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The Fillmore: San Francisco's Iconic Music Venue

Experience live music history at The Fillmore, San Francisco's iconic venue that launched legends and continues to host diverse artists today.

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The Fillmore is a historic music venue in San Francisco, located in the Fillmore District, known for its pivotal role in the city's cultural and musical evolution. Originally built in 1912, it gained prominence in the mid-1960s under Bill Graham, hosting legendary performances and becoming a hub for the counterculture and psychedelic music scene.

A brief summary to The Fillmore

  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, as The Fillmore is a general admission standing ballroom with limited seating.
  • Take public transportation or rideshare, as parking can be challenging.
  • Check out the walls covered in historic posters and handbills that showcase the venue's rich musical past.
  • Enjoy the tradition of receiving a free apple upon entry, a unique Fillmore experience.
  • Explore the surrounding Fillmore District, known for its cultural diversity and vibrant history.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the San Francisco Ferry Building, take the 38 or 38R bus towards Geary Boulevard and Fillmore Street. The bus ride takes approximately 25 minutes. A single ride costs $3.00, or $2.50 if you use a Clipper card or the MuniMobile app. Alternatively, from 4th and King Street Station, take the tram to Union Square/Market Street Station Northbound, then transfer to the 22 bus to Fillmore Street & Geary Boulevard. This option takes approximately 22 minutes. A one-day Muni pass costs $5.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From the San Francisco Ferry Building, a taxi or ride-share to The Fillmore will take approximately 6 minutes, covering a distance of 3.1 miles. The estimated cost is $15-$19. From San Francisco 4th and King Street Station, a taxi to The Fillmore will also take about 6 minutes and cost approximately $15-$18.

  • Walking

    From the corner of Fillmore Street and O'Farrell Street, The Fillmore is only a minute walk away. From the San Francisco Ferry Building, walking to The Fillmore will take approximately 49 minutes, covering a distance of 2.5 miles.

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Discover more about The Fillmore

The Fillmore, located at 1805 Geary Boulevard in San Francisco, stands as a cherished landmark in the city's vibrant music scene. Built in 1912, the building initially housed the Majestic Hall and Academy of Dancing. Over the years, it transformed into the Ambassador Dance Hall and later a roller skating rink before Charles Sullivan, a prominent African-American businessman, renamed it The Fillmore Auditorium in 1954. Sullivan played a key role in promoting African-American artists and fostering an inclusive environment. In the mid-1960s, Bill Graham took over, turning The Fillmore into a mecca for the burgeoning counterculture and psychedelic music movement. Iconic artists like the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin graced its stage, their performances amplified by innovative light shows and commemorated by distinctive concert posters. These posters and performances became iconic symbols of the era. Graham eventually closed the original Fillmore in 1968, shifting operations to Fillmore West, but the original Fillmore was restored and reopened in 1994. Today, The Fillmore continues to host a diverse array of artists, maintaining traditions like handing out free apples and commemorative posters. The venue's rich history is palpable, with walls plastered with vintage posters, intriguing articles, and local artwork. With a capacity of 1,315 guests for standard shows, The Fillmore offers an intimate setting to experience live music. The Fillmore stands as a testament to San Francisco's cultural diversity and resilience, a place where music and community intertwine.

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