Salsa Dancing in San Francisco

Looking for places to go salsa dancing in San Francisco? Here's a complete list of salsa events happening in San Francisco compiled by the Salsa By The Bay Team.

For a listing of more events in the Bay Area, see our Salsa Events Calendar.

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Cafe Cocomo

Event Type: Lessons, Live Music, Social Dancing
Date: Every Thursday & Saturday
Time: Lessons 8pm, Social Dancing 9:30pm - 2am
Cost: $12 Thursdays, $15 Saturdays
Description: Cafe Cocomo is a popular spot in San Francisco featuring a huge dance floor, live bands, full bar, and salsa lessons taught by Jake Jacobs.
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Cigar Bar

Event Type: Music & Dancing
Date: Friday, Saturday
Time: 9-1AM
Cost: $7
Description: Salsa night at The Cigar Bar & Grill, a unique San Francisco restaurant & bar located in historic Jackson Square, featuring salsa dancing every Friday and Saturday night. Live salsa music every night, and free before 9:30pm.
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Cuban Salsa Lessons

Event Type: Cuban Salsa Lessons
Date: Every Monday and Wednesday
Time: 6:30pm - 8pm
Cost: $12
Description: Cuban salsa lessons taught at the Dance Mission Theater in San Francisco every Monday and Wednesday by Ramon Ramos Alayo. In his class, Ramon teaches basic Cuban footwork, style, and musicality as well as complex turn patterns. No partner necessary, wear comfortable clothes.
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El Vacilón

Event Type: Salsa Dancing, Live Music
Date: One a month
Time: 5pm - 9:30pm
Cost: $10
Description: Salsa dancing to live music at the Oasis Cafe on Treasure Island, featuring $6 margaritas and barbecue chicken and ribs. Plenty of free parking. Generally held once a month.
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El Valenciano

Event Type: Lessons,Social Dancing
Date: Every Wednesday
Time: 9pm Lesson, Dancing until 2 AM
Cost: $12
Description: El Valenciano Latin Wednesdays is a weekly salsa social hosted by the Mambo Romero Dance Company in San Francisco, featuring salsa lessons On2 and dancing until 2 in the morning.
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Hot Bachata Nights

Event Type: Salsa & Bachata Lessons, Dance Party
Date: Every Sunday
Time: 5:30pm-2:00am
Cost: $10 party, $5/per class
Description: Salsa and bachata lessons every Sunday night at club A3 Atmosphere in San Francisco. 3 rooms of dancing with salsa, bachata, and kizomba music. Full bar and free street parking. One of the best places to go dancing in San Francisco on a Sunday night.
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Impala Lounge Sundays

Event Type: Beginner Lesson, Intermediate Lesson, Social Dancing
Date: Every Sunday
Time: Beginner Lesson: 6:00 - 7:00 (Bachata Upstairs, Salsa Downstairs)
Intermediate Lesson: 7:00
8:00pm-2:00am Dance Party (Bachata, Salsa, Merengue, etc.)
Cost: $10 Just party
$15 Party and one lesson
$20 Party and both lessons
Description: Salsa and Bachata lessons and dancing at the Impala Lounge in SF. 2 floors, Bachata upstairs and Salsa downstairs. Gourmet Dinner service throughout the night and exotic drink specials every week.
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Kids Dance With A Latin Flair

Event Type: Kids Dance Lessons
Date: Every Saturday
Time: 11am-11:45am
Cost: $7 per class or 5 for $25
Description: Latin dance lessons for kids taught by Ava Apple of Latin Symbolics. Get your kids started dancing early in a fun and safe environment, taught by one of the most experienced dance teachers in the Bay Area.
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La Salsa Cubana Film Screening Party

Event Type: Salsa Dancing Movie Screening
Date: Thursday, May 30th, 2013
Time: 7:30pm - 10pm
Cost: $12
Description: Come watch the award-winning documentary, meet the director, and celebrate the film's DVD-release with music, dancing, and performances. La Salsa Cubana is the first film to explore Cuban salsa, known as casino, since it appeared in Havana social clubs in the 1950s. With a soundtrack that features Cuba's all-time greatest musical legends, it follows a dance group from the Guanabacoa neighborhood as they strive against all odds to win the national dance competition.
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La Tropi-Cal

Event Type: Salsa Dancing Social
Date: The last Friday of the month
Time: 10pm - 2am
Cost: $10
Description: La Tropi-Cal is the original Timba spot in San Francisco, held every last Friday of the month at Il Pirata. Music played at the social includes Timba, classic Timba, Cuban salsa, and salsa with a splash of Reggaeton, Cubaton, and Dancehall. Music by resident DJs Walt Digz and Dark Rum.
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Ladies Salsa On2 Peformance Workshop

Event Type: Ladies Performance Workshop
Date: Sundays Jan 20 - May 5
Time: 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Cost: $275 before January 16th, $300 after
Description: A 4 month salsa/mambo On2 performance workshop culminating in 2-4 performances during the last two weeks of the workshop. Workshop taught by veteran dance instructors Ava Apple and Audrianna Jimenez. Classes every Sunday from 3:30-5:30pm until May 5th.
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Latin Symbolics Salsa On 1 Wednesdays

Event Type: Beginning & Intermediate Salsa Lessons On 1
Date: Every Wednesday
Time: 7-8pm - Beginning Partnering, 8:15-9:15pm - Intermediate Partnering
Cost: $13 One Class, $19 Both Classes (discount cards available)
Description: Beginner and Intermediate level salsa lessons taught "On 1" with Ava Apple & Rodolfo Guzman, the directors of the Latin Symbolics. Beginner lessons at 7pm, intermediate at 8:15pm.
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Latin Symbolics Salsa On 2

Event Type: Salsa Dance Lessons On 2
Date: Every Monday
Time: 8:15pm
Cost: $13
Description: Intermediate/advanced dance lessons "On 2" with Latin Symbolics directors Ava Apple & Rodolfo Guzman.
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Lil Baobab

Event Type: Club Dancing
Date: Every Wednesday
Time: Salsa Party starts at 9:30
Cost: $3
Description: A night of salsa music and dancing at Little Baobab, an intimate bistro and club, around the corner on 19th Street between Mission & Capp Streets
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Madrone SF

Event Type: Lessons, Social Dancing
Date: Every Thursday
Time: Lessons at 9PM, Dancing till 2AM
Cost: Free!
Description: Local DJ's spinning Salsa, Cumbia, Reggaeton, Merengue...
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ODC Salsa

Event Type: Dance Lessons
Date: Tuesday, Thursday
Time: Tuesday: Beginner | 7:30-8:15 Intermediate | 8:15-9:15 Advanced | 9:15-10:15 Thursday: Intermediate | Gabriel Romero
Cost: $14 for one class ($1 cash discount)
Description: New York style mambo classes taught at the esteemed Oberlin Dance Collective School of Rhythm and Motion.
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Revolucion De Rumberos

Event Type: Salsa Dancing Social
Date: Every monday
Time: 9pm - 2am
Cost: Free
Description: Salsa dancing and Latin music every Monday night at the Swig Bar in San Francisco, with music by DJs Guardado, Dominicadj & Will Garcia until 2am in the morning.
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Roccapulco

Event Type: Lessons, Live Music, Social Dancing
Date: Every Saturday
Time: Lessons at 8, Dancing until 2 AM
Cost: $10
Description: Salsa Dancing every Saturday night at Club Roccapulco in the heart of San Francisco, featuring a large dance floor, two floors, and a full bar.
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Salsa Cubana

Event Type: Salsa Dance Lessons On 1
Date: Every Thursday
Time: 8pm mixed levels class
Cost: $13 Drop-In, Package Discount Available
Description: Cuban style salsa lessons at Symbolic Dance & Fitness, home of the Latin Symbolics.
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Salsa On2 Intersive w/ Ava & Rodolfo

Event Type: On2 Internsive Series
Date: Saturdays Jan 19 - Feb 23
Time: 2pm - 3pm
Cost: $65 before January 16th, $75 after, $15 for drop-in (space permitting)
Description: A 6-week intensive training course on On2 salsa taught by Ava Apple and Rodolfo Guzman. The course will cover dance technique, lead/follow technique, musicality, body movement, and styling. The course is for dancers with salsa experience, not brand new beginners. Register early for a discounted rate. Drop-ins may be available, space permitting.
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Salsa Rendezvous

Event Type: Salsa Lessons, Dance Social
Date: Every 4th Saturday of the month
Time: 9pm-10pm Salsa Workshop, 10pm-1:30am - Social Dancing
Cost: $10 for Social, $15 - Workshop + Social
Description: A monthly salsa social at the Dance Loft in San Francisco organized by Tianne Frias. Lessons from 9-10:30pm with Tianne and Vimal, followed by dancing until 1:30 in the morning to the music of DJ Hong.
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Salsa Rueda Class

Event Type: Salsa Rueda Class
Date: Every Monday and Wednesday
Time: 8pm - 9:30pm
Cost: $12
Description: Salsa Rueda (aka Rueda de Casino) lessons at the Dance Mission Theater in SF taught by veteran instructor Ramon Ramos Alayo. Salsa Rueda is a dance where couples dance in a circle, and was developed in Havana, Cuba. Everyone dances together in a circle, dancing simultaneously to the caller's commands. Experience with Cuban salsa dancing required.
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Salsa Rueda ODC

Event Type: Beginning & Intermediate Salsa Rueda Lessons
Date: Fridays
Time: 7:15pm-8:15pm Beginner, 8:15pm-9:15pm Intermediate
Cost: $13 a class
Description: Beginning and intermediate Miami-style Salsa and Havana-style Casino moves taught every Thursday at the ODC Dance Commons by veteran Rueda-instructor Ryan Mead.
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Salsa With Tianne

Event Type: Beginner & Intermediate Salsa Lessons
Date: Every Monday
Time: 7pm - 8pm Level 1, 8pm - 9pm Level 1.5, 9pm-10pm Level 3 On2
Cost: $15 drop-in, $50 for 4 classes, $80 for 8 classes
Description: Salsa classes taught by 3-time World Salsa Championships finalist Tianne Frias and Ricardo Tellez at the Metronome in San Francisco. The class starts with a Level 1 beginner class at 7pm, followed by a Level 1.5 class at 8pm, and a Level 3 On2 class at 9pm. No experience necessary for the beginner lesson, discounts available when purchasing as a package.
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SalsaCrazy Mondays

Event Type: Salsa Lessons, Dance Party
Date: Every Monday
Time: 7pm-8:30pm - Beginner Lessons, 8:30pm-9:30pm - Intermediate Lessons, 9:30pm-2am - Open Dancing
Cost: $20 for Lessons, $5 Afterwards
Description: SalsaCrazy Mondays features beginner & intermediate salsa dancing lessons followed by Dancing at the Neck of the Woods (formerly the Rockit Room) every Monday night in San Francisco. Discounted monthly passes available on their website.
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Salsamania’s Salsa en la Playa II Social

Event Type: Salsa Dancing Lesson, Salsa Dancing Social, Salsa Performances
Date: Sunday, June 23rd 2013
Time: 7:30 pm - 2:00 am
Cost: $10 pre-sale, $15 door
Description: Salsamania's annual salsa social hosted at Cafe Cocomo in San Francisco, featuring salsa lessons by world champions John Narvaez & Liz Rojas, performances by local dance teams, and dancing until 2 am in the morning. The theme of the party is "salssa en la playa" ("salsa on the beach") and attendees are encouraged to dress up in your favorite blue/white tropical attire. Ask for the signature cocktail of the evening, "Salsa on the Beach", and limber up for the annual limbo contest!
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San Francisco Salsa Festival

Event Type: Salsa Festival
Date: Thursday, March 28th - Saturday, March 30th 2013
Time: Thursday Night (3/28): Welcome Party at Café Cocomo
Friday Night (3/29): Red Carpet Night
Saturday (3/30): Workshops and Palladium Night
See Salsa Festival Schedule for full details
Cost: Varies, see SF Festival Ticket Prices
Description: The 5th Annual San Francisco Salsa Festival is one of the largest salsa events of the year, organized by Salsamania Dance Company. The event is a 3-day extravaganza of dance workshops, performances, live salsa music, and dancing until 2am in the morning. This year's event will feature all-star salsa instructors and performers from around the world, including World Latin Dance Cup champions Grizzly & Alien, David & Paulina, and Ernesto & Maritza, as well as local Bay Area instructors. Tickets for the event can be purchased on the Event Website.
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San Francisco Salsa Rueda Festival

Event Type: Salsa Rueda Festival
Date: February 16th - 19th, 2012
Time: See Event Schedule
Cost: Varies. See Event Website
Description: The 4th Salsa Rueda Festival in San Francisco is an annual salsa festival for dancers who enjoy Cuban-style salsa dancing and music. Featuring 4-nights of dancing, performances by top Rueda teams, and music from popular bands such as Manolin, Timbalive, and Rumbache, the San Francisco Salsa Rueda festival is one of the largest salsa rueda events of the year.
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Sentimiento Social Grand Opening

Event Type: Salsa Dancing Lesson, Salsa Dancing Social
Date: Saturday, June 15th 2013
Time: 8pm-2am
Cost: $10
Description: Bachata Sentimiento and Tekila Rock are reaming up to bring you the Grand Opening Party for the Sentimiento Social. The party will be happening at Lilly Mac's Pub in Sunnyvale, and feature two rooms for dancing salsa and bachata. There will also be a Jack & Jill contest, with a free pass to the San Francisco Bachata Festival up for grabs.
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Shines-Styling-Spins On 2 Workshop

Event Type: Salsa Dancing Lesson
Date: Every Saturday in March
Time: 2-3pm
Cost: $45 for all 4 weeks, $13 drop-in
Description: A four week workshop on spins, shines, body movement, and arm styling for men & women "On2" at the Symbolic Dance & Fitness studio in San Francisco. $45 for the 4-week series or $13 drop-ins (space permitting).
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Sunday Salsa Class

Event Type: Beginner Lesson, Intermediate Lesson
Date: Every Sunday
Time: 5pm - 6pm Beginner, 6pm - 7pm Novice, 8pm - 9pm Intermediate, 8:30pm - 8pm Free Practice
Cost: $15 drop-in, $50 for 4 classes, $80 for 8 classes
Description: Sunday salsa classes with Tianne Frias and Jack Lin at the Metronome. Beginner lesson at 5pm emphasizing connection, musicality, and fun. Novice level at 6pm covers one elemental salsa pattern. Intermediate classes at 7pm emphasizes creativity and connection, focusing on learning a complete repertoire of foundational salsa patterns.
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Taste Fridays

Event Type: Bachata & Salsa Lesson, Dance Party, Live Music
Date: Every Friday
Time: 7:30pm - Doors Open, 8:00pm - Bachata Lesson, 8:45pm - Salsa Lesson, 8:45pm - 2am Dancing
Cost: $15
Description: Taste Fridays is an event held every Friday at Cafe Cocomo in San Francisco, combining gourmet food tasting, salsa & bachata lessons, live music, performances, and dancing until 2 in the morning. Taste aims to be more than just a dance event, but a party for all your senses.
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The Ramp

Event Type: Live Music
Date: Every Saturday
Time: 5pm-8pm *Hours vary according to season*
Cost: $10 after 4 Pm
Description: Live music & outdoor barbecue at a local waterfront spot, located in Mission Bay, one of the sunniest parts of San Francisco. During the cooler months there is a heated tent with dancing every Saturday, weather permitting.
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Vima Salsa Lessons

Event Type: Salsa & Latin Lessons
Date: Thursdays (Latin) & Fridays (Salsa)
Time: Thursday - Latin class, 8pm
Friday - Salsa class, 7pm
Cost: $20 drop-in or $100 a month for unlimited classes
Description: Latin Ballroom and Salsa classes every Thursday & Friday at the Vima Dance Studio in San Francisco. No partner necessary and all ages welcome. $20 per lesson drop-in or $100 a month for unlimited classes.
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Yerba Buena Social Club

Event Type: Salsa Dancing Lesson, Salsa Dancing Social, Performances
Date: Saturday, May 4th 2013
Time: 8:30pm-10pm Dance Lessons, 10pm-2am Social Dancing & Performances
Cost: $20
Description: A monthly salsa social at the 111 Minna Gallery in San Francisco. Surround yourself with artwork, culture and a city atmosphere as you dance your way into the weekend. Fully licensed bar, Easy street parking. Workshops included.
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Yoshi’s San Francisco

Event Type: Live Salsa Music, Open Dance Floor
Date: Thursday, March 1st 2012
Time: 8pm - 1am
Cost: 8pm - $20, 10pm - $15
Description: Live salsa music and dancing at Yoshi's restaurant in San Francisco to the sounds of Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loka, one of the most popular salsa bands in LA. Open dance floor, full bar, and plenty of parking.
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Did we miss any salsa events in San Francisco? Let us know about it!