Tickets 101

The opera, symphony, the San Francisco Ballet's The Nutcracker, and touring hit musicals are often sold out in advance. Tickets are usually available for other shows within a day of the performance.

City Box Office. This charge-by-phone service sells tickets for many performances and lectures. You can also buy tickets online, or in person on weekdays from 9:30 to 5:30. 180 Redwood St., Suite 100, off Van Ness Ave., between Golden Gate Ave. and McAllister St., Civic Center, San Francisco, California, 94102. 415/392–4400; www.cityboxoffice.com.

San Francisco Performances. SFP brings an eclectic array of top-flight global music and dance talents to various venues—mostly the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Davies Symphony Hall, and Herbst Theatre. Artists have included Yo-Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, the Paul Taylor Dance Company, and Midori. Tickets can be purchased in person through City Box Office, online, or by phone. 500 Sutter St., Suite 710, Financial District, San Francisco, California, 94102. 415/392–2545; www.sfperformances.org.

Tickets.com. You can charge tickets for everything from jazz concerts to Giants games by phone or online. 800/352–0212; www.tickets.com.

TIX Bay Area. Half-price, same-day tickets for many local and touring shows go on sale (cash only) at the TIX booth in Union Square, which is open daily from 10 to 6. Discount purchases can also be made online. 350 Powell St., at Geary St. , Union Sq., San Francisco, California, 94102. 415/433–7827; www.tixbayarea.org.