Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

Built in 1915 as part of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium derives its name from the late impresario Bill Graham, who began the rock ‘n roll movement in San Francisco in the 1960s. The historic building has hosted a multitude of significant cultural events, including the Democratic National Convention in 1920, a speech from Martin Luther King Jr. to the NAACP in 1956, and served as the Golden State Warriors’ home court from 1964 to 1966. President Barack Obama was a guest of the venue both in 2007 and 2012 for campaign speeches, and the Dalai Lama offered two days of teachings in 2007. As the exclusive promoter, Another Planet Entertainment manages the building with respect to its rich history and keeps the venue active with hundreds of concerts and special events. Past concerts include performances by the Grateful Dead, Elton John, Sam Smith, Swedish House Mafia, Chance the Rapper, The Killers, Janet Jackson, Phish, Lady Gaga, Bob Dylan, Tool, Bruno Mars, Zedd, Bette Midler, Juanes, Red Hot Chili Peppers and many more.

• There is an outdoor smoking section that you can access adjacent to Polk Hall.
• Coat check is available for $2.
• Most events are 18+.

Where is Bill Graham Civic Auditorium located?

Bill Graham Civic Auditorium is located at 99 Grove St.

How much is cover charge at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium?

Bill Graham Civic Auditorium does not charge cover. Events are pre-ticketed.

How long will I have to wait at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium?

Expect to wait anywhere from 20-40 min depending on when you arrive.

When is Bill Graham Civic Auditorium open?

Bill Graham Civic Auditorium is open whenever there are shows. If you were looking for a more traditional nightclub instead of concert hall, check out our list of San Francisco clubs.

What are the best nights to go to Bill Graham Civic Auditorium?

Nights with the most well-known artists playing are the most popular.

What is the dress code at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium?

Strict dress code is not enforced.

How much do drinks cost at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium?

Expect to pay $12 for drinks.

What kind of music do they play at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium?

Bill Graham Civic Auditorium features all types of music, depending who’s in town.

What items are allowed in the venue?

Factory sealed water bottles
Personal food items
Empty Camelbak
Empty refillable water bottle
Personal sized bags, purses and backpacks
Personal cameras
Totems (no taller than 6ft. and no thicker than 1/2 inch; made of light material such as swim noodles, foam, cardboard tube, fabric, yarn, light plastic, balloons, inflatables)

What items are prohibited in the venue?

Objects that can be used as projectiles, such as glow sticks and Poi Balls
Illegal substances
Alcohol (sold inside the venue)
Posters or Signs Larger than 8.5″x11″
Wallet chains or spikes
Professional video or audio recording equipment, including GoPros
Weapons of any kind
Professional still camera with detachable lens
Selfie sticks or handles
Tablets and iPads
Glass bottles, containers or cans
Fireworks
Balloons
Laser pointers
Large banners or posters
Skateboards, scooters or personal motorized vehicles
Strollers
Pets (with the exception of service animals)
Drones
Coolers
Umbrellas
Sticker

Can I buy tickets at the door on the day of the event?

As long as the show has not sold out, tickets will be available at the venue Box Office that opens two hours prior to show time any night there is a show. Some shows sell very quickly, so we recommend that you buy your tickets ahead of time.

They accept cash, American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa at the venue.

When can I pick up my Will Call tickets?

The Box Office opens 2 hours prior to show time on the night of the show and is located at the front of the venue at 99 Grove Street (closer to Larkin Street). Bill Graham requires a photo ID for all ticket pickups and they recommend that you bring the credit card you used to purchase your tickets.

Can I get a refund or exchange my tickets?

All sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges unless a show has been postponed or cancelled.

My General Admission ticket has a row and a seat number on it. Is my seat assigned?

Nope. The row and seat number on your ticket are only there for inventory purposes. For General Admission events, you are welcome to grab a spot on the floor or a seat upstairs as you please.

I can no longer attend the show. How do I transfer my tickets?

You are welcome to give your hard copy or printable tickets to those attending in your place. We recommend that you also provide those attending in your place with a copy of your photo ID, as the Box Office is only able to assist the original purchaser via Ticketmaster in the event of any issues.

Are there any opening acts at the show?

Any support acts will be listed on Bill Graham’s website. Support acts are often added close to the show date, so make sure to check back often.

How can I meet the band?

Bill Graham does not offer backstage access for events, though occasionally a radio station or an artist’s fan club will have meet and greet opportunities available.

What are acceptable forms of ID for an 18+ or 21+ event?

The acceptable forms of identification are government-issued photo IDs (Driver’s License, Passport, Military ID, etc..) that clearly has your photo, name and birth date. A student ID is not an acceptable form of identification.

Where can I find a list of upcoming events / DJs at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium?

You can download the Discotech app to see upcoming events, and book tables for Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. Also find upcoming events for nightclubs with a guest list.