I’ve danced all over the world, and the San Francisco Bay Area has one of the best lindy hop scenes anywhere. Lots of awesome bands, classes, and venues, and one of the friendliest dance communities you will ever encounter.
This is my own personal, curated list of opportunities to learn and dance lindy hop / swing dancing in the San Francisco Bay Area. Generally, if I don’t recommend or go to the event, I won’t list it here. For more updated info, check the San Francisco Lindy Hop Facebook group and Lindylist. To suggest additions or corrections to my list, email me at rik-at-rikomatic.com.
Tuesdays
Breakaway is a regular Tuesday night dance in downtown Oakland. They have classes and a DJed dance, with the occasional live band. There’s a nice bar downstairs with a kitchen for all of your drinking and eating needs.
Wednesdays
Cat’s Corner hosts regular dance classes and dancing to live music every Wednesday in the Mission, SF.
Wednesday Night Hop in Palo Alto is the South Bay’s most regular lindy hop nights. Awesome classes and dancing to DJed music with nice folks.
Thursdays
9:20 Special is my regular Thursday jam. 9:20 is San Francisco’s premiere spot for learning lindy hop and dancing in a beautiful ballroom. Great instructors, awesome for newbies, and a really nice floor to swingout on. At the Russian Center at 2450 Sutter St, San Francisco.
Fridays
For Dancers Only is the “South Bay venue for Lindy/Balboa/Shag/Charleston addicts.” I always have a great time there. The In N’Out down the street definitely is a strong draw! 950 Michaelangelo Drive, Sunnyvale, CA.
Dancers Den hosts a dance one Friday at month in downtown Oakland.
Saturdays
The Bootleggers Ball is a monthly live music dance party in the Mission. Always a fun party! They provide the mixer, you BYOB. At 44 Capp Street, San Francisco.
Sundays
Lindy in the Park is the oldest outdoor swing dance in the country. Free dance lesson and noon, and then dancing until about 2:30pm. Located in Golden Gate Park, near the 8th Avenue and Fulton entrance to the park. Look for the huge crowd of people and listen for the fun swing music!
The 1st and 3rd Sundays, the Hot Baked Goods play at Amnesia Bar from about 6-8pm. No cover, so tip tip tip and drink drink drink. 853 Valencia Street near 19th Street.