The Fillmore

The Fillmore is the most famous rock venue in San Francisco and arguably in America. Bill Graham began presenting shows here in 1965, hosting Jefferson Airplane, the Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, and virtually every major act of the psychedelic era. The room holds 1,315 people and features Victorian chandeliers, a hardwood dance floor, and the legendary poster collection displayed on the upper level. The tradition of free apples at the exit and commemorative posters for each show continues decades later. After closing in 1968 and again after the 1989 earthquake, the venue reopened in 1994 and has operated continuously since. Live Nation now manages the space, booking national touring acts across rock, pop, hip-hop, and more. The sound system is excellent, the sightlines are good from nearly everywhere, and the walls carry the weight of history.