San Francisco Events Calendar 2026: The Best Things to Do Every Month

Last updated: March 2026

TL;DR: San Francisco has something incredible happening every single month — from the largest Lunar New Year Parade outside of Asia in February, to free music festivals in the fall, to the kind of holiday magic that makes even this non-native local feel sentimental. This is your month-by-month guide to the best events, festivals, and things to do in SF in 2026, with honest takes on which ones are actually worth your time (and which ones you should skip).

One thing I’ve learned since moving to San Francisco is that this city does not slow down when it comes to events. Every month has something worth putting on your calendar — whether it’s a massive parade, a free concert series, a food festival, or one of those only-in-SF experiences that makes you go “wait, is this real?” (I’m looking at you, Bay to Breakers). I’ve done my best to hit as many of these as possible over the years, and I have opinions. Lots of them.

This guide covers the major events and festivals happening in San Francisco in 2026, organized month by month, with my personal commentary on what’s worth prioritizing. I’ve also thrown in some lesser-known gems that don’t always make the big lists — because that’s kind of our thing here at Ask Me SF.

A quick note: exact dates for some events shift year to year, so I’ve included approximate timing. Always double-check the official event websites before making plans.

What Happens in San Francisco in Winter? (January – March)

January: Comedy, Food Deals, and the Calm Before the (Lunar New Year) Storm

January in SF is actually kind of lovely if you know where to look. The holiday crowds have cleared out, the city feels quieter, and there are some genuinely great events to kick off the year.

• SF Restaurant Week (late January): Over 100 restaurants offer prix fixe menus at reduced prices — typically $25 lunch and $40-$65 dinner. This is my favorite way to try places I’ve been meaning to check out without committing to a full-price splurge. Hot tip: make reservations the second they open. Popular spots fill up within hours.
• SF Sketchfest (all month): The San Francisco Comedy Festival is one of the largest comedy festivals in the country, running for about three weeks across multiple venues. Past headliners have included everyone from Carol Burnett to Tim Heidecker. I went for the first time a few years ago (honestly just because a friend dragged me) and was shocked at how good the lesser-known acts were. Don’t sleep on the smaller shows at venues like The Elbo Room or PianoFight — that’s where the real discoveries happen.
• Lunar New Year preparations: Chinatown starts getting festive in late January. The flower markets pop up, red lanterns go up everywhere, and you can feel the excitement building. It’s a great time to wander through Chinatown and soak in the atmosphere before the big parade in February.

January weather tip: Temperatures hover around 50-57°F. It rains — sometimes a lot. Bring layers and a decent rain jacket. But honestly, January is when SF gets some of its most dramatic, beautiful skies. Check out my guide on what to wear in SF if you’re not sure how to pack.

February: Lunar New Year, Beer, and Love

February is one of my favorite months in SF, and it’s almost entirely because of one event.

• Chinese New Year Parade (late February, depending on the lunar calendar): This is the big one. San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade is the largest Lunar New Year celebration outside of Asia and has been running since the 1860s — making it one of the oldest traditions in the city. The parade runs along Grant Avenue and Kearny Street in Chinatown and downtown, featuring elaborate floats, lion dancers, firecrackers, marching bands, and a 288-foot Golden Dragon that takes over 100 people to carry. I’ve gone three times now and I still get goosebumps. Get there early to claim a good viewing spot, especially along Kearny near Union Square. It’s free to watch from the street, or you can buy bleacher seats.
• SF Beer Week (early-to-mid February): About 10 days of beer-centric events across the Bay Area — tastings, tap takeovers, brewery tours, and food pairings. Even if you’re not a hardcore beer person (I’m more of a wine person, full disclosure), the Opening Gala is a fun time with 100+ breweries pouring. Fort Mason is the usual venue for the big kickoff event.
• Valentine’s Day events: SF goes all out for Valentine’s Day. From special tasting menus to chocolate-themed events, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. I wrote a whole article on local Valentine’s Day ideas in SF if you need inspiration. And yes, it includes non-cheesy options for people who think Valentine’s Day is overrated (I see you).

February weather tip: Still rainy season, still in the 50s. But the days are getting noticeably longer, and you might get some gorgeous sunny breaks between storms. Layers, always layers.

March: Parades, Tulips, and Baseball

March is when SF starts to feel like it’s waking up. The energy shifts, the events start multiplying, and suddenly there’s something to do every weekend.

• St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Saturday before or on March 17): One of the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parades on the West Coast. It runs down Market Street and has been a tradition since 1852. It’s festive and fun, if a bit rowdy by the end (as one would expect). The associated festival at Civic Center usually has live music, food, and drinks.
• Tulip Day at Union Square (early-to-mid March): Here’s one of those events that sounds too good to be true: 80,000 free tulips are placed in Union Square and anyone can come pick their own bouquet. It’s run by the Dutch consulate and it goes FAST — like, show up at opening or you’ll miss out. I learned that the hard way my first year. Set an alarm, get there when it starts, and bring something to carry your tulips home in.
• Giants Opening Day (late March/early April): Even if you’re not a baseball fan, there’s something magical about Opening Day at Oracle Park. The waterfront location, the garlic fries, the energy in the crowd — it just feels like the official start of the fun season in SF. Tickets can be pricey for Opening Day, but regular-season games are very reasonable, and the park itself is worth visiting regardless. Grab a date night and watch the sunset over the Bay from the bleachers.
• Cherry blossoms (throughout March): The cherry blossoms start appearing in late February and peak in March. The best spots are the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park, Japantown (along the Peace Plaza), and Stow Lake. It’s not quite DC-level blossom mania, but it’s beautiful and much less crowded. Pair it with a walk through Golden Gate Park and you’ve got a perfect afternoon.

March weather tip: This is where SF weather starts getting interesting. You might get 70-degree days followed by 50-degree rainy ones. The classic “four seasons in one day” thing is very real in March. Check out the March 2026 monthly picks for more of what’s happening this month.

What Happens in San Francisco in Spring? (April – June)

April: Film, Flowers, and Japantown

April is gorgeous in SF. The rain starts tapering off, the flowers are in full bloom, and the city’s cultural calendar really ramps up.

• SF International Film Festival (mid-April to early May): The longest-running film festival in the Americas (since 1957). It showcases international and independent films across several venues, with the main hub at the SFMOMA and various theaters around the city. If you’re a movie person, this is a dream. Even if you’re not, catching one or two screenings is a great rainy-day activity. Check the program early and book tickets for the buzzier films.
• Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival (mid-April, two weekends): Japantown comes alive for this beloved festival celebrating Japanese culture and the arrival of spring. There’s a grand parade, taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations, Japanese food vendors, and cultural performances. The parade on the second weekend is the highlight — it winds through Japantown and draws big crowds. This is one of the largest cherry blossom festivals outside of Japan, and the food alone is worth the trip (takoyaki, mochi, yakitori… I could go on).
• Earth Day events (around April 22): SF takes Earth Day seriously (as you’d expect). There are usually beach cleanups, tree plantings, and sustainability-focused events across the city. Check with the SF Recreation and Parks Department for organized events. A nice low-key way to spend a Saturday and feel good about it.

April weather tip: One of the drier months, believe it or not. Temperatures around 55-65°F. This is genuinely one of the best times to visit SF weather-wise, before the summer fog rolls in. Yes, I said that — summer is foggier than spring in SF.

May: Costumes, Carnaval, and Chaos (the Good Kind)

May is when SF’s weird, wonderful personality really shines. There’s no better proof than the first event on this list.

• Bay to Breakers (third Sunday in May): I don’t even know where to start with this one. Bay to Breakers is technically a 12K foot race from the Embarcadero to Ocean Beach, but in practice it’s a massive, joyful, chaotic costume party that happens to involve running (or walking, or shuffling, or dancing). Over 50,000 people participate, many in elaborate group costumes, some in… well, not much at all. It’s been running since 1912, making it one of the oldest consecutively run annual footraces in the world. My advice: don’t take it seriously, wear a fun costume, bring snacks, and embrace the absurdity. The party atmosphere along the route — especially through the Panhandle and into Golden Gate Park — is unlike anything else. Even if you don’t register for the race, you can watch from the sidelines and it’s still an incredible experience.
• Carnaval San Francisco (Memorial Day weekend): The Mission District erupts in color, music, and dance for this massive celebration of Latin American and Caribbean culture. The parade on Sunday is spectacular — samba dancers, elaborate costumes, floats, and live music. The festival in the surrounding streets has food vendors, artisans, and multiple stages of live performances. This is one of those events that makes you fall in love with SF all over again. Get there early on Sunday for a good parade-viewing spot along Harrison or 24th Street.
• SF Beer & Music Festival (late May): A fun combination of local breweries and live music, usually held at a park or outdoor venue. It’s more low-key than some of the bigger festivals, which is honestly part of the appeal.

May weather tip: Still relatively warm and sunny — often 60-68°F. This is the tail end of the “nice weather” window before the fog takes over. Enjoy it while it lasts.

June: Pride, Free Concerts, and Community

June is one of the most vibrant months in San Francisco, and for good reason.

• SF Pride Month and the Pride Parade (last weekend of June): San Francisco Pride is one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in the world, drawing over a million people to the city. The parade down Market Street is absolutely massive — floats, marching groups, corporate contingents, community organizations, and a whole lot of joy. But Pride is way more than just the parade. There are events all month long: film screenings, parties, community gatherings, art shows, and more. The Civic Center celebration after the parade has multiple stages of live performances and a huge vendor fair. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, Pride in SF is something everyone should experience at least once. It’s emotional, it’s fun, and it’s a powerful reminder of why this city matters.
• Stern Grove Festival begins (mid-June through August): One of my absolute favorite things about SF. Every Sunday afternoon from mid-June through August, Stern Grove hosts completely free concerts in a gorgeous eucalyptus-ringed amphitheater in the Sunset District. The lineup ranges from indie bands to symphony orchestras to legendary artists (past performers have included the Indigo Girls, Kronos Quartet, and Tower of Power). Get there early with a blanket and snacks — it fills up fast. This is peak SF, and it’s free. I can’t recommend it enough. More about free concerts in SF here.
• Juneteenth celebrations (June 19 and surrounding days): San Francisco hosts multiple Juneteenth events, including a celebration in the Fillmore District — the historic heart of SF’s Black community. There’s usually a festival, live music, food vendors, and community programming. The Fillmore celebration is particularly meaningful given the neighborhood’s history as “the Harlem of the West.”

June weather tip: Here’s where the San Francisco weather gets funny. June is often foggier and cooler than you’d expect — average highs around 64°F, but it can feel much colder, especially near the coast. Mark Twain supposedly said “the coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco” and while the attribution is dubious, the sentiment is accurate. Read more about SF’s surprising weather patterns. Bring a jacket to outdoor events, always.

What Happens in San Francisco in Summer? (July – September)

July: Fireworks, Free Concerts, and Karl (the Fog)

July in San Francisco is… not what most people expect. While the rest of the country is sweltering, we’re often wrapped in fog and wearing fleece. But that doesn’t stop us from celebrating.

• 4th of July Fireworks at Crissy Field: The waterfront fireworks show over the Bay, with the Golden Gate Bridge as a backdrop, is genuinely stunning — when you can see it. Karl the Fog has a habit of rolling in right around showtime, and some years the fireworks are basically just colorful glows behind a wall of gray. It’s become a running joke among locals. But on the years when it’s clear? Absolutely magical. My recommendation: go to Crissy Field early (like, hours early) to claim a spot, bring WARM layers (I cannot stress this enough — it’s July but it will feel like January), and have a backup plan to enjoy the evening even if the fog wins. Alternatively, watching from higher vantage points like Twin Peaks, Bernal Hill, or even some spots in the Mission can give you above-the-fog views.
• Stern Grove Festival continues: Still going strong every Sunday. July concerts tend to draw bigger crowds as word spreads, so aim to arrive even earlier than usual.
• Foggy “summer” in general: I know it sounds like I’m complaining about the fog, but honestly it’s part of what makes SF so charming (once you accept it). The fog keeps things cool, the light is beautiful, and the eastern neighborhoods (Mission, Dogpatch, Potrero Hill) are often sunny while the western side is socked in. Locals call it “Fogust” for a reason — though that technically refers to August. The whole July-August stretch is fog central on the west side.

July weather tip: Average highs of 67°F, but it can drop into the low 50s, especially in the evenings and near the coast. Layers, layers, layers. A warm jacket for nights. I really cannot overstate how important my what-to-wear guide is for summer visitors.

August: Music Festivals and Marathon Running

August brings one of the biggest events of the year, plus the peak of Karl the Fog’s reign.

• Outside Lands Music Festival (early-to-mid August): San Francisco’s biggest music festival takes over Golden Gate Park for three days. The lineup always includes a mix of massive headliners and exciting undercard acts, plus there’s an impressive food and wine component (this is SF, after all). Tickets usually sell out, so buy early. I’ll be honest — I haven’t actually been yet (I know, I know). The fog and cold in the park in August can be intense, and the price tag is steep. But friends who’ve gone swear by it, and the food/wine portion, called “GastroMagic,” sounds like it was designed specifically for people like me. If you go, dress in warm layers and comfortable shoes — Golden Gate Park is huge and you’ll be walking a lot. One-day passes are available if you can’t commit to the full weekend.
• Nihonmachi Street Fair (early August): Japantown’s annual street fair is a two-day celebration of Asian Pacific American culture. There’s live entertainment, food booths, arts and crafts, and a great community vibe. It’s smaller and more neighborhood-y than some of the bigger festivals, which I actually love about it.
• SF Marathon (late July/early August): The marathon course is one of the most scenic in the country, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and running along the waterfront. Even if you’re not running (I am decidedly not running a marathon), it’s fun to cheer on the runners. The course goes through several neighborhoods, so just step outside and clap for strangers — it’s very SF.

August weather tip: Peak fog season. Western neighborhoods might not see the sun for days. But the Mission, Dogpatch, and Bernal Heights often stay sunny. Plan accordingly.

September: Second Summer and Street Fairs

September is San Francisco’s best-kept weather secret. The fog retreats, the sun comes out, and we get our actual summer.

• “Second summer” arrives: If you can choose when to visit SF, seriously consider September and October. Average highs reach into the low-to-mid 70s, the fog is gone, and the city is bathed in gorgeous warm light. Locals live for these months.
• Folsom Street Fair (last Sunday of September): The world’s largest leather and kink event, drawing hundreds of thousands of people. I’m going to be straightforward: this is an adults-only event with public displays of, well, a lot of things. It’s not for everyone, and that’s fine. But it’s an important part of SF’s identity and LGBTQ+ history. If you’re curious and open-minded, it’s quite a scene. If it’s not your thing, just know to avoid the SoMa area around Folsom Street that Sunday (unless you want some surprises).
• Hardly Strictly Bluegrass prep: September is when the lineup announcements start dropping for October’s Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, and the excitement builds. More on that in October — but start making your plans now.

September weather tip: The warmest month in SF, often reaching 70-75°F. Light layers are usually enough. This is when you can finally wear that sundress or shorts you packed in June and never used.

What Happens in San Francisco in Fall? (October – December)

October: The Best Month in San Francisco (I Said What I Said)

October might be my single favorite month in SF. The weather is perfect, and the events calendar is absolutely stacked.

• Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (first full weekend of October): This is, in my opinion, one of the best events in San Francisco, period. A completely free three-day music festival in Golden Gate Park featuring incredible artists across multiple stages — and despite the name, it goes way beyond bluegrass. Past lineups have included Emmylou Harris, Mavis Staples, Robert Plant, Bonnie Raitt, and dozens of others. Free. All of it. Bring a blanket, pack snacks and drinks (you can bring your own food and alcohol — check the website for current rules), and settle in for an afternoon of music in one of the most beautiful parks in the world. This is the event I tell every single person to prioritize when they ask me what to do in SF. More on Golden Gate Park here.
• Fleet Week (early-to-mid October): Love it or hate it (the jets are LOUD), Fleet Week is an SF tradition. The Blue Angels air show over the Bay is the main draw — those fighter jets screaming over the city are genuinely thrilling, even if they do set off every car alarm in the Marina. Best viewing spots: Crissy Field, Marina Green, the Embarcadero, Pier 39, or Alcatraz (if you’re out there). Free to watch from anywhere along the waterfront. The ship tours at the piers are worth checking out too, especially if you have kids.
• Italian Heritage Parade (early October): A Columbus Day weekend tradition celebrating SF’s rich Italian American heritage, centered around North Beach — the city’s Little Italy. There’s a parade, a festival, and an excuse to eat a truly unreasonable amount of Italian food in North Beach. I quite like it.
• Litquake (mid-October): San Francisco’s literary festival, featuring author readings, panel discussions, and the legendary Lit Crawl — a night where bars and bookshops across the Mission host simultaneous literary events and you hop between them. It’s nerdy, it’s fun, and it involves alcohol and books, which is basically my ideal combination.
• Halloween in the Castro (October 31): While the massive street party of decades past has been scaled back, the Castro still goes all out for Halloween. Expect elaborate costumes, bar events, and a festive atmosphere. Many bars and clubs host costume parties throughout the week leading up to Halloween. The costume creativity in this city is unmatched.

October weather tip: Still warm — highs in the 65-72°F range. Second summer continues through most of October. Light layers for daytime, a jacket for evenings. Perfect festival weather.

November: Honoring the Dead and Welcoming the Holidays

November has a special energy in SF — a mix of reflection and anticipation as the city transitions from fall into the holiday season.

• Dia de los Muertos (November 2 and surrounding days): The Mission District’s Day of the Dead celebration is deeply moving and beautiful. There’s a community procession through the neighborhood, with participants in elaborate face paint and costumes carrying altars (ofrendas) honoring loved ones who have passed. Garfield Park usually hosts a community altar and celebration. This isn’t a party — it’s a cultural and spiritual event, and it’s one of the most meaningful things I’ve experienced in SF. Be respectful, observe, and take it in.
• SF Comedy Festival (early November): A multi-day comedy festival across various venues, featuring both established and up-and-coming comedians. It’s a nice complement to Sketchfest in January — SF really does have an incredible comedy scene.
• Holiday markets start (mid-to-late November): The holiday shopping season kicks off with markets at Fort Mason, the Ferry Building, and Union Square. The Fort Mason craft fair is my personal favorite — great for unique gifts from local makers. The Ferry Building holiday market is also wonderful (and conveniently located near excellent food).

November weather tip: Cooling down — highs around 60°F. Rain starts returning. The daylight hours get short fast. A warm jacket and layers are your friends.

December: Holiday Magic in the City

San Francisco does the holidays beautifully. There’s a warmth to the season here — both from the community and from the fact that 50°F in December feels practically balmy compared to most of the country.

• Great Dickens Christmas Fair (weekends from late November through late December): I wrote a whole article about this one because I love it that much. It’s an immersive Victorian-era Christmas experience at the Cow Palace, complete with costumed performers, period food and drink (the hot cider and meat pies are excellent), shopping, and theatrical performances. It’s like stepping into a Dickens novel — cheesy in the best way. Buy tickets in advance as it does sell out on peak weekends.
• Union Square Tree Lighting (day after Thanksgiving): The official kickoff to the holiday season. The tree is massive — usually around 80 feet tall — and the lighting ceremony includes live performances and a generally festive atmosphere. Union Square also hosts an ice rink and holiday market throughout December, making it a nice one-stop holiday outing.
• Embarcadero Center Ice Rink (November through January): A holiday tradition — outdoor ice skating with views of the Ferry Building and the Bay. It’s not the biggest rink, but the setting is lovely, especially at night with the holiday lights.
• Holiday lights: Various neighborhoods go all out with light displays. The Macy’s windows at Union Square are a classic, and several residential streets in neighborhoods like Noe Valley and the Richmond District put on impressive displays. The Embarcadero waterfront lights are also beautiful for an evening stroll. For something different, check out the Entwined light installation in Golden Gate Park’s Peacock Meadow — it’s free and magical after dark.

December weather tip: Cool and sometimes rainy, but rarely truly cold — highs around 55-58°F. A warm coat for evening events, especially outdoor ones like ice skating or light viewing. The good news: no snow to deal with (sorry, or you’re welcome, depending on your feelings about snow).

Seasonal Pro Tips for SF Events

What Should I Know About Attending Events in SF?

• Transportation: Drive to almost none of these. Seriously. Parking at major SF events ranges from “difficult” to “laughable.” Take Muni, BART, a rideshare, or — my favorite — bike. The city is very bikeable, and many events have bike parking.
• Free events fill up: Free events like Stern Grove, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, and Tulip Day draw enormous crowds. Arrive early. For Stern Grove, “early” means 90+ minutes before the show. For Hardly Strictly, getting there when the gates open gives you the best pick of spots.
• Book ahead for paid events: Outside Lands, Great Dickens Fair, and Restaurant Week all sell out or fill up. Don’t wait until the last minute.
• The weather is always a variable: I’ve said it about 47 times in this article, but I’ll say it again: dress in layers. A sunny afternoon can turn into a foggy, windy evening in an hour. Bringing a small backpack with a fleece or light jacket is never a bad idea.
• Food is part of the event: This is San Francisco — every festival, fair, and event has an incredible food component. Budget for eating, and come hungry. Your best food finds often happen at street fairs and cultural festivals.

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FAQ: San Francisco Events Calendar 2026

What is the biggest event in San Francisco?

SF Pride (late June) is the largest event by attendance, drawing over a million visitors. Outside Lands (August) is the biggest music festival. For a free event, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (October) is the standout — it regularly draws 500,000+ people over three days in Golden Gate Park, and it’s completely free.

What are the best free events in San Francisco in 2026?

San Francisco has an incredible number of free events. The top ones include: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (October), Stern Grove Festival (Sundays, June-August), Tulip Day (March, 80,000 free tulips in Union Square), the Chinese New Year Parade (February), Fleet Week air shows (October), and Dia de los Muertos procession (November). More free events here.

What is the best month to visit San Francisco for events?

October is my top pick — you get Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Fleet Week, Litquake, and Halloween, all with the best weather of the year. June is a close second for Pride and the start of Stern Grove, though the fog can be a factor. February is great if you want to experience the Lunar New Year Parade.

Is San Francisco cold in the summer?

Yes, genuinely. July and August are SF’s foggiest, coolest months, especially on the western side of the city. Average summer highs are only around 64-67°F, and evenings can drop into the low 50s. Always bring layers to summer events. The warmest months are actually September and October — SF’s “second summer.” More surprising SF facts here.

Where can I find last-minute event listings for SF?

I recommend checking Funcheap SF for free and cheap events, SF Travel for visitor-focused events, and the SF Chronicle’s events section for comprehensive listings. I also share monthly picks and seasonal recommendations right here on Ask Me SF.

Have a question about a specific SF event? Drop it in the comments or DM me on Instagram @askme_sf — I love hearing what events you’re excited about.