About The Fillmore
The Fillmore is a legendary live music venue in San Francisco’s Fillmore District, known for its intimate 2nd-story ballroom and rock’n’roll pedigree. The historic building originally opened in 1912 (www.afar.com ) (then called the Majestic Ballroom) and became a jazz and R&B hotspot under owner/promoter Charles Sullivan in the 1950s. In 1965, famed promoter Bill Graham transformed it into the nation’s premier psychedelic rock hall (www.afar.com ). With roughly a 1,000–1,200 person capacity (www.afar.com ) (meyersound.com ) (standing room on the floor and a small balcony), the Fillmore has launched countless legends (from Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead in the 60s to today’s indie stars) and is known for its ornate Moorish-style ceiling, vibrant Bill Graham concert posters, and old-school dancehall vibe. Today Live Nation (formerly Clear Channel) operates the venue (meyersound.com ), maintaining its iconic charm and state-of-the-art production facilities for current acts.
Events and Programming
The Fillmore hosts concerts almost every night there isn’t a holiday blackout. It features a wide variety of music genres – rock, alternative, indie, blues, jazz, hip-hop, reggae, Latin, and more (meyersound.com ). The calendar often mixes established touring acts and up-and-coming artists. For example, in late 2023 the Fillmore’s schedule included indie-folk (Laufey, Josh Ritter) as well as guitar virtuosos and rock bands (Buckethead, Dinosaur Jr.) and even reggae (Stephen Marley) (www.concertarchives.org ). The venue typically runs multiple shows per week (ConcertArchives logged ~134 concerts there in 2023 (www.concertarchives.org )). Tickets are relatively affordable; smaller local or indie shows may start in the $20–$40 range, while big-name or special-event tickets can run $60–$100 or more (prices vary by act). Beyond concerts, the Fillmore is occasionally rented for private events, corporate parties, or wedding receptions in its ground-floor spaces – a one-sheet event guide notes it can accommodate 25–800 people depending on setup (www.thefillmore.com ). Overall, the Fillmore remains a central hub of SF’s live music scene, booking acts almost year-round (roughly 8–12 shows monthly on average).
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Fillmore shows are sold through official box office and primary ticket outlets. The physical box office is located at the venue lobby (1805 Geary Blvd., corner of Fillmore) and opens around 30 minutes before showtime through about 9 PM on concert nights (www.thefillmore.com ); it also opens Sunday mornings (typically 10 AM–2 PM on non-holiday Sundays) (www.thefillmore.com ). There is usually no service fee at the box office on Sunday, but a small day-of show fee may apply on evenings. For most concerts tickets are released in advance online – new show dates are posted on the Fillmore’s official announcements and sale pages. Many shows have advance presales (often for credit-card holders or fan club members), so a common strategy is to join any artist or venue mailing lists for early access. On-sale dates and times are announced by the venue or promoters. When buying, use only official channels: the Fillmore specifically warns that tickets from third-party resale sites cannot be validated or refunded by the venue (info.hackertickets.com ). For sold-out shows, sometimes a limited number of tickets may be released at the door, but this is unpredictable. Worst-case-scenario, last-minute buyers may try the box office on show day (once open) to see if any tickets remain when doors open.
Seating and Layout
The Fillmore’s main music room is essentially one large standing-room floor with a balcony wrapping partway around the rear and sides. There are a few benches or chairs reserved for ADA seating on the balcony, but otherwise the floor is general admission only (meyersound.com ) (info.hackertickets.com ). The stage sits at the north end of the hall and the audience stands on the open dance floor in front of it. A low balcony along the back and sides offers limited seating and overhead views. In practice, the “best” spot depends on preference: the very front of the floor (near the pit rail) gives an up-close view of the performers, but gets extremely crowded. The back few rows on the floor also see well (and are easier to leave if needed). The balcony provides a quieter, elevated vantage; mid-balcony is often ticketed for those requiring seating. Note, however, that sightlines are generally good throughout because the venue has few obstructing columns and the balcony is small. Acoustically the room is excellent – after a recent 2023 upgrade the Fillmore boasts a new Meyer Sound PA (the first club to install the line-array “PANTHER” speakers) (meyersound.com ) (meyersound.com ), so sound coverage is superb even from the back. The venue’s interior is fairly compact and vertical; ceilings are high and decorated in classic Bill Graham style, and the atmosphere feels like a classic dancehall. A brief mezzanine/restaurant area sits downstairs at street level (separate ticketed entrance for dinner), with coat check and a bathroom there. Merchandise booths are usually found around the lobby or front-of-house area (near the stairs to the main hall) for band T-shirts and posters.
Getting There and Parking
The Fillmore’s address is 1805 Geary Boulevard, on the southwest corner of Geary and Fillmore Streets (www.thefillmore.com ). It’s just east of the Japantown district and not far from the western edge of Pacific Heights. Public transit is very convenient: Muni bus #38 (Geary) and #22 (Fillmore) both stop near the venue (www.thefillmore.com ). The 38 Geary bus connects directly from BART’s Powell Street and Montgomery stations downtown, so one can easily ride BART to Powell then transfer to the 38 to reach San Francisco’s Fillmore Street. Both bus lines run late-night (“Owl”) service. Taxis and rideshare drop off/pick up on Fillmore Street or Geary Blvd outside the entrance (there is a curb cut drop-off lane at the corner). If driving, note there is no Fillmore-specific lot. Street parking by meter is very limited – most spots on Fillmore and Geary are short-time metered (2-hour limits) or permit parking. After 6–7 PM, 2-hour meters on Geary in that zone typically go unpaid (although double-check local signs). The safer option is off-street parking: two public garages are just a couple of blocks away. For example, the 1650 Fillmore (Japantown/Hallidie Plaza) garage has entrances on Fillmore, and an adjacent garage at 1610 Geary also serves guests (www.thefillmore.com ). Both have many spaces (with some accessible parking) and charge hourly/daily rates. The Fillmore staff cautions that car break-ins can occur anywhere in San Francisco, so it’s wise to leave all valuables at home (info.hackertickets.com ). In summary, many attendees either take transit to avoid parking hassles, use ride shares, or park in the nearby Japantown garages for multi-hour shows.
Inside the Venue
Upon entry, guests must show a valid ticket (usually via mobile phone barcode) and undergo a quick security screening. The Fillmore enforces a bag limit: only small bags (up to about 12″×6″×12″) are allowed inside (www.thefillmore.com ), and all bags are subject to search (including patriots checking for prohibited items like weapons or outside food/drink (www.fillmore-miami.com ) (info.hackertickets.com )). The venue is cashless, so credit cards or mobile pay are recommended for food and drink purchases (www.thefillmore.com ). The main hall typically opens its doors about 60 minutes before showtime (www.thefillmore.com ). Inside, you’ll find two full-service bars on the floor level (serving beer, wine, mixed drinks) and concession stands selling food (e.g. quesadillas, nachos, snacks) and non-alcoholic beverages – patrons often praise the quick service on items like chicken quesadillas. Free water stations or fountains are generally not advertised, so plan to stay hydrated (you can usually get a free cup of water from concessions). Restrooms are located at the rear of the balcony level and also downstairs near the entrance. A coat check is available in the lobby (typically $5 for a coat) for customers who want to stow jackets. Merchandise booths set up in the lobby or near the stage hallway sell band T-shirts, posters and the like. In terms of atmosphere, the Fillmore feels like a compact, energetic rock club with dim lighting except for the stage; it can get hot if the crowd is full, so wear layers if you get warm. The branded lights and lasers come on during the show, but there is no live camera/video recording allowed unless explicitly permitted by the artist. Some shows do allow small personal cameras, but in general assume that photography is discouraged. One other tip: on-site staff are very helpful, and the door crew is usually organized – a recent patron noted that security moved the line quickly and checked bags respectfully (www.tripadvisor.com.pe ). If you have any special needs (ADA requirements, service animal, etc.), the Fillmore’s staff will accommodate you – for example there is an elevator to the 2nd-floor hall (www.thefillmore.com ) and all restrooms are ADA-accessible (www.thefillmore.com ).
Nearby Amenities
The Fillmore is surrounded by a mix of restaurants, cafes and hotels. Within a few blocks are many options for dining before or after a show. Just east on Geary is the heart of Japantown, where you’ll find ramen shops (like Ramen Yamadaya), sushi bars (e.g. Marufuku Ramen, Zensai), izakaya pubs and a few brunch cafes – perfect for grabbing a quick meal pre-concert. Crossing Fillmore heading south leads into the Fillmore Corridor, with trendy eateries and bars: spots like Anchor & Hope (pub fare) are on Fillmore near Geary, and a few blocks down at Fillmore & Sutter there’s a cluster of restaurants (Italian, American, bistros). To the west up Sacramento Avenue is Lower Haight/Divicadero with burger joints and coffee shops. When it’s time to come or go, note that rideshare/taxi waiting areas are often south on Fillmore or at the corner of Geary. For lodging, there are several hotels within a mile: the Upper Fillmore/Nob Hill area has boutique inns and chain hotels (e.g. Hotel Kabuki, Hilton San Francisco Union Square about 1.5 miles away, or the Cooper at Union Square), and some visitors also enjoy nearby Airbnbs in Japantown. If you plan to arrive early, you can park and take in the neighborhood: Alamo Square Park is a 10-minute walk north (for the famous Painted Ladies), or catch a quick Muni ride a few stops south to Union Square for shopping or dining. Late-night, the #38 Geary bus runs until after midnight, and the area is generally safe and well-lit when crowds exit a concert.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Fillmore’s reputation is as much its persona as its programming. It’s not just a concert hall – it’s a piece of rock history. The iconic Fillmore posters (artwork commissioned by Bill Graham’s agency) cover the walls, creating a time capsule feel. Legendary historical moments took place here, like early Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin shows, and the Fillmore defined the “San Francisco Sound.” Production Manager Matt Lawsky (on staff since 1999) emphasizes that the Fillmore “is not the ‘Fillmore Museum.’… We are a working rock’n’roll dive that just happens to be exceptionally famous.” (meyersound.com ). In other words, it still operates as a gritty, hallowed performance hall rather than a polished corporate theater. Artists love it for its vibe and audience; engineers love it for its top-tier PA and lighting upgrades (the 2023 Meyer Sound PANTHER install makes it a world-class listening room) (meyersound.com ) (meyersound.com ). For the community, its significance is cultural: it sits in the historic Fillmore District, which was the center of Bay Area jazz and African-American culture mid-century. The venue preserves that heritage while presenting today’s artists. As of 2023, it continues to host not just rock legends but also R&B, hip-hop, Latin and other genre nights (meyersound.com ). Longtime Fillmore staff recount stories stretching back decades – the space is decorated with photos and newspaper clippings of past luminaries – making any show here feel part of a continuing legacy. All told, audiences and artists alike cherish the Fillmore for both its warmth and its storied past, giving each event a sense of occasion beyond any ordinary club.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The Fillmore strives to be inclusive. The main floor is reached by an elevator on the west side of the building (www.thefillmore.com ), and all restrooms are wheelchair-accessible. The entire hall is general admission, but if you need seated accommodations you can contact the venue in advance (there are a few folding chairs on a first-come basis for ADA patrons) (www.thefillmore.com ) (info.hackertickets.com ). Service animals are welcome (the ADA defines valid service dogs/miniature horses) (www.thefillmore.com ). If you have any special needs, emailing the venue helps ensure staff assistance upon arrival.
What to Bring: Bring your mobile ticket on your phone (all tickets are digital). Carry a small bag or clear clutch (max ~12×6×12 inches) if needed – larger bags or banned items (drugs, weapons, outside food/drink, professional cameras, etc.) are not allowed (www.thefillmore.com ) (info.hackertickets.com ). Only clear water bottles may be allowed; coffee cups or sealed water are usually fine but full rules can vary. A government-issued photo ID is needed if you plan to purchase alcohol (21+ only) (info.hackertickets.com ), and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult (the venue is all-ages except for special 18+ shows) (info.hackertickets.com ). It’s smart to bring earplugs for children (and adults sensitive to volume), as concerts are loud and the Fillmore notes that ear protection may be required for minors (info.hackertickets.com ). Dress casually but comfortably – the floor gets warm with dancing, so layers are ideal.
Common Tips: Arrive at least 30–60 minutes early for general admission shows to get a good spot. The box office opens 30 minutes before doors (www.thefillmore.com ) if you prefer to buy tickets or pick up will-call. Security lines move quickly but can get backed up on very popular nights, so early arrival is wise. There is no re-entry: once you enter the hall, you cannot leave and return without buying another ticket (info.hackertickets.com ) (keep that in mind before going to park or get dinner). The venue is indoors, so weather is not a concern once inside. For connectivity, expect spotty cell service in the hall (old thick walls) – if you need to coordinate with friends, arrange meeting points or buy tickets together. Most importantly, enjoy the show – The Fillmore’s aura is part of the experience.
Guide Summary: The Fillmore is capacity ~1000 standing with an upstairs balcony. It’s known for rock and diverse live music, with a storied 1960s legacy. Get tickets through the official box office or primary outlets (avoid secondary sellers) and arrive early. The venue is ADA-friendly with an elevator and accessible seating upon request (www.thefillmore.com ) (www.thefillmore.com ). Bags are limited size (per policy (www.thefillmore.com )) and the shops inside sell band merch and (often) decent concert snacks. Nearby you’ll find restaurants in Japantown and around Fillmore & Geary for pre-show meals, and Muni buses 22/38 connect you from BART or downtown. The overall vibe is casual, historic, and rock- . Enjoy the music in one of SF’s most beloved clubs!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of The Fillmore?
The Fillmore’s main music room holds roughly 1,000 people (some sources note it as high as ~1,200) (www.afar.com ) (meyersound.com ). It’s primarily standing room on the floor with a small balcony for limited seating.
Are seats reserved or is it general admission?
Shows at The Fillmore are general admission by default (meyersound.com ) (info.hackertickets.com ). The vast majority of the floor is standing-room only, and there is only very limited seating (mostly for ADA patrons) on the balcony. There are no reserved seat tickets except in special cases (like sold-out events that may sell a few tables). Be prepared to stand on the main floor or grab a chair on the balcony if you need one.
How do I buy tickets for shows, and what are the box office hours?
Tickets are sold via official outlets. You can purchase online (dates are announced on the Fillmore’s official channels) or at the venue’s box office. The Fillmore box office (at 1805 Geary) opens on show nights approximately 30 minutes before the advertised door time and runs until about 9–10 PM (www.thefillmore.com ) (info.hackertickets.com ). It’s also open Sunday mornings (typically ~10 AM–2 PM) with no extra service fee on those sales (www.thefillmore.com ) (info.hackertickets.com ). If an event is sold out, sometimes a few tickets may be released at the door, but that’s not guaranteed. The Fillmore advises buying only from official ticket sellers, as tickets from third-party sites are not validated by the venue (info.hackertickets.com ).
What is the Fillmore’s parking situation?
The Fillmore does not have its own parking lot (info.hackertickets.com ). Street parking in the area is scarce (limited metered spaces) and often restricted. Paid garages in nearby Japantown are recommended: for example, the Fillmore/Geary garage (entrance at 1650 Fillmore) and a Geary St. garage (at 1610 Geary) are within a quick walk (www.thefillmore.com ). Street meters usually require payment except overnight; check local signs. Note: the venue cautions that San Francisco has frequent car break-ins, so don’t leave valuables in your vehicle (info.hackertickets.com ).
How do I get to The Fillmore by public transit?
Take Muni buses or BART. The #38 Geary and #22 Fillmore buses stop right near the venue (at Geary & Fillmore) (www.thefillmore.com ). The #38 Geary route connects to BART at Powell St. station (downtown); you can ride BART to Powell and then transfer to the #38. Both lines run late into the night (Owl service). There are no direct subway stations at Fillmore, but Northbound and Southbound buses from downtown are frequent. A rideshare or taxi drop-off is easy at Geary and Fillmore (just outside the door). The Fillmore is about a 5–10 minute walk from Japantown (Nihonmachi) and a short bus ride from Union Square or Hayes Valley.
Can I re-enter The Fillmore if I leave?
No. Once you enter the concert hall or main floor, re-entry is not allowed (info.hackertickets.com ). The Fillmore enforces a strict no re-entry policy for safety and capacity reasons. If you exit the venue, you will not be able to get back in without buying another ticket.
What items am I allowed to bring into the venue?
You may bring only small bags and personal items. The Fillmore allows bags up to about 12″×6″×12″ (www.thefillmore.com ), subject to search. All bags and belongings are checked at the door. Prohibited items include weapons, outside food or drinks, illegal substances, large banners, helium balloons, professional cameras/video gear, and anything deemed unsafe (info.hackertickets.com ) (www.fillmore-miami.com ). (Be prepared to show ID if you wish to consume alcohol – 21+ only (info.hackertickets.com ).) Common personal items like a phone, wallet, keys and a small purse or drawstring bag are fine. If in doubt, pack light and check the Fillmore’s official “What to Bring” guidelines (bags are limited to≈12×6×12 inches (www.thefillmore.com ) and cashless payment is expected at the bar). The venue also strongly encourages contactless mobile tickets – don’t forget to have the QR code ready on your phone.
Are children allowed at The Fillmore?
Yes, The Fillmore is generally an all-ages venue (info.hackertickets.com ). Infants in arms (“babes in arms”) are usually not permitted except for special family matinee events (info.hackertickets.com ); each person must have a ticket. If you do bring young children, it’s wise to wear ear protection, as the volume is high (in fact earplugs are even recommended by the venue for minors) (info.hackertickets.com ). Guardians will also need to consider age-appropriate curfews if any. No person under 16 may typically attend without a parent or guardian. As noted above, 21+ ID will only be checked for purchasing alcohol; there is no general age limit to enter.
Is The Fillmore wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The Fillmore is designed to be accessible to guests with mobility needs (www.thefillmore.com ). The main performance space is on the 2nd floor, which you can reach by an elevator just inside the entrance (www.thefillmore.com ). All bathrooms in the venue are ADA accessible. The floor itself is flat (standing-room) with a few reserved folding chairs on the balcony for those who need seating (www.thefillmore.com ). If you require any special accommodations (like a seat or companion ticket), it’s a good idea to call or email the venue ahead of time so they can assist. Otherwise, plan to enter through the main lobby and use the elevator – staff will guide you.
What time do doors usually open?
Typically, doors open about one hour before the advertised showtime (www.thefillmore.com ). For example, if a concert is listed to start at 8:00 PM, you can expect doors at ~7:00 PM. This gives time for ticket scanning, security checks and settling in. If there are multiple ticket tiers (say, an early-entry VIP), those may enter earlier. Check your specific event details (the official site or ticket stub) for exact door times, as some shows (especially early or special events) may have different schedules.
Does The Fillmore have food and drinks available inside?
Yes, there are concessions. The Fillmore has a full bar serving beer, wine and cocktails on the main level (info.hackertickets.com ). Concession stands also sell snacks like chips, pretzels, and things like chicken quesadillas or hot dogs; many attendees note the food stands are reasonably priced and fast. There is also a small sit-down restaurant on the ground floor of the building (open only during shows) where you can order appetizers or meals if you arrive early. All venues points of sale are cashless (cards accepted). No outside food or drink is allowed, but you are welcome to eat and drink anything purchased inside. Don’t forget that you’ll need your ID to buy alcohol (21+ only) (info.hackertickets.com ).
Are cameras or recording devices allowed?
Generally, casual photos with your phone are fine (no flash), but professional cameras (with large lenses) and any video recording are typically prohibited. The Fillmore’s policy (which can vary by show) specifically bars video cameras and large recording gear (info.hackertickets.com ). Often photographers with passes are the only exception. Since many shows’ artists own the rights to their performance, they prefer no amateur filming. If in doubt, leave expensive cameras at home or use only your phone. (Audio recording is also generally disallowed.)
What should I wear to a Fillmore concert?
There is no formal dress code – most people dress gate casually. Concert attire in jeans, T-shirts or band merch, and comfortable shoes are typical. The floor gets packed and can be warm, so few layers or short sleeves are common. Since you may stand and dance, avoid flip-flops or slippery shoes. It’s indoors, so weather outside isn’t much of a concern once you’re inside. If you’re unsure, wear whatever you’d be comfortable seeing a rock show in; the key is comfort for standing for a couple hours. Some fans wear earplugs or small pack snacks (though outside snacks wouldn’t be allowed past security).
