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Memorial Day in San Francisco: Top Things to Do & See in 2025
By: Jill Loeffler • Updated: May 19, 2025 • Published: March 4, 2013
Memorial Day 2025 is a great time to visit San Francisco. Many events are planned throughout the weekend including the large celebration at the National Cemetery in the Presidio.
I also like to catch a baseball game, attend a festival, and enjoy a Broadway show at one of our theaters.
This year, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 26.
Read on for more of the things I like to see and do this holiday weekend throughout San Francisco.
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Parade at the Curran Theatre
Dates: 5/23 - 5/25
Tickets: Ticketmaster | StubHub
Parade is the story of Leo and Lucille Frank, a young Jewish couple who are trying to carve out a life together in the heart of Georgia's old red hills.
Their world is shattered when Leo is accused of a horrific crime which catapults them into a harrowing journey that tests their faith, humanity, and unwavering devotion.
With its gripping narrative, Parade is a powerful reminder that love beings when people truly see each other.
It's on stage Friday at 7:30 pm and Saturday at 1 pm and 7:30 pm. The final weekend performance is on Sunday at 1 pm.
>> Find additional theater shows this weekend in SF
Carnaval Celebration & Parade
Dates: 5/24 & 5/25
Spend some time in the Mission District on Memorial Day Weekend during the annual Carnaval Celebration.
This two-day festival is on Saturday and Sunday. 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 colorful and lively floats, dancers, and other fun entries. It's a fun event and 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: George Clanton at the Great American Music Hall
5/23: The Magic of Motown at the Palace of Fine Arts
5/24 - 5/25: BottleRock 3-Day Music Festival in Napa, find tickets
5/24: Being Dead at the Bottom of the Hill
5/24: DDT at the Warfield
5/25: Harlem Gospel Travelers at the SFJAZZ Center
5/25: The Chainsmokers at The Midway
>> 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 everything you will see along the bay. The narration talks about the history and some fun facts about top waterfront attractions including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Fort Point National Historic Site.
I also 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 is a smaller boat with fewer people. It offers a more personalized experience.
The second thing I love about this cruise is that your tickets includes 2 drinks while on board. You can use these for beer, wine, water or soft drinks.
This tour runs four times a day on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday (11:15 am, 1 pm, 2:45 pm and 4:45 pm). You can also upgrade to their sunset sailing experience, which is a 2-hour cruise that leaves at 6 pm all three nights.
California Sunset Cruise on the SF Bay
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.
What I like most about this one is that it's a bigger boat and there is always plenty of space to move around. It has decent indoor and outdoor areas, so if it's too cold, you can duck inside for a little while.
Since it's a larger boat, the cost is also less 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 (usually about $15 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: 5/23 - 5/25
This weekend you can catch three performances of the SF Symphony at Davies Symphony Hall.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you can catch Salonen as he conducts The Firebird.
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.
>> Find the full Yerba Buena Festival schedule
More Fun Events this Memorial Day in San Francisco
- Foodieland at the Cow Palace, 5/23 - 5/25
- Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at the San Francisco Playhouse, 5/23 - 5/25
- Steve Trevino at Cobb's Comedy Club, 5/23 - 5/25
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 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 wild flowers in bloom.
>> See pics & find out what to expect during your visit
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 to 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 died for our country.
The event is held in the National Cemetery and will last until around 1 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.
>> Details for this year's event
>> More information about the cemetery & tips to get here
Other San Francisco Ceremonies
USS San Francisco (CA 38) Ceremony: This one is on Sunday, May 25 at noon (they ask that you try to arrive by 11:30 am), at Lands End, please RSVP to ca38foundation@gmail.com.
Chinese American Services: This event is also on Sunday, May 25 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 Celebrations Around the SF Bay
There are several annual Memorial Day Celebrations all around the San Francisco Bay Area. These are some that run most years.
San Bruno
This year's annual celebration in San Bruno is at Golden Gate National Cemetery. It starts at 11 am at 1300 Sneath Lane.
Danville
This year's celebration 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
The Memorial Day celebration 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 (;45 am at Lytton Square. The parade follows at 10:30 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!
Dreaming of a San Francisco vacation? As a proud local, I'm here to share my insider tips and personal experiences to help you make the most of this iconic city!
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