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The Masonic in San Francisco: Calendar of Concerts & Tips to Attend a Performance
By: Jill Loeffler • Updated: January 6, 2023 • Published: May 22, 2019
The Masonic in San Francisco is one of the premier venues for live performances. Each month, you will find about a half dozen shows including both comedians and music acts.
Some of the comedy shows you can see here include Nick Offerman, Ali Wong, and Chelsea Handler. Music acts include artists such as Lany, Incubus, and Tenacious D.
You will find this venue at the top of Nob Hill at 1111 California Street.
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Upcoming Concerts & Shows at The Masonic in San Francisco
Here is a schedule of upcoming concerts and shows at The Masonic in San Francisco.
Where to Find Tickets
There are two places that I recommend looking for tickets to shows at the Masonic in San Francisco.
Ticketmaster is where you will find tickets directly from the venue. They sell them for all shows, and you can find their listing of upcoming performances here.
If a show is sold out or you want better tickets, head over to TicketLiquidator. The company is a third party ticket reseller and you will find a large selection for all shows. I use them quite often for sold-out performances and when I want to get seats a little closer to the action.
They offer a guarantee on their tickets, so you know you are always protected when buying through them. Find tickets for the Masonic on TicketLiquidator here.
Other Top Concerts in San Francisco Each Month
Tips to Attend a Show
Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your show at the Masonic in San Francisco.
Public Transit to the Masonic in San Francisco
The best way to get here is by public transit. There are several buses and a cable car that will drop you off within a block or two of the venue. It's at the top of a very steep hill, so even if you are only a few blocks away, you might want to consider one of these options to get you up to the top of Nob Hill.
Cable Car: The California cable car offers a stop less than a block away at California Street and Taylor. It's at the top of the hill, so you will have a flat walk from the stop to the venue.
Buses: The 1-California is your best bet to get here. It will take you to the top of Nob Hill and drop you off along Sacramento Street. There are two stops nearby and both offer a mostly flat walk to the venue.
The 27-Bryant bus drops off about two blocks away at California and Leavenworth. This is close, but the first block requires that you walk up a very steep hill to the top. Make sure to allow for extra time, so you can take your time walking the hill on your way to the top.
>> More tips on getting around SF
Where to Park
Street parking in this part of town is difficult and it will take a long time to find an open spot. I recommend selecting a garage or parking lot to park in before you arrive, so you know exactly where to go and how to get there with time to spare. Make sure to check the pricing and details before you enter to ensure the lot will still be open after the show.
Here are a few of my recommendations.
The Masonic Center Garage: 1101 California Street. This parking garage is an indoor lot directly under the venue.
Crocker Garage: 1045 California Street. This is one block away from the venue and it's a flat walk over to the Masonic in San Francisco. It's open until midnight, but is quite pricey during performances. It's also valet only.
Grace Cathedral Garage: 1051 Taylor Street. This is about a block away and is a slightly downhill walk to the venue. This garage is open until 10 pm, but you can leave your car parked overnight.
Hotels Nearby
You will find a number of great hotels within a block or two of this venue. Here are my top picks.
Hotel Fairmont: 4-star hotel that is a block away from the venue. This hotel has a ton of history and is always an interesting place to stay. It offers luxurious rooms with modern amenities. There are also a couple of fun restaurants on site including the famed Tonga Room, where it "rains" once an hour using their indoor rain machine! (Trust me, it is a one-of-a-kind experience and not to be missed.) 950 Mason Street. Find availability and reviews for the Fairmont.
The Nob Hill Inn: 3-star bed and breakfast that is just a block away from the Masonic in San Francisco. It's an easy walk (it is uphill, so take your time) to the show and at a more reasonable price than some of the other Nob Hill hotels. 1000 Pine Street. Find rooms and lodging options at the Nob Hill Inn.
You can also easily walk or take public transit down to Union Square for a larger variety of options. Here are some of my top picks.
Dinner Options Before the Show
There are both fancy and budget-friendly places in the area to grab dinner before the show, so you will have a good selection for your dining pleasure. These are just a few of my favorites.
Top of the Mark: High-end cocktail bar with some light bites and amazing 360 degree views from the 19th floor of the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel. Open daily. 999 California Street.
Nob Hill Café: Small, local Italian restaurant with pastas and pizzas, open every day from 5 pm to 9 pm (Fridays and Saturdays until 10 pm). 1152 Taylor Street.
Osso Steakhouse: High-end steakhouse next door to the Masonic in San Francisco, open daily from 5 pm to 9 pm. 1177 California Street.
>> Find additional places to eat in and around San Francisco
The Masonic in San Francisco History
There have been a few different homes for the Masonic throughout its history. The first one was built in Sacramento in 1849, just around the time of the famous California Gold Rush.
In 1861, the lodge was rebuilt in San Francisco. However, it was destroyed in the 1906 Earthquake.
The current version of the Masonic was opened in 1958 atop Nob Hill and has been a favorite of music lovers since Day 1. The main façade has a massive frieze showing members of the Order of the Freemasons.
There are four different 12-foot-tall figures that represent all four of the armed forces and the bravery of the Freemasons that have fought for freedom for all.
In the lobby there is a massive 48-foot by 38-foot mural window. It is made from 45 acrylic panels and uses colored glass, mixed with authentic seashells, stones, grass, and other pieces of the Earth. It is a must-see work of art when you visit the Masonic in San Francisco.
More Top Concert & Performance Venues
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium: Another one of the top music venues in San Francisco is the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. You will find this in the Civic Center District. They usually feature current pop and rock bands.
Curran Theatre: If you love the theater, then check out the shows at the Curran in San Francisco's Theater District. They offer traveling Broadway shows as well as other performances throughout the year. Find a current schedule and other details about the Curran here.
Orpheum Theater: The Orpheum is a premier theater with around a half a dozen Broadway shows each year. You will find it on Market Street near the Civic Center District.
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