The Fillmore is about as historic as venues in San Francisco get. Bands will play multiple nights at the Fillmore, passing over larger venues, just to say they got to play here (just ask the Smashing Pumpkins who did an 11 night residency). A big bonus is that, in the event of an exceptionally lame show, you can just wander the halls, checking out the hundreds of concert photos from past decades of memorable bands.

In 1912, the Fillmore opened as the Majestic Hall. It wasn’t until 1965 when Bill Graham would host his first show there. Nearly every band that represented the 60’s psychedelic rock movement played at the Fillmore. Equally as famous were the trippy posters, given out for free after every show.

You can still get free posters after sold out shows, and some of them are still worth framing. The main hall holds about 1200 and the upstairs second room serves as a great chill out space. During set break of the main act, there is often an interim band playing in the second room. When there’s no band in the second room, there is food service, which is decent.

These days the Fillmore books acts almost every night. As one of the larger venues in San Francisco, the acts run the gamut. Make sure to check the calendar and buy tickets in advance. Finally, when your favorite band is playing their encore, find your way to the back of the crowd and leave as the last note plays. This way you see all the show and you’re sure to get a poster at the exit too.

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