Jazz on the Plaza

Downtown sounds a little better when there's live jazz echoing through the plaza. Jazz on the Plaza brings free live performances to Mechanics Monument Plaza every Wednesday, swapping the Financial District's lunchtime rush for swinging rhythms, bluesy solos and a chance to slow down in the middle of the workday. The rotating lineup showcases Bay Area musicians, so no two weeks sound exactly alike, but the vibe stays the same: relaxed, welcoming and distinctly San Francisco. Grab your lunch, find a sunny spot and let the music do the rest. It's a reminder that some of the city's best performances happen where you least expect them.