How to See Beach Blanket Babylon in San Francisco

Beach Blanket Babylon is more than a show—it’s a San Francisco institution. For over five decades, this iconic musical revue dazzled audiences with its over-the-top costumes, satirical skits, and dazzling musical numbers, becoming a cultural landmark synonymous with the city’s eccentric, creative spirit. Though its final performance took place in December 2019, the legacy of Beach Blanket Babylon continues to resonate deeply with locals and visitors alike. Understanding how to experience its history, artifacts, and enduring influence is essential for anyone seeking to connect with San Francisco’s vibrant performing arts heritage. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to explore the world of Beach Blanket Babylon—from accessing archival footage and museum exhibits to attending tribute performances and engaging with the community that kept it alive. Whether you’re a theater enthusiast, a history buff, or a curious traveler, this guide will help you uncover the magic that once filled the Club Fugazi stage—and how to keep it alive in your own experience of the city.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Historical Context of Beach Blanket Babylon

Before you begin your journey to experience Beach Blanket Babylon, it’s vital to understand its origins and cultural significance. Created in 1974 by Steve Silver, the show began as a small, whimsical revue at the original Club Fugazi in North Beach. What started as a lighthearted parody of beach movies quickly evolved into a grand spectacle featuring elaborate, hand-sewn hats—some weighing over 100 pounds—and satirical impersonations of global celebrities, political figures, and pop culture icons. The show ran for 45 years, with over 15,000 performances, and became the longest-running musical revue in American history.

Its unique blend of camp, satire, and spectacle made it a must-see for tourists and a beloved ritual for locals. Stars like Cher, Madonna, and even the Pope were reimagined in feathered, sequined glory. The show’s longevity was a testament to its ability to evolve with the times—each new season incorporated current events, trending celebrities, and political commentary, making every performance a time capsule of its era.

Understanding this context helps you appreciate why seeing “Beach Blanket Babylon” today isn’t about attending a live show—it’s about engaging with its legacy. This foundational knowledge will guide your search for authentic experiences and meaningful connections to the production.

Step 2: Visit the Beach Blanket Babylon Museum at the San Francisco Performing Arts Library & Museum

While the original show is no longer running, its most treasured artifacts are preserved at the San Francisco Performing Arts Library & Museum (SFPALM), located in the Veterans Building at 401 Van Ness Avenue. This is the most comprehensive public repository of Beach Blanket Babylon memorabilia in the world.

Upon arrival, you’ll find an entire exhibit dedicated to the show, including dozens of original hats, costumes, stage props, scripts, and backstage photographs. One of the highlights is the “Marilyn Monroe” hat—crafted with over 1,000 rhinestones and standing nearly four feet tall—and the “Hillary Clinton” hat, which featured a miniature replica of the U.S. Capitol on its crown. Each piece is labeled with the year it was created, the performer who wore it, and the specific satire it referenced.

Guided tours are available by appointment and offer behind-the-scenes stories from former cast members and designers. The museum also hosts rotating digital displays featuring rare video clips from performances spanning the 1980s to 2019. These clips are invaluable for understanding the show’s pacing, humor, and visual innovation.

Tip: Check the SFPALM website for special events. Occasionally, former cast members give live talks or host Q&A sessions, offering firsthand insights into the creative process and the emotional impact of the show.

Step 3: Explore Digital Archives and Online Documentaries

Since live performances are no longer available, digital resources are your next best option. The official Beach Blanket Babylon website, though archived, still hosts a wealth of media, including performance trailers, cast interviews, and photo galleries. Visit beachblanketbabylon.com to access curated collections.

Additionally, YouTube hosts several professionally recorded segments of the show, including the final performance in 2019. Search for “Beach Blanket Babylon final show” or “Beach Blanket Babylon highlights 2010s” to find high-quality footage. The San Francisco Chronicle also produced a 30-minute documentary titled “The Last Hat: The End of Beach Blanket Babylon,” which is available for streaming through their digital archive.

For deeper research, access the California Historical Society’s digital collection, which includes press clippings, ticket stubs, and letters from fans. These materials reveal how the show functioned as a communal experience—families returning year after year, tourists planning trips around show dates, and even local schools incorporating it into theater curricula.

Step 4: Attend Tribute Performances and Local Theater Adaptations

Though the original show ended, its spirit lives on through tribute acts and local theater companies that have adapted its format. Look for performances by “The Fabulous Beached Babes,” a group of former cast members who occasionally reunite for one-night-only shows at venues like the Nourse Theater or the Marsh Theater in Berkeley.

These tribute performances retain the core elements of the original: oversized hats, celebrity impersonations, and musical parodies—but with updated material reflecting current events. For example, recent shows have featured satirical takes on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover, and global political figures.

Check event calendars at the following venues regularly:

• The Marsh (2120 Allston Way, Berkeley)
• Nourse Theater (275 Hayes Street, San Francisco)
• Exit Theatre (156 Eddy Street, San Francisco)

Sign up for newsletters from these theaters to receive alerts about upcoming tribute events. Many are announced only weeks in advance, so staying informed is key.

Step 5: Join the Beach Blanket Babylon Fan Community

The show’s legacy thrives most vividly in its fan community. Online forums, Facebook groups, and Reddit threads are filled with former patrons sharing stories, photos, and even homemade replicas of the iconic hats.

Join the official Facebook group “Beach Blanket Babylon Memories” to connect with over 8,000 members. Here, you’ll find:

• Scans of original playbills and ticket stubs
• Personal anecdotes from people who saw the show 50 times
• Guides to making your own mini-Babylon hat
• Announcements about private viewings of archival footage

Many members also organize annual “Babylon Nights”—gatherings where fans dress in themed attire, watch clips together, and share their favorite moments. These events are often held in North Beach restaurants like Tony Roma’s or at private homes with projection screens. Participation is free and open to all.

Step 6: Take a Self-Guided North Beach Walking Tour

North Beach, the historic heart of San Francisco’s Italian-American community, was the birthplace and home of Beach Blanket Babylon for nearly 40 years. A walking tour of the neighborhood connects you to the physical spaces that shaped the show.

Start at Club Fugazi (678 Beach Street), the original performance venue. Though the space now hosts other events, the exterior retains its classic 1950s marquee. Stand where audiences once queued for tickets, and imagine the roar of applause after the opening number.

Walk to the nearby Columbus Avenue intersection, where performers would often stop for photos with fans after shows. The corner where the old theater sign once stood is now marked by a small plaque: “Here stood Club Fugazi, home of Beach Blanket Babylon, 1974–2019.”

Continue to the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, where you can view archival photographs of the show’s early days. Then, stop by the North Beach Library, which maintains a small local history section with newspaper articles and oral histories from former stagehands and costume designers.

Download the “Beach Blanket Babylon Legacy Map” from the SFPALM website. It pinpoints 12 key locations tied to the show’s history and includes QR codes that link to audio clips from cast members recalling their favorite moments.

Step 7: Create Your Own Beach Blanket Babylon Experience

One of the most meaningful ways to honor the legacy of Beach Blanket Babylon is to create your own version. Many fans have hosted themed parties, art installations, or even flash mobs inspired by the show.

Here’s how to start:

1. Choose a celebrity or political figure to parody.
2. Design a hat using cardboard, feathers, glitter, and fabric—embrace the absurd.
3. Record a 2-minute musical skit parodying a current event, set to a classic pop song.
4. Share it on social media with the hashtag

   BabylonLegacy.

Some local artists have turned this into a community project. In 2022, a group of high school students in the Mission District created a 10-minute multimedia performance titled “Babylon Reimagined,” which featured student-designed hats and live voiceovers narrating the show’s impact on LGBTQ+ youth in the 1980s. The piece was featured on KQED Arts and later screened at the Castro Theatre.

By creating your own tribute, you become part of the living legacy of Beach Blanket Babylon—not just an observer, but a participant in its ongoing story.

Best Practices

Respect the Legacy Through Authentic Engagement

Beach Blanket Babylon was never just about spectacle—it was about joy, inclusivity, and the celebration of individuality. When engaging with its legacy, avoid reducing it to a mere novelty or meme. Instead, focus on the craftsmanship, the emotional resonance, and the cultural commentary embedded in each performance.

When discussing the show with others, use specific examples: “Did you know the ‘Barack Obama’ hat had a miniature American flag made from 2,000 beads?” or “The ‘Lady Gaga’ costume took 400 hours to sew.” These details honor the artistry and remind others that this was serious theater disguised as camp.

Support Local Arts Institutions

The preservation of Beach Blanket Babylon’s artifacts was made possible through the work of the San Francisco Performing Arts Library & Museum and the generosity of donors. To ensure that future generations can experience this legacy, consider donating to or volunteering with SFPALM. Even small contributions help digitize more footage, restore fragile costumes, and fund educational outreach programs.

Many former cast members now teach theater workshops for underserved youth. Look for programs like “Hat & Harmony,” which uses the principles of Beach Blanket Babylon to teach self-expression and creativity in public schools.

Document and Share Your Experience

If you visit the museum, attend a tribute show, or create your own parody, document it. Take photos (respecting any posted rules), write a blog post, or record a video. Share your experience with the fan community. Your voice adds to the collective memory of the show.

Don’t wait for a milestone anniversary to act. The legacy of Beach Blanket Babylon grows stronger with each person who chooses to remember it meaningfully.

Be Mindful of Cultural Context

Some of the show’s satirical targets may now be viewed through a different cultural lens. While the intent was always affectionate parody, it’s important to acknowledge that certain impersonations may no longer align with modern sensibilities. Approach the archive with critical awareness—celebrate the creativity while recognizing the evolving nature of humor and representation.

Use this as an opportunity to reflect on how satire has changed over time and what it reveals about societal values in different eras.

Plan Ahead for Limited Access

Many of the resources tied to Beach Blanket Babylon are not always open to the public. Museum exhibits rotate, tribute performances are sporadic, and digital archives require special access. Always check official websites for hours, appointment requirements, and event schedules before making plans.

Set up Google Alerts for “Beach Blanket Babylon” and “San Francisco theater legacy” to receive real-time updates about new exhibits, screenings, or community events.

Tools and Resources

Primary Resources

• San Francisco Performing Arts Library & Museum – sfperformingarts.org
• Beach Blanket Babylon Official Archive – beachblanketbabylon.com
• California Historical Society Digital Collection – californiahistoricalsociety.org
• San Francisco Chronicle Archives – sfchronicle.com/archives

Secondary Resources

• YouTube Channels: Search “Beach Blanket Babylon full show” or “Babylon final performance”
• Podcasts: “The Theater of the City” (Episode 14: “The Hat That Outlasted the Stars”)
• Books: “Feathers, Sequins, and Satire: The Story of Beach Blanket Babylon” by Susan G. Davis (2020)
• Documentary: “The Last Hat: The End of Beach Blanket Babylon” (available on Kanopy via public library login)

Community Tools

• Facebook Group: “Beach Blanket Babylon Memories” – Join to connect with fans
• Reddit: r/BeachBlanketBabylon – For deep dives and fan theories
• Instagram: Follow @beachblanketbabylonlegacy for curated photos and stories
• Eventbrite: Search “Beach Blanket Babylon tribute” for upcoming events

DIY Tools for Creating Your Own Tribute

• Materials: Cardboard, hot glue, feathers, sequins, fabric scraps, wire hangers
• Software: Canva (for designing hat templates), CapCut (for editing short skits)
• Templates: Download free hat patterns from the SFPALM education portal
• Music: Use royalty-free tracks from Free Music Archive for your parody songs

Real Examples

Example 1: The “Pope Hat” That Went Viral

In 2015, the show’s “Pope Francis” hat—featuring a miniature Vatican dome, a tiny cardinal bird, and a moving rosary made of tiny beads—became a sensation on social media. A photo of the hat, taken by a tourist and shared on Instagram, received over 200,000 likes and was featured on CNN’s entertainment segment. The museum later received a donation of $5,000 from a viewer inspired by the image, which funded the restoration of 12 other hats.

This example demonstrates how a single artifact can spark global interest and direct financial support for preservation efforts.

Example 2: The High School Tribute Project

In 2021, a group of students at Mission High School in San Francisco created a 15-minute multimedia performance titled “Babylon in the Barrio.” They used the show’s format to satirize local gentrification, featuring a “Starbucks CEO” hat made of coffee beans and a “Tech Bro” costume with a smartphone for a head.

The performance was presented at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and later streamed on YouTube. It received an award from the San Francisco Arts Commission for “Innovative Use of Local History.” The students later partnered with SFPALM to create a curriculum guide for other schools.

Example 3: The Fan Who Made 100 Hats

Barbara Lin, a retired seamstress and longtime fan, spent five years creating 100 miniature replicas of Beach Blanket Babylon hats. Each was no larger than 8 inches and crafted with painstaking precision. She displayed them in her home, which became a popular stop on unofficial North Beach walking tours. In 2023, she donated the entire collection to SFPALM, where it now serves as an educational tool for children learning about costume design.

Her story illustrates how personal passion can transform into public heritage.

Example 4: The Last Curtain Call

The final performance of Beach Blanket Babylon on December 31, 2019, was broadcast live on local radio and streamed online. Audience members were given small paper hats to wear, and the cast ended the show by singing “San Francisco” while holding hands. The final curtain was a 10-foot-tall hat made of 1,200 recycled feathers.

Footage of this moment is now used in theater education programs to teach about the emotional power of performance and closure. It’s a powerful reminder that even endings can be beautiful.

FAQs

Is Beach Blanket Babylon still performing in San Francisco?

No, the original Beach Blanket Babylon show ended its run on December 31, 2019, after 45 years at Club Fugazi. However, tribute performances, museum exhibits, and fan-led events continue to honor its legacy.

Where can I see original costumes and hats from the show?

The San Francisco Performing Arts Library & Museum (SFPALM) in the Veterans Building houses the largest public collection of original Beach Blanket Babylon costumes, hats, and props. Appointments are recommended for guided viewing.

Are there any videos of the show available online?

Yes. Official clips and highlights are available on the archived Beach Blanket Babylon website and YouTube. The San Francisco Chronicle’s documentary “The Last Hat” is also accessible through public library streaming services like Kanopy.

Can I donate items related to Beach Blanket Babylon?

Yes. SFPALM accepts donations of costumes, programs, photographs, and personal memorabilia. Contact their archives department via their website to arrange a donation.

Are there any books about Beach Blanket Babylon?

Yes. “Feathers, Sequins, and Satire: The Story of Beach Blanket Babylon” by Susan G. Davis (2020) is the most comprehensive published account, featuring interviews with cast, crew, and fans.

How can I create my own Beach Blanket Babylon-style hat?

Start with a cardboard base, use wire for structure, and decorate with feathers, beads, and fabric. Look for free templates on the SFPALM education page. Embrace creativity—there are no rules, only joy.

Are there any annual events celebrating Beach Blanket Babylon?

There is no official annual event, but fan groups often host gatherings on the anniversary of the final show (December 31). Check the Facebook group “Beach Blanket Babylon Memories” for updates.

Can I bring children to see the museum exhibit?

Yes. The SFPALM exhibit is family-friendly and includes interactive touchscreens and hands-on hat-making stations for kids. Educational tours are available for school groups.

Why did Beach Blanket Babylon end?

The show ended due to a combination of factors: the retirement of key creative staff, rising operational costs, and the challenges of maintaining a live, evolving production in a changing cultural landscape. The decision was made with deep respect for the show’s legacy and its audience.

Is there a way to support the preservation of Beach Blanket Babylon’s legacy?

Yes. Donate to SFPALM, volunteer for digitization projects, share stories online, or attend tribute events. Every act of remembrance helps keep the spirit alive.

Conclusion

Beach Blanket Babylon may no longer light up the stage at Club Fugazi, but its spirit endures—in the glitter of a handmade hat, in the laughter of a well-timed parody, and in the stories of those who were moved by its audacious joy. To see Beach Blanket Babylon in San Francisco today is not about buying a ticket to a show—it’s about becoming a curator of its memory.

This guide has shown you how to access its artifacts, connect with its community, and even create your own tribute. The true power of Beach Blanket Babylon lies not in its longevity as a performance, but in its ability to inspire creativity, laughter, and connection across generations.

So visit the museum. Watch the clips. Make a hat. Share a story. Attend a tribute. Join a fan group. In doing so, you don’t just observe history—you become part of it.

San Francisco is a city of reinvention, and Beach Blanket Babylon was its most glittering, eccentric, unforgettable expression. The curtain may have fallen, but the music? It’s still playing—in the hearts of those who remember, and in the hands of those who choose to carry it forward.