We Are San Francisco

Bottom of the Hill Owners to Depart After 35 Years

The Potrero Hill music venue will host a final concert series before the current ownership concludes on December 31.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Openings & Closings

A weathered brick and stucco music venue facade on a San Francisco street, captured in soft, cool, overcast daylight.
The longtime owners of Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco will step down on December 31, ending a 35-year tenure. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The current owners of Bottom of the Hill are stepping down after 35 years of operation at the Potrero Hill venue. The longtime owners plan to close their current chapter at the end of the year, ringing in a new era for the space.

Why it matters

For decades, the venue has served as a staple of the local music scene and a reliable destination for touring acts and local fans alike. While the owners have indicated the business will continue under new management, it remains unclear who will take over operations or if the programming will shift after the transition.

The venue has been in business for 35 years as of its current final season. No shows are currently scheduled on the venue website beyond December 31, 2026.

The players

Bottom of the Hill

A long-standing Potrero Hill music venue that has hosted live performances for over three decades.

Man or Astro-Man?

An experimental rock band featured in the venue's final concert series.

Shannon Shaw

A musician set to perform as part of the venue's concluding concert series for the current owners.

The details

The current ownership group announced that they are stepping away from the Potrero Hill business as of the end of 2026. The venue plans to celebrate this milestone with an end-of-year concert series that features performances by Man or Astro-Man? and Shannon Shaw. While the venue is expected to continue operations under new ownership, no bookings have been announced for 2027.

Timeline

  1. January 2026: Owners announced that 2026 would be their final year in operation.

  2. October 20, 2026: Venue confirmed the current ownership chapter is ending via Instagram.

  3. December 31, 2026: The last currently scheduled shows will take place at the venue.

Across the Bay

This transition marks a departure for one of the city's most enduring stages, following a pattern set by other long-standing music venues that have changed hands after decades in business. It mirrors the broader trend of institutional stability in San Francisco nightlife.

If you are a regular concertgoer, note that the current booking calendar concludes on December 31, 2026. You can still purchase tickets for the upcoming series featuring Man or Astro-Man? and Shannon Shaw before the ownership transition is complete.

The takeaway

The venue is ringing in a new era, but the current management is bowing out at the end of December. Keep an eye on the venue website for any updates on future booking and potential management shifts as the new year approaches.

Further reading

For more updates on local businesses, check our Openings & Closings section.

Live Poll

Do you trust that local music venues will survive changes in ownership in your area?