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San Francisco Events in October 2026
By: Jill Loeffler • Updated: September 3, 2026
San Francisco events in October range from massive free festivals to Broadway, big concerts, and one of the best stretches of sports in the year.
It's also the warmest, clearest month we get here. If you've heard the city is cold and foggy, October proves otherwise. There's a lot happening, so here's what you can expect around the city this month.
October opens with Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, one of the biggest free music festivals in the country. Over three days, hundreds of thousands of people fill Golden Gate Park, and it costs nothing to attend.
Then comes Fleet Week. The waterfront fills up, and the Blue Angels roar over the bay on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. Find a spot along the northern waterfront and look up. You'll hear them before you see them.
And these are just two of the dozens of festivals happening around the city this month.
October is a big sports month here, too. The 49ers play down south at Levi's Stadium, and the Golden State Warriors open with preseason games before their season tips off around mid-month.
There's plenty on stage as well: Broadway shows, big concerts at venues around town, and top comedians most nights of the week.
San Francisco loves Halloween. Every year brings dozens of 21+ parties, kid-friendly events, and neighborhoods worth walking just for the decorations.
And if you'd rather be out exploring, October is one of the best months to get on the water or head up to Napa, where the harvest is in full swing.
Planning a trip to San Francisco this October?
A few things I'd book ahead this time of year:
- Napa & Sonoma Day Tour: harvest is in full swing, the busiest and prettiest time to go
- 60-Minute Bay Cruise: October's clear skies make it the best month on the water
- Alcatraz Tour: sells out fastest in fall; book before you arrive
SFTourismTips is made possible by readers like you! If you book through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! Learn more.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Roseanne Cash on stage at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in Golden Gate Park. One of my favorite free festivals every year.Dates: 10/2 - 10/4
If you love live music, then don't miss our biggest annual music festival every October, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. Over three days, free music fills several stages throughout Golden Gate Park.
You can bring along your own food and drinks, or buy your goodies at one of more than 50 gourmet food and beverage vendors.
>> Find out who's playing this year and how to get there
Fleet Week
A formation of all six Blue Angels flying over the Golden Gate Bridge during the Fleet Week airshowDates: 10/4 - 10/12
Location: Fisherman's Wharf & Waterfront
San Francisco's annual Fleet Week event is a week-long celebration of US military pride. One of the highlights is the Blue Angels' performances, who take to the skies during the airshow on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons.
Other festivities include the Parade of Ships, ship tours, and live music performances throughout the city.
It's by far the biggest San Francisco event in October.
>> Get the full Fleet Week schedule and photos of what to expect
Halloween Activities
Date: 10/31
San Francisco is one of the best places to celebrate Halloween each year. In 2026, Halloween falls on a Saturday, so the weekend will be packed with fun activities.
You will find everything ranging from trick-or-treating to 21+ costume party cruises around the SF Bay.
My insider's guide includes the best options across multiple days of festivities, including some of the biggest San Francisco events in October.
>> Visit the Halloween page for a complete list of this year's activities
Sporting Events in San Francisco in October
October is the perfect time to watch one of our professional or semi-professional teams in action. This month, the Golden State Warriors kick off their season at the Chase Center. The 49ers take the field at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, and the San Jose Sharks are on the ice at the SAP Center.
- Golden State Warriors, Chase Center in SF: Preseason games, 10/6, 10/10, 10/16; Regular season games, 10/23, 10/30
- San Francisco 49ers, Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara: 10/4, 10/19
- San Jose Sharks, SAP Center in San Jose: 10/1, 10/3, 10/10, 10/13, 10/27, 10/29 & 10/31
- San Jose Earthquakes, Paypal Park in San Jose: 10/10, 10/14, 10/24
- Oakland Roots SC, Oakland Coliseum: 10/10
>> More sporting events by month in San Francisco
Theater Performances in October
If you love action-packed performances, Dear San Francisco is one you don't want to miss. It's part theater and part Cirque du Soleil, and it's VERY San Francisco.This October in San Francisco, you will find several performances at our local theaters. These are just a few of the top performances.
- Oh Mary, Curran Theatre, 10/13 - 11/1
- Peter Pan Goes Wrong, SF Playhouse, September 26 - November 28
- Little Shop of Horrors, New Conservatory Theater, September 12 - October 18
- Dear San Francisco - Club Fugazi, ongoing
- A Case for the Existence of God, New Conservatory Theater, October 17 - November 15
- Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest, Toni Rembe Theater, September 22 - October 18
- Mary, Queen of Scots, SF Opera at the War Memorial Opera House, October 2 & 4
- Manon, SF Opera at the War Memorial Opera House, October 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, & 30
- The Marriage of Figaro, SF Opera at the War Memorial Opera House, October 31
Find all theater shows and tickets for October 2026.
>> Get a calendar of additional theater performances in San Francisco this month
Museums: Free Days, Exhibits, & Other Museum Events
Free Museum Days
SF boasts several world-renowned museums, but visiting all of them can be pricey.
Luckily, each month, there are several free admission days!
These free admissions include access to these museums' permanent collections and you will need to pay extra for any special exhibits.
Some require booking book tickets in advance online, as they are among the most popular San Francisco events in October.
>> Find out which San Francisco museums offer free days in October
Museum Exhibits
San Francisco has a wealth of interesting, beautiful, and diverse museums, offering fascinating exhibits year-round.
Here are some of my top picks for this October 2026:
- RM x SFMOMA (curated by RM of BTS) opens 10/3 at SFMOMA
- Treasures of the Pharaohs at the de Young Museum
- Kim Minwook: On Carving, Bending and Binding Wood at the Asian Art Museum
>> Check out the complete list and exact dates for the top museums
Entry Tickets to Top SF Museums
Live Music & Concerts
This month, there are shows at more than a dozen venues around San Francisco. Top spots include the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, the Masonic Center, the Chase Center, and the Fillmore.
Here are some of the top performances. I've included links to tickets for each show to make it easier.
- 10/2: Gillian Welch & David Rawlings at the Fillmore
- 10/3 - 10/11: My Morning Jacket at the Fillmore
- 10/7: The Neighbourhood at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
- 10/10 - 10/11: Bruno Mars, Raye & DJ Pee.Wee at Levi's Stadium
- 10/14: Sex Pistols (Steve Jones, Paul Cook & Glen Matlock) at the Warfield
- 10/16: Iron & Wine at the Castro Theatre
- 10/18: Dinosaur Jr. & Stef Chura at the Castro Theatre
- 10/19: Doja Cat at the Chase Center
- 10/24: Marc Rebillet, Franc Moody & Chromeo: Block Party and After Party at the Midway
- 10/24: Jodeci at The Masonic
- 10/27 & 10/28: Phoebe Bridgers at the Chase Center
- 10/29 & 10/30: The Chicks at The Masonic
- 10/31: Eric Prydz at Pier 48
>> More concerts around San Francisco in October
More Live Music & Performances Around SF
SF Symphony
The world-renowned San Francisco Symphony offers more than one hundred events each year, and people from all over come to the elegant Davies Symphony Hall to see their most anticipated San Francisco events in October.
Here are this month's top performances:
- 10/2: A Concert for MTT at 7:30 pm
- 10/16 - 10/18: Dvorak Symphony No. 8
- 10/29 - 10/31: Elim Chan Conducts Adams and Mendelssohn
>> Full October SF Symphony calendar
Comedy Performances
If you're looking for a lighthearted night of comedy, you'll find plenty of shows in San Francisco almost every night of the week.
These shows include famous stand-up comedians, local stars, improv troupes, and comic musicals. It's a great way to spend an evening in the City by the Bay.
Here are just a few top shows to check out this month:
- 10/2: Bassem Youssef at the Palace of Fine Arts
- 10/9 & 10/10: Zarna Garg at the Palace of Fine Arts
- 10/15 & 10/16: Laura Ramoso at The Masonic
- 10/17: Daniel Sloss at The Masonic
- 10/24 & 10/25: Lucas Zelnick at the Palace of Fine Arts
- 10/26 - 10/28: Fred Armisen at the Castro Theatre
Festivals & Street Fairs
Italian Heritage Parade & Festival
Date: 10/11
San Francisco is home to the country's oldest Italian American Parade, which takes place annually as part of the Columbus Day celebration.
Follow the parade of floats, bands, and traditional Italian musicians from Fisherman's Wharf to the heart of North Beach (SF's Little Italy), where it will conclude at a small festival in Washington Square Park.
It's one of the top family-friendly San Francisco events in October.
South Asian Film Festival
Dates: October 9 - 11
This film festival is a can't-miss event for anyone intrigued by South Asian cultures and it includes stories from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet, and Afghanistan.
Enjoy everything from documentaries to Bollywood over three days of screenings at the Roxie Theater.
>> See all the festivals happening this month in SF
Cine+Mas, Latino Film Festival
Dates: October 12 - November 6
This film festival features unique works from filmmakers from the US, Latin America, Spain, and Portugal.
Films will be screened at several venues around the city, including the Brava Theater Center, the Opera Plaza Cinema, and Galleria de la Raza.
Tickets are available for purchase for individual screenings, for five films, or for the entire festival.
Bearrison Street Fair
Date: 10/17
Join the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and the Bears of San Francisco for the annual Bearrison Street Fair. You'll find entertainment, drinks, food, and lots of dancing in the streets.
The festival is along Harrison Street near 11th Street. It runs from 12 pm to 6 pm.
>> Visit their site for more information
Litquake
Date: 10/8 - 10/24
Every year, SF's longest-running literary festival brings light to great reads and the world of literature through a variety of venues, including churches, bookstores, and even popular bars.
For over a week, you get to engage with authors, participate in workshops, attend panel discussions and group readings, and more.
>> Check out the full schedule of events and locations
Castro Street Fair
Date: 10/4
This year marks the 52nd anniversary of the Castro Street Fair, which was founded by Harvey Milk to celebrate the LGBT community and their supporters.
The all-day (11 am - 6 pm) fair features gourmet food, live music on two stages, lots of dancing in the streets, and more.
Join the fun at Market and Castro Streets, in the heart of the colorful, lively Castro District. It's one of the most talked-about San Francisco events in October!
United Nations Association Film Festival
Date: 10/15 - 10/25
Each year, UNAFF features a selection of over 60 documentary films about important issues from all over the world. The theme for this year's festival is Compass for a Better World.
Screenings will take place in SF, East Palo Alto, and Stanford University.
Potrero Hill Festival
Date: October 17
If you're looking for a fun weekend activity for the whole family, head over to the Potrero Hill Festival on 20th Street between Missouri and Wisconsin.
On a beautiful fall day, this is the perfect place to enjoy two stages of live entertainment, food stalls, bouncy houses, a petting zoo, and more.
In addition, you'll find arts and crafts for sale as well as information from various non-profit organizations.
>> Visit their website for more details about this 50+ year tradition
Other Events
Fall Art & Antiques Show
Date: 10/15 - 10/18
If you appreciate fine art and unique antique pieces, you'll love this large annual event at the Fort Mason Center.
The show opens with a preview gala followed by four days of viewing and buying beautiful pieces.
>> Find out more on the organization's website
Leap Sandcastle Classic
Date: 10/24
The largest sandcastle competition in Northern California is fun for the family and a great excuse to get the community together out on the beach.
It also raises money for a fantastic organization, Leap, that brings hands-on learning experiences to over 6,000 students across the Bay Area.
Head to Ocean Beach between 11 am and 3:30 pm to witness some dazzling sand creations!
>> Visit the event website to see pictures and find out more
Open Studios
Dates: September 26 - October 25
Open Studios runs all month long, so you can take your time getting to know over 800 artists and their work all over the city.
Each weekend will feature different districts, where you can wander in and out of the studios in that area to chat with the artists and purchase pieces on display.
This is one of the unique San Francisco events in October that gives you the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the art scene in SF.
>> Get more details on their web page
SF Cruises in October
Head down to SF's beautiful waterfront for one of the top San Francisco events in October. This month, spend an hour or two on the water as you soak in the views around the SF Bay.
You will find more than a dozen cruises leaving SF daily. After leaving SF, many of them cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge, near Sausalito, and around Alcatraz. Some include food and drinks, some include narration, and all offer an unforgettable experience.
Here are just a few of the most popular.
- SF Bay Cruise: This 60-minute Bay Cruise is the most booked cruise. It runs several times a day, allowing you to choose what time works best for your schedule. You'll cruise along the SF coast, under the Golden Gate Bridge, near Alcatraz, and back to Fisherman's Wharf. Find tickets for your upcoming stay!
- Sunset Sailing Cruise: This is one of the most popular cruises each month and one of my favorites in October. This 1.5-hour sunset catamaran cruise sails from Pier 39 nightly at 5:30 pm in the first half of the month and 5 pm toward the end of this month. Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance. Find tickets for all dates.
Wine Tours from San Francisco
One of the best San Francisco events in October is our wine tours. These tours take you to two famous regions in Northern California: Napa Valley & Sonoma.
This time of year, you will find both regions buzzing with last-minute harvest activities. You can also get some great pictures of those last bundles of fully ripe grapes on the vines.
I love heading up on one of these tours as I don't have to worry about driving back to SF. It makes it a great way to do some tasting and not have to think about getting back to San Francisco afterward.
In addition, you will learn quite a bit about one or both regions from your knowledgeable guide.
Here are a few of my top picks this month.
- Sonoma & Napa Wine Country Tour: This full-day tour takes you to three wineries. It leaves SF around 8:30 am daily. You will also have an hour for lunch on your own, so you can enjoy a tasty meal or do a little more tasting on your own. Find availability here.
- Small Group Wine Tasting Tour: If you prefer to head up with a smaller group, check out this tour. You will stop at three wineries in Napa, including a tour of the Castello di Amorosa's medieval castle. Find availability here.
>> Find additional tips for visiting these two popular regions
Other Events in the SF Bay Area
San Carlos Art & Wine Faire (10/10 - 10/11): From 10 am to 6 pm on both days, San Carlos (located on the Peninsula, just south of SF) invites families to enjoy their annual street fair featuring 150 arts and crafts booths. There is also live entertainment, wine and beer, and lots of food to taste.
Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival (10/17 - 10/18): This coastal town just south of San Francisco is famous for its pumpkin crops, especially when they're perfect for Halloween. This two-day festival features hundreds of artisan booths, as well as huge, record-winning pumpkins. There will be live entertainment for the whole family.
What to Wear in SF in October
Are you still determining what you will need to pack for your stay in October?
My guide to the weather in October is just what you need to prepare. It includes information on what to expect from the weather throughout the month.
Tips on what to pack for your stay in October
Hi, I’m Jill!
I’ve been sharing San Francisco travel advice since 2009 and have helped millions of people explore the city like a local. Whether you’re dreaming of sea lions, cable cars, or a great sourdough bread bowl, I’m here to help you plan an unforgettable trip with real tips from someone who actually lives here.
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