Mayor Lurie Announces Return of SF Music Week, Celebrates San Francisco as a Music City

SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Daniel Lurie today announced the return of SF Music Week—a celebration of San Francisco as a music city and of the artists, venues, and industry that make San Francisco vibrant and drive the city’s economic comeback. The weeklong celebration from February 23 to March 1 will highlight the creative community that makes San Francisco one of the world’s great music cities, including with free events that are open to the public. 
The return of SF Music Week continues Mayor Lurie’s work to accelerate the city’s recovery by strengthening the city’s arts, culture, and music ecosystem. In November, the mayor launched SF LIVE, a citywide show guide and online events calendar to drive ticket sales for live arts venues. This summer, he launched a free downtown concert series, celebrated the "Summer of Music" that drew tens of thousands and generated over $150 million in local economic impact, and kicked off the “Winter of Music.” He has also directed more than $10.4 million in grants to 145 artists and arts nonprofits through the San Francisco Arts Commission, along with over $14 million in local arts and culture funding through Grants for the Arts.

“San Francisco is a music city. From the Summer of Music in Golden Gate Park and free concerts in Civic Center and Union Square to the events we’re welcoming around Super Bowl LX, we are celebrating the artists and spaces that define our culture,” said Mayor Lurie. “SF Music Week will bring musicians, venues, and industry leaders together to support our city’s music sector, celebrate the people who make it run, and strengthen San Francisco's comeback.”  

 
In collaboration with SF LIVE, Noise Pop, and the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), SF Music Week 2026 aims to strengthen San Francisco’s position as a vibrant music hub by: 

• Showcasing the local music community and reinforcing San Francisco's reputation as a city that champions the arts
• Convening artists, industry leaders, and innovators to collaboratively explore strategies for a more sustainable and vibrant music ecosystem
• Connecting industry members with resources and opportunities to advance their careers 

“The arts have always been central to our economic vitality and are inextricably linked to our evolution as a global innovation hub. This event series showcases music’s important role in shaping San Francisco’s cultural identity and spotlights how our creative sector influences tastes and trends worldwide,” said Anne Taupier, Executive Director of OEWD. “By fostering inspiration, networking, and idea exchange among music industry leaders, SF Music Week will help ensure San Francisco remains an iconic destination for residents, workers, and visitors.” 
“SF Music Week reflects what’s possible when the city and its creative community work together to support independent music,” said Jordan Kurland, Partner at Noise Pop Industries and Brilliant Corners Artist Management. “By partnering with the Mayor’s Office, SF LIVE, and OEWD, we’re helping create real pathways for artists, venues, and industry professionals to connect, grow, and contribute to San Francisco’s cultural and economic recovery.” 
SF Music Week will include the Industry Summit and Artist Development Day, which are free and open to the public.  
The Industry Summit on Friday, February 27, will feature conversations with industry thought leaders, artists, industry professionals, and policymakers for a full day of conversations, panels, and talks focused on the state of the industry in the Bay Area. It will provide a platform to explore key issues affecting the music industry, while also offering insights from prominent figures in the scene. 
The Industry Summit features a diverse range of participants and panels, including Marc E. Bassy, Lyrics Born, 24KGoldn, and more. 
“I’m looking forward to connecting with women who are shaping the future of music and sharing perspectives that can help the next generation of artists and founders navigate the industry with confidence,” said Tina Davis, EMPIRE President. “San Francisco’s music community has always been fueled by originality and forward thinking, and EMPIRE remains deeply invested in supporting that creative momentum.” 
“Creativity is one of our city’s greatest strengths, and SF Music Week helps lift the diverse voices of our communities to be heard,” said Jack Kertzman, Hyde Street Studios Studio Manager. “This week spotlights the vital workforce—from engineers to venue staff—reminding us that supporting music means supporting jobs, families, and neighborhoods. By strengthening the pathway from voices to careers, we show that music is more than entertainment; it is how people claim identity, opportunity, and belonging in San Francisco.” 
Artist Development Day on Saturday, February 28, is designed to examine every facet of the business of being an artist, giving independent musicians the knowledge, tools, and confidence they need to advance their careers. The programming focuses on helping artists protect their creative interests, navigate the industry with clarity, and sustain both their passion and artistic vision along the way.  
It will feature in-depth panels, local business interactions, and opportunities for professional, small group consultations with industry leaders including: David Beach, Founder of Blurt; Lyrics Born, Artist Ambassador for OpenWav; Chris Smith, Founder of Covver; and Trixie Rasputin, Booker and independent venues: Lunchbox series at Salesforce; Darius Zellkha, Manager, Brilliant Corners Artist Mgmt; Ben Kramer, Head of Artist & Label Developmen, YouTube, and more.  
Throughout SF Music Week, more than 25 official partner organizations will host a variety of unique events to showcase different elements of the local music ecosystem. A few confirmed partner events include: 

• Preserving Cultural Roots via Mariachi Education - Presented in collaboration with Community Music Center: February 23  
• Vinyl Workshop: A Modern Guide to Vinyl Pressing, Distribution, and Fan Connection - Hosted by HOT WAX RECORDS - February 23
• SF Music Week Series @ Manny’s - February 23-25
• San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center Tour - Hosted by SF War Memorial & Performing Arts Center - February 23
• Drop-In DJ Lessons - Hosted by Blue Bear School of Music and Coven - February 26
• Magik Magik Orchestra Day at Hyde Street Studios
• SFSOUNDS Live Recording Experience - Presented in collaboration with Ruth Williams Opera House and La Fauna Music - February 27 & 28
• SF Music Week Record Swap - Hosted by Harlan Records - March 1 

“CMC is thrilled to participate in SF Music Week and to share how musicians of all ages can learn and sustain cultural traditions through community-based music making,” said Sylvia Sherman, Program Director at Community Music Center. “San Francisco has long been a place where music grows through collaboration, experimentation, and community. By connecting with the many parts of the city’s music ecosystem during this festival, we hope emerging musicians discover pathways for growth—and that people of all ages are reminded it’s never too late to begin making music.” 
“As a small business rooted in San Francisco, San Franpsycho has always believed in uplifting the culture, creativity, and communities that make this city what it is,” said Christian Routzen, Founder of San Franpsycho. “SF Music Week feels deeply aligned with that mission—bringing people together around local music, independent venues, and neighborhood energy. Being an event partner is our way of showing up for the artists and the city that continue to inspire us.” 
In addition, SF Music Week official partners are hosting events including iHeart Media, Blue Bear School of Music, Manny’s, Punk Rock Camp, Community Music Center, Harlan Records, San Franpsycho, The Castro Theatre, Nothin But Hits, Stern Grove Festival, Fault Radio, Illuminate the Arts, TrapxArt, with more announced on the website. 
SF Music Week’s offerings run concurrently with the 2026 Noise Pop Festival. In 33 years of championing independent arts and culture, Noise Pop Festival has blossomed into a 10-day, 160+ band, 80+ event, 25+ venue music and arts festival that remains a staple in the San Francisco Bay Area.