Be sure to check out our full 2026 Fall Arts Guide to live music, movies, art, theater, festivals and more in the Bay Area.
Abundance is the word that comes to mind when looking at the Bay Area’s concert offerings this fall. Local legends are celebrating major milestones; several grassroots music festivals are spotlighting independent artists; and Bay Area musicians are mingling with boundary-pushing acts from across the globe. Below you’ll find 10 shows you shouldn’t miss.
Hieroglyphics on stage at Hiero Day in Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, Sept. 4, 2023.
Sept. 7, 2 p.m.
The Midway, San Francisco
What started as a grassroots block party in Oakland over a decade ago has evolved into one of the Bay Area’s staple celebrations of hip-hop culture. For the second year, Hiero Day returns to San Francisco’s Midway for a day party with headliners Killer Mike, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Mereba and, of course, its namesake hip-hop collective, Oakland’s own Hieroglyphics. Joining them on the bill is San Francisco rapper Frak, who recently blew minds with his interactive, videogame-themed concert, Foursquare at The Independent. Multilingual MC Ruby Ibarra, who won 2025’s Tiny Desk Contest, will take the stage with her band the Balikbayans, alongside Young Bari, Boss Life Big Spence, Chuy Gomez and a formidable lineup of rappers, singers and DJs.
Lil Kayla holding court during a performance at The Chapel on Aug. 12, 2022.
Sept. 11, 9 p.m.
Crybaby, Oakland
Ever since she burst onto the scene with her scammer anthem, “Make His Pockets Hurt,” in 2019, Lil Kayla has established herself as one of the hardest rappers in the San Francisco scene. Full of witty bars and lyrical mischief, tracks like “Throw Dat Shit” and “11:11” are what you crank up when you want to feel like you’re on your worst behavior. Lil Kayla’s legions of young, female fans are bound to be screaming in the front at her show at the intimate Oakland club Crybaby.
Kaytranada performs at Outside Lands on Aug. 11, 2024.
Sept. 13, 2–9 p.m.
Discovery Meadow, San José
Whether it’s his timeless remix of Teedra Moses’ “Just Wanna Be Your Girl” or his 3 a.m. dance floor heater “Drip Sweat” with Chanel Tres, Kaytranada’s signature blend of house music with rap and R&B has drawn a massive global fanbase. At Discovery Meadow in San José, the Montreal producer will spin alongside standout house vocalist Rochelle Jordan, L.A. rap duo Partyof2, Amsterdam electronic producer Jael, the Bay’s own Ruby Ibarra, and more.
Spiritual Cramp.
Sept. 19, 8:30 p.m.
Bottom of the Hill, San Francisco
Since they formed in San Francisco in 2017, punk rockers Spiritual Cramp have spread out all over the country, but the City remains their muse. In their video for the charmingly self-deprecating banger, “At My Funeral,” singer Mike Bingham frolics through Green Apple Books, Kilowatt and Oracle Park, paying homage to the places that shaped him. Spiritual Cramp will pack out the legendary rock club Bottom of the Hill for a homecoming show this fall.
Fantastic Negrito performing at the Annual Americana Honors Awards in September 2024 in Nashville.
Sept. 26, 7:30 p.m.
Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco
Fantastic Negrito might be a three-time Grammy winner, but he remains deeply rooted in his hometown of Oakland, tending to his urban farm and writing and recording in his West Oakland studio. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of his landmark album The Last Days of Oakland, a fiery, blues-rock meditation on the working-class struggle in a rapidly gentrifying city. At Davies Symphony Hall, he’ll perform reimagined versions of tracks from his discography, backed by a full orchestra.
Erykah Badu performs at Lights On Festival at Concord Pavilion on Sept. 18, 2021.
Sept. 27, 7 p.m.
Greek Theatre, Berkeley
Few artists’ influence on music, fashion and culture is as deeply felt as Erykah Badu’s. Almost two decades since her genre-defining neo-soul debut, Baduizm, the singer’s career remains a blueprint for creative excellence and free-spirited self-expression. This month, she’ll release her highly anticipated collaborative album with producer The Alchemist, who’ll join her on her North American tour along with St. Louis rapper Smino.
Zara Larsson performs during Lollapalooza at Grant Park on July 31, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
Sept. 26–27
Pier 80, San Francisco
Electronic music giants, cult-favorite DJs and left-field pop acts unite for Portola, a festival whose eclectic lineup just makes sense for San Francisco. 2026 seems to be somewhat of a Swedish takeover, with EDM supergroup Swedish House Mafia and pop stars Robyn and Zara Larsson. Also among the headliners are Skrillex and Boys Noize’s duo Dog Blood, Four Tet and Tiësto. Legendary San José turntablist DJ Shadow will celebrate 30 years of his album Endtroducing….. Other highlights from the bill include City Girls rapper JT, Argentinian perreo-rave singer Six Sex, San Francisco hyperpop artist Underscores, trip-hop legend Tricky and more.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass veteran Emmylou Harris will return to this year’s free musical festival.
Oct. 2–4
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
San Francisco’s second summer typically lasts well into October, and Hardly Strictly is a capstone event of the season. The free, family-friendly music festival takes over Golden Gate Park with performances by singer, fiddler and music producer Alison Krauss and her band Union Station, Yemeni band El Khat (who make their own instruments), country-rock legend Emmylou Harris and rockers My Morning Jacket.
Cameron McCloud (center) of Cure for Paranoia performs in concert during NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest On The Road tour at Emo’s Austin on June 24, 2026 in Austin, Texas.
Oct. 6, 8 p.m.
The Independent, San Francisco
With irresistible charisma, an off-kilter flow and bold lyrics about Black, queer life in Texas, Cure for Paranoia is blowing up after winning NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest this year. The alternative hip-hop collective will bring their dynamic live show, backed by a full band, to San Francisco’s Independent.
Mexican Institute of Sound spins at Family Time: Arrullos Mexicanos at The GRAMMY Museum on July 29, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
Oct. 11–Nov. 6
Various venues, San Francisco
D.I.Y. online radio station Psyched! Radio is one of San Francisco’s homes for the underground music scene, and its festival takes over independent venues including Rickshaw Stop, Great American Music Hall and Neck of the Woods for a month of shows this fall. The expansive lineup features several notable acts from Mexico — including Mexican Institute of Sound, Diles Que No Me Maten and Amantes del Futuro — sharing stages with Bay Area and stateside artists.