The Fillmore

The Fillmore is a historic music venue in San Francisco, California, made famous by Bill Graham. Originally named the Majestic Hall, it became the "Fillmore Auditorium" in 1954 when Charles Sullivan acquired the master lease from the building owner, Harry Shiffs, and renamed it the "Fillmore Auditorium". Named for the neighborhood rather than its original location at the intersection of...

When to Go: The Fillmore often releases a handful of tickets for sold-out concerts a half-hour before show time. Get there early and take your chances.

Parking: Try the Japantown Center and Kabuki lots.

Made famous by promoter Bill Graham in the 1960s, the Fillmore showcases big rock names in a moderately sized standing-room-only space. Check listings in papers, call the theater, or visit their website for information on upcoming events. And if you make it to a show, check out the fabulous collection of vintage concert posters chronicling the hall's history.

Once a 1920s dance hall, the Fillmore is decorated with concert posters dating back to its heyday in the mid-'60s, when legendary rock producer Bill Graham lured some of the biggest names in music here. Santana and the Grateful Dead played the Fillmore before they were widely known. Today, it's still the place to see big-name rock and alt-rock groups, and, strangely, free apples are always...

In Short
As patrons gaze at the photos and posters lining the walls, they can practically surf on the sound waves emanating from the building's storied musical past. The site hosted a...

An architectural masterpiece, The Fillmore itself is as worth seeing as any band that plays here. Stand on the main floor next to the historic stage and look up at soaring ceilings, embellished with carvings and gold paint, while the booming speakers rattle your bones. If you choose the tranquility of the balcony instead, sink into velvet-covered seats, sip cocktails, and eat French fries. With...