As a crusty aging punker, I'm so glad this place exists! I was around to help open it when it was known as the Alternative Music Foundation and am happy to see it still going strong over 20 years later. A lot of bands have passed through its doors who have gone on to bigger things. I feel ancient going there these days and admittedly find the scene amusing (I had a 19 year old tell me how he was 'old school' hahahaha!), but I am constantly surprised at some of the line ups they set up and manage to drag my ass on over every now and then. they're doing great things at Gilman and giving a lot of young folks a place to discover new music and to perform. That's awesome. Who says punk's dead? Keep on rockin', kids! read more

A small graffiti-filled concrete box where wonderful things happen. Recommended? = Yes. Go. read more

924 Gilman is a historic landmark of hardcore. Simply don't expect anything appealing to the eye, to sound immaculate, or 5 star facilities and you are guaranteed to see the most beautiful show of your life. Cool things: graffiti, gnar-gnar restrooms, sound loft, staff +snackbar DIY or die (but posting on Yelp! about the Gilman is NOT hardcore) read more

What a special place. This place got 5 stars even before I got there. Growing up in the UK (before the internet kids!) I had heard of this place in fanzines and record inserts from Op Ivy, Green Day, Dead Kennedys etc. I first went there and saw Arnocorps and I loved the fact that there were kids of all ages there, especially since I hate all-age shows! No bar, you have to become a member at the door (which I love). I love the place. If you don't, that is good, don't go again and waste the space. read more

Im just not a big fan of this venue. its old, dirty, smelly and the couch looks like its been there for at least a decade. how many thrashers have puked on the couch? I know the place has history and all but honestly the venue is just...pfft. read more

This place is fantastic. It's like the earnest, radical, West Coast answer to CBGBs. (At least, to the 1990s CBGBs) Every time I see a show here I'm struck by how invested everyone is in the project - from the person who checks my membership card at the door to the kids dancing by the stage. I love that there's a low budget place for folks of all ages to listen to amazing music. I also love the mini-cafe with zine stand. I don't make it to Gilman half as often as I should, but I heart it twice as much as any other venue West of the Black Cat. read more

The Appearance: At first glance I thought I had the wrong address. The building appeared vacant minus the homeless man sleeping in front of the doorway. It wasn't until it got closer to showtime that the venue came to life. The inside is littered with punk rock graffiti and band stickers. For those who fancy punk rock this is as much a museum as it is a venue. Bands such as Green Day, The Offspring, and Rancid all had their start here. I am not a huge fan of punk rock, but I did find historic "relics" of these famous punk rockers very interesting. The Bar: Well... there is none. This is a dry venue. They do have bottled water for sale. I suggest hitting up a bar before you head over to a show. The Experience: The first thing I noticed was the demographic is very young and very punk. Every 14 year old had on their leather vest with spikes looking to bum a cigarette. While it certainly made the show high energy, you can't help but to feel a little out of place as an adult. There was plenty of space on the main floor so it was easy to stay out of the way of the thrashing youngsters. The sound quality was good, but not nearly up to par with other venues in the area. For Bands: If you ever get the opportunity to play here, take it! If nothing else it's just to be able to say you played on the same stage as some legendary punk rock bands. The sound crew and staff are all volunteers so don't expect the most professional sound crew. That being said I was very impressed with their willingness to help out and create an awesome show. As mentioned earlier there is no bar at the venue, but the bars down the road are great. There is no room specifically for instrument cases. We ended up throwing ours on the floor stage right. The stage has quite a bit of space. We managed to fit our 7 piece band comfortably. The Verdict: If you are a fan of the punk rock scene give this place a look. Even if you aren't, this is a cheap venue to watch an indie/ punk rock band. Great way to mix up the evening routine. read more

This place is an exception to "you get what you pay for." At Gilman you actually get a little bit more than what you pay for. The tickets run around 5 bucks. The first time I went here I expected a little run down place with a shitty sound system. So the place was a little run down, but the sound was way better than expected. It was also a little bigger than I expected, even though it is still pretty small. It reminds me of a smaller version of the now dead POUNDSF. The crowd is younger so I feel a little old when I go here but whatever it's fun. If you feel like unleashing a little energy to some high energy posi music tor then check out Gilman. This place is run non-profit and does a lot for the local music scene, which is something that should be admired greatly. Places like this keep music and creativity going. read more

I completely love this place! All the shows I've gone too there have been ones I've thoroughly enjoyed. It's nice to see how completely laid back and at home people that go there are because it sets a standard for everyone to feel comfortable with easing into the couches or talking to the bands offstage. The moshpits are always fun and if you fall you can be guaranteed that there's always someone who's looking out for you even if you have no idea who they are. My only regret is not having enough friends that like punk music or like going to shows. read more

I used to have to go here for work all the time for shows. At 25, I felt very old & sometimes wondered if some of the younger kids thought I might be someone's mom there with them. If I'd lived nearby as a teen, I would have been into this place. At Gilman, I used my membershit card and saw some good shows. I would go again for bands I specifically wanted to see. I don't particularly recommend the bathrooms. Or the floor. Or the couch. read more

I discovered Gilman in my last few months of high school and it changed my life. I've spent many a night at shows here and I'm forever thankful of it. I will admit that I feel like as good of bands don't play here anymore but I'm sure if that's changing Gilman polices or me getting old. Probably a little of both. It's the best all ages venue out there read more

Lots of history at this place and a lot of notable bands got their start here like Rancid and Green Day....... My old punk band played here as well.... Recently saw Koffin Kats(psychobilly) and also Pressure Point (Oi). Sometimes what gets on my nerves about this place are all the underage kids gettin drunk and acting like theyre so cool. It gets old and obnoxious. I been thru it too but I dont feel like having to step back for it. Also, it gets on my nerves that some folks think thery are way more punk rock than the rest...........been there and still am punk without having to dress the part cause Im grown and working class and I still can skate. But I totally appreciate this place...Lots of memories. Met lots of people and then some. I prefer punk shows at Thee Parkside these days or Bottom of the Hill. Wish we had a place like this when we were younger, but we did have The Farm and The Mab back in th day..... A big plus is that they have N.A. Meetings here! read more

I haven't been here in a couple of years. But when I was into the punk music scene, Gilman was definitely the place to go. The shows are cheap (they used to be $5, I think they are $6 now) and the music can be insanely good. If you're going to Gilman, you probably know which bands to see and which bands not to see. If not, go with a friend who knows, because some of the shows really suck. read more

Ah yes, the Gilman. As an Abercrombie wearing lass with a thirst for punk music, I never felt I would be accepted. I was wrong. The Gilman has an excellent purpose, to give the youth something to do, in a friendly environment. For I've met some lovely people here, and listened to some great music. Unfortunately, Gilman security has a leniency for assholes. And I'm not too big on the massive amount of smoking. Other than that, I've been to a few venues, and this one may be the best. Long live 924 Gilman. read more

For nostalgia reasons. All ages club, $2/yr membership and $5 per show, though I've heard it was raised to like $7 or something. I haven't been since the last Babyland show. Just doesn't feel the same now that I'm older, but I'll still definitely go if there is a band worth seeing. read more

I used to go here my freshman year, when I would hang out with the homeless guys drinking Boone's Farms before the show and working the front door or side door the first half of the show so I could drunkenly stagger through the second half. Oh wait, this is a drug and alcohol free venue? That was the non-alcoholic Boone's Farm. Really. Four stars cuz I never had to pay, and the one time I was working side door when they bum rushed a guy out that way. Props to my homeless buddy who had the foresight to warn me that the rush was a-rushin. read more

The mecca of bay area punk rock and roll. Like the cbgb's of the west coast. Seen a few shows here and it's like you're back in time. Spray painted walls and dirty bathrooms only add to the allure. No drinking allowed but there's a corner store a block away and brewery even closer. I saw Filthy Thieving Bastards here with a crowd of less than 20. Crazy. Shows are always cheap. read more

Great place with great shows. Very nice atmosphere, people help you up if you fall down and anyone coming there to cause trouble is quickly kicked out. The only problem is they don't serve drinks. read more

If you are a fan of punk music, and/or a fan of Green Day, You have heard of the iconic 924 Gilman St. personally, I am a huge Green Day fan, and have always wanted to see a show at this iconic venue. This past weekend, I found myself in Berkeley and was pleased to learn there was a reggae and ska night happening. Upon entering, I was blown away by how cool this place is! No, "cool" does not even cut it. The amount of history this building holds, and the fact that you can literally SEE the history all over its walls, is what makes this place is so unique and incredible while you're enjoying a show here. From its "no fighting" and "no drugs" list of rules, to the badass volunteers I encountered, I do not think my Gilman Street experience could've gone any better, and I am so happy that I was able to experience it in my lifetime. If I ever find myself in the Bay area again, I will most definitely be coming back to Gilman. read more

See all

I went there recently when I won tickets on KALX-FM for a Friday night bill featuring Pulling Teeth--named after a Green Day song, but *nothing* like them. As usual, I stayed outside most of the time, enjoying the hanging out on the corner of Sixth and Gilman Street, going across the road to Pyramid (the unofficial adult rec room of 924 and clean-toilet refuge)....and of course, the obligatory reunion this time was Jason White, the last was in Tokyo backstage at a Green Day show! The following week started a tour with my friends from England, The Leif Ericsson, who were totally stoked to be there! I met Jeff, one of the bookers that`d come on recently in a long-line of volunteers...his nephews were running around all over the place, a barbeque was set up right outside. One of those good local moments, you know? Soon enough, I was on another tour in a van! That`s what you get. read more

Bad service. I would not recommend this place to anyone. Lots of sketchy people. I told someone that there was a shifty person, who looked like he may have been trying to pick pocket people, and the lady offered no help or even concern. read more

Hi - It's Friday night, June 29th - My bandmates & I just drove ALL the way to Gilman from San Carlos, in hopes of seeing an up and coming band, NEVERLYN, only to find out the venue CHANGED the show time at the LAST minute, & had the band perform FIRST! Needless to say, we missed them, made the whole friggin' trip, through all of the 'weekend getaway' traffic for NOTHING! Recommend you guys get it together, so people (and bands) can enjoy the music they come from afar to see & hear!! Give the bands SET times, & stick to it - It's not that hard to do, & it's the right (and courteous) thing to do - Thanks - read more

This should be a state historic landmark and you should all consider yourselves lucky that this place exists in your backyard.

I drove by this place for YEARS thinking it was some kind of needle exchange program or rehab clinic based on the people crashed out on the curb. No kidding. read more

i like punk rock but the night i stopped in here, there was a native american chanting type performance. when i was at cal, i would've been into it but it was not what i was expecting when i walked into the dank and grungy venue. we didn't stay long. i hadn't been out in an alcohol free zone in a long time. i would've loved it when i was 15 and i think it's an interesting place for the youth of today to hang out. god, i'm old. read more

I was the head coordinator of this fine establishment for awhile, now just back to a patron. This is an essential staple of the bay area punk community, and an almost necessary stop for any international punk band coming through. They are all volunteer run and non-profit. If you want to get involved in the punk scene as more than just a show-goer this is the place to do it. Shows every friday and saturday night and often sundays between $5-7 at the door and a $2 annual membership. read more

It's full of inebriated 12 year olds. I used to be one. I've sat in puke, sat next to an unconscious man pissing himself, been punched in the face, fallen asleep on one of the reclaimed couches during a Babyland show, and had my vag violated in a mosh pit. I'm over it. read more

My hang out every weekend during my youth. Great punk rock club. Primus, Green Day, Mr. T Experience, Operation Ivy etc. back in the day for only $5. Despite its seedy atmosphere, I never saw any drama here. That's saying a lot considering it is volunteer run. Glad to see this place is surviving. All ages/no alcohol. read more

Gilman had some good fucking fun at this place. Used to be my youth full stomping ground where I would get drunk and enjoy some rad fucking music. Haven't been there in quite sometime but whatever. I love the postcard punks from suburbia that play dress up and tried to start fights cause they had a point to prove to everyone. Best show I ever saw at Gilman: Damad, Phobia, Good Clean Fun and Brain Blood Volume great fucking show. Plus anytime Born/Dead played. read more

I can't even begin to say how many great memories I have here. It's dirty, nasty, full of little freaks like myself and that's as good as it gets. Speed Trials is an absolute MUST for all the grinders out there!!!! It's always the best grind show of the year and always at this venue. Go to their website and make plans to go to a show there. It's a complete DIY venue that has been around for 25 glorious years that counts on the support of the community. You know how people say "Support Local Music"? This is what that means! Go here for a show and show your support to the local DIY bands as well as the 924 venue. Keep it alive!!! read more

While on holidays from Ireland to San Francisco my husband & I knew that without a doubt we would also be visiting Berkeley & 924 Gilman in particular. We were there on the 18th of April to see Thou/Cloud Rat/Negative Standards/Ragana/Sutekh Hexen & Ritual Control. It was everything i expected & wanted it to be. 924 Gilman is a place we had been hearing & reading about back home since our teens & while we knew that as far as the bands we had idolised in the 90s were concerned that we would be late to the table on this scene, we were still not disappointed. The bands were good, the sound quality was good, the vibe was friendly & there was a kind of camaraderie that i had hoped for. There was a bit of an eclectic line-up. This was refreshing. I liked all of the bands well enough, loved three or four of them. The venue was spacious, after an initial confusion about which toilet was the ladies & which was the gents (turns out it doesn't matter), i was surprised to see that the toilets were clean, gaffiti'd as expected, but clean. I have been in so many pubs & venues where the bathrooms are horrendous (not that that takes away from any good night/gig), but these in the Gilman were clean!!!! Well done to the volunteers & the committee of the Gilman. Its a wonderful thing they do & long may it last. I hope to be back some day read more

The CB's of the west coast. I'm honored to have been able to played there. So shitty and run down looking. But that's what makes it great!

For someone who grew up on the east coast, this place is amazing. An all-ages venue with food, bands, and adults/young children/teenagers/20somethings mingling like it's normal? This type of thing does not exist where I come from. There are barely any all-ages places left there. This is a great little venue, and I really enjoyed it. We had to pay a pretty penny to get in - $2 for membership plus $10 for the show - but at least the money is going to the place (nonprofit) and the bands (i hope) so i was ok with it. Would love to come back here again! read more

This place was my first real exposure to local music about 10 years ago. When I first went, the place felt vibrant. As of late, the place has felt a bit flat and just somewhere for bands to play. It doesnt feel like an experience going there like it used to, but I suppose things change. The staff are amazing there, and the snack shop still has things for cheap. read more

Lots of young Bay Area talent on this stage. And the history of the place and who has played here, noteworthy to say the least. Visit for some Bay Area culture. read more

What happened to Gilman? I remember when all the SF kids would take BART together at Civic Center, walk through the park drinking, smoking, and having fun, go grab a doughnut at the doughnut place, drink at the parking lot across the street, and go to the show (probably a Deadfall, Born Dead, or other local Bay Area hardcore punk staple).... I think the last time I showed up at Gilman was like in 07-08 when there were undercover cops dressed in Cal Hoodies dumping out kids' beers and stuff like that. I remember being told we couldn't smoke inside anymore... Nobody that I know wants to see a show here anymore. Show cost a decent amount of money now and apparently it is getting harder and harder to hang out, drink, and chill outside or around there anymore, thus forcing people into the residential areas where empty 40's and concrete don't mix well. Touring bands with some sort of understanding of where the DIY scene is will still play shows in Oakland or SF, where fun is still, well, fun, so heading out to Gilman seems like a lost cause.... Chill out and book some awesome bands again Gilman! read more

if you like punk rock... this is mecca. if you don't like punk rock, you better run as fast as you can away from this place! either you love it or you hate it. there is no in between. most rancid songs that talk about fondness of the east bay started here. read more

One of the last remaining clubs that is truly alternative. Nothing fancy here but that is what makes this place so great. In the same mold as CBCBs and MAX's KANSAS CITY. You can get to see many known bands and many up and comers. There is no alcohol allowed but you can buy plenty of soda and snacks. This place is well worth a visit for any music fan. Everyone is cool here. read more

Classic venue. I started going here when I was 14 and thought I was like, totally punk rock, and went pretty regularly for about 6 years. I always enjoy driving by it and laughing at the various incarnations of my younger, poser self hanging out outside. Inside is stuffy and dirty but if you can't handle it you're obviously not hardcore enough to be there in the first place. Loser. Highlights from my Gilman days include hanging out with Joel from Mr. T Experience and the Plus Ones, getting a pair of socks from one of the girls in Triple Nipple, and almost barfing on Billy Joe Armstrong's shoes. The pit is not for the faint of heart. read more

I think anyone complaining is really o the mark for so many reasons, or they're just devoid of brain cells. Sure, the sound is the worst I've ever heard, but they have $1 Cliff BUILDER bars and they're still the landmark, and that landmark is STILL OPEN. Do you understand the significance of this place? Yeah, so shuuuuuut uuuuup. But yeah, I'm way too old for this spot. read more