Made in SF with ❤️
Last updated: February 2026
TL;DR: San Francisco packs an absurd amount of events into one city — from the largest Pride parade in the world to a completely free three-day music festival in Golden Gate Park to the FIFA World Cup and Super Bowl both happening in the Bay Area in the same year. Here’s every major event worth knowing about in 2026, month by month, from someone who’s been to most of them.
I’ve been keeping a mental calendar of SF events since I moved here, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years in the city’s recent history. The Super Bowl, the FIFA World Cup, America’s 250th birthday — all happening in the Bay Area this year, on top of the festivals, street fairs, and cultural celebrations that make this city feel alive year-round.
Here’s what you need to know, month by month. I’ll tell you which ones I’ve actually been to, which ones are worth the effort, and which ones you should skip.
January
SF Sketchfest
Dates: January 15 – February 1
Location: Multiple venues across San Francisco
Cost: Paid ($30+)
Website: sfsketchfest.com
SF’s comedy festival features 200+ shows with 500+ performers — sketch, stand-up, improv, live podcasts, and special events. 2026 performers included Maria Bamford, Chelsea Peretti, and Kristen Schaal. If you’re a comedy nerd, this is your two weeks. And if you’ve never heard of Shamilton — the Hamilton parody show that’s become a Sketchfest institution — it’s a must-see. Trust me on this one.
Downtown First Thursdays (Monthly, All Year)
Dates: First Thursday of every month
Location: Second Street, between Market and Howard
Cost: Free
This monthly block party has become a staple of downtown SF’s revival. Live music, DJs, food trucks, drag performances, dancing — all free, all ages. It’s one of those things that makes you feel like the city is genuinely coming back.
February
Super Bowl LX
Dates: February 2–8 (game day: February 8 at Levi’s Stadium)
Location: Moscone Center, Yerba Buena Gardens, Union Square, Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara)
Cost: Super Bowl Experience requires tickets; Union Square Fan Zone is free; game tickets $$$
The Bay Area hosted the biggest sporting event in America this year. Moscone Center transformed into an immersive NFL fan experience, there were fan zones throughout the city, and Sting performed at the Palace of Fine Arts. Whether you cared about the game or not, the energy in the city was electric.
Lunar New Year — Year of the Horse
Dates: Lunar New Year begins February 17
Key events:
- Flower Market Fair: February 14–15 (Grant Street, Chinatown)
- Chinese New Year Parade: Saturday, March 7 (starts 5:15 PM, 2nd & Market)
Cost: Free
Website: chineseparade.com
The Chinese New Year Parade is one of the largest outside of Asia, and it’s a genuinely spectacular experience — elaborate floats, firecrackers, lion dances, and a 268-foot Golden Dragon snaking through the streets. The Flower Market Fair in Chinatown a few weeks before is also worth visiting — it’s the place to buy fresh flowers, fruits, and candies to welcome the new year. Go early because it gets packed.
Noise Pop Festival
Dates: February 19 – March 1
Location: 25+ venues across San Francisco
Cost: Paid (individual show tickets $15–50; festival badges available)
Website: noisepop.com
An 11-day indie music and arts festival showcasing 160+ bands across 25+ venues. Noise Pop has been a Bay Area staple since 1993, and it’s how a lot of locals discover their next favorite band. Smaller, more intimate than Outside Lands — more about the music, less about the scene.
SF Beer Week
Dates: February 20 – March 1
Location: Breweries and bars throughout the Bay Area
Cost: Varies (many events free)
Website: sfbeerweek.org
Ten days of beer releases, tap takeovers, food pairings, and brewery tours across the Bay Area. If you like craft beer, this is your Super Bowl (on top of the actual Super Bowl happening the same month). Check out our guide to the best beer spots in SF for where to celebrate.
Red Bull Showrun
Dates: Saturday, February 21, 1–4 PM
Location: Marina Blvd along Marina Green
Cost: Free
Formula One cars doing laps along the SF waterfront? For free? Yeah, this was a good day. Oracle Red Bull Racing brought actual F1 cars to Marina Boulevard for a demonstration run. Even if you’re not an F1 fan, hearing those engines echo off the waterfront is something else.
March
Bouquets to Art
Dates: March 3–8 (Opening Night: March 2)
Location: de Young Museum, Golden Gate Park
Cost: Museum admission (~$15); Opening Night is a separate ticketed fundraiser
Website: famsf.org
Over 120 floral designers create arrangements inspired by artworks in the museum’s collection. It’s a gorgeous collision of flowers and fine art, and one of the most beautiful things you can see in the city all year. If you’re visiting Golden Gate Park, time it around this.
Chinese New Year Parade
Dates: Saturday, March 7 at 5:15 PM
Location: 2nd & Market Street through Chinatown
Cost: Free (bleacher seats available for purchase)
Website: chineseparade.com
See February listing above — the parade itself happens in March. Get there early for a good spot along the route.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
Dates: Saturday, March 14
- Parade: 11:30 AM (2nd & Market to Civic Center)
- Festival: 11 AM – 5 PM (Civic Center Plaza)
Cost: Free
The 175th anniversary of SF’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade — one of the largest in the country, with over 100,000 people lining Market Street. The festival at Civic Center has live Irish music, food, and a block party atmosphere.
San Francisco Tulip Day
Dates: Saturday, March 21, 1–4:30 PM
Location: Union Square
Cost: Free
80,000 Dutch tulips cover Union Square and you can pick up to 8 for free. It’s beautiful, it’s wholesome, and the line is very long — don’t try to queue before 9 AM (they’ll turn you away), gates open at 1 PM.
Castro Night Market (Season Opener)
Dates: Third Friday of every month, March through September, 5–9 PM
Location: 18th Street, Castro
Cost: Free
Website: castronightmarket.com
A pedestrian-friendly night market with food vendors, live music, drag performances, and local artisans. This is one of those neighborhood events that just makes you love living here.
SF Giants Opening Day
Dates: Wednesday, March 25
Location: Oracle Park
Cost: Paid (tickets vary)
Website: mlb.com/giants
The Giants open the 2026 season at home against the New York Yankees — the first game of the entire MLB season. If you haven’t been to Oracle Park yet, this is as good a reason as any. The ballpark is stunning, the garlic fries are iconic, and there’s nothing quite like baseball on the Bay.
April
Cherry Blossom Festival
Dates: April 11–12 and April 18–19, 11 AM – 5 PM
- Grand Parade: Sunday, April 19 at 1 PM
Location: Japantown Peace Plaza
Cost: Free
Website: sfcherryblossom.org
The largest cherry blossom celebration on the West Coast, drawing over 220,000 people over two weekends. Traditional Japanese performances, taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations, food, and a Grand Parade stretching over a mile from Civic Center to Japantown. It’s one of the most vibrant cultural events in the city.
SF Restaurant Week (Spring)
Dates: April 10–19
Location: Restaurants citywide
Cost: Special prix-fixe menus ($15–65)
Website: sfrestaurantweek.com
This is a great time to try those restaurants you’ve been eyeing — many offer special multi-course menus at accessible price points. Check our best restaurants guide for ideas on where to go.
San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM)
Dates: April 24 – May 4
Location: Multiple venues
Cost: Paid (individual screenings and passes)
Website: sffilm.org
The 69th edition of the longest-running film festival in the Americas. Eleven days of screenings, talks, parties, and industry events. Even if you’re not a film buff, catching a screening or two here always feels like a treat.
May
Bay to Breakers
Dates: Sunday, May 17
Location: Embarcadero to Ocean Beach (12K course)
Cost: Registration ~$60–100
Website: baytobreakers.com
Bay to Breakers is… a lot. It’s technically a footrace — 12K from the Bay to the ocean — but it’s really a city-wide costume party that just happens to involve running (or walking, or stumbling). Thousands of costumed runners cross the city, including the infamous Hayes Street hill, and the creativity is genuinely impressive. Some people take it seriously as a race. Most people do not. I’ve both watched and walked part of the route, and the spectating is honestly just as fun as participating — the costumes, the energy, the pure weirdness of it all.
If you’re visiting SF in May, this is worth experiencing at least once, even just as a spectator. Just be prepared for some… creative interpretations of “costume.”
Carnaval San Francisco
Dates: May 23–24
- Festival: Sat–Sun, 11 AM – 6 PM
- Grand Parade: Sunday, May 24, 10 AM – 2 PM
Location: Mission District (Harrison Street, 16th to 24th)
Cost: Free
Website: carnavalsanfrancisco.org
The largest multicultural celebration in California — 17 blocks of the Mission District with five stages, 50+ performers, 400+ vendors, samba dancers, lowriders, and elaborate costumes celebrating Latin American and Caribbean cultures. The energy is incredible. This is the Mission District at its most alive.
Union Street Festival
Dates: May 31 – June 1, 11 AM – 7 PM
Location: Union Street (Fillmore to Gough), Cow Hollow
Cost: Free
One of SF’s longest-running street fairs — live music, arts, food, and a neighborhood celebration along one of the city’s most charming shopping streets.
June
FIFA World Cup 2026 — Bay Area Matches
Dates: Six matches at Levi’s Stadium:
- June 13: Qatar vs. Switzerland
- June 16: Australia vs. Jordan
- June 19: Group Stage Match
- June 22: Jordan vs. Algeria
- June 25: Paraguay vs. Australia
- July 1: Round of 32 Knockout Match
Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
Cost: Paid ($50–$500+)
Website: sftravel.com/fifaworldcup26
The World Cup is coming to the Bay Area — six matches at Levi’s Stadium, including a knockout round game. I am genuinely excited about this one. This is a once-in-a-generation event for the city, and the fan zones and watch parties throughout SF are going to be incredible. Between the Super Bowl in February and the World Cup in June, 2026 is going to be a year the Bay Area talks about for a long time.
Juneteenth SF Freedom Celebration
Dates: Saturday, June 14, 11 AM – 6 PM
Location: Fillmore District (8 city blocks)
Cost: Free
Website: juneteenth-sf.org
Spanning eight blocks of the historic Fillmore District — once known as the “Harlem of the West” — this celebration features performances, vendors, exhibitions, and community programming honoring Black freedom and culture.
Stern Grove Festival (Every Sunday, June–August)
Dates: Every Sunday, June 14 – August 16, at 2 PM
Location: Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove, 19th Ave & Sloat Blvd
Cost: Free
Website: sterngrove.org
Free Sunday afternoon concerts in a stunning eucalyptus-lined natural amphitheater. Stern Grove is one of the longest-running free music festivals in the country, and it’s genuinely one of my favorite things about living in San Francisco. The genres range from symphony to rock to world music, the setting is magical — this eucalyptus grove that feels like another world — and the price is right. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and get there early for a good spot.
Frameline (LGBTQ+ Film Festival)
Dates: June 17–27
Location: Castro Theatre and venues across SF and Oakland
Cost: Paid
Website: frameline.org
The 50th anniversary of the world’s longest-running, largest LGBTQ+ film festival. Eleven days of screenings at the newly renovated Castro Theatre and other venues. A landmark anniversary for a landmark event.
SF Pride Celebration & Parade
Dates: June 27–28
- Saturday: Celebration at Civic Center Plaza, 11 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday: Parade down Market Street at 10:30 AM, Celebration 11 AM – 6 PM
Cost: Free
Website: sfpride.org
One of the largest and most iconic Pride celebrations in the world. The parade down Market Street is a powerful, joyful, sometimes overwhelming experience — rainbow flags as far as you can see, music from every direction, and an energy that’s genuinely unique. I’ve participated in the parade and it’s one of those experiences that stays with you — the love and joy radiating from the crowd is something you can physically feel. The Civic Center celebration has 20+ stages. Whether you’re part of the community or an ally, this is one of those events that defines San Francisco.
July
Fourth of July Fireworks
Dates: Saturday, July 4
Location: Fisherman’s Wharf, PIER 39, Aquatic Park, Crissy Field
Cost: Free
Fireworks launched from two barges on the Bay at ~9:30 PM, visible from viewpoints all over the city. Best viewing from Fisherman’s Wharf, Crissy Field, and the Marina. Fair warning: the fog frequently rolls in and obscures the fireworks. But watching fireworks through fog is kind of a quintessentially San Francisco experience, so maybe just embrace it.
For the best fireworks viewing spots, check our best views in SF guide.
Fillmore Jazz Festival
Dates: July 4–5
Location: Fillmore Street, Fillmore District
Cost: Free
Website: fillmorejazzfest.com
One of the West Coast’s largest free jazz festivals, in the historic district that gave us John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Billie Holiday. Multiple stages, food vendors, and a celebration of the Fillmore’s legendary jazz heritage. Great way to spend the 4th of July weekend.
San Francisco Marathon
Dates: July 25–26 (full marathon starts 5:15 AM Sunday)
Location: Start/Finish at the Embarcadero; course crosses Golden Gate Bridge
Cost: Registration ~$130–200
Website: thesfmarathon.com
One of the most scenic marathons in the world — the course crosses the Golden Gate Bridge, runs through the Presidio and Golden Gate Park, and follows the waterfront. Even if you’re not running, spectating at the bridge crossing is pretty spectacular. Half marathon, 10K, and 5K options are also available.
August
Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival
Dates: August 7–9
Location: Golden Gate Park
Cost: Paid (3-day GA passes from ~$60; single-day from ~$30; VIP tiers higher)
Website: sfoutsidelands.com
SF’s premier music festival draws ~225,000 people over three days in Golden Gate Park. Major headliners across multiple genres, art installations, and the beloved Gastromagic and Wine Lands culinary experiences. I’ll be honest — I haven’t actually been yet (I know, I know). The fog and cold in Golden Gate Park in August is no joke, so layer up. But everyone I know who goes raves about it, and the food and wine programming sets it apart from every other music festival.
Stern Grove Festival (continues)
Free Sunday concerts through August 16. See June listing.
September
Opera in the Park
Dates: Sunday, September 13 at 1:30 PM
Location: Robin Williams Meadow, Golden Gate Park
Cost: Free
Website: sfopera.com/operainthepark
The SF Opera Orchestra performs an outdoor concert with arias and duets in Golden Gate Park. It’s free, it draws 10,000+ people, and it’s one of those events that reminds you how cultured this city is. Bring a picnic.
Autumn Moon Festival
Dates: Typically a weekend in mid-to-late September (2026 dates TBD)
Location: Chinatown, Grant Avenue
Cost: Free
Website: moonfestival.org
Mid-Autumn Festival celebration in Chinatown with traditional performances, lion dances, mooncakes, and cultural exhibits. Smaller and more intimate than the Chinese New Year Parade, but lovely.
Folsom Street Fair
Dates: Sunday, September 27
Location: Folsom Street, 8th to 13th Streets, SoMa
Cost: Suggested donation (~$15)
Website: folsomstreet.org
The world’s largest leather and fetish event, drawing 250,000+ people. I’ll just say this: it is exactly what you think it is, and then some. Adults only. Very much adults only.
October
This is my favorite month in San Francisco. The weather is the best all year, the fog takes a break, and the events calendar is stacked.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Dates: October 2–4 (Friday–Sunday)
Location: Golden Gate Park (Hellman Hollow, Lindley Meadow, Marx Meadow)
Cost: Free
Website: hardlystrictlybluegrass.com
This is, along with Stern Grove, one of my absolute favorite things about living in San Francisco. A completely free, three-day music festival in Golden Gate Park — 150,000+ people daily — featuring bluegrass, folk, Americana, country, and more across multiple stages. The name says “bluegrass” but it’s hardly strictly that — you’ll hear everything from indie rock to gospel to world music.
Bring your own food and drinks (check the website for rules — no glass). Arrive early for good spots near the stages. And just… soak it in. There is nothing else like this in any city in America. It’s a gift to San Francisco from the Warren Hellman family, and it’s been running since 2001. Don’t miss it.
SF Fleet Week
Dates: October 4–12
- Air Show: October 9–11
- Blue Angels: October 10–11
Location: SF waterfront (Marina, Crissy Field, Fisherman’s Wharf, Embarcadero)
Cost: Free
Website: fleetweeksf.org
Ship tours, military exhibitions, and the main attraction: the Blue Angels flying between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. You’ll hear them practicing for days before the show, and honestly? It never gets old. The best way to watch is from a friend’s rooftop if you can swing it — the views are unbeatable. One important note: if you have pets, Fleet Week is rough. The jet noise is extremely loud and can be really stressful for dogs and cats. Tino (my cat) is not a fan. Plan accordingly — keep pets indoors, and consider calming treats or a white noise machine during the air show hours. 2026 celebrates America’s 250th birthday and the Blue Angels’ 80th anniversary. Best viewing from Crissy Field or Marina Green.
Castro Street Fair
Dates: Sunday, October 4
Location: Castro Street, Castro District
Cost: Free (suggested donation)
Website: castrostreetfair.org
Annual neighborhood street fair with live music, food, and community vibes. Always the first Sunday of October.
Litquake
Dates: October 8–24
Location: Multiple venues citywide
Cost: Many events free; some ticketed
Website: litquake.org
SF’s city-wide literary festival — author readings, panels, and the signature “Lit Crawl,” a bar-hopping literary event where you stumble between bookstores and bars listening to authors read. One of those uniquely San Francisco things.
SF Open Studios
Dates: Multiple weekends in October–November
Location: Artists’ studios across all SF neighborhoods
Cost: Free
Website: artspan.org
Hundreds of artists open their studios to the public across every neighborhood. Meet local artists, watch them work, and buy directly. I’ve written about Open Studios on Ocean Avenue before — it’s one of my favorite ways to discover new art and support local creators.
Italian Heritage Parade
Dates: Sunday, October 11 at 12:30 PM
Location: Fisherman’s Wharf through North Beach on Columbus Avenue
Cost: Free
The 157th edition of the country’s oldest Italian American parade, coinciding with Fleet Week. Marching bands, floats, and a procession through North Beach. Grab a cannoli afterward.
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Dates: Late October – November 2
Location: Mission District (processions on 24th Street)
Cost: Free (most events)
Website: dayofthedeadsf.org
The Mission District’s Día de los Muertos celebration is one of the most moving events in the city — processions along 24th Street, community altars (ofrendas), art, music, marigolds, and face painting honoring deceased loved ones. It’s beautiful and deeply felt.
November
La Cocina Street Food Festival
Dates: TBD (typically early November)
Location: China Basin Park, Mission Bay waterfront
Cost: Paid (tickets required)
Website: lacocinasf.org
Produced by La Cocina, celebrating food businesses owned by women and people of color. Dozens of food vendors, live music, and some of the best food you’ll eat all year.
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair (Opens)
Dates: November 21 – December 20 (5 weekends, plus Black Friday)
Location: Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, Daly City
Cost: Adults $45; Youth (5–12) $25
Website: dickensfair.com
Over four acres of the Cow Palace transformed into Victorian London. Winding lanes, pubs, theatres, dance parties, costumed characters — it’s a whole world. I’ve written a full review of the Dickens Fair if you want the honest take. Short version: it’s a lot of fun if you lean into it. Tickets go on sale October 1 and popular weekends sell out.
December
SF Ballet’s Nutcracker
Dates: December 5–28
Location: War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave
Cost: Paid (ticket prices vary)
Website: sfballet.org
SF Ballet’s Nutcracker was historically the first full-length Nutcracker performed in the United States. Tchaikovsky’s score, stunning choreography, the whole thing. There’s also a sensory-friendly performance on December 28, which I think is wonderful.
Union Square Ice Rink
Dates: Early November through mid-January
Location: Union Square
Cost: ~$19–22 including skate rental
Website: unionsquareicerink.com
Outdoor ice skating surrounded by holiday lights and the massive Macy’s Christmas tree. Is it touristy? Yes. Is it also kind of magical at night? Also yes. It’s one of those tourist attractions that even locals enjoy.
Illuminate SF / Let’s Glow SF
Dates: Early December through early January (nightly, 5:30–10 PM)
Location: Citywide — Ferry Building, Salesforce Tower, Yerba Buena, Embarcadero
Cost: Free
Website: sftravel.com/illuminate-sf
Over 60 light art installations transform the city at night — high-tech projections on buildings, interactive light sculptures, guided tours. It’s genuinely beautiful and completely free. A great excuse for an evening walk along the Embarcadero.
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair (continues)
Through December 20. See November listing.
Holiday Classics
A few more December highlights:
- Macy’s Holiday Windows at Union Square — featuring adoptable animals from the SF SPCA. Go visit the puppies.
- PIER 39 Holiday Tree Lighting — synchronized light shows nightly.
- Embarcadero Center Holiday Tree — 17,000 lights decorating the towers.
Year-Round Recurring Events
These happen regularly throughout the year:
| Event | When | Where | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown First Thursdays | First Thursday, monthly | 2nd Street (Market to Howard) | Free |
| Castro Night Market | Third Friday, Mar–Sep | 18th Street, Castro | Free |
| SF Giants Season | Late March – October | Oracle Park | Paid |
| SF 49ers Season | September – January | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara | Paid |
| Lakehouse Jazz | Every Fri & Sat, 7:30–9:30 PM | Blue Heron Boathouse, Golden Gate Park | ~$37 |
| First Caturday | First Saturday, monthly | Dolores Park | Free |
The Big Events of 2026 at a Glance
This is a special year for the Bay Area. Here are the three events that set 2026 apart:
- Super Bowl LX (February 8) — the biggest single sporting event of the year, right here
- FIFA World Cup (June–July) — six matches at Levi’s Stadium; the world is literally watching
- America’s 250th Birthday — expect patriotic themes woven into Fleet Week, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, July 4th celebrations, and more
Combined with the AI boom revitalizing the city, 2026 is going to be a year San Francisco talks about for a long time.
Tips for Planning Around Events
If you’re visiting SF: Check this calendar before booking your trip. Major events like Pride, Fleet Week, and Outside Lands mean higher hotel prices and bigger crowds. That said, visiting during an event can be the highlight of your trip — just plan accordingly.
Weather matters: SF’s weather is famously unpredictable. June through August events (Stern Grove, Outside Lands, Pride) can be foggy and cold — always bring layers. September and October events (Hardly Strictly, Fleet Week) usually get the best weather of the year.
Getting around: Most events are accessible by Muni or BART. Don’t even think about driving to Bay to Breakers, Pride, or Fleet Week — take transit or a Waymo.
Free is your friend: Many of SF’s best events are completely free — Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Stern Grove, Fleet Week air show, Carnaval, Pride Parade, Cherry Blossom Festival. Check out our complete free things to do guide for more.
FAQ: San Francisco Events 2026
What are the biggest events in San Francisco in 2026?
The three marquee events are Super Bowl LX (February 8 at Levi’s Stadium), the FIFA World Cup (six matches in June–July), and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (October 2–4, completely free in Golden Gate Park). SF Pride (June 27–28) and Outside Lands (August 7–9) are also major draws.
What free events are there in San Francisco?
Many of the best SF events are free: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (3-day music festival), Stern Grove Festival (Sunday concerts June–August), Carnaval (Mission District, May), Cherry Blossom Festival (Japantown, April), Chinese New Year Parade (March), Fleet Week air show (October), and Downtown First Thursdays (monthly). San Francisco is actually one of the best cities for free events.
When is the best time to visit San Francisco for events?
October is arguably the best month — you get Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Fleet Week, Open Studios, and the best weather of the year. June is packed with Pride, Stern Grove, and the World Cup. February has Super Bowl events, Lunar New Year, and Noise Pop.
Is the FIFA World Cup happening in San Francisco in 2026?
Yes — six FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara (designated as the “San Francisco Bay Area” venue). Five group stage games and one Round of 32 knockout match are scheduled for June 13 through July 1.
What music festivals are in San Francisco?
The big ones: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (free, October), Outside Lands (paid, August), Noise Pop (paid, February), Stern Grove (free, Sundays June–August), and Fillmore Jazz Festival (free, July 4th weekend). SF has one of the strongest live music scenes in the country.
