Robert Plant commands the Orpheum Theatre on October 2nd with the kind of rock pedigree that defined decades, while Gillian Welch and David Rawlings bring fingerpicked folk precision to The Fillmore the same night. San Francisco’s October calendar stretches across genres most cities would struggle to contain in a month: orchestral depth, operatic grandeur, electronic experimentation, and the kind of intimate storytelling that only comes from artists who’ve spent lifetimes perfecting their craft.
Tip: code GTIX20 takes 20% off ticket prices on every event below — no minimum and no expiry.
- Robert Plant at the Orpheum Theatre
- Gillian Welch & David Rawlings at The Fillmore
- San Francisco Opera: Mary, Queen of Scots
- San Francisco Symphony: Renée Fleming Sings Strauss
- Danny Elfman at The Masonic
- Madeon at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
- An Evening Honoring Steve Earle at The Masonic
- Thee Phantom and The Illharmonic Orchestra at Curran Theatre
- Peter Pan Goes Wrong at San Francisco Playhouse
- North By Northwest at Toni Rembe Theater
- Galactic Empire at Neck of the Woods
- Los Thuthanaka at The Great American Music Hall
Robert Plant at the Orpheum Theatre
Fri, Oct 2, 7:30 PM · Orpheum Theatre – San Francisco · from $175
The former Led Zeppelin frontman brings decades of rock mastery to one of San Francisco’s most iconic venues. Plant’s solo work has evolved far beyond his legendary past, blending blues, folk, and world music influences into something that feels both rooted and restless. Expect a night where rock history meets artistic reinvention.
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings at The Fillmore
Fri, Oct 2, 8:00 PM · The Fillmore – San Francisco · from $44
Two of American folk’s most meticulous craftspeople take the stage together, their intertwined guitars and Welch’s haunting vocals creating a sound that feels timeless. Their songs move with the deliberation of people who understand that every note matters. This is folk music stripped to its essentials and rebuilt with precision.
San Francisco Opera: Mary, Queen of Scots
Fri, Oct 2, 7:30 PM · War Memorial Opera House · from $249
The War Memorial Opera House presents a grand operatic vision of one of history’s most contested figures. This production brings the full spectacle of the form—soaring voices, orchestral sweep, and the kind of theatrical ambition that only opera can deliver. It’s a reminder of why this venue remains one of the world’s great opera houses.
San Francisco Symphony: Renée Fleming Sings Strauss
Thu, Oct 1, 2:00 PM · Davies Symphony Hall · from $71
One of the world’s greatest sopranos performs Richard Strauss at Davies Symphony Hall, one of classical music’s most acoustically perfect spaces. Fleming’s voice carries the kind of warmth and power that makes Strauss’s lush orchestrations feel inevitable. This is classical music at its most luxurious.
Danny Elfman at The Masonic
Fri, Oct 2, 8:30 PM · The Masonic – San Francisco · from $72
The composer behind Tim Burton’s most iconic films brings his orchestral vision to life with a full ensemble. Elfman’s music moves between whimsy and darkness with the precision of someone who understands that film scores are their own complete art form. Expect the familiar made strange and wonderful.
Madeon at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
Fri, Oct 2, 8:00 PM · Bill Graham Civic Auditorium · from $85
The French electronic producer transforms the Bill Graham into a space of pure sonic architecture, layering synths and beats into something that feels both cerebral and physical. Madeon’s live shows are known for their meticulous production and the kind of energy that makes electronic music feel like a full-body experience.
An Evening Honoring Steve Earle at The Masonic
Thu, Oct 1, 7:00 PM · The Masonic – San Francisco · from $104
Buddy Miller, Elizabeth Cook, and Emmylou Harris gather to celebrate one of country music’s most uncompromising songwriters. This is the kind of tribute that only works when the artists involved understand the depth of what they’re honoring. Expect deep cuts, unexpected arrangements, and the kind of musicianship that comes from decades of collaboration.
Thee Phantom and The Illharmonic Orchestra at Curran Theatre
Fri, Oct 2, 8:00 PM · Curran Theatre · from $291
A theatrical experience that blends classical orchestration with avant-garde sensibility, this show at the Curran brings together musicians and performers who refuse conventional categories. The Illharmonic Orchestra creates soundscapes that are as much visual as they are auditory. This is classical music that doesn’t apologize for being strange.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong at San Francisco Playhouse
Thu, Oct 1, 7:00 PM · San Francisco Playhouse · from $122
The Mischief Theatre company’s comedic take on a classic story brings the kind of physical comedy and theatrical chaos that makes live theatre feel dangerous and unpredictable. Every performance is different, with actors breaking character and the show constantly threatening to fall apart in the best possible way.
North By Northwest at Toni Rembe Theater
Thu, Oct 1, 7:30 PM · Toni Rembe Theater · from $80
This theatrical adaptation brings Hitchcock’s suspenseful vision to the stage with the kind of ingenuity that only theatre can provide. The production uses the intimacy of a smaller venue to create moments of genuine tension and dark comedy. It’s a reminder that some stories work even better when you can see the actors’ faces.
Galactic Empire at Neck of the Woods
Thu, Oct 1, 7:00 PM · Neck of the Woods · from $44
A Star Wars tribute band that takes its source material seriously, Galactic Empire delivers heavy metal arrangements of John Williams’ iconic scores. It’s the kind of niche passion project that only works in a city like San Francisco, where enough people care deeply enough to fill a room.
Los Thuthanaka at The Great American Music Hall
Thu, Oct 1, 8:00 PM · The Great American Music Hall · from $46
An electronic project that draws from global influences and club culture, Los Thuthanaka creates soundscapes that feel both rooted and futuristic. The Great American Music Hall’s intimate setting allows the textures and details of their production to land with precision. This is electronic music that rewards close listening.
Check dates and venues carefully—October’s calendar moves quickly, and many shows sell out. Book early to secure your spot at San Francisco’s most compelling performances.
