DoCivic Center-Tenderloin

Black and White Ball

If you have the budget, why not "hob-nob" at San Francisco's classiest party? Taking up four entire blocks of the Civic Center, this ball attracts a well-heeled crowd, as well as those who are just splurging. The ball began in 1956 and features several high profile bands (the Grateful Dead played here in 1969), and includes a performance by the San Francisco Symphony orchestra. $200 gets you in the door, feeds you, and lets you enjoy the music, dancing, and entertainment. If you want to formally dine at the Patrons Dinner, you'll have to shell out a lot more.

Address: Civic Center Plaza
Hours: Takes place once every two years in May
Price: $200-3,000
Website: sfsymphony.org (opens in a new tab)

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Listing from Wikivoyage: San Francisco/Civic Center-Tenderloin, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 27 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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