philosophy of community rebuilding and inclusivity (48hills.org). Regulars note that you’re likely to run into familiar faces from old raves and local crews (the owner himself, Alan Aronoff, is a longtime party producer). In short, The Foundry SF is loved for being both cutting-edge and grounded in Bay Area roots (www.thefoundrysf.com) (edmidentity.com) – a hard-to-find combo. Performers also like it because of the freedom it offers (big sound queue, day parties allowed, fewer restrictions compared to corporate-run clubs). In summary, it matters to SF’s community because it keeps alive that “raw and creative spirit” of SoMa’s history (www.thefoundrysf.com) and serves as a beloved gathering spot for alternative nightlife.

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility: The Foundry SF is generally wheelchair-accessible. It has a street-level entrance and at least one freight elevator, so guests using wheelchairs or with limited mobility can reach all event floors. (If you have concerns, contact the venue ahead of time to confirm arrangements.)

What to Bring: Ticket (printed or on your phone), ID (especially for 21+ alcohol events), and a credit card or cash for drinks. A small bag or backpack is usually fine, but large bags or outside food/drinks are prohibited. To avoid sore ears on loud music nights, bring ear plugs. Dress is casual – many people come in jeans and tees. Closed-toe shoes are safer on the dance floor. Layering is wise, since it can get very warm when crowded.

Age/ID Policy: Most nightlife shows at the Foundry SF are 21+ (with valid ID) because alcohol is served. Some special events (e.g. daytime or private corporate gatherings) may allow younger attendees. Always check the event listing – if it says “21+,” you must have ID to enter. The staff will request ID at the door. Note that this venue is not a family venue – minors and infants are not common at concerts, so plan childcare accordingly for evening events.

Doors & Entry: Event start times can vary. Many club shows start around 9–10pm, but doors often open an hour or more earlier. Confirm the “doors open” time on your ticket. For corporate events or early parties, doors could be 5–6pm (as happened when they ran a weekly happy hour series (48hills.org)). Late arrivals risk waiting outside or being stuck farther back in the crowd, so plan to arrive early if you want front-floor space. After you enter, gossip that “no re-entry” policies are usually in effect – once you leave, you can’t come back without a new ticket.

Security & Prohibited Items: Standard venue rules apply. Expect a security screening; weapons, fireworks, large glass bottles, and illegal substances are obviously forbidden. Activity policies vary by event: some DJs may ban alcohol consumption near the speakers. Generally, personal cameras (phones, point-n-shoots) are fine, but professional cameras with large lenses usually require press credentials. As at any nightspot, avoid arguments with staff and respect house rules on imaging and photography.

Special Advice: Don’t confuse The Foundry SF with other San Francisco venues. Its old name “Folsom Street Foundry” and the neighborhood Folsom Street Fair can be confusing. This venue is an indoor club at 10th & Folsom, not the outdoor street fair itself. Also note: The Foundry is not attached to the “Foundry Hall” in Las Vegas, which is a different club. One pricing tip: drink prices are similar to downtown SF nightclub rates (e.g. $10+ for cocktails). If on a budget, happy-hour specials (if available) or finishing your meal down the street can help. Overall, the Foundry is a high-energy party venue – as one reviewer put it, when big-name DJs like Justin Martin play here, “you just had to be there” to get the full experience (edmidentity.com). Enjoy the sound system and dance floor!