Life in The San Francisco Theater District
February 24, 2020San Francisco itself is known as a city with entertainment on every corner, but The Theater District (opens in a new tab) is consistently one of the most exciting places to be. Positioned along Market Street between Union Square and the Civic Center (opens in a new tab), these historic theaters draw spectators from everywhere to see world-renowned shows. Close to public transportation, entertainment, and many popular companies, San Francisco’s Mid-Market District is only going to get better with the final phase of Trinity Place.
Neighborhood
Although The City boasts plenty of great theaters and concert venues throughout its many neighborhoods, The San Francisco Theater District typically refers to the Mid-Market area around city hall (opens in a new tab). This area encompasses three major San Francisco districts: The Civic Center (opens in a new tab), The Tenderloin, and SoMa (opens in a new tab). Located truly in the heart of The City, public transportation in and out is a snap thanks to local SFMTA (opens in a new tab), BART (opens in a new tab), tech-shuttles, and bus stations (opens in a new tab) along Market Street. No matter where you’re traveling in the Bay Area, The Theater District is a great place to choose your ideal transit option. Besides being accessible and filled with playhouses, the neighborhood also offers plenty of additional entertainment, food, and drinks. Some of our local happy hour favorites include:
- Corridor Restaurant (opens in a new tab)
- City Beer Store (opens in a new tab)
- Cadillac Bar and Grill (opens in a new tab)
- Fermentation Lab (opens in a new tab)
- Villon Restaurant & Lounge (opens in a new tab)
- Charmaine’s Rooftop Bar & Lounge (opens in a new tab)
- Hazel Southern Bar & Kitchen (opens in a new tab)
- Club 93 (opens in a new tab)
Venues
Orpheum Theatre (opens in a new tab)
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The historic Orpheum Theater (opens in a new tab) has hosted numerous Broadway shows including Wicked and Hamilton (showing now) (opens in a new tab) since its completion in 1926. The large theater seats over 2,000 and is located at the intersection of Market and 8th across from Trinity Place (opens in a new tab) next to the Civic Center Bart station.
Curran Theatre (opens in a new tab)
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Found closer towards Union Square, The 1,600 seat Curran Theatre (opens in a new tab) has changed hands multiple times but is now under the sole possession of Carole Shorenstein Hays. This world-class establishment hosted the national tour of Shenandoah and the West Coast debut of Annie while Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (opens in a new tab) is showing now!
Golden Gate Theatre (opens in a new tab)
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Along with The Orpheum Theatre, BroadwaySF (opens in a new tab) owns and manages The Golden Gate Theatre (opens in a new tab) just a few blocks away at the intersection of Market and Taylor. The Golden Gate Theater will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year and has featured the likes of Louis Armstrong, Judy Garland, Nat King Cole, Roy Rodgers, The Three Stooges, and Frank Sinatra over the past century.
The Strand Theater (opens in a new tab)
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The Strand Theater (opens in a new tab) on Market Street across from the U.N. Plaza has endured quite an interesting history (opens in a new tab) but reopened as one of A.C.T.’s (opens in a new tab) dynamic new performance spaces in 2015. Stationed along the same block as the Trinity SF (opens in a new tab) Apartment Rental Headquarters, The Strand Theater holds a special place in our hearts. The revitalization of this historic venue has proven to be another fantastic addition to our home.
Geary Theater (opens in a new tab)
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The primary venue operated by The American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) (opens in a new tab) is the Geary Theater (opens in a new tab) near Union Square and Trinity Towers (opens in a new tab). Constructed in 1910, this legendary piece of San Francisco is listed as an official landmark of SF (opens in a new tab) and included on the National Register of Historic Places (opens in a new tab).
War Memorial Opera House (opens in a new tab)
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Positioned in the Mid-Market Theater District near city hall but not technically a theater, The War Memorial Opera House (opens in a new tab) has hosted numerous significant events since its opening in 1932. The historic 3,126 seat venue is a staple of the Civic Center known for its classic architecture and lively performances (opens in a new tab).
Trinity Place
While the 2021 arrival of Trinity Place Phase IV (opens in a new tab) and Whole Foods at 1177 Market is incredibly exciting, three wonderful properties (opens in a new tab) already offer a nearly unbeatable living opportunity. The 1188 Mission, 1190 Mission (opens in a new tab), and 33 8th properties boast fully-furnished (opens in a new tab) and unfurnished (opens in a new tab) homes in the heart of SF. These lovely apartments surround the largest statue in San Francisco and a beautifully designed courtyard. Positioned next door to public transportation, fantastic theaters, and tremendous dining spots, Trinity Place promises everything you need to love where you live in San Francisco.
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