SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE SAN FRANCISCO PLANNING GUIDE.
Memorial Day in San Francisco: Top Things to Do & See in 2026
By: Jill Loeffler • Updated: November 25, 2025
Memorial Day 2026 is a great time to visit San Francisco. Many events are planned throughout the weekend, including the large commemoration at the National Cemetery in the Presidio.
This holiday weekend is often considered the start to summer, and I usually like to catch a baseball game, attend a festival, or enjoy a Broadway show at one of our theaters.
This year, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 25.
Read on for top things to do over the long holiday weekend, as well as ceremonies to honor Memorial Day in San Francisco and beyond.
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.
Hell's Kitchen - The Musical - at the Orpheum Theatre
Dates: 5/6 - 5/24
Tickets: TicketNetwork
This new Broadway musical featuring hits by Grammy Award-winning Alicia Keys brings to the stage the story of a 17-year-old girl bursting with passion and trying to find her place in the world.
Ali's journey is shaped by her overprotective single mother and a kind neighbor who becomes her piano mentor. Come and feel the uplifting power of community for those brave enough to pursue their dreams.
>> Find additional theater shows this weekend in SF
Carnaval Celebration & Parade
Dates: 5/23 -5/24
Spend some time in the Mission District taking in the colors, tastes, and sounds of Latin America at the annual Carnaval Celebration.
This two-day festival is on Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. You'll find live music, traditional dishes, and dancing in the streets.
One of the biggest draws every year is their annual parade. It's on Sunday morning and lasts for about two hours.
I love this parade for its lively floats, dancers, and other fun entries. For me, it's a must this holiday weekend.
>> Details about Carnaval on Memorial Day weekend
Concerts and Live Music
You will find dozens of great performances this weekend in San Francisco and beyond. Here are some of the top shows and music festivals.
5/23: Flamenco Arts International: "Songs From A Sinking Ship" at Presidio Theatre Performing Arts Center
5/21 - 5/24: Makaya McCraven at the SFJAZZ Center
>> More concerts this weekend in San Francisco around the Bay Area
Cruises on the SF Bay
The 60-minute Bay Cruise is the most popular cruise and it's a fun activity for Memorial Day Weekend.You will find almost all cruises are running this holiday weekend in San Francisco. Here are just a few of my favorites.
Golden Gate Bay Cruise
Length: 60 minutes
Tickets: Book online before you arrive
This is the most popular cruise in San Francisco. It's a 60-minute cruise on the bay.
It starts in Fisherman's Wharf, heads over to (and under) the Golden Gate Bridge, back over to Alcatraz, and finishes again where it started.
What I like most about going on this cruise is that it offers a great overview of the SF Bay. It narrates the history and some fun facts about top waterfront attractions, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Fort Point National Historic Site.
I always take a ton of pictures each time I go.
Bay Sailing Tour with Drinks
Length: 90 minutes
Tickets: Book your tickets in advance
What I love about going on this cruise is that you get to experience a traditional sailboat—which fits fewer people, offering a more personalized experience.
The second thing I love about this cruise is that your ticket includes two drinks while on board. You can use these for beer, wine, water, or soft drinks.
San Francisco City Lights Cruise
Length: 90 minutes
Tickets: Find tickets in advance of your visit
Would you prefer to head out on the water at night? This cruise starts at 7 pm, which gives you the chance to watch the sun as it sets.
This 90-minute cruise leaves from Fisherman's Wharf.
It's a bigger boat, so there is always plenty of space to move around. It has decent indoor and outdoor areas, which is great if it's too cold because you can duck inside for a little while.
Since it's a larger boat, it's also more affordable than the smaller sailboat cruises. It's a great pick for the entire family.
Free Walking Tours
This is just part of a beautiful mural inside Coit Tower, which offers a regular tour on Saturday mornings.Dates: 5/23 - 5/26
The San Francisco public library has several free walking tours scheduled for Memorial Day weekend in San Francisco. They range from informative walks around the colorful Mission District to one on the Golden Gate Bridge.
You should register online before you arrive, so they know how many people they will have in their group. The tours are free, but they do ask for donations (recommended $20 per person).
>> Visit their site for a list of tours this weekend
>> More details on walking tours this weekend in SF
SF Symphony Performances
Dates: 5/22 - 5/24
This weekend you have three opportunities to catch the SF Symphony at Davies Symphony Hall.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Romanian conductor Cristian Măcelaru conducts Dvořák’s "New World" in a fantastic program that also boasts Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 1.
The Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 pm and the Sunday performance is at 2 pm.
>> Get the full May SF Symphony schedule & tips to attend a performance
Yerba Buena Festival
Head over to the Yerba Buena Gardens in the SOMA district for a free performance at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival.
This fun event offers live music over the Memorial Day weekend as well as several other performances from May to October.
More Fun Events this Memorial Day in San Francisco
From a great ballgame with bay views at the SF Giants' home to captivating plays at our local theaters, you'll find plenty more to do this weekend in San Francisco.
- 5/22 - 5/24: SF Giants vs. Chicago White Sox at Oracle Park
- 5/25 - 5/27: SF Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks at Oracle Park
- 5/14 - 6/27: "Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really" at the San Francisco Playhouse
Hotel Deals for this Weekend
Find some great deals for your stay on TripAdvisor and Booking.com. They both offer deals throughout San Francisco and offer you the chance to save money on your room. Click the links below for details.
Booking: Find great deals all around San Francisco for your upcoming stay!
TripAdvisor: What's the #1 hotel in San Francisco? Read reviews & find hotel deals on TripAdvisor!
VRBO: Besides hotels, you'll also find some great places to stay locally through VRBO. Book an apartment or a room and feel more like a local. Find some great places to stay on VRBO here.
More Tour Options in San Francisco
Other Fun Things to See & Do
Alcatraz Island
If you plan to visit Alcatraz Island this Memorial Day weekend, buy your tickets as soon as you can.
During this busy weekend, tickets sell out early and will be almost impossible to buy once you arrive.
The day tours run from 8:45 am to 3:50 pm.
>> Find additional details about booking tickets for Alcatraz
California Academy of Sciences
The Academy of Sciences is one of the most popular SF attractions. Memorial Day weekend is a busy time to visit. If you plan on visiting the Academy this weekend, buy your tickets in advance online to avoid waiting in line!
It's a fun place to visit and a must-see during your stay in San Francisco!
>> Buy your tickets in advance
>> Pictures & what to expect during your visit
55 Free Activities & Attractions
Another fun way to spend the weekend is by enjoying all of SF's best free attractions and activities. They range from walking over the Golden Gate Bridge to visiting some of SF's hidden gems.
It's a great way to save a little money and still enjoy your weekend in San Francisco.
>> Discover 55 free attractions & activities
SF With Kids
Are you traveling with kids this holiday weekend? If so, check out my top 25 fun things to do with kids in San Francisco. This list includes ideas that are entertaining for the entire family.
You can head out on a bay cruise adventure, check out the 7D Experience, or do a scavenger hunt as a family.
>> Find out the top 25 fun things to do with kids in SF
Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens is a beautiful place to visit this time of year. With more than 50,000 exotic plants, there is always something in bloom.
During the late spring, you can see the California poppies, irises, and several wildflowers in bloom.
Fisherman's Wharf Attractions
The popular Fisherman's Wharf area is also full of action on Memorial Day in San Francisco.
There are dozens of things to do here from shopping to Alcatraz cruises.
Check out the full list of attractions and activities so you can plan ahead for your visit!
>> Get the details on all Fisherman's Wharf attractions
Self-Guided Tours
If you love to explore on your own, then check out my free, self-guided walking tours.
You will find some that cover the entire city in just a few days and others that give you tips on visiting the best of everything in each district.
You will also find free, downloadable itineraries that you can take with you.
>> Check out my self-guided tours
Memorial Day: A Day of Honor & Remembrance
One of the largest events on Memorial Day in San Francisco is held in the Presidio.
Starting at 10:30 am on Memorial Day, military members, family and friends will honor those who have given their life for our country.
The event is held in the National Cemetery and will last until around 1 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Other San Francisco Ceremonies
USS San Francisco (CA 38) Ceremony: This one is on Sunday, May 24 at 11:30 am, at the USS "Frisco" memorial at Lands End. Please RSVP to ca38foundation@gmail.com.
Chinese American Services: This event is also on Sunday, May 24 and it starts at 3 pm. The event is in St. Mary's Square in Chinatown and hosted by the American Legion, Cathay Post #384 and VFW Chinatown Post #4618.
Memorial Day Commemorations Around the SF Bay
There are several annual Memorial Day commemorations all around the San Francisco Bay Area. These are some that run most years.
San Bruno
This year's annual commemoration in San Bruno is at Golden Gate National Cemetery. It starts at 11 am at 1300 Sneath Lane.
Danville
This year's ceremony in Danville will be at Oak Hill Park. American flags will line the road leading up to the park and the celebration. It begins at 11 am and features live music, guest speakers, tributes, and more. The event will wrap up around 2 pm.
Mill Valley
This Memorial Day event on Monday starts with a special Veterans Ceremony which includes the student K-8 essay contest, "What does Memorial Day mean to me." This starts at 10:00 am at Lytton Square. The parade follows at 11:00 am at Old Mill Park, winding its way through downtown Mill Valley and Miller Ave., and ending at Tam High School.
After the parade, you can enjoy "Concerts on the Green" from 12:30 pm to 5 pm. It's free to attend and there will be beverage and food vendors.
Hillsborough
The Annual Hillsborough Memorial Day Parade, Carnival & Music Festival is back this Memorial Day Weekend. The parade is at 10 am. The music festival starts at 11 am and the observance ceremony is at 11:30 am. The festival is on the North School field with music and other festival activities!
It's on Monday from 10 am to 2:30 pm.
Milpitas
This year's Memorial Day Ceremony will take place on Monday at 9 am in Veterans Plaza between Milpitas City Hall and the Milpitas Community Center. The event features a Presentation of Colors by Knights of Columbus, 21-Gun Salute, and the Remembrance Chair.
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.
 |
 |
 |
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group!
It's a great place to interact with me and others who are familiar with the area.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!
