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Simms Center For The Performing Arts Tickets

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About Simms Center For The Performing Arts

The Simms Center For The Performing Arts, located at 1519 Mission Street in San Francisco, is a cornerstone of the city’s queer and multidisciplinary arts history. Opened in 1985 and later repurposed as Mama Calizo’s Voice Factory, the venue has long been a hub for bold performances and community events. Today, we honor its legacy while providing practical details for visitors and performers alike. Whether you’re securing seats for a past-era performance or exploring the space’s storied past, we’ve got you covered.

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Note: The original three-space complex was restricted to a seating capacity of great seats after a 2010 Fire Marshal inspection. The site remains a beacon of SF’s queer arts scene with a rich timeline of hosts and performances, including the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Marching Band and the SF Tap Troupe. Transit access is convenient from SoMa near Civic Center, with MUNI buses along Mission Street and proximity to BART. Nearby hotels offer convenient stays for visitors attending events in this historic district.

For guests planning a visit, we’ve highlighted practical details, including seating information, parking options, transit access, and nearby lodging and dining. If you’re seeking a reliable connection to historical and contemporary performances, you can count on finding nearby dining and hotel partners through our affiliate network. Secure your seats and enjoy the cultural heritage of this enduring San Francisco venue.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Location: 1519 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94103.
  • Opened in 1985 and closed in November 2006.
  • Originally a multidisciplinary performing arts center; hosted groups like the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Marching Band and the SF Tap Troupe.
  • Capacity/seating: Space comprised three rehearsal/performance spaces; after a 2010 Fire Marshal inspection, capacity was restricted to 49 people.
  • Renamed and repurposed as Mama Calizo’s Voice Factory at the same address; space remained active in SF’s queer arts scene.
  • Notable post-closure use: Voice Factory operated as a venue for queer/art performances and events (e.g., National Queer Arts Festival in 2009).
  • Transit/parking: Located in SoMa near Civic Center; accessible via MUNI bus lines along Mission Street and near Civic Center BART.
  • Nearby hotels (area options): Westin St. Francis (335 Powell St), St. Regis Museum Tower (125 Third St), San Francisco Marriott Marquis (55 Fourth St), Four Seasons (757 Market St).