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Nihonmachi Street Fair 2023
by Jill Loeffler •
Updated: July 29, 2023
The 47th Annual Nihonmachi Street Fair is on August 5 & 6, 2023. This annual two-day festival in the heart of San Francisco's Japantown District.
This well loved festival celebrates the diversity of the Asian-Pacific American cultures. Here you will find performances, art, music, food, and community outreach programs. It's one of the largest festivals each year with around 30,000 attendees!
The event runs from 11 am to 6 pm both days.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Live Entertainment
All performances will be on their man stage at Post Street between Webster and Laguna. You will find entertainment from 12 pm to 5 pm on Saturday and from 12 pm to 6 pm on Sunday.
They will feature local entertainment with each performer on stage for about an hour.
The final performance on Saturday starts at 4 pm. The final performance on Sunday starts at 5 pm.
Other Festival Details
The following events usually take place during this annual festival.
Children's World
This area is the perfect place to introduce your children to the culture and heritage of the communities celebrated at this year's Nihonmachi Street Fair. They learn through participating in Asian inspired crafts and games.
Doggie World
San Francisco is a dog friendly city, so why not bring your four-legged friend along with you so they can also enjoy the Nihonmachi Street Fair! The best part is that there is a special area just for them.
In Doggie World, you can get pet health advice, learn more about adoption, and find some great apparel.
Asian Artisans
One of my favorite parts of this festival is the Asian Artisans Area. This is where you will find hundreds of Asian inspired pieces from artists from all around the area.
You will find everything from photography to jewelry. You will also find some great kids toys as well as colorful traditional apparel.
Info Booths
This area includes information booths for both non-profit and for profit organizations. They range from donor programs to newspaper agencies. It's fun to stop by to ask questions and learn more about each organization.
Sounds of Thunder Car Show (Sunday Only)
If you love muscle or vintage cars, get ready for this year's Car Show. Based on last year's participation, they expect more than 20 cars again this year.
You can check out these cars on Sunday only.
More Japantown Information
How to Get Here
It's easy to get to Japantown from everywhere in SF and the Bay Area. The 2, 3, 21, 38, and 38L all drop off within a few blocks of the festival.
Places to Stay Nearby
If you plan on attending both days, you can also stay in the neighborhood. Right in Japantown, you will find both the Hotel Emblem (3 star) and the Hotel Kabuki (3.5 star). Both start at around $250 to $300 a night this time of year.
Hotel Emblem San Francisco, a Viceroy Urban Retreat:
- Address: 562 Sutter Street
- Room rates range from around $150 to $250 a night
- 4 Stars
>> Find about reviews, rooms and rates for your stay at Hotel Emblem.
Hotel Kabuki, part of JdV by Hyatt:
- Address: 1625 Post Street
- Room rates range from around $200 to $450
- 3 Stars
>> Read guest reviews, find rooms, and find the best deals for the Hotel Kabuki.
Just two blocks away, you will also find the Queen Anne Hotel. This is my favorite of the three as its an historic hotel with a lot of character. The price is better too as it starts at around $200 a night this time of year.
>> Find rooms and rates for the classic Queen Anne Hotel.
Book Your Japantown Hotel: Head out here read recent guest reviews and find some great deals on your hotel in the Japantown District. Click here to learn more and to find a great place for your stay today!
Other Events in August
Stern Grove Festival: Every Sunday during the summer months, Stern Grove invites music lovers to their free concerts in the park. All shows are on Sunday afternoon, start at 2pm, and last from mid-June to mid-August. Click here for this year's detailed schedule.
Outside Lands Festival: One of the largest music festivals in SF each summer is the Outside Lands Festival. For three days, both locals and visitors enjoy live music in Golden Gate Park. It's a popular event that sells out every year. Click here for this year's line-up and ticketing details.
Theater Performances: The SF Theater calendar is full of award winning musicals, dramas, and more each month in SF. Click here for details and the full SF Theater schedule by month.
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
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It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
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!