Home » *Top Pick*, Downtown San Francisco, In Person, Lectures & Workshops

The Sound of the City: Why Live Entertainment Matters to San Francisco

Wednesday, September 2, 2026 - 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm | Cost: FREE*
*RSVP Required
SPUR Urban Center | 654 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105

Event Details

SPUR

Fresh off the heels of Outside Lands, San Francisco is once again seeing the scale and energy that live entertainment can bring to the city. Music venues, festivals, and live events are more than places to have a good time—they are an important part of San Francisco’s economy, culture, and identity. They bring people together, support local businesses, attract visitors, and contribute to the vibrancy of the city.

This panel will explore the role of live entertainment in San Francisco and its broader economic and cultural impact. We’ll look at how venues, festivals, and events contribute to the local economy, the opportunities and challenges facing the industry, and what it takes to support a thriving live entertainment ecosystem.

The conversation will also explore how permitting and city processes have evolved, how City departments work with event producers, venues, and other partners, and what more can be done to make it easier for live events to happen across San Francisco.

Join us for a conversation about the future of live entertainment in San Francisco and the role it plays in creating a vibrant, connected, and economically thriving city.

Speakers:

  • Moderator: Chuck Collins / Commission President, At Large, San Francisco Arts Commission
  • Katy Birnbaum / Founder & CEO, Into the Streets SF
  • Allen Scott / President of Concerts & Festivals, Another Planet Entertainment
  • Sarah Madland / General Manager, Recreation and Park Department

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.


Cost: FREE*
*RSVP Required
Categories: *Top Pick*, Downtown San Francisco, In Person, Lectures & Workshops
Venue: SPUR Urban Center
Address: 654 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105

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