NIVA’s State of Live Report Reveals The Economic Impact of San Francisco’s Independent Stages
New Data Highlights San Francisco Venues’ $1.4 Billion Impact on Economy and Important Roles in Supporting Tourism and Jobs
February 26, 2026 – Today, the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), The San Francisco Office of Economic & Workforce Development (OEWD), and the San Francisco Venue Coalition (SFVC) unveil the economic impact findings from the regional State of Live report for San Francisco, California. The SF report builds on NIVA’s National State of Live Economic Research Study and details the regional economic impact and situation of independent venues, festivals, and promoters across San Francisco.
San Francisco’s independent live entertainment sector serves as both a cultural anchor and a major economic driver, producing $151.9 million annually in off-site spending that supports California's hotels, restaurants, retail, and public transportation. Despite this economic impact, only 36% of independent stages in San Francisco and across the country reported profitability in 2024, highlighting the growing gap between cultural value and financial sustainability under current conditions.
According to the State of Live report, in 2024, independent stages in San Francisco:
Generated $1.4 billion in total economic output
Contributed $980.1 million directly to California's GDP
Paid $675.1 million wages and benefits
Returned $47 million in annual state and local taxes
Generated $151.9 million in off-site tourism spending
Supported 3,495 industry jobs
The report arrives just in time for SF Music Week—an initiative led by Mayor Daniel Lurie, OEWD, SF LIVE, and Noise Pop to drive San Francisco’s comeback by strengthening its arts and culture ecosystem. SF Music Week celebrates the city’s legacy as a renowned music hub and brings together artists, industry leaders, and innovators to collaboratively explore strategies for building a more sustainable music sector.
“This report underscores that when we invest in our live entertainment venues, they, in turn, strengthen our economy, create jobs, and help ensure that San Francisco remains a vibrant center of innovation and creativity,” said Anne Taupier, Executive Director of OEWD. “We also recognize that rising costs and changing audience behavior are putting pressure on the stability and profitability of our local venues. SF Music Week was created not only to celebrate our music scene, but also to give our artist and business communities a chance to come together and explore solutions to today’s challenges. Supporting a healthy entertainment sector is critical to our mission of ensuring a vibrant and healthy economy that benefits all San Franciscans.”
“Independent venues aren’t just places of entertainment, they’re proven economic engines and community anchors,” said Gabe Docto, Co-Founder of the San Francisco Venue Coalition (SFVC) and Director of Operations at August Hall in San Francisco. “This study shows that passion, music, and grit are already driving $1.4 billion in total economic output from San Francisco alone. That’s the power of live music. With consistent investment and smart policies that make it easier for these small businesses to thrive, not just survive - they’ll scale their impact, create more local jobs, generate even greater tax revenue, and amplify the cultural energy that will define San Francisco. Investing in independent venues is investing in economic growth, small businesses, artists, and the future of our community.”
Nationally, the State of Live report, released earlier this year, found that independent stages generated $153.1 billion in economic output, and contributed $86.2 billion directly to U.S. GDP, supported more than 907,000 jobs, and paid over $51.7 billion in wages and benefits — eclipsing the U.S. beer, gaming, and airline industries.
“San Francisco is leading by example in how it supports and celebrates its independent stages, said Stephen Parker, Executive Director of the National Independent Venue Association.” “The State of Live partnership between independent stages and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development demonstrates how collaboration between small businesses and local government can amplify economic impact. Recognizing and investing in independent venues and festivals is smart, forward-looking leadership and a model other communities should follow.”
Conducted by leading economic research firm TEConomy Partners, the San Francisco State of Live report provides policymakers, community leaders, and industry stakeholders with clear, data-driven evidence of the economic and cultural value of independent live entertainment in San Francisco. The findings underscore why independent stages, promoters, and live entertainment leaders must have a seat at decision-making tables across California when shaping economic development, tourism, and cultural policy.
The full San Francisco State of Live report is available HERE.
To learn more about the State of Live initiative, visit www.nivassoc.org/stateoflive.
ABOUT NIVA
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is the national trade association representing thousands of independent live entertainment venues, festivals, promoters, and more. NIVA works to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of live entertainment. NIVA empowers members and their teams with member benefits, advocacy on the state, local, and federal levels, an annual industry-leading conference, and more.
NIVA led the Save Our Stages campaign, culminating in landmark legislation in 2020 that established the $16.25 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, the largest arts investment in U.S. history.
NIVA is committed to equity in its support of independent stages. It seeks to create and encourage opportunities for venues, promoters, and festivals owned, operated, and staffed by people of color, women, non-binary, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities.
CONTACT
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