View source for DNA Lounge

{{Short description|Nightclub and pizza restaurant in San Francisco, California}}
{{Primary sources|date=October 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2025}}

{{Infobox venue
| image             = DNA Lounge daytime.jpg
| logo_image        = [[File:DNA Lounge Logo.png|frameless|alt=DNA Lounge logo]]
| name              = DNA Lounge
| address           = 375 Eleventh Street
| city              = [[San Francisco]], [[California]]
| country           = [[United States]]
| location          = [[SoMa]], [[San Francisco]]
| coordinates       = {{Coord|display =inline,title|37|46|15.63|N|122|24|45.70|W|type:landmark_region:US-CA}}
| publictransit     = [https://sfbaytransit.org/11th-st-harrison-st-north MUNI stop 13238]<ref>{{cite web |title=DNA Lounge: Directions |url=https://www.dnalounge.com/directions/}}</ref>
| type              = [[Nightclub]], [[Restaurant]], [[Coffeehouse|Cafe]]
| genre             = Various
| opened            = {{Start date|1985|11|22}}
| renovated         = {{Start date|2001|07|13}}
| expanded          = {{Start date|2012|10|23}}
| closed            = 
| demolished        = 
| yearsactive       = {{age|1985|11|22}}
| owner             = [[Jamie Zawinski]]
| capacity          = about 1100<ref name="capacity" />
| construction_cost =
| former_names      = 
| seating_type      = 
| seating_capacity  = 
| website           = http://www.dnalounge.com/
}}

'''DNA Lounge''' is an all-ages [[nightclub]], [[restaurant]] and [[coffeehouse|cafe]] in the [[SoMa]] district of [[San Francisco]] owned by [[Jamie Zawinski]], a former [[Netscape]] programmer and [[open-source software]] [[hacker (free and open source software)|hacker]].<ref name="wired2001">{{cite web |title=From Netscape to Nightclub |work=Wired Magazine |date=2001-07-16 |url=https://www.wired.com/news/culture/0,1284,45264,00.html |author=Evany Thomas |access-date=2009-02-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208071438/http://www.wired.com/news/culture/0%2C1284%2C45264%2C00.html |archive-date=2007-02-08 }}</ref> The club features [[DJ]] dancing, live music, [[American burlesque|burlesque]] performances, and occasionally conferences, private parties, and film premieres.

DNA Lounge has seven full [[Bar (establishment)|bars]], two stages, four dance floors, and a full service pizza restaurant and cafe. Since 2001, the club has been providing continuous audio and video [[webcasts]] of all events free of charge.<ref name="wired2001" /><ref>{{cite web | title=DNA Lounge: Audio and Video Webcasts | url=https://www.dnalounge.com/webcast/ | access-date=2021-05-24 }}</ref>

== Layout ==

[[File:DNAsoundCheck.jpg|thumb|Sound check, 2009|alt=|280x280px]]
[[File:DNA Lounge building (2020).jpg|thumb|360x360px|The DNA Lounge building in 2020 (seen across Eleventh Street). DNA Pizza is at the lower left, with Above DNA on its upper floor]]
The club's main room has a stage at one end and a bar at the other, with a wall-to-wall dance floor in between. Benches and cocktail tables line the walls downstairs. Above this, a balcony looks down on the dance floor and stage from three sides.

Behind the stage on the second floor is a large lounge consisting of two connected rooms, with its own dance floor and sound system.

On the upper floor of the connected pizza restaurant next door is a smaller live music venue with its own stage and a pair of dance floors in two rooms. Known as "Above DNA," this space has its own entrance to the street as well as connecting doors to the main room balcony and upstairs lounge. On some nights, the main room and Above DNA operate separately, with different events in each. For larger events, all four rooms are connected together into one large venue. The entire second floor is not wheelchair accessible; there is no elevator.[[Wikipedia:Primary sources|<sup>[secondary source needed]</sup>]]

For live shows, the capacity of the main room is around 800, and Above DNA is around 300.<ref name="capacity">{{cite web | title=DNA Lounge: Facilities | date=2012-10-06 | url= http://www.dnalounge.com/booking/ | access-date=2013-03-06 }}</ref>

== History ==

The venue first opened for business in 1983<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.chapsbarsanfrancisco.com/about.html|title = CHAPS Bar San Francisco}}</ref> as a [[Leather subculture|leather bar]] called ''Chaps'', owned by Chuck Slaton.

In 1985 it was purchased by Jim English, Jeff Mason and Brian Raffi who opened for business under the name DNA Lounge on November 22, 1985. The name was rumored to be an acronym for "dancing, not art".<ref>{{cite web | title=DNA Lounge: Ancient History: 1906–1998 | url=http://www.dnalounge.com/backstage/log/1906-1998.html#1985}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Untitled blog entry about early history | date=9 March 2000| url=http://www.dnalounge.com/backstage/log/2000/03/09.html}}</ref> Jim English left around 1988 to open Club Townsend.The earliest regular DJs were Ted Cousens, Adam Fisher, Michael Snyder, and Brian Raffi. One of the early [[Bouncer (doorman)|doormen]] was Doc Martin, who later became a popular [[house music]] DJ after a residency on Monday nights as a DJ (and spinning a lot at Townsend, thanks to English, as he became a star).

Some nights were genre-specific, with both live bands and DJs. Notable nights and resident DJs included DJs Blackstone (who spun [[hip hop music|hip hop]] and [[Rapping|rap]] on Wednesday nights), DJ Pause  (who spun hip hop and rap on Monday nights), DJ Damon and DJ Matt (who spun Rock on Tuesdays), and were preceded by Kelly Spencer (who played [[Punk rock|punk]] and [[New wave music|new wave]]). Many of DNA's posters and flyers were designed by the San Francisco-based artists Scott Williams and [[Rex Ray]]. There were wildly psychedelic, fluorescent murals of strange and twisted monsters with stretched perspectives on the otherwise black downstairs walls and a black and white motif in the upstairs VIP lounge that was painted by celebrated late graffiti artist [[Keith Haring]].

During the late '80s, the DNA offered a black membership card for $10 that offered free entry most nights. Employees got a gold card which allowed up to four guests at no charge, and there was a rumored 'platinum' card that was said to be a free pass to unlimited entry, guests, and drinks. In the early '90s, the club hosted many rave-themed nights with acts including [[Right Said Fred]], the Hardkiss Brothers and Tasti Box, and afterhours events such as Lift- it was an important venue in San Francisco rave history. The DNA Lounge was also one of the few bars in San Francisco that would serve the [[Flaming Dr Pepper]], an ignited drink.

In 1994, the club was purchased by John Schneider, his brother, comedian/actor [[Rob Schneider]] (who was not an active partner in club operations), and restaurateur Tim Dale. From 1995 until 1998, the DNA was a popular late-night destination, featuring unpublicized shows by such top pop musicians as [[Prince (musician)|Prince]] and [[Metallica]], and weekend dance parties headlined by retro bands Grooveline and the M-80s. But, starting in 1996, John Schneider had to devote the bulk of his time running their family hotel and resort business. They left the daily operations of the club to subordinates, and it fell into disrepair.<ref>{{cite web | title=DNA Lounge: Ancient History: 1906–1998 | date=2000-12-13 | url= http://www.dnalounge.com/backstage/log/1906-1998.html#1994 | access-date=2009-02-26 }}</ref>

The club was purchased by [[Jamie Zawinski]] in 1999. The club was closed for extensive remodeling and [[soundproofing]] from April 1999 until it re-opened on [[Friday the 13th|Friday]], July 13, 2001.<ref>{{cite web | title=DNA Lounge set to reopen tomorrow; New owner brings top technology | work=San Francisco Chronicle | author=James Sullivan | date=2001-07-12 | url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2001/07/12/DD161466.DTL | access-date=2009-02-26 }}</ref>

From 2001 through 2009, the club provided several publicly accessible [[computer]] terminals (running [[Fedora (operating system)|Fedora]]). They were eventually removed due to maintenance difficulties, and a belief that the prevalence of internet-enabled [[Smartphone|phones]] made them obsolete.<ref>{{cite web | title=Wherein the kiosks are on the chopping block.|website=DNA Sequencing (DNA Lounge blog)| date=2009-07-05 | url=http://www.dnalounge.com/backstage/log/2009/07/05.html | access-date=2009-08-29 }}</ref>

In 2011, Zawinski purchased the pizza restaurant next door to DNA Lounge, renaming it DNA Pizza, and announcing his plans to expand DNA Lounge into that space, combining the two businesses into a single all-ages nightclub, restaurant and cafe.<ref>{{cite web | title=Wherein the Empire Expands|website=DNA Sequencing (DNA Lounge blog)| date=2011-02-16 | url=http://www.dnalounge.com/backstage/log/2011/02/16.html | access-date=2011-07-27 }}</ref> That merger was completed in 2012, and the expanded club debuted on October 23, 2012.<ref>{{cite web | title=Wherein this battle station is now fully operational|website=DNA Sequencing (DNA Lounge blog)| date=2012-10-25 | url=http://www.dnalounge.com/backstage/log/2012/10/25.html | access-date=2013-03-06 }}</ref>

When non-essential San Francisco businesses were forced to suspend operations in early 2020 due to the global [[COVID-19 pandemic]], DNA Lounge continued hosting online-only events via its webcast. The venue announced it would be reopening for in-person events on June 19, 2021.<ref>{{cite web | title=Wherein we are re-opening!|website=DNA Sequencing (DNA Lounge blog)| date=2021-05-15 | url=https://www.dnalounge.com/backstage/log/2021/05/15.html | access-date=2021-05-24 }}</ref> It actually reopened a day earlier, on June 18, 2021, after 465 days of being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite web | title=DNA Lounge: Turbo Drive: 8th Anniversary, 18 Jun 2021 (Fri) | url=https://www.dnalounge.com/calendar/2021/06-18.html | access-date=2021-06-21 }}</ref> On July 31, 2021, DNA Lounge began requiring proof of full [[COVID-19 vaccine|vaccination against COVID-19]] for entry,<ref>{{cite web | title=Wherein we are now vaccinated-only|website=DNA Sequencing (DNA Lounge blog)| date=2021-08-01 | url=https://www.dnalounge.com/backstage/log/2021/08/01.html | access-date=2022-01-13 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Wherein we have some nice press on our vaccination policy.|website=DNA Sequencing (DNA Lounge blog)| date=2021-10-01 | url=https://www.dnalounge.com/backstage/log/2021/10/01.html | access-date=2022-01-13 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Wherein Apple made vax QR codes easier|website=DNA Sequencing (DNA Lounge blog)| date=2021-10-26 | url=https://www.dnalounge.com/backstage/log/2021/10/26.html | access-date=2022-01-13 }}</ref> and required proof of booster shots as of January 17, 2022 due to the [[SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant|Omicron variant]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Wherein it's almost New Year's Eve|website=DNA Sequencing (DNA Lounge blog)| date=2021-12-30 | url=https://www.dnalounge.com/backstage/log/2021/12/30.html | access-date=2022-01-13 }}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet | number=1481541966970056707 | user=DeathGuildTwts | title=DNA will require Covid boosters. On http://dnalounge.com: "New rules: As of Jan 17th, you must show proof of a booster shot if you are more than 6 months from your first round. As of Jan 31st, you must also be two weeks past your booster." Monday Jan 17th = Next Death Guild! | date= 2022-01-13 | access-date=2022-01-13 }}</ref> However, both of these policies were rescinded on April 19, 2022, as the club "surrender[ed] unconditionally to the coronavirus", citing lax policies at other clubs and falling revenue.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wherein we surrender unconditionally to the coronavirus.|website=DNA Sequencing (DNA Lounge blog)|date=2022-04-19|url=https://www.dnalounge.com/backstage/log/2022/04/19.html|access-date=2022-10-17}}</ref>

=== Conflict with local regulatory agencies ===

During the period that DNA Lounge was closed for remodeling, Zawinski spearheaded a successful [[grassroots]] effort to maintain its late-night permits,<ref>{{cite web |title=Free the Night Life! |work=Salon |author=Andrew Leonard |date=2000-02-10 |url=http://dir.salon.com/tech/feature/2000/02/10/zawinski/index.html |access-date=2009-02-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100924170229/http://dir.salon.com/tech/feature/2000/02/10/zawinski/index.html |archive-date=2010-09-24 }}</ref> facing opposition from several neighbors and the [[San Francisco Police Department|SFPD]], but was unable to procure an all-ages license. In September 2008, after two and a half years of legal battles, the club's operating permits were successfully modified to allow patrons of all ages, instead of only those 21 years of age or older.<ref>{{cite web | title=Wherein JESUS H. CHRIST IN A CHICKEN BASKET, HOUSTON. OVER.|website=DNA Sequencing (DNA Lounge blog)| date=2008-08-18 | url=http://www.dnalounge.com/backstage/log/2008/08/18.html | access-date=2009-06-17 }}</ref>

The [[California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control]] (ABC) launched an investigation against the club in 2009, resulting in an accusation of "running a disorderly house injurious to the public welfare and morals", and asking for permanent revocation of the club's [[Liquor license#California|liquor license]], which would result in the club closing permanently.<ref>{{cite web | title=Wherein a significant unredaction occurs at last.|website=DNA Sequencing (DNA Lounge blog)| date=2009-02-13 | url=http://www.dnalounge.com/backstage/log/2009/02/13.html | access-date=2009-06-17 }}</ref>

The accusations pertain to lewd behavior at certain gay and lesbian events which no longer take place at the club. Members of the community<ref>{{cite web | title=Gay party venue fights to remain open | work=Bay Area Reporter | author=Matthew S. Bajko | date=2009-02-26 | url=http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=3744 | access-date=2011-07-27 }}</ref> were outraged by the ABC's allegations and the severity of their proposed punishment. Many complained that ABC was unfairly targeting DNA Lounge, and their homosexual clientele in particular, pointing out that the specific allegations are far less "lewd" than the standard behavior at heterosexual strip clubs.<ref>{{cite web | title=The ABC's New Anti-Gay Crusade? ABC's recent targeting of LGBT events at the DNA Lounge is a tragic non-surprise. | work=San Francisco Bay Guardian | author=Violet Blue | date=2009-02-26 | url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2009/02/26/violetblue0226.DTL | access-date=2009-06-16 }}</ref> ABC has not commented on this accusation. Many have claimed that ABC's punishment is in retaliation to DNA's successful appeal to receive an all-ages license, and that this appears to be part of a larger shift in policy by the ABC to crack down on all-ages music venues.<ref>{{cite web | title=State goes after legendary all-ages music clubs | work=San Francisco Chronicle | author=Marisa Lagos | date=2009-04-11 | url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/11/MNK217038L.DTL | access-date=2009-06-16 }}</ref>

In April 2009, ABC ruled to revoke DNA Lounge's liquor license. DNA promptly filed an appeal citing insufficient evidence in the ABC's case as well as challenging the constitutionality of ABC's code<ref>{{cite web | title=California Code of Regulations | url=http://www.abc.ca.gov/LawsRulesReg.html | access-date=2009-06-16 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430000656/http://www.abc.ca.gov/LawsRulesReg.html | archive-date=2009-04-30 | url-status=dead }}</ref> that pertain to regulating sexual behavior and morality.<ref>{{cite web | title=Wherein ABC's abuses are on the front page of the Chronicle!|website=DNA Sequencing (DNA Lounge blog)| date=2009-04-11 | url=http://www.dnalounge.com/backstage/log/2009/04/11.html | access-date=2009-06-16 }}</ref> DNA Lounge remained in business, pending resolution of their appeal, and a legal defense fund soliciting donations was set up to help offset the cost of contesting the decision.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dnalounge.com/donate/ | title=Legal Defense Fund | work=DNA Lounge | date=2009-02-22 | access-date=2009-05-01 }}</ref> On November 10, 2009, a settlement was announced, reducing the revocation of their license down to a 25-day suspension, effective January 4, 2010.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dnalounge.com/backstage/log/2009/11/10.html | title=Wherein the axe falls.|website=DNA Sequencing (DNA Lounge blog)| date=2009-11-10 | access-date=2009-12-05 }}</ref>

== Awards ==

DNA Lounge won "Best Dance Club" in the [[San Francisco Bay Guardian]]'s "Best of the Bay" readers' poll in 2008,<ref>{{cite web | title=Best of the Bay 2008 | work=San Francisco Bay Guardian | date=2008-07-29 | url= http://www.sfbg.com/bob/2008/ent.php | access-date=2009-02-26 }}</ref> 2009,<ref>{{cite web | title=Best of the Bay 2009 | work=San Francisco Bay Guardian | date=2009-07-29 | url= http://www.sfbg.com/printable_entry.php?entry_id=8921 | access-date=2009-08-29 }}</ref> 2010,<ref>{{cite web | title=Best of the Bay 2010 | work=San Francisco Bay Guardian | date=2010-07-27 | url= http://www.sfbg.com/specials/best-bay-2010-readers-poll-arts-and-nightlife | access-date=2010-11-25 }}</ref> 2011,<ref name="botb11">{{cite web | title=Best of the Bay 2011 | work=San Francisco Bay Guardian | date=2011-07-27 | url=http://www.sfbg.com/specials/best-bay-2011-readers-poll-arts-and-entertainment | access-date=2011-07-27 }}</ref> 2012,<ref name="botb12">{{cite web | title=Best of the Bay 2012 | work=San Francisco Bay Guardian | date=2012-07-24 | url=http://www.sfbg.com/specials/best-bay-2012-readers-poll-arts-and-entertainment | access-date=2013-03-06 }}</ref> 2014, 2016,<ref name="botb16">{{cite web | title=Best of the Bay 2016 | work=48 Hills | date=2016-10-20 | url=http://48hills.org/2016/10/20/best-bay-2016-arts-entertainment/ | access-date=2018-05-21 }}</ref> 2017,<ref name="botb17">{{cite web | title=Best of the Bay 2017 | work=48 Hills | date=2016-10-24 | url=http://48hills.org/2017/10/24/best-of-the-bay-2017-arts-and-entertainment/ | access-date=2018-05-21 }}</ref> 2019,<ref name="botb19">{{cite web | title=Best of the Bay 2019 | work=48 Hills | date=2019-10-04 | url=https://48hills.org/2019/10/best-of-the-bay-2019-arts-entertainment-winners/ | access-date=2019-10-04 }}</ref> 2020,<ref name="botb20">{{cite web | title=Best of the Bay 2020 | work=48 Hills | date=2020-10-23 | url=https://48hills.org/2020/10/best-of-the-bay-2020-arts-entertainment/ | access-date=2020-12-22 }}</ref> 2021,<ref name="botb21">{{cite web | title=Best of the Bay 2021 | work=48 Hills | date=2021-10-14 | url=https://48hills.org/2021/10/best-of-the-bay-2021-arts-nightlife-winners/ | access-date=2022-01-13 }}</ref> 2022,<ref name="botb22">{{cite web | title=Best of the Bay 2022 | work=48 Hills | date=2022-10-27 | url=https://48hills.org/2022/10/best-of-the-bay-2022-readers-poll-winners/ | access-date=2022-12-11 }}</ref> and 2024,<ref name="botb24">{{cite web | title=Best of the Bay 2024 | work=48 Hills | date=2024-09-19 | url=https://48hills.org/2024/09/best-of-the-bay-2024-arts-nightlife-winners/ | access-date=2024-09-19}}</ref> and "Best Bar Staff" in 2011<ref name="botb11" /> and 2012.<ref name="botb12" /> 
DNA Lounge won "Best Dance Club" in [[SF Weekly]]'s "Best of SF" readers' poll in 2011,<ref>{{cite web | title=Best of SF 2011 | work=SF Weekly | date=2011-05-20 | url=http://www.sfweekly.com/bestof/2011/award/readers-poll-winners-2489585/ | access-date=2018-05-21 }}</ref> 2013,<ref>{{cite web | title=Best of SF 2013 | work=SF Weekly | date=2013-05-20 | url=http://www.sfweekly.com/bestof/2013/award/readers-poll-winners-3478531/ | access-date=2018-05-21 }}</ref> 2014,<ref>{{cite web | title=Best of SF 2014 | work=SF Weekly | date=2014-05-07 | url=http://www.sfweekly.com/bestof/2014/award/best-futuristic-nightclub-3710105/ | access-date=2018-05-21 }}</ref> 2017,<ref name="bosf17">{{cite web | title=Best of SF 2017 | work=SF Weekly | date=2017-05-07 | url=http://www.sfweekly.com/best-of-san-francisco/best-of-sf-2017/readers-poll-winners-bars-clubs-2/ | access-date=2018-05-21 }}</ref> 2018,<ref>{{cite web | title=Best of SF 2018 | work=SF Weekly | date=2018-05-07 | url=http://www.sfweekly.com/best-of-san-francisco/best-of-sf-2018/readers-poll-winners-bars-clubs-18/ | access-date=2018-05-21 }}</ref> and  "Best Live Music Venue" in 2017.<ref name="bosf17" />
A number of regular DNA Lounge events are perennial winners as well, including [[Bootie (club night)|Bootie]] ("Best Party Producers", "Best Dance Party"), [[Smash-Up Derby]] ("Best Cover Band"), [[Death Guild]] ("Best Weeknight Dance Club",<ref>
{{cite web | title=Best of SF 2001 | work=SF Weekly | date=2001-05-23 | url=http://www.sfweekly.com/2001-05-23/best-of-san-francisco/readers-poll/ | accessdate=2011-11-04 }}</ref> "Best Dance Party"<ref name="botb20" /><ref name="botb22" />), [[Hubba Hubba Revue]] ("Best Burlesque"<ref name="botb22" />), [[Bohemian Carnival]] ("Best Circus Troupe"), [[Trannyshack]] ("Best Drag Show"), [[Bearracuda]] ("Best Club for Queer Men") and [[Fog City Wrestling]] ("Best Body Slams").

On November 22, 2010, the date of DNA Lounge's 25th anniversary, the [[San Francisco Board of Supervisors]] issued a resolution proclaiming that day to be "DNA Lounge Day",<ref name="DNA Lounge Day">{{cite web | url=http://www.dnalounge.com/backstage/log/2010/11/22.html | title=Board of Supervisors Proclamation, "DNA Lounge Day" | date=2010-11-22 | access-date=2010-11-25 }}</ref> "to convey the City's sincere respect for their ability to successfully run an entertainment business for the past 25 years."

On the same day, San Francisco [[Mayor of San Francisco|Mayor]] [[Gavin Newsom]] presented the club with a Certificate of Honor, stating that the club "contributes to the rich cultural history of San Francisco's entertainment scene and our beloved historic South of Market District."<ref name="DNA Lounge Day" />

On December 11, 2017, the [[San Francisco Board of Supervisors]] and [[San Francisco Small Business Commission]] granted DNA Lounge Legacy Business status,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://sfosb.org/legacy-business/registry | title=Legacy Business Registry | date=2017-12-11 | access-date=2018-05-20 }}</ref> stating that such businesses are "the bedrock of our communities and a draw for tourists from around the world. Preserving our legacy businesses is critical to maintaining what it is that makes San Francisco a special place."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://sfosb.org/legacy-business | title=About the Legacy Business Program | date=2017-12-11 | access-date=2018-05-20 }}</ref>

== Events ==
[[File:Luxxury, performing at DNA Lounge on March 17, 2007.jpg|thumb|Luxxury at DNA Lounge, March 17, 2007]]

The space functions as a venue for both [[live music]] and regular dance nights.

Popular regular events at DNA Lounge include:

* [[Bootie (club night)|Bootie]], a weekly Saturday all-[[mashup (music)|mashup]] dance night
* [[Death Guild]], the longest-running weekly [[gothic rock|gothic]]/[[industrial music|industrial]] dance night in the USA.
* [[Hubba Hubba Revue]], a weekly [[Neo-Burlesque|burlesque]] show, featuring classic striptease, vaudeville comedy, variety acts, and live music.
* Mortified,<ref>{{cite web | title=It's Better and Cheaper than Therapy | work=Newsweek | date=2006-07-24 | url=http://www.newsweek.com/2006/07/23/it-s-better-and-cheaper-than-therapy.html | access-date=2010-11-25 }}</ref> an event where adults read from their most embarrassing adolescent journals.
* [[Hoodslam]], a profane and absurd underground professional wrestling event.
* So Stoked, a dance party featuring [[Hardcore (electronic dance music genre)|hardcore]], [[Trance music|trance]], [[drum and bass]], and other [[rave music]] DJs; it is also one of the city's few all ages dance parties (as opposed to 18+).
* Turbo Drive, an event featuring performers and DJs in the burgeoning [[synthwave]] scene.
* 8bitSF, an event featuring [[chiptune]] and [[video game music]].
* Sequence, a weekly 18+ dance party showcasing [[dubstep]] and [[Riddim (EDM)|riddim]] DJs.
* Wasted, an 18+ dance party showcasing [[Trap music (EDM)|trap]], [[Bass house (music)|bass house]] and [[dubstep]] DJs.
* Acid Rain, a psychedelic dance party featuring both live and DJ performances of [[psytrance]], [[downtempo]], and a range of other dance genres.
* The Cocktail Robotics Grand Challenge, an annual competition for [[Rube Goldberg machine|Rube Goldberg]]-esque robots that create and serve cocktails.<ref>{{cite web | title=Drinkbots Gone Wild | work=The New Screen Savers | date=2018-07-28 | url=https://twit.tv/shows/new-screen-savers/episodes/167| access-date=2019-08-16 }}</ref>
* [[Dr Sketchy's Anti-Art School]], a monthly life-drawing event.

DNA Lounge has also hosted several notable tech-industry events, such as [[CodeCon]] (a [[hacker convention|hacker con]]), [[Ignite (event)|Ignite]] (a technology conference), and [[Security BSides|BSidesSF]] (a computer security conference). The release of [[Mozilla]] 1.0 was celebrated there in 2002,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mozilla.org/party/2002/flyer.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060117072836/http://www.mozilla.org/party/2002/flyer.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2006-01-17|title=mozilla.party|date=2006-01-17|access-date=2020-03-16}}</ref> and the 10th anniversary of [[FreeBSD]] was celebrated there in 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.osnews.com/story/5224| title=Ten Years of FreeBSD: Anniversary Party a Success
| date=2003-11-25|access-date=2013-07-29}}</ref> [[Cypress Hill]]'s music video for "[[Insane in the Brain]]" was filmed at DNA Lounge in 1993.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RijB8wnJCN0  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/RijB8wnJCN0| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live| title=Cypress Hill music video for Insane In The Brain |website=[[YouTube]] | year=1992 | access-date=2010-03-04 }}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.dnalounge.com/backstage/log/2001/09/18.html| title=Untitled blog entry explaining architectural features visible in the Cypress Hill video| website=DNA Sequencing (DNA Lounge blog)| date=2001-09-18|access-date=2010-03-04 }}</ref> In the background of some shots can be seen parts of the [[Keith Haring]] mural that used to adorn the walls of the upstairs lounge. The title sequence of the [[SingStar|SingStar Amped]] video game was shot at DNA Lounge in 2007.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dnalounge.com/backstage/log/2008/07/02.html | title=Wherein we are burned into a zillion shiny metal discs.|website=DNA Sequencing (DNA Lounge blog)| date=2008-07-02 | access-date=2010-03-04 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBk3AIWUSGc  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/fBk3AIWUSGc| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live| title=SingStar Amped title sequence |website=[[YouTube]] | date=2007-09-18 | access-date=2010-03-04 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>

== Live music ==

DNA Lounge has been well known for both DJ dance nights and live concerts. Since the club was purchased by Zawinski, they have been focusing more on live music,<ref>{{cite web | title=Wherein SFPD says "no live music for you."|website=DNA Sequencing (DNA Lounge blog)| date=2007-04-18 | url=http://www.dnalounge.com/backstage/log/2007/04/18.html | access-date=2009-06-17 }}</ref> and in 2008 they procured an all-ages liquor license to facilitate this. Live concerts are all ages, and most other events are 18+.<ref>{{cite web | title=DNA Lounge | date=2009-02-26 | url=http://www.dnalounge.com/ | access-date=2009-02-26 }}</ref>
Concert highlights since 1985<ref>{{cite web | title=Bands that have performed at DNA Lounge | date=2010-12-06 | url=http://www.dnalounge.com/calendar/ledger.html | access-date=2010-12-06 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=DNA Lounge Calendar: 1985–1999 | date=2009-04-04 | url=http://www.dnalounge.com/calendar/1985-1999.html | access-date=2009-04-22 }}</ref> include:
 
{{div col|colwidth=16em}}
* [[Abney Park (band)|Abney Park]] (2010)
* [[Afrika Bambaataa]] (2002, 2004, 2005)
* [[Agent Orange (band)|Agent Orange]] (1986)
* [[Alien Sex Fiend]] (1990)
* [[Alina Baraz]] (2015)
* [[Anamanaguchi]] (2009, 2010, 2011)
* [[Andre Nickatina]] (2009)
* [[Anvil (band)|Anvil]] (2014, 2016, 2024)
* [[Aphrodite (artist)|Aphrodite]] (2003)
* [[Arrested Development (hip hop group)|Arrested Development]] (1992)
* [[Bad Manners]] (2002)
* [[The Black Dahlia Murder (band)|The Black Dahlia Murder]] (2015)
* [[Black Flag (band)|Black Flag]] (2024)
* [[Blessthefall]] (2014)
* [[Book of Love (band)|Book of Love]] (2013, 2015, 2017)
* [[Borgore]] (2011)
* [[Brand New Heavies]] (1991)
* [[Brand X]] (1993)
* [[Candlemass (band)|Candlemass]] (2017, 2023)
* [[Carpenter Brut]] (2016)
* [[Celldweller]] (2003)
* [[Cherry Poppin' Daddies]] (1995)
* [[Chris Isaak]] (1986, 1987, 1990)
* [[Chuck Palahniuk]] (2014)
* [[Cirith Ungol (band)|Cirith Ungol]] (2024)
* [[Clan of Xymox]] (2015)
* [[Club Foot Orchestra]] (1987)
* [[Comeback Kid (band)|Comeback Kid]] (2013)
* [[Consolidated (band)|Consolidated]] (1988)
* [[The Contractions]] (1995)
* [[Corey Feldman]] (2023)
* [[Counting Crows]] (1992, 1994, 1995)
* [[Covenant (band)|Covenant]] (2006, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, 2023)
* [[Crash Worship]] (1998)
* [[Cypress Hill]] (1993)
* [[D.O.A. (band)|D.O.A.]] with [[Jello Biafra]] (1990)
* [[Dark Tranquillity]] (2014)
* [[Darkest Hour (band)|Darkest Hour]] (2015, 2017)
* [[Das Racist]] (2012)
* [[Death Angel]] (2004, 2012, 2019)
* [[The Del Rubio Triplets]] (1989, 1991, 1992)
* [[Deedrah]] (2003)
* [[Deftones]] (1996)
* [[Deicide (band)|Deicide]] (2013)
* [[Desire (band)|Desire]] (2021, 2024)
* [[Destruction (band)|Destruction]] (2014)
* [[Diana Arbenina]] and [[Nochnye Snaipery]] (2018)
* [[Digable Planets]] (2005, 2008)
* [[Digital Underground]] (2004, 2005)
* [[The Dillinger Escape Plan]] (2013, 2014)
* [[Simon Rex|Dirt Nasty]] (2014, 2016)
* [[El Vez]] (1995)
* [[EMF (band)|EMF]] (1991)
* [[Epica (band)|Epica]] (2010)
* [[Eric Lewis (pianist)|Eric Lewis]] (2009)
* [[Escape The Fate]] (2015, 2023)
* [[Everclear (band)|Everclear]] (2015)
* [[Exciter (band)|Exciter]] (2023)
* [[Exene Cervenka]] (1996)
* [[Eyehategod]] (2009, 2010, 2019, 2023)
* [[Finntroll]] (2011)
* [[Fishbone]] / [[Angelo Moore]] (2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2024)
* [[The Fixx]] (2003)
* [[Fleshgod Apocalypse]] (2011, 2013, 2016, 2023, 2024)
* [[Flipper (band)|Flipper]] (1987)
* [[A Flock of Seagulls]] (1989)
* [[Foetus (band)|Foetus Inc.]] (1990, 1991)
* [[4 Non Blondes]] (1990, 1991, 1992, 1993)
* [[Front 242]] (2005)
* [[MC Frontalot]] (2018, 2019)
* [[Game Theory (band)|Game Theory]] (1986)
* [[Garaj Mahal]] (2001, 2002)
* [[Gene Loves Jezebel]] (2016, 2018)
* [[Genitorturers]] (2003–2006)
* [[GMS (music group)|GMS]] (2002)
* [[Goatwhore]] (2001, 2010, 2015, 2019, 2022, 2024)
* [[Goblin (band)|Goblin]] (2019)
* [[Godflesh]] (2014, 2023)
* [[Goldie]] (2003, 2004)
* [[Gost (band)|Gost]] (2015, 2017)
* [[Grandmaster Flash]] (2002)
* [[Green Day]] (2009)<ref>{{cite web | title=Green Day unveils new album '21st Century Breakdown' in 2nd S.F. club gig | work=Mercury News | author=Jim Harrington | date=2009-04-10 | url=http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12115962 | access-date=2009-04-22 }}</ref>
* [[Groovie Ghoulies]] (2005, 2006)
* [[GWAR]] (2004)
* [[GZA]] (2004)
* [[Hallucinogen (musician)|Hallucinogen]] (2001)
* [[Hanzel und Gretyl]] (2003, 2010)
* [[Henry Rollins]] (1987)
* [[House of Pain]] (1992)
* [[Hypocrisy (band)|Hypocrisy]] (2010)
* [[Incredibly Strange Wrestling]] (2002–2007)
* [[Infected Mushroom]] (2002)
* [[Information Society (band)|Information Society]] (2007–2008)
* [[Invisibl Skratch Piklz]] (1993, 1994)
* [[Jacob Whitesides]] (2014)
* [[Jello Biafra]] (1990, 1996, 2009)
* [[Jesus Jones]] (1990, 1991)
* [[Jim Carroll]] (1986)
* [[Jim Rose Circus|The Jim Rose Circus]] (1993, 2009)
* [[Julian Cope]] (1991)
* [[Kero Kero Bonito]] (2017)
* [[Kid Ink]] (2013)
* [[Killing Joke]] (2018)
* [[KMFDM]] (2002, 2004)
* [[Korpiklaani]] (2009, 2011, 2012)
* [[KRS-One]] (2003)
* [[Lebanon Hanover]] (2013)
* [[Lee Presson and the Nails]] (2006–2012)
* [[Legendary Pink Dots]] (1995, 2013)
* [[Lene Lovich]] (1990)
* [[Little Big (band)|Little Big]] (2019)
* [[The Limousines]] (2013, 2014)
* [[Lords of Acid]] (2010)
* [[Lydia Lunch]] (1987, 1996)
* [[Machine Gun Kelly (rapper)|Machine Gun Kelly]] (2015)
* [[Marduk (band)|Marduk]] (2012)
* [[Mark Farina]] (2001–2007 residency)
* [[Marky Ramone]] (1999, 2024)
* [[Marques Wyatt]] (2002–2007 residency)
* [[Me First and the Gimme Gimmes]] (2007, 2012)
* [[Meat Beat Manifesto]] (2016)
* [[Miami Horror]] (2011)
* [[Mickey Avalon]] (2016)
* [[Midnight Oil]] (1993)
* [[Miguel Migs]] (2001–2008)
* [[Misfits (band)|The Misfits]] (2007)
* [[Mixmaster Mike]] (2004)
* [[The Mutants]] (1989)
* [[My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult]] (2002–2019)
* [[Nas]] (1996)
* [[Neurosis (band)|Neurosis]] (1995, 2002)
* [[New Model Army (band)|New Model Army]] (1993, 2003–2009)
* [[Nina Hagen]] (2002–2005)
* [[Obituary (band)|Obituary]] (2012, 2014, 2018)
* [[Opio]] (2005, 2008)
* [[Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark]] (1991)
* [[Origin (band)|Origin]] (2012)
* [[Otep]] (2010, 2013)
* [[The Pandoras]] (1989, 1990)
* [[Peelander-Z]] (2011, 2012, 2013)
* [[Pentagram (band)|Pentagram]] (2009, 2010, 2014, 2016)
* [[Perturbator]] (2017)
* [[Peter Murphy (musician)|Peter Murphy]] (2015)
* [[The Phenomenauts]] (2004–2012)
* [[Phish]] (1991, 1994)
* [[Pig Destroyer]] (2015)
* [[Pigface]] (2001, 2003, 2005)
* [[Prayers (duo)|Prayers]] (2023)
* [[Primus (band)|Primus]] (1988, 1991)
* [[Prince (musician)|Prince]] (1993, 1997, 2013)<ref>{{cite web|title=Prince Delights Himself (And a Small Crowd) at DNA Lounge|work=SF Weekly|author=Ian S. Port|date=2013-04-23| url=http://blogs.sfweekly.com/shookdown/2013/04/prince_san_francisco_review_dna_lounge_4_23_13.php | access-date=2013-04-23 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Prince royally rocks San Francisco | work=San Jose Mercury News | author=Jim Harrington | date=2013-04-23 | url=http://www.mercurynews.com/music/ci_23094785/review-prince-royally-rocks-san-francisco | access-date=2013-04-23 }}</ref>
* [[The Prodigy]] (1991, 1992)
* [[Psychic TV]] (1986, 2004)
* [[DJ Q-Bert|Q-Bert]] (2003, 2005)
* [[Reverend Horton Heat]] (1996)
* [[Revolting Cocks]] (2016)
* [[Rhapsody of Fire]] (2023)
* [[Richie Hawtin]] (2015)
* [[The Roots]] (1995)
* [[Rotting Christ]] (2011, 2023)
* [[Run-D.M.C.]] (1996)<ref>{{cite web|title=1985–1999|work=DNA Lounge|author=Jamie Zawinski|access-date=2014-04-21|url=https://www.dnalounge.com/calendar/1985-1999.html}}</ref>
* [[Sean Paul]] (2005)
* [[Sepultura]] (2012)
* [[Shaggy 2 Dope]] (2023, 2024)
* [[She Past Away]] (2021, 2023)
* [[Shonen Knife]] (2016)
* [[Skeletonwitch]] (2007, 2014, 2016, 2018)
* [[Rose McDowall|Sorrow]] (2004)
* [[Space Tribe]] (2003, 2004)
* [[Spin Doctors]] (1991)
* [[Spinderella]] (2003)
* [[Steel Pole Bath Tub]] (2002)
* [[Stereo MCs]] (1991)
* [[Strung Out]] (2015, 2016)
* [[S.U.N. Project]] (2002)
* [[Suffocation (band)|Suffocation]] (2014, 2022, 2023)
* [[Swans (band)|Swans]] (1992)
* [[Swingin' Utters]] (2002, 2015)
* [[Talib Kweli]] (2002)
* [[Tesseract (band)|Tesseract]] (2014, 2015)
* [[Tim Finn]] (1989)
* [[Tricot (band)|Tricot]] (2015)
* [[Turisas]] (2012)
* [[2 Live Crew]] (1990)
* [[Vader (band)|Vader]] (2009, 2010, 2023, 2024)
* [[Venom (band)|Venom]] (2016)
* [[Venom Inc.]] (2016, 2023)
* [[Village People]] (1996)
* [[VNV Nation]] (1999, 2001, 2005, 2010)
* [[Voltaire (musician)|Voltaire]] (2005)
* [[W.A.S.P. (band)|W.A.S.P.]] (2004)
* [[Weezer]] (2018)
* [[Wind Rose (band)|Wind Rose]] (2023, 2024)
* [[Wintersun]] (2013)
* [[Xerox]] (2003)
* [[Z-Trip]] (2003)
{{div col end}}

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
* {{Official website}}
{{Restaurants in San Francisco}}
{{South of Market, San Francisco|state=collapsed}}
{{Music venues of California|state=collapsed}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Music venues in San Francisco]]
[[Category:South of Market, San Francisco]]
[[Category:Nightclubs in San Francisco]]
[[Category:Restaurants in San Francisco]]
[[Category:Theatres in San Francisco]]
[[Category:Electronic dance music venues]]
[[Category:Restaurants established in 1985]]
[[Category:1985 establishments in California]]
[[Category:Culture of San Francisco]]