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San Francisco Events in September: Fun Things to Do in 2026
By: Jill Loeffler • Updated: February 25, 2026
San Francisco events in September 2026 include Labor Day Weekend activities, concerts, and festivals.
You will also find Broadway and other theater performances on stage all throughout this month.
If you're a sports fan, I've included details to catch a baseball game with the SF Giants.
The 49ers also have games this month at home.
Read on for details on activities I recommend and other top things to do this month in SF.
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Labor Day Weekend
Dates: 9/5 - 9/7
The best way to say goodbye to summer in SF is by enjoying the warm weather and variety of activities over the long Labor Day weekend.
Highlights include festivals, concerts, tours, and more!
This year, Labor Day Weekend runs from Friday, September 5, to Monday, September 7.
You will find some of the best San Francisco events in September, all weekend long!
>> Visit our guide to Labor Day Weekend
Sporting Events
SF Giants Baseball
Dates: 9/7 - 9/9, 9/11 - 9/13, 9/21 - 9/23, & 9/25 - 9/27
Location: Oracle Park in the South of Market District
Tickets: Ticketmaster | TicketNetwork
Watch the SF Giants baseball team play their last full month of the regular season.
This September, you have 12 opportunities to watch the Giants in full swing as they take on other top teams at home in Oracle Park.
- 9/7 - 9/9: St. Louis Cardinals
- 9/11 - 9/13: San Diego Padres
- 9/21 - 9/23: Minnesota Twins
- 9/25 - 9/27: LA Dodgers
There's no better way to enjoy the warmest time in SF than at a ballgame by the water.
49ers Football
Date: TBD
Location: Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara
Tickets: Ticketmaster
The SF 49ers kick off their regular season home games this month at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.
These are their home games this month.
- TBD
You will find these San Francisco events in September about an hour south of SF.
Theater & Broadway Shows
Broadway and Theater for September 2026
September is a great time to catch a show in San Francisco. Here are some of the top performances this month:
- Hairspray at the SF Playhouse, 7/10 - 9/12
- Dear San Francisco at Club Fugazi (ongoing)
>> Find additional theater shows this month on my full calendar
Museums: Free Days, Exhibits, & Other Events
Free Days
It's easy to visit multiple San Francisco museums without spending a ton of money—if you know when to go!
This month, take advantage of the free admission days at some of SF's favorites, including the Asian Art Museum, de Young, Legion of Honor, and Conservatory of Flowers.
Usually, the free admission ticket only grants access to the general exhibits and permanent collections, but you can pay an additional fee to view the special galleries.
These San Francisco events in September are highly popular, so be sure to arrive early to secure your spot in line.
>> Find my calendar of free days here
Museum Exhibits
Take some time to check out the fantastic exhibits currently on display at SF's world-renowned museums.
Here are a few top exhibits:
- This Asian American Life at the Asian Art Museum (through 9/28)
- The Etruscans: From the Heart of Ancient Italy at the de Young (through 9/20)
- Graciela Iturbide: Between Two Worlds at the SFMOMA (through 11/29)
Find out what else you can see at the Conservatory of Flowers, Walt Disney Museum, the SF Museum of Modern Art, and more by visiting my up-to-date calendar of upcoming exhibits.
Don't miss out on these highly anticipated San Francisco events in September.
>> Discover a detailed list of museum exhibits in SF
Concerts & Live Music
Dates: Several in September
The San Francisco live music venues attract some big names, but also have many great venues for independent and up-and-coming artists to showcase their talent.
Find a show you'll love at the Chase Center, Warfield, the Fillmore, or the Independent, among many others. Here are a few of the top shows to look out for this month.
- 9/21: Peter Hook & The Light at The Warfield
>> Visit this page for a full calendar of shows at top venues in September
Portola Festival
Dates: TBD
Since 2022, the Portola Festival has been the most popular EDM festival in San Francisco, attracting big-name DJs and selling out tickets for the weekend.
Tens of thousands gather at Pier 80 to dance to electronic beats for two days.
Here are just some of the artists scheduled for this year:
- TBD
>> Tickets for this year's event
Additional Places for Live Music in September
SF Opera: The SF Opera's 2026-27 season kicks off this month with performances of Verdi's Simon Boccanegra (9/12 - 9/27) and Mary, Queen of Scots (9/20 - 10/4). In addition, you'll find the annual free event Opera in the Park on 9/13, Sunday at 1:30 pm in Golden Gate Park.
SF Symphony: September marks the opening of a new season at the SF Symphony. See the full SF Symphony schedule.
Comedy
Dates: Several this month
San Francisco is a great place to catch stand-up shows, improv performances, and other hilariously entertaining plays and musicals.
Some of the best comedians in the business have been featured at the Punch Line Comedy Club and Cobb's Comedy Club in the city.
In addition, this month you can enjoy the annual free Comedy Day in Golden Gate Park.
>> See the detailed schedule of shows
Top Festivals & Street Fairs in SF this September
Architecture and the City Festival
Date: TBD
This month, all month long, San Francisco invites you to engage with its design and architecture in ways you haven't experienced before.
These San Francisco events in September include behind-the-scenes and walking tours, films, exhibitions, lectures, and more.
Explore and appreciate the city's true structural backbone in 2026.
>> Visit the festival's website for more details
A Journey of Greek Culture
Dates: TBD
This annual event showcases the cultural and culinary diversity of SF's Mission District at the Annunciation Cathedral (245 Valencia Street).
Savor a variety of delicious Greek treats, including spanakopita, mousaka, kotopoulo, and gyros.
And of course, the festival wouldn't be complete without Greek wine, Greek pastries, and live Greek music and dance! This event was formerly known as A Taste of Greece.
>> Visit their site for more details
SF Cheese Fest
Date: TBD
The annual SF Cheese Fest showcases samples of exceptional craft cheeses from over two dozen California cheesemakers. Discover more about the art of preservation, which also includes cured meat, jams, pickles, and more.
Enjoy delicious bites with beverages from favorite local brewers and winemakers. This year's event is in the San Francisco Ferry Plaza.
Don't miss out on one of the tastiest San Francisco events in September.
>> Find out more on the festival website
Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival
Date: TBD
Head over to colorful Grant Avenue in the heart of SF's Chinatown for two full days of entertainment, food, shopping, parades, children's activities, and more.
Some of the highlights are the lion dancers and dragon parades. Maybe you'll even try a traditional mooncake to celebrate the full moon and Chinese culture!
>> Get the full festival schedule
Folsom Street Fair
Date: 9/27
This year's Folsom Street Fair will liven up the streets once again in the South of Market District.
This large event takes place along several blocks of Folsom Street. You'll find entertainment, live music, and a variety of vendors.
This is an adult-themed festival, so I recommend leaving the little ones at home.
>> Visit their site for more details
Oktoberfest on Front
Date: TBD
Downtown SF is the place to be to celebrate Oktoberfest! This year's event is on Front Street between California and Sacramento.
The event features live music, beer-themed games, and a variety of food options.
Schroeder's, Harrington's Bar & Grill, and the Royal Exchange will all sell open-carry alcoholic beverages for this festival, which runs from 2 pm to 10 pm.
SF Bay Area Korean Harvest Chuseok Festival
Date: 9/27
Dedicated to Korean culture, this annual event features music, food trucks, and various activities, including rice cake making and more.
It is located on the Presidio Main Parade Lawn and runs from 11 am to 4 pm.
>> Get the details for this year's festival
San Francisco Cruises
One of the top San Francisco events in September is a cruise around the SF Bay. You will find more than a dozen options almost every day of the week.
Top daytime cruises include the 60-minute Bay Cruise, the Escape from the Rock Cruise, and the 30-minute high-speed Rocketboat adventure. You can also head out on a Bridge to Bridge Cruise or a wine tasting.
Our evening cruises are also popular. You can watch the sunset on a relaxing, casual cruise or dress up a bit for one of our dinner cruises. Our happy hour cruises are also popular, offering a few hours of cocktails on the water.
Here are the top picks for September.
- 60-Minute Bay Cruise: The 1-hour cruise leaves from Fisherman's Wharf and takes you around the SF Bay. You will ride under the Golden Gate Bridge, near Sausalito, around Alcatraz, and return to Fisherman's Wharf. The narration along the way will provide you with more information about SF and our top attractions. Check for ticket availability.
- Sunset Sailing Cruise: In September, the Sunset Sailing Cruise leaves Fisherman's Wharf at 6:30 pm. It includes two complimentary beverages, light appetizers, and 1.5 hours on the water. Check for tickets in September.
Additional Cruises You Might Enjoy
Napa & Sonoma Wine Tours
One of my favorite San Francisco events in September is our Northern California wine country tours. You can visit Napa Valley or Sonoma, or both, in just one day.
These tours take you to three to five wineries and offer you the chance to take a peek behind the scenes at the wine-making process.
You could head up north on your own, but the best thing about these guided tours is that you don't have to worry about who is driving you back to SF. You will be picked up from your hotel, driven through one or both of these wine regions, and dropped off where you started.
Most of them are about 8 to 9 hours. If you're short on time, you'll also find some great half-day tours.
These are just a few of my top recommendations.
- Napa & Sonoma Full Day Tour: Includes stops at three wineries. You will stop at a large winery and a smaller boutique winery, allowing you to experience firsthand how each creates its wines. You will also have a free hour for lunch, during which you can grab a meal at any place in the historic Sonoma Square or in the heart of Napa Valley. Check for availability for September.
- Half-Day Tour: This tour will take you to the Carneros region in Sonoma County. It includes a stop at two wineries. You will also have about an hour to explore downtown Sonoma. The tour leaves SF at noon and is about 5 hours long. Check for availability this month.
More SF Bay Area Events
California Rum Festival
Date: 9/19 - 9/20
Taste some of the best rums around at the California Rum Festival at Trader Vic's in Emeryville. You'll get to try a wonderful variety from large, micro, and boutique distilleries.
In addition, you can attend seminars by rum producers and aficionados, and mingle with other rum lovers.
>> Find out more details and purchase your tickets
Oakland International Film Festival
Dates: 9/9 - 9/19
This year marks the 24th anniversary of one of the largest SF Bay Area events in September, the Oakland International Film Festival.
You can enjoy a variety of excellent independent works from around the globe at venues all over the East Bay city of Oakland.
Attend the screenings, filmmaker panels, networking events, and more to celebrate five days of amazing shorts, documentaries, and feature films created by local and international artists.
>> Find more information on the festival website
Monterey Jazz Festival
Dates: 9/25 - 9/27
The legendary Monterey Jazz Festival is one of the SF Bay Area events in September that cannot be missed if you are a serious music fan.
Over the nearly 70 years of this festival, headliners have included Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Regina Carter, and many more.
With over 500 artists, 100 hours of music, and eight different stages, you will be sure to get your fill of music, food, and fun events.
The Monterey Jazz Festival always takes place on the third weekend of September.
>> Discover more details on the festival website
Whiskey & Fire
Date: 9/20
Whiskey lovers, here's your chance to taste varieties of Scotch, Bourbon, Canadian, Irish, and other imported whiskies from around the world.
At this collaboration between Whiskies of the World and Heritage Fire, you will also enjoy locally crafted culinary experiences with top local chefs and distillers.
Taking place in San Jose, about an hour south of SF.
>> Visit their site for tickets and more event details
Mountain View Art & Wine Festival
Date: 9/12 - 9/13
This two-day festival, held in the heart of Silicon Valley, is a celebration of all things related to the local arts, wine, and food of the South Bay.
This September event brings together more than 400 of the region's best artists as well as live music performances.
The food is delicious. Many breweries will also be in attendance, and sangria and cocktails will be available.
>> More details about this year's event
Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival
Dates: 9/19 - 9/20
This annual South Bay event attracts over 50,000 people each year to Santa Clara's Central Park.
It features both regional and national artists showing their best art pieces, food from all over the world, and local wineries and breweries.
You are sure to find everything you'd like to eat, taste, and buy. Children are welcome to enjoy the much-loved Kids' Kingdom.
>> More details for this year's event
Solano Avenue Stroll
Date: 9/13
For 50 years, the Solano Avenue Stroll has been one of the most enjoyable events in the SF Bay Area in September.
Make sure to wear your walking shoes, as this event covers over 1 mile of this Berkeley/Albany street, and starts with their fun parade on Sunday at 10 am.
With over 50 food booths, 50 entertainers, and loads more non-profits and artisans, this event has something for everyone.
Also, be sure to visit the other businesses regularly located on Solano Avenue, as they have a lot to offer, and you don't want to miss their unique wares and specialties.
There are also rides and areas for kids.
>> More details for this year's festival
Capitola Art & Wine Festival
Dates: 9/12 - 9/13
The gorgeous beachfront city of Capitola is home to this magnificent annual art and wine festival.
This family-centered event features over 160 artists and vendors, as well as more than 22 wineries, all located in the Santa Cruz Mountains area.
Here, you will taste some of the best seafood you could ever imagine fresh from the sea.
Both days include dance performances, live music, and even a traveling magician to entertain you and the kids.
>> More details for this year's event
Pacific Coast Fog Fest
Dates: 9/26 - 9/27
This longstanding Pacifica tradition takes place on the last full weekend in September (usually when this quaint coastal town, known for its fog and surfers, experiences its best weather).
Festivities kick off with a parade and marching band competition.
Admission is free to the activities along downtown Palmetto Ave., which include arts and crafts booths, live music, family fun, and food stands.
Proceeds benefit the local community.
Oktoberfest Redwood City
Dates: TBD
Head over to downtown Redwood City, just half an hour south of SF, for a beer-filled four days of revelry.
Enjoy traditional "family-style" bench seating, contests, music, dancing, and all sorts of fun.
Admission includes a commemorative stein and a drink ticket. While there, you'll probably get hungry, so don't miss out on your German pretzels and brats.
>> Visit the official Redwood City site for more details
More Tips to Visit SF in September
What to Wear in September
September is one of the best times to visit San Francisco. It's warm and usually sunny during the day. It then cools off at night, making it the perfect weather for a night out on the town.
Make sure to bring along layers for your stay in SF, as you will find that the temperature can swing up to 10 degrees during the day from one district to the next.
You will also find it's even chillier on the water and along the shoreline.
Read my September weather page for more tips on what to pack, what to wear, and a few other fun things to know before you visit.
>> Tips on what to pack and wear in SF in September
More Things to Do in SF this Month
In addition to the fun San Francisco events in September listed above, there is so much to do this month in the City by the Bay!
Take a tour or boat cruise, attend a show, check out the nightlife, and get outside to enjoy SF's beautiful "summer" weather!
>> Find additional September activities in SF
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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