The City by the Bay is the cultural center of Northern California, and one of the oldest settlements on the West Coast. Although it lacks the glitz and glamor of Los Angeles, the dance music scene is just as rich and vibrant. World famous producers like Kaskade, Bassnectar, Qbert, DJ Shadow, Justin Martin and Claude VonStroke all call the Bay Area home.
San Francisco is flooded with party promoters, and any given night there is usually an EDM show or warehouse rave worth attending. Being a major port, all of the biggest names come through San Francisco regularly. If one of your favorite producers is in town the same night you are, scoop up those tickets because they will sell out.
Ruby Skye
If you’re looking for a nightclub like the ones they have in Las Vegas, Ruby Skye is considered the best house music venue in San Francisco. The historical landmark started life in the 1890’s as the Stage Door Theater. In 1995 they opened their doors as Ruby Skye, and have since hosted performances by the likes of Afrojack, Avicii, Cedric Gervais, Dada Life, Deadmau5, Hardwell, LMFAO, Porter Robinson and more.
1015 Folsom
The 1015 Folsom hosts several shows each week, and is known as a place where hip hop heads and lovers of bass music gather. Depending on how large the event is, one to three levels may be open, including an upstairs bar, a large space divided into two rooms on the ground floor and a basement area lined in tables and cushions. Notable DJ/producer An-ten-nae is the music director.
EPR
EPR is only open on Wednesdays but they host some of the best raves in the Bay Area, with some of the hottest DJs headlining. This is not a place where you have to pay extra to sit down or stand on a balcony. This club is 18 plus, so there are a lot of candy ravers in bikinis running around. The atmosphere is abuzz with excitement and inebriation. Almost anyone can have a good time dancing at EPR.
Mezzanine
Mezzanine has something for everyone: EDM, rock, dance, hip hop, soul, jazz and salsa. The nightclub opened in the early 2000’s as a gathering place for art events, multimedia installations, fashion shows and of course concerts. The large Mezzanine is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, making it ideal for EDM artists that draw a large crowd.
Public Works
Nestled on the edge of the Mission District is a small space dedicated to local music and art. During the daytime Public Works is a gallery and artist workshop. At night there are “DJ oriented club parties” where local DJs and underground producers are often heard. The club boasts one of the most awe inspiring light shows in the city. Profits go to funding art classes for local children.
Spots like 103 Harriet, DNA Lounge, Mighty, Rickshaw Stop, Slims and the Fillmore are all EDM venues worth checking out. For specific events in the bay area check out DJOYbeat’s San Francisco Nightlife page.
You may be able to just walk around downtown and listen for EDM coming out of a dive bar or small club. There is no shortage of DJs in San Francisco, that’s for sure.
Written By: Elizabeth de Moya
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