City Arts & Lectures San Francisco
At the Nourse Theater
San Francisco loves City Arts and Lectures! And, I love it too. Over the years, I've seen former President Jimmy Carter, activist Angela Davis with Michael Franti and Margaret Atwood to name a few. At the new location, I got to see Marina Abramović and John Waters.
The wonderful thing about these discussions is that it's just a conversation. It's intimate and enlightening. You feel special, as if you were in the right place at the right party.
The new home for City Arts and Lectures, the Nourse Theater, sat empty for over 30 years before renovation. The Beaux-Arts style building stands out today as something special and beautiful. The seating is original, which means it's very small by today's standards. If you need extra legroom, be sure to get an aisle seat.
The current program includes Salman Rushdie, Alice Waters and Tom Hanks. Many new and exciting events and discussions pop up throughout the season. Tickets for Francis Ford Coppola, a local, sold out quickly. But you can hear the rebroadcast on the radio (88.5, KQED-fm) or the podcast hosted by the indelible Linda Hunt. The schedule for rebroadcasts is posted on the website.
Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in San Francisco
Pier 39
See sea lions!
"Pier 39" in San Francisco is where I got to buy live crabs during the season and see the sea lions! They are the quintessential San Franciscans...
by
Nadine
Johnson
Cornell Hotel de France
Beautiful hotel
"Cornell Hotel de France" in San Francisco is Jean D'Arc-themed and the building's over 100 years old. It's like a taste of France in the city...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Queen Anne Hotel
A haunted beauty
The "Queen Anne Hotel" in San Francisco exhibits the timeless romance and grand style that the Gold Rush brought to the city in the 1800s...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Biscoff Coffee Corner
Best coffee stop
"Biscoff Coffee Corner" in San Francisco offers speculoos biscuits with its coffee, using the original Belgian 'airline cookie' recipe dating back to 1932!
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Eagle Cafe
Best hangover spot for breakfast
Besides being a great place for breakfast or lunch, "Eagle Café" in San Francisco is a historic waterfront café where every single seat has a view!
by
Kathleen
Messmer
The Crab House
So much food!
"The Crab House" in San Francisco makes some of the best seafood around - and presented beautifully. It's like Fantasia, but for food!
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Graffiti Murals
Unbelievable
The Graffiti Murals in San Francisco, close to the Steiner end of Haight street, have been created by artists that are talented beyond imagination...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Ingleside Terraces Sundial
Largest in the US
The "Ingleside Terraces Sundial" in San Francisco is the largest sundial in the US. It's more than 100 years old & still tells the time very accurately...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Church of 8 Wheels
Holy rollers unite!
This San Francisco church has a rich history... today, the "Church of 8 Wheels", created by the Godfather of Skating, is the epicenter of the SF scene...
by
Nadine
Johnson
Talk About Stairs!
Neighborhood steps up
You might notice that each brick on this staircase at San Francisco's Coit Tower has a name written on it. Here's the forgotten story behind those names.
by
Kathleen
Messmer
CA Coastal Trail
Walk along the Pacific
"CA Coastal Trail" in Francisco is a calm, easy and beautiful hike that includes quite a few Bay Area landmarks - and all next to the ocean...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Critical Mass
Better together
"Critical Mass" San Francisco is lots of fun and serious for some. Everyone is invited! No one is in charge! Body paint, optional.
by
Nadine
Johnson
Heading to San Francisco?
156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to San Francisco?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 156 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves San Francisco
Get to know our other Spotters from San Francisco
As featured on:
