Special concerts and performances take place in San Francisco year-round. San Francisco Performances, 500 Sutter St., Suite 710 (tel. 415/398-6449; www.performances.org), has brought acclaimed artists to the Bay Area for 22 years. Shows run the gamut from chamber music to dance to jazz. Performances are in several venues, including the Performing Arts Center, Herbst Theater, and the Center for the Performing Arts at Yerba Buena Center. The season runs from late September to May. Tickets cost from $12 to $60 and are available through City Box Office (tel. 415/392-4400).

Classical Music

Visitors might be interested in the Women's Philharmonic (tel. 415/437-0123; www.womensphil.org). For more than 20 years, the critically acclaimed orchestra has played works by historical and contemporary female composers. Most performances, at least for the next season, are at Herbst Theater. Phone for dates, programs, and ticket prices.

Opera

In addition to San Francisco's major opera company, you might check out the amusing Pocket Opera, 965 Mission St., Suite 210 (tel. 415/972-8930; www.pocketopera.org). From mid-February to mid-June, the comic company stages farcical performances of well-known operas in English. The staging is intimate and informal, without lavish costumes and sets. The cast ranges from 3 to 16 players, supported by a chamber orchestra. The rich repertoire includes such works as Don Giovanni and The Barber of Seville. Performances are on Saturday and Sunday. Call the box office for complete information, location (which varies), and show times. Tickets cost from $15 (students) to $30.

Dance

In addition to the local companies, top traveling troupes like the Joffrey Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre make regular appearances. Primary modern dance spaces include the Project Artaud Theatre, 450 Florida St., at 17th Street (tel. 415/626-DOME); the Cowell Theater, at Fort Mason Center, Marina Boulevard, at Buchanan Street (tel. 415/441-3400); and the ODC Theatre, 3153 17th St., at Shotwell Street in the Mission District (tel. 415/863-9834). Check the local papers for schedules or contact the theater box offices.

Dinner Party

Hungry for dinner and a damned good time? It ain't cheap, but Teatro ZinZanni is a delightfully rollicking ride of food, whimsy, drama, and song within a stunningly elegant 1926 tent on the Embarcadero. Part musical theater and part comedy show, the 3 1/2-hour dinner theater includes a surprisingly decent five-course meal served by dozens of performers who weave both the audience and astounding physical acts (think Cirque du Soleil) into their wacky and playful world. Anyone in need of a night of giggles should definitely book a table here. Shows are held Wednesday through Sunday and tickets are $99 to $125 including dinner. The tent is located at Pier 29 on the Embarcadero at Battery Street. Call tel. 415/438-2668 or see www.teatrozinzanni.org for more details.