Music fills the San Francisco Peninsula every night of the week, and it rarely feels crowded or overpriced the way a city show can. In San Carlos, Devil's Canyon Brewing Company throws open its taproom, barrel room and beer garden every Friday afternoon for a laid back block party with live bands, food trucks and house made craft beer. Redwood City brings the historic charm, with the 1929 Fox Theatre hosting national touring acts, comedy headliners and even Broadway style productions on a stage built for 1,200 guests, while its sister venue Club Fox next door keeps things intimate with cabaret seating and a lineup heavy on jazz, blues and dancing.
Head into the hills of Woodside and you'll find the Pioneer Saloon, a rustic 19th century watering hole where local bands and karaoke nights draw everyone from ranch hands to Silicon Valley regulars. For something more meditative, the Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society has presented Sunday afternoon jazz and classical concerts inside an oceanfront beach house on Half Moon Bay's Miramar Beach since 1964, earning a reputation as one of the best small venues in the country.
Whether you're after a cover band on a brewery patio, a comedian at a historic theater, or world class jazz with an ocean view, the Peninsula offers an entertainment scene that's every bit as rich as San Francisco's, just spread across smaller stages, shorter lines and friendlier prices.
Featured Entertainment Venues
Free Outdoor Music Series
Some of the best live music on the Peninsula doesn't cost a thing. Downtown Redwood City's Music on the Square has spent two decades turning summer Friday nights into a neighborhood party, with fourteen weeks of free concerts spanning rock, reggae, funk, Latin and soul. Bring a blanket, grab dinner from one of the sixty plus restaurants within walking distance, and settle in for an evening under the string lights. It's a low key, welcoming way to experience the Peninsula's music scene alongside locals, whether you're visiting for a weekend or just looking for a free night out with the whole family.
Plan a Night Out
A great show deserves a great meal beforehand. The Peninsula's dining scene includes several Michelin-recognized restaurants, along with plenty of relaxed neighborhood spots perfect for a pre show dinner near Redwood City, San Carlos or Half Moon Bay. Explore the full list of Peninsula restaurants to build your evening around a venue. Making a night of it? The Peninsula's hotels put you minutes from the region's stages, so you can skip the drive home to San Francisco and enjoy the encore.
Comedy Nights
Looking to laugh rather than sing along? The historic Fox Theatre brings national touring comedians and headliners to its 1,200 seat stage throughout the year, while its neighboring sister venue, Club Fox, offers a smaller, more personal room for stand up nights and up and coming acts.
Upcoming Live Music & Entertainment Events
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I see live jazz on the San Francisco Peninsula?
The Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society, an oceanfront jazz club inside the Douglas Beach House on Half Moon Bay's Miramar Beach, has hosted Sunday afternoon jazz and classical concerts since 1964. Club Fox in downtown Redwood City also features jazz and blues acts throughout the week in a smaller, cabaret style setting.
Is there free live music near San Mateo?
Yes. Nearby Redwood City hosts Music on the Square, a free Friday night summer concert series downtown featuring rock, reggae, funk, Latin and soul acts. Devil's Canyon Brewing Company in San Carlos also opens its beer garden most Fridays for free live music, though a beer or food truck purchase is typically expected.
Where can I see a comedy show on the Peninsula?
The historic Fox Theatre in Redwood City regularly hosts touring stand-up comedians and national headliners on its main stage. Club Fox, its more intimate sister venue next door, also books comedy nights throughout the year.
What kind of live entertainment is available in Redwood City?
Redwood City is the Peninsula's entertainment hub, home to both the historic Fox Theatre, a 1,200 seat venue for concerts, comedy and touring productions, and Club Fox, an intimate room known for jazz, blues and dancing. Downtown also hosts the free Music on the Square concert series each summer.