San Francisco's Iconic Music Venue to Close Its Doors for Good, Leaving a Legacy of Live Music Memories
In a shocking announcement that has sent shockwaves through the local music scene, the Bottom of the Hill, widely regarded as "the best place to hear live music in San Francisco," is set to close its doors at the end of 2026. This beloved venue, which has been a staple of San Francisco's music landscape since 1991, will host its final show on New Year's Eve.
The decision comes as no surprise to many, however, given the current state of the industry and the challenges faced by independent venues like the Bottom of the Hill. With increasing operating costs, shifting demographics in the city, and the lingering impact of the pandemic, it was only a matter of time before this iconic venue would have to close its doors.
For decades, the Bottom of the Hill has been the go-to destination for music fans looking to experience live performances by up-and-coming acts. From early-career gigs by Green Day, Oasis, and Alanis Morissette to more established bands like The Strokes, Queens of the Stone Age, and Neutral Milk Hotel, this venue has played host to some of the most iconic acts in rock music.
The club's owners, Ramona Downey, Kathleen Owen, and Lynn Schwarz, have been instrumental in nurturing the venue's success, bringing together three strong women from different generations and backgrounds to create a unique and inclusive business model. The team has nurtured Bottom of the Hill over the decades, including its staff who have become like family to many.
As the owners prepare to bid farewell to their beloved club, they are thanking the bands, agents, managers, roadies, and most importantly, their loyal customers for making it all possible. They promise one final year of great shows, enticing bands to come back for a final performance on the iconic stage that has hosted so many unforgettable moments.
With its legacy cemented in the hearts of music fans across the Bay Area, the Bottom of the Hill will be remembered as one of the most beloved and enduring independent music venues in San Francisco. Its closing is a sad loss for the local music scene, but also an opportunity to celebrate the countless memories made on its stage and to thank those who have made it possible.
As the owners put it, "2026 is our big victory lap! Please come celebrate with us. Not with a whimper, but a bang!"
In a shocking announcement that has sent shockwaves through the local music scene, the Bottom of the Hill, widely regarded as "the best place to hear live music in San Francisco," is set to close its doors at the end of 2026. This beloved venue, which has been a staple of San Francisco's music landscape since 1991, will host its final show on New Year's Eve.
The decision comes as no surprise to many, however, given the current state of the industry and the challenges faced by independent venues like the Bottom of the Hill. With increasing operating costs, shifting demographics in the city, and the lingering impact of the pandemic, it was only a matter of time before this iconic venue would have to close its doors.
For decades, the Bottom of the Hill has been the go-to destination for music fans looking to experience live performances by up-and-coming acts. From early-career gigs by Green Day, Oasis, and Alanis Morissette to more established bands like The Strokes, Queens of the Stone Age, and Neutral Milk Hotel, this venue has played host to some of the most iconic acts in rock music.
The club's owners, Ramona Downey, Kathleen Owen, and Lynn Schwarz, have been instrumental in nurturing the venue's success, bringing together three strong women from different generations and backgrounds to create a unique and inclusive business model. The team has nurtured Bottom of the Hill over the decades, including its staff who have become like family to many.
As the owners prepare to bid farewell to their beloved club, they are thanking the bands, agents, managers, roadies, and most importantly, their loyal customers for making it all possible. They promise one final year of great shows, enticing bands to come back for a final performance on the iconic stage that has hosted so many unforgettable moments.
With its legacy cemented in the hearts of music fans across the Bay Area, the Bottom of the Hill will be remembered as one of the most beloved and enduring independent music venues in San Francisco. Its closing is a sad loss for the local music scene, but also an opportunity to celebrate the countless memories made on its stage and to thank those who have made it possible.
As the owners put it, "2026 is our big victory lap! Please come celebrate with us. Not with a whimper, but a bang!"
The thought of losing another iconic music venue in San Francisco is heartbreaking 
I mean, who wouldn't want to experience live performances by legendary acts like Oasis and Green Day at the Bottom of the Hill? 
It's crazy to think that this place has been a staple for 35 years, providing an unforgettable experience for so many people. 
The owners are right, 2026 is their victory lap – I hope it's a huge celebration with epic shows! 
Can't wait to see what the final year brings! 
i've heard so many stories about how they've hosted some of the most iconic bands in rock history and it's crazy to think that they're just gonna put up their dukes 
but honestly can't say i'm surprised given the state of the music industry right now. anyway, 2026 is shapin' up to be a big year for live music 
it's def goin to be sad to see this place close but like, what a legacy they're leavin' behind 
it was so silly... anyway, enough about that 
the fact that the Bottom of the Hill is closing makes me kinda sad i mean, who doesn't love a good live music venue? but at the same time, i'm sure they'll always have those amazing memories stored away in their hearts 
they were always doin somethin right whether it was hostin a sick show or just bein a great spot for people watchin 
its a shame that places like that have to close down because of how hard they are to keep alive financially, but at least the owners are makin a big deal outta the last year and gettin all those bands to come back for one last hurrah