Things to Do in San Francisco This Weekend: Sep 11–13

Things to Do in San Francisco This Weekend: Sep 11–13 City Guides
From post-punk legends and operatic grandeur to electronic producers and stand-up comedy, San Francisco's stages host a collision of high art and underground energy this weekend.

Public Image Ltd brings post-punk intensity to The Fillmore on Saturday, while the War Memorial Opera House stages Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra the same evening—a pairing that captures how San Francisco refuses to choose between raw edge and refined tradition. Across the city, comedy clubs, electronic dancefloors, and intimate rock rooms fill the gaps between those poles.

Tip: code GTIX20 takes 20% off ticket prices on every event below — no minimum and no expiry.

Public Image Ltd

Sat, Sep 12, 8:00 PM · The Fillmore – San Francisco · from $49

The post-punk pioneers return with the restless, confrontational energy that defined their 1978 debut. Expect angular guitars, provocative lyrics, and a live show that rewards close attention—this is music designed to unsettle and engage, not comfort.

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San Francisco Opera: Simon Boccanegra

Sat, Sep 12, 8:00 PM · War Memorial Opera House · from $54

Verdi’s tale of political intrigue and family secrets unfolds with full orchestral grandeur at the War Memorial Opera House. If you’ve never experienced opera live, this is a masterclass in how the form builds emotional weight through music and spectacle.

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Orville Peck at Castro Theatre

Sat, Sep 12, 8:00 PM · Castro Theatre · from $75

The masked country-rock artist brings his cinematic, genre-defying sound to one of San Francisco’s most beautiful theaters. Peck’s music sits somewhere between Americana, glam, and art-rock—moody, theatrical, and utterly distinctive.

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Kathy Griffin

Sat, Sep 12, 7:00 PM · Palace Of Fine Arts · from $37

The comedian and actor brings her sharp, unfiltered comedy to the Palace of Fine Arts on Saturday. Griffin’s stand-up cuts through pretense with wit and vulnerability, making her one of the most reliably entertaining voices in comedy.

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Blood Orange

Fri, Sep 11, 8:00 PM · Warfield · from $117

Dev Hynes’s project blends R&B, electronic production, and art-pop into something that feels both intimate and expansive. Expect lush arrangements, emotional depth, and a live show that prioritizes texture and nuance over spectacle.

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Ryan Beatty

Sat, Sep 12, 8:00 PM · The Masonic – San Francisco · from $24

The singer-songwriter brings introspective indie-pop to The Masonic, with melodies that linger and lyrics that reward close listening. Beatty’s music balances vulnerability with sonic sophistication, creating moments that feel both personal and universal.

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San Holo

Sat, Sep 12, 8:00 PM · Warfield · from $17

The Dutch electronic producer crafts lush, melodic dance music that feels more like a conversation than a bombardment. His live sets prioritize emotional resonance and intricate production over pure volume, making for a thoughtful late-night experience.

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Roast Battle Bay Area

Fri, Sep 11, 9:30 PM · Cobb’s Comedy Club · from $30

Comedy’s most brutal format comes to Cobb’s as local comedians take the stage to roast each other with precision and wit. It’s fast-paced, unpredictable, and designed for an audience that appreciates sharp humor and quick comebacks.

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Hairspray at San Francisco Playhouse

Fri, Sep 11, 8:00 PM · San Francisco Playhouse · from $209

The beloved musical about 1960s Baltimore and integration arrives with all its color, energy, and heart intact. Expect big production numbers, infectious songs, and a story that celebrates individuality and acceptance.

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Necrot

Fri, Sep 11, 8:00 PM · The Great American Music Hall · from $37

The Oakland death-metal band brings crushing riffs and technical precision to The Great American Music Hall. Necrot’s music is heavy without sacrificing musicianship—a perfect entry point for anyone curious about metal’s more sophisticated corners.

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Check dates and venues carefully—several shows span multiple nights or move between locations. Book early for opera and theater; smaller venues often sell out by showtime.