Events
A Year-Round Guide for 2024-2025
San Francisco, often called the “City by the Bay,” is a city that boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. From its iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge to its vibrant neighborhoods such as Chinatown and the Mission District, San Francisco offers a myriad of attractions that cater to every type of traveler. This article will cover the top 25 attractions in San Francisco, providing detailed information on each site’s history, significance, unique features, practical visitor tips, and much more.
Whether you’re interested in historical landmarks, natural wonders, cultural experiences, or entertainment hotspots, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to San Francisco. We’ll also provide practical information on how to get there from the city center, parking, restrooms, dining options, and more.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit San Francisco is during the fall (September to November) when the weather is warm and the skies are clear. Spring (March to May) is also a great time with mild temperatures and fewer tourists. Summers can be foggy and cooler than expected, while winters are rainy but mild.
January
New Year's Day Run
Description: Kick off the new year with a healthy start by participating in the annual New Year’s Day Run along the scenic Embarcadero waterfront.
Date: January 1, 2025
Location: Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105
Contact: info@nydrun.com
Highlights: A family-friendly event with stunning views of the Bay Bridge, refreshments, and live music at the finish line.
Ticket Information: Registration required; visit nydrun.com for details.
SF Sketchfest
Description: SF Sketchfest is a renowned comedy festival featuring performances by top comedians, improv troupes, and sketch artists.
Date: January 9-26, 2025
Location: Various venues across San Francisco
Contact: info@sfsketchfest.com
Highlights: Stand-up comedy, improv shows, and panel discussions with industry insiders.
Ticket Information: Tickets available online at sfsketchfest.com.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade
Description: Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a parade and festival featuring live performances, speeches, and community activities.
Date: January 20, 2025
Location: Starts at 4th and Townsend Streets, ends at Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco, CA 94103
Contact: mlkparade@sf.gov
Highlights: Floats, marching bands, cultural performances, and a commemorative ceremony.
Ticket Information: Free to the public.
February
Chinese New Year Parade
Description: One of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside of Asia, featuring dragon dances, elaborate floats, and fireworks.
Date: February 8, 2025
Location: Chinatown, San Francisco, CA 94108
Contact: cnyparade@sfchamber.com
Highlights: Stunning cultural performances, traditional costumes, and a festive atmosphere.
Ticket Information: Free to the public; VIP seating available for purchase at cnyparade.com.
SF Beer Week
Description: A week-long celebration of craft beer with events hosted by local breweries, bars, and restaurants.
Date: February 7-16, 2025
Location: Various locations throughout San Francisco
Contact: info@sfbeerweek.org
Highlights: Beer tastings, brewery tours, and food pairings.
Ticket Information: Event-specific tickets available at sfbeerweek.org.
Black History Month Celebration
Description: A month-long series of events honoring African American history and culture, including lectures, performances, and art exhibits.
Date: Throughout February 2025
Location: African American Art & Culture Complex, 762 Fulton St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Contact: info@aaacc.org
Highlights: Cultural performances, historical exhibits, and educational workshops.
Ticket Information: Free and ticketed events; details at aaacc.org.
March
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Description: Celebrate Irish heritage with a lively parade featuring bagpipers, Irish dancers, and colorful floats.
Date: March 15, 2025
Location: Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Contact: stpatricksparade@sf.gov
Highlights: Traditional Irish music, dance performances, and family-friendly activities.
Ticket Information: Free to the public.
Bay Area Brew Fest
Description: An annual beer festival featuring over 200 beers from local and international breweries, food trucks, and live music.
Date: March 21, 2025
Location: Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94123
Contact: info@bayareabrewfest.com
Highlights: Unlimited beer tastings, food pairings, and entertainment.
Ticket Information: Tickets available at bayareabrewfest.com.
Cherry Blossom Festival
Description: Celebrate the arrival of spring and Japanese culture with the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival.
Date: March 28-29, 2025
Location: Japantown, San Francisco, CA 94115
Contact: info@nccbf.org
Highlights: Traditional music and dance, food booths, and cultural demonstrations.
Ticket Information: Free to the public.
April
San Francisco International Film Festival
Description: The longest-running film festival in the Americas, showcasing a diverse selection of films from around the world.
Date: April 10-24, 2025
Location: Various theaters across San Francisco
Contact: info@sffilm.org
Highlights: Film screenings, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
Ticket Information: Tickets and passes available at sffilm.org.
Earth Day San Francisco
Description: Celebrate Earth Day with eco-friendly activities, educational workshops, and live music.
Date: April 22, 2025
Location: Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94102
Contact: earthday@sf.gov
Highlights: Environmental exhibits, sustainable product vendors, and family activities.
Ticket Information: Free to the public.
Bay to Breakers
Description: A historic 12K race known for its fun costumes and festive atmosphere, attracting runners from around the world.
Date: April 27, 2025
Location: Starts at Howard and Main Streets, ends at Ocean Beach, San Francisco, CA 94103
Contact: info@baytobreakers.com
Highlights: Creative costumes, live music along the course, and a lively finish line party.
Ticket Information: Registration required; visit baytobreakers.com for details.
May
Cinco de Mayo Festival
Description: A vibrant celebration of Mexican culture with music, dance, and delicious food.
Date: May 5, 2025
Location: Mission District, San Francisco, CA 94110
Contact: cinco@sfchamber.com
Highlights: Traditional performances, food stalls, and family-friendly activities.
Ticket Information: Free to the public.
SF Decorator Showcase
Description: An annual event where top interior designers transform a historic home into a stunning showcase of design.
Date: May 2-25, 2025
Location: Location to be announced
Contact: info@sfshowcase.org
Highlights: Room-by-room tours of beautifully decorated spaces and design inspiration.
Ticket Information: Tickets available at sfshowcase.org.
Carnaval San Francisco
Description: A two-day festival celebrating Latin American and Caribbean cultures with a colorful parade and street fair.
Date: May 24-25, 2025
Location: Mission District, San Francisco, CA 94110
Contact: info@carnavalsanfrancisco.org
Highlights: Parade with elaborate costumes, live music, dance performances, and food vendors.
Ticket Information: Free to the public.
June
San Francisco Pride
Description: One of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in the world, featuring a parade, concerts, and community events.
Date: June 28-29, 2025
Location: Market Street and Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94102
Contact: info@sfpride.org
Highlights: Vibrant parade, live music, and numerous events celebrating LGBTQ+ culture.
Ticket Information: Free to the public; donations encouraged.
North Beach Festival
Description: One of the country’s oldest street fairs, celebrating the Italian heritage of San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood.
Date: June 21-22, 2025
Location: North Beach, San Francisco, CA 94133
Contact: info@northbeachfestival.org
Highlights: Art and craft booths, live entertainment, and Italian cuisine.
Ticket Information: Free to the public.
Stern Grove Festival
Description: A summer concert series held in a beautiful outdoor amphitheater, featuring a variety of musical performances.
Date: June 22 – August 24, 2025 (Sundays)
Location: Sigmund Stern Grove, 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94132
Contact: info@sterngrove.org
Highlights: Free concerts featuring local and international artists.
Ticket Information: Free to the public.
July
Fourth of July Fireworks
Description: A spectacular fireworks display over the San Francisco Bay, accompanied by live music and festivities.
Date: July 4, 2024
Location: Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94133
Contact: july4@sfchamber.com
Highlights: Fireworks over the bay, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
Ticket Information: Free to the public.
Fillmore Jazz Festival
Description: The largest free jazz festival on the West Coast, featuring multiple stages of live music, food, and arts and crafts.
Date: July 5-6, 2024
Location: Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
Contact: info@fillmorejazzfestival.com
Highlights: Performances by local and international jazz artists, food vendors, and artisan booths.
Ticket Information: Free to the public.
San Francisco Marathon
Description: A challenging marathon that takes runners through scenic routes across the city, including the Golden Gate Bridge.
Date: July 28, 2024
Location: Starts at the Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105
Contact: info@thesfmarathon.com
Highlights: Scenic course, enthusiastic spectators, and a festive finish line.
Ticket Information: Registration required; visit thesfmarathon.com for details.
August
Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival
Description: A three-day festival featuring top musical acts, art installations, and gourmet food.
Date: August 9-11, 2024
Location: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94122
Contact: info@sfoutsidelands.com
Highlights: Performances by renowned artists, diverse food and drink options, and immersive art experiences.
Ticket Information: Tickets available at sfoutsidelands.com.
Nihonmachi Street Fair
Description: A celebration of Asian-Pacific American culture with food, music, and cultural performances.
Date: August 3-4, 2024
Location: Japantown, San Francisco, CA 94115
Contact: info@nihonmachistreetfair.org
Highlights: Cultural performances, food booths, and community activities.
Ticket Information: Free to the public.
San Francisco Street Food Festival
Description: A culinary festival featuring a wide variety of food trucks and pop-up vendors offering global cuisines.
Date: August 17, 2024
Location: Potrero Power Station, 420 23rd St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Contact: info@sfstreetfoodfest.com
Highlights: Diverse food offerings, live music, and family-friendly activities.
Ticket Information: Free to the public; food purchases available on-site.
September
Folsom Street Fair
Description: The world’s largest leather and fetish event, attracting participants from around the globe.
Date: September 29, 2024
Location: Folsom Street, between 8th and 13th Streets, San Francisco, CA 94103
Contact: info@folsomstreetfair.org
Highlights: Live music, fetish and kink demonstrations, and a vibrant street fair atmosphere.
Ticket Information: Suggested donation at the gate.
Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival
Description: A two-day festival celebrating all things chocolate, with tastings, chef demonstrations, and family activities.
Date: September 7-8, 2024
Location: Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Contact: info@ghirardellichocolatefestival.com
Highlights: Chocolate tastings, live cooking demos, and activities for kids.
Ticket Information: Tickets available at ghirardellichocolatefestival.com.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Description: A free, three-day music festival in Golden Gate Park, featuring a diverse lineup of bluegrass and Americana musicians.
Date: September 27-29, 2024
Location: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94122
Contact: info@hardlystrictlybluegrass.com
Highlights: Performances by top bluegrass and Americana artists, family-friendly atmosphere.
Ticket Information: Free to the public.
October
Fleet Week
Description: An annual event honoring the U.S. Navy, featuring ship tours, air shows, and military demonstrations.
Date: October 6-14, 2024
Location: San Francisco Bay and waterfront
Contact: info@fleetweeksf.org
Highlights: Blue Angels air show, ship tours, and military displays.
Ticket Information: Free to the public.
Castro Street Fair
Description: A community street fair celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with live entertainment, food vendors, and arts and crafts.
Date: October 6, 2024
Location: Castro Street, San Francisco, CA 94114
Contact: info@castrostreetfair.org
Highlights: Live performances, food stalls, and vendor booths.
Ticket Information: Suggested donation at the gate.
Halloween Haunt at Winchester Mystery House
Description: A spooky event at the famously haunted Winchester Mystery House, featuring haunted tours and Halloween activities.
Date: October 18-31, 2024
Location: 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128
Contact: info@winchestermysteryhouse.com
Highlights: Haunted house tours, immersive experiences, and Halloween-themed events.
Ticket Information: Tickets available at winchestermysteryhouse.com.
November
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Description: A vibrant celebration of Day of the Dead with altars, cultural performances, and a community procession.
Date: November 2, 2024
Location: Mission District, San Francisco, CA 94110
Contact: info@diadelosmuertossf.org
Highlights: Traditional altars, live music, and a procession through the Mission District.
Ticket Information: Free to the public.
San Francisco International Auto Show
Description: An annual auto show featuring the latest models and innovations from top car manufacturers.
Date: November 28 – December 2, 2024
Location: Moscone Center, 747 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Contact: info@sfautoshow.com
Highlights: New car models, concept cars, and interactive exhibits.
Ticket Information: Tickets available at sfautoshow.com.
Turkey Trot
Description: A Thanksgiving Day race that brings together the community for a fun and active way to start the holiday.
Date: November 28, 2024
Location: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94122
Contact: info@sfthanksgivingturkeytrot.com
Highlights: 5K and 10K races, family-friendly activities, and festive atmosphere.
Ticket Information: Registration required; visit sfthanksgivingturkeytrot.com for details.
December
Union Square Ice Rink
Description: Enjoy ice skating in the heart of San Francisco at the Union Square Ice Rink, a holiday tradition.
Date: November 6, 2024 – January 20, 2025
Location: Union Square, San Francisco, CA 94108
Contact: info@unionsquareicerink.com
Highlights: Festive atmosphere, holiday lights, and family fun.
Ticket Information: Tickets available at unionsquareicerink.com.
Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Description: Step back in time to Victorian London at this immersive holiday fair, featuring performances, food, and crafts.
Date: Weekends from November 23 – December 22, 2024
Location: Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave, Daly City, CA 94014
Contact: info@dickensfair.com
Highlights: Themed entertainment, period costumes, and holiday shopping.
Ticket Information: Tickets available at dickensfair.com.
New Year's Eve Fireworks
Description: Ring in the new year with a spectacular fireworks display over the San Francisco Bay.
Date: December 31, 2024
Location: Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105
Contact: nye@sfchamber.com
Highlights: Fireworks, live music, and celebrations along the waterfront.
Ticket Information: Free to the public.
Practical Information
Ticket Purchase
Tickets for most events can be purchased online through the event’s official website. Some events are free, while others may have a suggested donation or ticket fee. It’s advisable to book tickets in advance, especially for popular events.
Getting There
San Francisco’s public transportation system, including BART, Muni, and buses, provides easy access to most event locations. For those driving, parking can be limited, so consider using ride-sharing services or public transit.
Accommodation
During major events, San Francisco’s hotels can fill up quickly. It’s recommended to book accommodations well in advance. Consider staying in neighborhoods close to the event locations for convenience.
Insider Tips
- Best Times to Attend: For a better experience, attend events early in the day to avoid crowds, or choose weekdays over weekends if the event spans multiple days.
- Local Etiquette: Respect local customs, especially during cultural celebrations. For example, during Dia de los Muertos, participants often dress in traditional attire and create altars to honor deceased loved ones.
- Exploring More: Take advantage of your visit to explore nearby attractions. For instance, if attending events in Golden Gate Park, visit the California Academy of Sciences or the de Young Museum.
Safety and Comfort
- Staying Safe: Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and stay aware of your surroundings.
- What to Wear: San Francisco’s weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and bring a jacket, even in summer. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for most events.
- Essentials: Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen, especially for outdoor events. Check the event’s website for any specific guidelines or prohibited items.
Planning Your Visit
San Francisco’s event calendar offers something for everyone, from cultural celebrations and historical reenactments to food festivals and marathons. These events provide a unique opportunity to experience the city’s diverse culture and vibrant community. By planning your visit around these events, you’ll not only enjoy the festivities but also gain a deeper appreciation for what makes San Francisco special. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of these memorable experiences. Book your tickets, pack your bags, and get ready to explore the best of San Francisco through its dynamic events.