The 16 Best Performance Venues for Rent in San Francisco, CA

Q: How much does it cost to book performance venues in San Francisco?

In San Francisco, prices of performance venues average $350 hire fee per hour. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in San Francisco, based on Tagvenue data from October 2025: - From $250 to $560 hire fee per hour - From $1800 to $5400 minimum spend per event - From $2500 to $12500 hire fee per event

Q: What are the typical capacities of performance venues in San Francisco?

You'll find performance venues in various sizes, from smaller spots to larger venues; keep in mind that the type of space and your chosen layout will affect the capacity! Below you can see the typical venue sizes in San Francisco, together with the standard prices in each size range, based on Tagvenue data (October 2025): - Small performance venues, up to 95 guests; prices average $175 hire fee per hour - Medium performance venues, between 120 and 180 guests; prices average $500 hire fee per hour - Large performance venues, over 215 guests; prices average $6000 minimum spend per event

Q: What events can I host in performance venues in San Francisco?

These versatile spaces can host a wide range of events, including live music concerts, theatrical productions and comedy shows, all featuring excellent acoustics, professional lighting, and sound setups. Many San Francisco performance venues are also suitable for corporate presentations and product launches, offering large capacities and built-in audiovisual equipment. Additionally, if you have a particular event in mind, you can use these venues for film screenings, dance recitals, and even community events.

Q: What are some large performance venues in San Francisco?

The Great American Music Hall is a historic venue just minutes from Civic Center BART and the Moscone Center. With a capacity for 700 standing guests, it's perfect for large events, offering state-of-the-art sound, visual systems, and spacious green rooms once used by legendary artists like Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish. The Melody of San Francisco in North Beach is a unique, repurposed church accommodating up to 350 with advanced audio-visual equipment for any performance.

Q: How can I host a great performance in a venue in San Francisco?

First, choose a space that fits your event type, whether it's a concert, theater production, or stand-up night. Rehearse in the space beforehand to familiarize yourself with the stage, acoustics, and layout. Promote your event early through local channels, social media, and event platforms to attract your audience. On the event date, ensure a hassle-free experience for attendees, from ticketing to seating and refreshments. Lastly, collaborate with the venue staff to manage logistics like ticket sales, security, and special requirements.

Performance Venues for Rent in San Francisco, CA

FAQs about Top Performance Venues in San Francisco, CA

How much does it cost to book performance venues in San Francisco?

In San Francisco, prices of performance venues average $350 hire fee per hour. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in San Francisco, based on Tagvenue data from October 2025:

Prices of performance venues in San Francisco
From $250	to $560	hire fee per hour
From $1800	to $5400	minimum spend per event
From $2500	to $12500	hire fee per event

What are the top performance venues in San Francisco?

Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated October 2025), the best options include:

Entire Bar at El Lopo in Van Ness - rated 5/5
Our user said: ‘I recommend booking your next event at El Lopo. <3...’
Outdoor Garden Terrace at The Academy in Mission Dolores - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘The bartender we had did a great job. Overall would absolutely rent again...’
The Courtyard at Chambers at the Phoenix in Tenderloin - rated 4.8/5
Our user said: ‘Our group enjoyed the event and venue. Personalized cocktail menu was a great touch. Highly recommend.’

What are the typical capacities of performance venues in San Francisco?

You'll find performance venues in various sizes, from smaller spots to larger venues; keep in mind that the type of space and your chosen layout will affect the capacity! Below you can see the typical venue sizes in San Francisco, together with the standard prices in each size range, based on Tagvenue data (October 2025):

Small performance venues	up to 95 guests	prices average $175 hire fee per hour
Medium performance venues	between 120 and 180 guests	prices average $500 hire fee per hour
Large performance venues	over 215 guests	prices average $6000 minimum spend per event

What events can I host in performance venues in San Francisco?

These versatile spaces can host a wide range of events, including live music concerts, theatrical productions and comedy shows, all featuring excellent acoustics, professional lighting, and sound setups. Many San Francisco performance venues are also suitable for corporate presentations and product launches, offering large capacities and built-in audiovisual equipment. Additionally, if you have a particular event in mind, you can use these venues for film screenings, dance recitals, and even community events.

What are some large performance venues in San Francisco?

The Great American Music Hall is a historic venue just minutes from Civic Center BART and the Moscone Center. With a capacity for 700 standing guests, it's perfect for large events, offering state-of-the-art sound, visual systems, and spacious green rooms once used by legendary artists like Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish.
The Melody of San Francisco in North Beach is a unique, repurposed church accommodating up to 350 with advanced audio-visual equipment for any performance.

How can I host a great performance in a venue in San Francisco?

First, choose a space that fits your event type, whether it's a concert, theater production, or stand-up night. Rehearse in the space beforehand to familiarize yourself with the stage, acoustics, and layout. Promote your event early through local channels, social media, and event platforms to attract your audience. On the event date, ensure a hassle-free experience for attendees, from ticketing to seating and refreshments. Lastly, collaborate with the venue staff to manage logistics like ticket sales, security, and special requirements.