offbeatSF

Jazz Nights @ Novela!
2026-06-29 18:30 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Novela, 662 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA, 94105, United States
Get ready to groove to smooth jazz tunes and sip on cocktails at the coolest spot in town – it’s Jazz Nights @ Novela!

ZinggFlower: a tribute to Drew Zingg
2026-06-29 18:30 - 21:30 | Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
Join us for a night of captivating live music as GamperDrums presents a stellar ensemble featuring Brian Pardo on guitar, John R. Burr on piano, Marina Crouss on vocals, Ruth Davies on bass, and Chris Gamper on drums. Blending elements of jazz, soul, and improvisational music, this dynamic group delivers expressive grooves, rich harmonies, and inspired performances that highlight the depth and diversity of the Bay Area music scene.

Piano night at The Royal Cuckoo Organ Lounge
2026-06-29 19:00 - 22:00 | Royal Cuckoo Organ Lounge, 3202 Mission St, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Piano nights at The Royal Cuckoo Organ Lounge are characterised by their early start times and the use of the venue’s vintage Steinway Upright piano, which differs from the lounge’s typical focus on its prominent Hammond organ.
Piano Monday shows start at 7:00 PM and typically run until 10:00 PM.
Cover Charge: There is never a cover charge for entry. However, musicians often pass a donation basket, so bringing a small amount of cash is recommended.

Barbary Coast Jazz Band
2026-06-29 20:00 - 23:00 | Local Edition, 691 Market St, San Francisco, CA, 94105, United States
Barbary Coast Jazz Band performs every other Monday!
Bob Schulz – Lead/Cornet
Don Neely – Reeds
Clint Baker – Trombone
Bill Reinhart – Tuba
Scott Anthony – Banjo
Marty Eggers – Piano

Dirty Works Jazz Jam
2026-06-29 20:00 - 2026-06-30 01:30 | Persona, 685 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
The Dirty Works Jazz Band brings its weekly jam session to Persona. Led by upright bassist Kyle Finley, these “Dirty Works & Friends” nights transform the North Beach venue into a buzzing jazz laboratory. Far from a casual background set, this is a professional performance environment where the house band sets a high bar before inviting local players to sit in and trade solos on the fly.
The repertoire is heavily inspired by the “Golden Era” of jazz (1945–1965), specifically the catalogs of Riverside, Impulse, and Blue Note records. Expect a hard-driving mix of bebop, hard bop, heavy swing, and Latin jazz.
Every session begins with the house rhythm section—usually featuring Finley on bass alongside keys, guitar, and drums—anchoring the first few numbers. As the night progresses, local jazz musicians are swapped in, creating a dynamic, evolving soundscape.
Unlike “casual jam circles,” Finley emphasizes that these nights are first and foremost a show for the audience. The band prioritizes a polished, professional sound, ensuring that even the most experimental improvisations remain engaging for the listeners in the room.

About Kyle Finley
Kyle Finley is a San Francisco-based upright bassist and the driving force behind the Dirty Works musical collective. His mission is to foster a “living jazz scene” through consistent residencies and jams that prioritize musical excellence and community. Beyond his work on stage, Finley is known for his commitment to the local jazz culture, often documenting these sessions through his own photography and managing a rigorous schedule of “Dirty Works” events across the city to ensure the music never stops.

The San Francisco Invitational Jam
2026-06-29 21:00 - 2026-06-30 01:00 | Tupelo, 1337 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Step into the inner circle of the city’s music scene with THE San Francisco Invitational Jam at Tupelo. Held every Monday night from 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM, this is widely considered the definitive jam session for professional players and serious students of the craft. Hosted by the “nastiest rhythm section this side of South Dakota”—Andrew Coutti on drums and Young Blake on bass—the evening serves as a high-stakes proving ground where the Bay Area’s best talent comes to stretch their creative muscles.
The Sound: This isn’t your average open mic; it is a high-octane exploration of Roots, Soul, R&B, and Funk. The house band sets a blistering pace, and the music often leans into deep-pocket grooves and sophisticated jazz-fusion arrangements that demand technical precision and quick improvisational thinking.
The “Invitational” Edge: While the session is open to high-level guests, it maintains an invitational spirit, meaning the stage is curated to ensure a top-tier musical experience for the audience. Each week features a different special guest vocalist, ensuring that the “soul” of the night is always fresh and evolving.
A Networking Hub: Monday nights at Tupelo act as the unofficial headquarters for off-duty working musicians. It’s a place where bandleaders scout for subs, songwriters find collaborators, and the community gathers to celebrate the raw, unscripted power of live music.
No Cover, All Access: Despite the world-class musicianship on display, there is no cover charge. It provides an accessible “masterclass” environment for fans who want to see how the city’s musical engine runs behind the scenes.

About the Invitational Jam
Founded on the belief that San Francisco needs a consistent home for professional musical dialogue, the Invitational Jam has outlasted countless other sessions in the city. Hosts Andrew Coutti and Young Blake are veteran players known for their “unprecedented chemistry” and ability to back any guest with a rock-solid, funky foundation. Over the years, the jam has hosted everyone from local legends to touring pros, cementing Tupelo’s reputation as a vital sanctuary for the preservation of San Francisco’s live R&B and Funk traditions.

GG Amos
2026-06-30 16:00 - 20:00 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Electrifying, Innovative, Soulful
GG Amos has entertained audiences her entire life, but she’s made blues and blues guitar her specialty for the past 35 years.
Concert halls, nightclubs, roadhouses, restaurants, festivals, parties, wineries, weddings and wakes she’s played them all!
She’s known as a riveting, electrifying performer and unique songwriter and arranger, focusing on the west coast blues style– a blend of blues, jazz, funk and latin elements. Her guitar playing and voice
are both fluid and lyrical. Soul jazz has also become part of her repertoire.
Paris Bertolucci on keys
Randy Lee Odell on drums
GG Amos on vocals and guitar

The North Beach Django
2026-06-30 19:30 - 22:30 | Paris 75, 515 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Transport yourself to a 1930s sidewalk café in Montmartre as North Beach Django takes residency at Paris 75 every Tuesday. Located on the edge of the historic Broadway corridor, this charming French lounge provides the perfect backdrop for the “Hot Club” sound. With its selection of authentic French cocktails and wines, the venue feels less like a San Francisco bar and more like a secret sanctuary for lovers of European jazz and vintage aesthetics.
The Sound: North Beach Django delivers an authentic exploration of Jazz Manouche (Gypsy Jazz). Their sound is defined by the “pumping” rhythm of acoustic guitars and soaring, melodic solos. Expect a repertoire of high-speed swing, haunting French musette waltzes (like “L’Indifférence”), and soulful ballads that capture the bittersweet spirit of the early 20th century.
The Django Legacy: The group’s mission is to honor the revolutionary style of Django Reinhardt, the legendary Romani-French guitarist who pioneered this genre. Despite losing the use of two fingers in a fire, Reinhardt’s virtuosic speed and unique harmonic language changed jazz forever. The band keeps this fire alive, utilizing the same acoustic string-band format—no drums, just pure rhythmic drive.
The Players: The group is led by a core of the Bay Area’s finest “manouche” specialists, often featuring Ned Boynton on guitar, Eddie Scher on guitar, and Kenan O’Brien on bass. Their chemistry is a masterclass in the “interlocking” style of Gypsy Swing, where the lead and rhythm guitars work in a constant, high-speed dialogue.
The Community Jam: In the spirit of the Parisian cafés where this music was born, the evening often evolves into a welcoming session. After the first set, the band frequently opens the floor to “acoustic sitter-inners”—strings, accordions, and woodwinds—making it a vibrant hub for the local jazz community.

About Paris 75
Paris 75 is a sophisticated French cocktail lounge that serves as a cultural bridge between San Francisco and the “City of Light.” Named after the postal code for Paris, the bar specializes in regional French wines and signature cocktails like the “French 75.” The intimate, candlelit space is designed for conversation and attentive listening, making it the ideal home for the acoustic nuances of North Beach Django. It is a place where time slows down, and the legacy of the great European troubadours feels remarkably present.

Gaucho Jazz
2026-06-30 19:30 - 22:30 | DecoDance Bar, 1160 Polk St., San Francisco, CA, 94109, United States
Step into DecoDance on a Thursday night and you’ll find Gaucho turning the Art Deco lounge into a Paris-meets-San-Francisco swing party. Their hot-club–inspired sound — acoustic guitars, bass, and horns weaving gypsy jazz, musette, and classic swing — pairs perfectly with the bar’s Great Gatsby mood and craft cocktails. Grab a booth under the moody lights, order a drink, and let the band’s playful, high-energy sets pull you toward the dance floor as the night unfolds.

The Local Edition Jazz Orchestra
2026-06-30 20:00 - 23:00 | Local Edition, 691 Market St, San Francisco, CA, 94105, United States
Live every Tuesday exclusively at Local Edition! The Local Edition Jazz Orchestra is a diverse group of long-time friends that have played alongside one another for years. The ensemble ranges from having as little as 8 to as many as 18 participants performing with occasional guest singers such as Billy Valentine, Bud E. Luv (aka Bobby Vickers), and Tom Scott.

Hal Bigler Band
2026-06-30 20:00 - 23:00 | Comstock Saloon, 155 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Step back in time at Comstock Saloon, where the Hal Bigler Band holds court every Tuesday night from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Set in a meticulously restored 1907 building at the crossroads of North Beach and Chinatown, this residency perfectly matches the band’s vintage sound with a setting of intricate carved wood, cozy booths, and pre-Prohibition style. Known for serenading guests from the saloon’s unique upstairs stage, the band provides an elite, high-fidelity soundtrack that transforms a weeknight into a cinematic San Francisco experience.
The music is a masterclass in Traditional Jazz and Swing, often leaning into a “bawdy” and soulful energy that keeps the room vibrant. The ensemble features a rotating cast of the city’s finest instrumentalists—Cliff Myer on Guitar, Bob Johns on Piano, Mauro Pannitto on Bass, Marty Brewer on Drums, and Rick Brown on Trombone. Hal Bigler’s improvisational flair honors the roots of early 20th-century jazz while keeping the energy modern and infectious.
The atmosphere at Comstock during these sets is both elegant and unpretentious, drawing a mix of jazz aficionados, cocktail enthusiasts, and neighborhood regulars. Whether you are seated at the bar enjoying a classic Ramos Fizz or tucked into a booth for dinner, the Hal Bigler Band ensures that the spirit of old North Beach remains loud and alive. With no cover charge and a front-row seat to world-class musicianship, it is one of the city’s most essential and accessible live music traditions.

About the Hal Bigler Band
Hal Bigler is a veteran of the San Francisco jazz scene, known for his “steady hand” on the upright bass and his ability to curate top-tier ensembles. His band has become a cornerstone of the North Beach live music circuit, praised for preserving the high-energy “hot jazz” style that once defined the city’s nightlife. Occasionally collaborating with unique performers like burlesque dancers, the group remains dedicated to the idea that jazz should be a multi-sensory, high-energy party. Their Tuesday night residency at Comstock is widely considered one of the best spots in the city to watch this live jazz combo.

Jose Simioni Trio
2026-07-01 16:30 - 20:30 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Jose Simioni Trio’s improvisational jazz performance at The Saloon from 4:30pm to 6:30pm with Dylan Garrison on drums and Tony Stead on the organ.

Wednesday Big Table
2026-07-01 18:30 - 20:30 | Specs’ Twelve Adler Museum Cafe, 12 Saroyan Pl, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
An open gathering of writers, poets, artists and more around the Big Table at Specs every Wednesday from 6:30-8:30pm! This more than 40 year tradition began with writers Jack Hirschman and Agneta Falk, and continues on with hosts Agneta and writers Byron Spooner and Judith Bernhard. Join us for drinks, laughs, good conversation and become a part of this longstanding Specs tradition! Everyone welcome!

The Charles Unger Experience
2026-07-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Ti Piacera, 1507 Polk St, San Francisco, CA, 94109, United States
Join us for a high-energy evening of soulful jazz and funk with the Charles Unger Experience at Ti Piacera!
Performing every other Wednesday from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, the legendary San Francisco saxophonist Charles Unger brings his signature blend of passion and virtuosity to the stage. Known for his charismatic stage presence and explosive playing, Charles Unger leads a band that bridges the gap between classic jazz and contemporary grooves.
The Charles Unger Experience is more than just a jazz set; it is a vibrant musical journey featuring soulful melodies, driving rhythms, and intricate improvisation. Whether he is playing a tender ballad or an up-tempo funk number, Charles delivers a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply emotional, making it a perfect mid-week escape in an intimate setting.

Magic School Busk
2026-07-01 20:00 - 23:00 | Persona, 685 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
Turn your midweek slump into a vibe at Persona SF! Every Wednesday at 8 PM, the Magic School Busk brings an electrifying fusion of Funk, Soul, Latin, Afro, and more to keep the energy high all night long.
Let the rhythm elevate your evening as this dynamic collective delivers a genre-blending experience that’s impossible to ignore. Whether you’re sipping on our signature cocktails or simply soaking in the sounds, Wednesdays at Persona are your new weekly ritual.

Jazz Jam Session
2026-07-01 20:00 - 23:00 | Stookey’s Blue Room, 891 Bush St, San Francisco, CA, 94108, United States
This is a drop in jazz jam session, led by rotating musicians. Come catch the next generation of jazz cats and be transported back in time to the 1920’s.

Rotating Bands at the Lion’s Den
2026-07-01 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-07-02 20:00 - 23:00 | Lion’s Den, 57 Wentworth Pl, San Francisco, CA, 94108, United States
Experience the resurgence of San Francisco’s historic Chinatown nightlife at the Lion’s Den. Tucked away on Wentworth Place, this bi-level lounge and performance space blends modern cocktail culture with the East meets West spirit of the Chinatown’s golden age. Every week, the venue transforms into a unique destination for live music, featuring a rotating roster of the city’s up and coming funk, soul, and R&B ensembles.
The Sound: From 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM, the stage belongs to a curated selection of live bands. The rotation frequently features bands such as Mark Maiden, Funky Sound Experience, Jay Neal, The Groove Foundation, Baycoin Beats, and Git With It. Whether it’s deep-pocket funk or smooth contemporary soul, the music is designed to bridge the gap between a sophisticated lounge set and a packed dance floor.
The Atmosphere: The design features plush velvet banquettes, historic photography, and dim, moody lighting. It is a space built for “adult” nightlife—where you can enjoy an Asian-inspired craft cocktail during the live set before the room transitions to a high-energy DJ vibe after 11:00 PM.
The Experience: The Lion’s Den is a rare “no cover” gem in the heart of the city, offering world-class musicianship in an intimate, stylish setting. It is a place to rediscover the “cool” of Chinatown while supporting the next generation of San Francisco’s musical talent.

A Legacy Reclaimed
The Lion’s Den occupies a legendary footprint in San Francisco history. In the 1940s and 50s, Chinatown was a global nightlife epicenter, home to iconic clubs like the Forbidden City. The current venue at 57 Wentworth Place was once the site of Dragon A Go Go, a 1960s hotspot that kept the neighborhood buzzing during the height of the San Francisco counterculture. After decades of relative quiet due to changing zoning laws, the reopening of The Lion’s Den in 2021 marked the first new nightclub to open in Chinatown in nearly 40 years. Today, it stands as a cultural bridge, honoring the glamour of the “Harlem of the West” era while providing a vital modern stage for Asian-American artists and the local creative community.

Jazz Music Bands/Local Musicians
2026-07-02 19:00 - 23:00 | Amelie, 1754 Polk St, San Francisco, CA, 94109, United States

Katy Stephan
2026-07-02 20:00 - 23:00 | Comstock Saloon, 155 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Kathy Stephan brings torch songs, swing standards, and a touch of twang to the Comstock Saloon’s polished‑but‑raucous barroom. Her voice leans into the room’s natural reverb, floating over brushed drums, piano, and upright bass while cocktails clink and the lights stay low. Expect classic tunes, a few deep‑cut surprises, and the kind of between‑song banter that makes the band feel like part of the crowd. It’s the perfect soundtrack for settling into a leather booth, ordering something stirred, and letting the night stretch out a little longer than you planned.

Dirty Works Jazz Jam & Burlesque Show
2026-07-02 20:00 - 23:00 | Paris 75, 515 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
The Dirty Works Jazz Band brings its signature jam session to Paris 75 every 1st Thursday at Paris 75. Led by upright bassist Kyle Finley, these “Dirty Works & Friends” nights transform the North Beach venue into a buzzing jazz laboratory. Far from a casual background set, this is a professional performance environment where the house band sets a high bar before inviting local players to sit in and trade solos on the fly.
The only Jazz Jam to feature a burlesque dancer, Raya, who performs with the band from 9-10pm.
The repertoire is heavily inspired by the “Golden Era” of jazz (1945–1965), specifically the catalogs of Riverside, Impulse, and Blue Note records. Expect a hard-driving mix of bebop, hard bop, heavy swing, and Latin jazz.
Every session begins with the house rhythm section—usually featuring Finley on bass alongside keys, guitar, and drums—anchoring the first few numbers. As the night progresses, local jazz musicians are swapped in, creating a dynamic, evolving soundscape.
Unlike “casual jam circles,” Finley emphasizes that these nights are first and foremost a show for the audience. The band prioritizes a polished, professional sound, ensuring that even the most experimental improvisations remain engaging for the listeners in the room.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to play, ask for “the Bass dude”.

About Kyle Finley
Kyle Finley is a San Francisco-based upright bassist and the driving force behind the Dirty Works musical collective. His mission is to foster a “living jazz scene” through consistent residencies and jams that prioritize musical excellence and community. Beyond his work on stage, Finley is known for his commitment to the local jazz culture, often documenting these sessions through his own photography and managing a rigorous schedule of “Dirty Works” events across the city to ensure the music never stops.

Art by Jeremy Fish: Screen Prints by a Guy Who Lives Nearby
2026-07-03 - 2026-07-04 | Fishtank Gallery, 1331 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Celebrate the true heart of the neighborhood at Fish Tank Gallery for North Beach First Fridays. This month, the gallery hosts an exhibition by A Guy Who Lives Nearby, an artist whose work is as deeply embedded in the local landscape as the gallery itself. Located on Grant Avenue, Fish Tank Gallery—curated by the renowned Jeremy Fish—is a space dedicated to the creative pulse of North Beach, making it the perfect venue for an artist defined by his proximity and dedication to the area.
The Art: Expect a collection that draws direct inspiration from the daily life, architecture, and characters of North Beach. A Guy Who Lives Nearby creates work that functions as a visual diary of the neighborhood, often using a mix of traditional and street-influenced styles. The art is unpretentious and highly accessible, reflecting the grit and charm of the streets just outside the gallery doors.
The Setting: Fish Tank Gallery is a unique “studio-meets-gallery” space where the creative process is often on full display. During First Fridays, the gallery often hosts live screen-printing events, allowing visitors to walk away with a piece of limited-edition North Beach art created right in front of them.
The Experience: This stop on the art crawl is about high-fidelity community connection. It’s where neighbors, artists, and visitors mingle in a space that feels more like a creative living room than a formal institution. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and centered on the idea that great art starts in your own backyard.
Details: The event is free and open to all. As a hub for the North Beach First Fridays Art Walk, Fish Tank Gallery provides one of the most authentic glimpses into the artistic “ecosystem” of Grant Avenue.

About Fish Tank Gallery
Located at 1331 Grant Avenue, Fish Tank Gallery is the personal studio and exhibition space of artist Jeremy Fish. It was established as a way to give back to the neighborhood by providing a platform for local talent and a space for high-quality artistic engagement. By featuring artists like A Guy Who Lives Nearby, the gallery reinforces its mission to generate “good vibes” and support the ongoing creative resurgence of North Beach.

Katy Stephan
2026-07-03 17:00 - 19:00 | Comstock Saloon, 155 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Katy Stephan’s residency at Comstock Saloon turns the room into a small, candlelit listening space. At the piano she blends jazz‑inflected originals with reimagined standards and art‑pop tunes, her clear, expressive voice sitting right on top of the clink of glassware and low conversation. It’s an intimate, song‑forward set that feels equally at home as a soundscape for cocktails or as a close‑up performance for guests who want to lean in and really listen.

Gaea Shell & Scott Foster
2026-07-03 17:00 - 19:00 | Biordi Art Imports, 412 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Gaea Schell and Scott Foster perform at Biordi Art Imports, bringing jazz to North Beach First Fridays. Join them for an engaging performance that blends Schell’s mastery of flute, piano, and vocals with Foster’s expressive guitar playing. Experience a night of sophisticated jazz, rich harmonies, and Latin-inspired rhythms, making for a memorable musical event at Biordi Imports.
Gaea Schell is known among her peers for swinging eighth notes, subtle phrasing and contemplative writing, Bay area based pianist, composer, flutist (and vocalist) Gaea Schell (also late diagnosed autistic) is originally from Alberta, Canada, where she grew up playing music from an early age. Recorder lessons at age 6 with family friend, the late San Francisco based drummer Eddie Marshall, was one of her first musical ventures.
Pursuit of a classical harp degree led to checking out Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans records in the school library, inspiring a move East (after declining a Berklee scholarship) and subsequent graduation with distinction from the jazz program at acclaimed McGill University in Montreal. The real learning, however, came from playing on the bandstand with respected elders who spent considerable time themselves playing with greats such as Joe Henderson, Wynton Kelly, Ella Fitzgerald. Gaea feels “it’s so important to listen, experience, and understand the tradition of this music”.
Scott Foster received his Bachelor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music in Boston. He pursued additional music studies at University of California Davis and private studies with Jon Damian, Rick Peckham and Henry Robinett. Scott is an active performer as leader of the Scott Foster Trio and Quartet and as a sideman with many local groups. His recent recordings range from industrial pop to country and folk to modern jazz.

Jessica Loos Poetry & Music Series
2026-07-03 17:00 - 19:00 | Macchiarini Creative Design, 1544 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States
Jessica Loos poetry series 7pm, quilt work wall hangings and artistry by Marylyn Tescani. Poetry reading and music in front of Macchiarini Creative Design. Follow the poets up to Coit Tower at 9pm or stick around for the Black Diamond Band at 10pm.
Want to know more about the North Beach Poetry Crawl? Check out Mukethe Kawinzi’s experience in Quiet Lighting.

Music with Robert Kennedy & Friends
2026-07-03 17:00 - 20:30 | Caffe Trieste, 601 Vallejo St, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Robert Kennedy and Friends bring a captivating jazz experience to Caffe Trieste, led by acclaimed San Francisco-based Hammond organist, pianist, and accordionist Robert Kennedy. With a rich history in jazz across various ensembles and a blend of blues, swing, and pop influences, Kennedy’s performances are soulful, dynamic, and filled with vibrant musical storytelling. Enjoy an intimate evening featuring the warmth of Hammond organ and compelling improvisations that create a memorable night of live music at this iconic venue.

Ned Boynton & Friends
2026-07-03 17:00 - 20:30 | Caffe Trieste, 601 Vallejo St, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Experience the unique sound of San Francisco-based guitarist and educator, Ned Boynton. Recognized in Scott Yanow’s book, “The Great Jazz Guitarists the Ultimate Guide”, Ned brings a distinctive and highly respected approach to the instrument. His impressive career includes performances with jazz legends like Les Paul, Bucky Pizzarelli, Howard Alden, and Bruce Forman, showcasing his deep roots in the jazz tradition. He is also the founder of the “Gypsy Surf Italian Rock Jazz band,” SURFER ROMA, demonstrating his wide-ranging musicality!
Don’t miss the chance to catch this Bay Area icon and his friends as they fill the historic, bohemian atmosphere of Caffe Trieste—the original North Beach coffee house—with world-class music.
It’s the perfect way to start your weekend!

Magic School Busk
2026-07-03 17:00 - 21:00 | Red Window, 500 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
The Magic School Busk holds weekly residency directly in front of The Red Window at the corner of Stockton and Columbus. This high‑energy busking collective has become one of North Beach’s unofficial “resident joy‑makers,” blurring the line between band and audience as people pause, sing along, or dance on the sidewalk. Whether you are enjoying a gin tonic on the Red Window’s outdoor patio or just walking by with a cannoli in hand, the Busk provides a genuine North Beach experience.

About The Magic School Busk
Born from the city’s post-pandemic street-side revival, The Magic School Busk is a collective of veteran Bay Area musicians dedicated to the art of public performance. They emphasize the acoustic and the authentic, eschewing heavy amplification for the natural resonance of brass, strings, and woodwinds. Often featuring members from some of the city’s most popular jazz and swing outfits, the “Busk” is celebrated for its ability to read a crowd and create a party out of thin air. They represent the best of San Francisco’s musical resilience—keeping the city’s culture loud, proud, and accessible to everyone on the street.

Group Art Show
2026-07-03 17:00 - 23:00 | Professor Seagull’s Smartshop and Gallery, 1351 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Pop by Live Worms and Professor Seagull’s Smartshop for the North Beach First Fridays Art walk featuring work by various local artists.
Inside the Smartshop, the gallery walls are covered in psychedelic light green and yellow wallpaper — vibrant, but still perfectly balanced to receive and highlight artwork of all kinds.
Rotation is every 1–2 months, featuring either solo exhibitions or group shows. Our walls most often showcase painting, drawing, and collage, while we are also open to sculpture, photography, and other media.
Next door, the Live Worms Gallery is the iconic exhibition space — a high-ceilinged, white-wall setting ideal for immersive shows and large-scale works.

Poetry Reading
2026-07-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Golden Sardine, 362 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Grab a glass of wine and join us for First Fridays poetry reading at the Golden Sardine.
