Noise Pop Festival and Van Morrison Lead Today’s Arts Scene in San Francisco
A Landmark Day for Music and Performance
Today, Thursday, February 19, 2026, San Francisco is a hub of cultural activity, headlined by the highly anticipated kickoff of the annual Noise Pop Music & Arts Festival. This city-wide celebration of independent music, film, and art begins today and runs through early March, featuring a variety of shows across local venues. One of the highlights for this evening is the New Jazz Underground performance at the SFJAZZ Center, offering a modern take on the genre for festival-goers.
For fans of legendary singer-songwriters, Van Morrison takes the stage at the historic Palace of Fine Arts tonight. His performance remains one of the season's most sought-after tickets, promising an evening of classic hits in one of the city's most architecturally stunning buildings. Meanwhile, for those looking for high-energy nightlife, the Temple Nightclub hosts world-renowned DJ ATB, bringing electronic dance beats to the heart of the Financial District.
Theater and Cinematic Highlights
San Francisco’s theater scene is equally vibrant today. The Toni Rembe Theatre marks the opening night of "Paranormal Activity," a live stage adaptation that translates the tension of the horror film franchise into a visceral theatrical experience. For fans of musical romance, "The Notebook: The Musical" continues its limited run at the Orpheum Theatre, offering a poignant adaptation of the beloved story.
Cinema enthusiasts should head to the historic Roxie Theater in the Mission District. Today’s schedule includes a screening of the Oscar-nominated film "Arco," followed by a special Q&A session. Additionally, the theater is screening "Wisdom of Happiness: A Heart-to-Heart with the Dalai Lama," a documentary presented in collaboration with the American Himalayan Foundation.
Museum Exhibitions and Community Markets
Beyond the stage, the city's museums are offering major temporary exhibitions:
- SFMOMA: Explore "New Work" by Sheila Hicks and the unique interplay of "Paul Klee + Ray Johnson: TYPOFACTURE."
- De Young Museum: View the thought-provoking "LEXICON" by Rose B. Simpson or the intricate "Embroidered Histories" exhibition.
- Legion of Honor: Don’t miss "Wunderkammer: The Collection of Susan Beech," which displays nearly 100 pieces of artisan jewelry.
Finally, for a taste of local life, the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is open today from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Embarcadero. Visitors can browse seasonal produce and artisan snacks from the region's top sustainable growers, making it the perfect midday community meetup.