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San Francisco Events in August 2023: Discover Top Activities this Year
by Jill Loeffler •
Updated: July 29, 2023
San Francisco events in August 2023 include festivals, concerts, and theater. You will also find some great sporting events, free museum admission days, and comedy.
Top picks this month include the SF Giants at Oracle Park, the Outside Lands Music Festival, and Disney's Aladdin at the Orpheum Theatre.
Table of Contents
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Sporting Events
Enjoying a corn dog at the San Francisco Giants game.SF Giants
Dates: 7/31 - 8/3, 8/11 - 8/13, 8/14 - 8/16, 8/25 - 8/27, & 8/28 - 8/30
Location: Oracle Park in the SoMa District
Tickets: Ticketmaster | StubHub
Baseball season is in full swing and SF Giants games are some of the most popular San Francisco events in August. This month, they play fifteen home games. They play host to the Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Atlanta Braves.
All home games are at Oracle Park in the SoMa District.
>> Discover the full SF Giants August schedule of home games
Oakland A's
Dates: 8/5 - 8/6, 8/7 - 8/9, 8/18 - 8/20, and 8/21 - 8/23
Location: Coliseum in Oakland
Tickets: Ticketmaster | StubHub
You can also head across the bay to catch a game with the Oakland A's. This month, they play 11 home games. Teams visiting this month include the Texas Rangers, the San Francisco Giants, and the Kansas City Royals.
The Oakland Coliseum, where the A's play, is an easy BART ride from SF. It takes about 20 minutes by train to the stadium and the station in Oakland is less than a 5 minute walk away from the game.
>> More details about attending an Oakland A's game
49ers Pre-Season Games
Dates: 8/19 & 8/25
Location: Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara
Tickets: Ticketmaster | StubHub
NFL fans, this is the month you have been waiting for, when football is back in force in the Bay Area!
They play two pre-season games in August. They host the Denver Broncos on 8/19 and the Los Angeles Chargers on 8/25.
>> More details about seeing a 49ers game
Theater Performances in August
Orpheum Theater looking up at the outside near the front doors from Market Street.Disney's Aladdin
Dates: 8/2 - 8/13
Tickets: Find tickets on StubHub
Head over to the Orpheum Theatre for Disney's Aladdin. This popular show tells the story one lamp, a genie, and three wishes. It features popular songs, vivid characters, and wonderful choreography.
If you love the movie, this is one you won't want to miss! It's on stage for two weeks in August.
>> Additional upcoming theater performances
Cirque du Soleil's Corteo
Dates: 8/23 - 8/27
Location: Chase Center
Tickets: Ticketmaster | StubHub
Join Cirque du Soleil at the Chase Center this August in San Francisco. This year's performance is Corteo.
The story follows the dreams of a clown who brings to life his desires for a grand funeral. It's an intimate display of everything he hopes in the celebration of his life.
With high-flying circus acts and everything else you expect from Cirque du Soleil, this is one performance to add to your itinerary.
Museums: Free Days, Exhibits & Other Events
Ancient statue inside the Legion of Honor.Free Days
Save money while you explore some of SF's top museums. This month, you can step inside the Asian Art Museum at no cost to check out their permanent collection.
You can also head over to the Conservatory of Flowers to admire their colorful plants or head to the de Young for a look at their contemporary art pieces on display.
These are just some of the San Francisco events in August you do not want to miss!
Find the full calendar of free museum days this month.
Museum Exhibits
This August, you will find a variety of interesting traveling exhibits at our top museums such as the Asian Art Museum, the Legion of Honor and the SF Museum of Modern Arts. Here are just a few of the top options this month.
Nightlife at the California Academy of Sciences
Dates: 8/3, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24, & 8/31
Enjoy the California Academy of Sciences with other 21+ nature and science lovers at their weekly Nightlife event. Each week, they feature an evening event with cocktails and fun activities.
The event is every Thursday night in August from 6 pm to 10 pm. Each week is also a new theme, so you can learn more about a certain topic that relates to science or the museum.
Previous topics include Golden State Nightlife, Smoked Nightlife, Beer Garden Nightlife, and Big Picture Nightlife. It's a great way to learn more about the nocturnal life at the museum.
Learn more about the California Academy of Sciences.
Outside Lands Festival and Other Concerts in August
Dates: 8/11 - 8/13
Location: Golden Gate Park
Tickets: Find tickets on StubHub
One of our largest music festival, Outside Lands, takes place every August. This three day festival is in Golden Gate Park and offers a number of well known international performers.
This festival includes almost a dozen performers on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Headliners this year include Kendrick Lamar, Foo Fighters, and Odesza.
More Live Music
Marquee on the outside of the Great American Music Hall.You will find concerts every night of the week during August in San Francisco. Larger venues include the Chase Center, the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, and the Fillmore. You will find some of the first shows in over a year at venues such as Bimbo's 365, the Warfield, and The Independent.
Click the link below for a schedule of the best upcoming live music shows in San Francisco and around the SF Bay Area.
>> See the full concert schedule for dates, tickets, and more
Additional Places to Listen to Live Music
Stern Grove Festival (6/18 - 8/20): Enjoy the last few live music performances in beautiful Stern Grove each Sunday this month until August 14. All shows start at 2 pm and are free. You must reserve your spot in advance and then it's first come, first served when you arrive. See the Stern Grove schedule and plan your outing today.
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival: The Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is one of the ongoing San Francisco events in August with weekly performances. They last all summer long from May through October. The live outdoor music, dance, and theater performances bring both well-known and emerging artists to stage, and portray a variety of ethnic and cultural groups. Find out more about this year's Yerba Buena Gardens Festival.
Comedy in SF
San Francisco events in August include a variety of laugh-out-loud performances, including stand up at the comedy clubs, improv shows, and musical comedies.
Click the link below to find out who's performing this month at Cobb's Comedy Club. Make sure to enjoy one of these San Francisco events in August during your stay.
>> Check out the full calendar and links to special shows
Festivals, Street Fairs & Other Events in SF this August
Here are some of this year's top festivals and street fairs this month.
Nihonmachi Street Fair (8/5 & 8/6): The Nihonmachi Street Fair is held in SF's Japantown district each year. It's one of the weekend-long San Francisco events in August that celebrates Asian Pacific American cultures. During this event, you can sample traditional food, listen to live entertainment, and enjoy activities with your kids. Uncover details for this year's event
SF Fringe Festival (8/10 - 8/26): If you love theater, this month you are really in luck because September offers a 14-day grassroots theater festival, featuring over a hundred unique performances by dozens of indie companies. All performances will take place at the EXIT Theater in downtown SF at very accessible prices.
Pistahan Parade and Festival (8/12 - 8/13): Free admission. Experience the beauty of Filipino art, dance, music, and food at the 26th edition of this two-day festival, known to be the largest celebration of Filipino Americans in the U.S. This event is fun for the whole family, and admission is free. Go to the Pistahan website to find out more.
Jerry Day (8/5): Jerry Garcia was born in San Francisco and lived most of his childhood in the Excelsior District. Started in 2002, Jerry Day is a day to celebrate this talented artist that brought so much music and love to the world. The events for Jerry Day are held in McLaren Park (45 John F. Shelley Drive) near the Excelsior District. The event includes talented artists that will bring you the best of Jerry's music. You will also be able to buy plenty of food and drinks from local vendors. This is one of the free San Francisco events in August. Gates open at 11 am and the music starts at 11:30 am.
Cruises from Fisherman's Wharf
Red & White Fleet on the water with Angel Island in the background.You will love the variety of cruises offered from Fisherman's Wharf. They include some popular day cruises such as the 60-Minute Bay Cruise Adventure, the Bridge-to-Bridge Cruise, and the Escape from the Rock. Thrill seekers also love the high-speed Rocketboat ride that runs throughout the Summer and Fall months.
We also have a number of fun evening cruises. The include more casual options such as the Red & White California Sunset Cruise or the Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise. There are also some fun Happy Hour Cruises a few nights a week as well as higher end Dinner Cruises.
More than a dozen cruises leave from the shores of Fisherman's Wharf each day. Here are just a few of the most popular picks.
Food Tours
Sampling pizza on a food tour.San Francisco is a food lovers dream. Some of the best San Francisco events in August revolve around our hot food scene.
Almost every day of the week, you will find a variety of food tours. The offer you the chance to sample some of SF's most famous dishes and cuisines from around the world. You can sample Dim Sum in Chinatown, Central and South American dishes in the Mission, or some of our best Italian goodies in North Beach.
The tours usually last about 2 to 3 hours and include small samples of a variety of dishes. As you walk from place to place, you will also learn more about the district, the restaurants you visit, and the foods you sample.
Here are some of our most popular food tours.
North Beach & Little Italy Food Tour: Sample some of the best pizza, pastas, breads and other Italian treats on this 3-hour tour of North Beach, this behind the scenes tour also includes samples of fresh coffee and local olive oils, leaves three times a day in August, find ticketing availability.
Chinatown & North Beach Food Tour: Taste treats from two of our top foodie districts, sample dim sum, egg tarts, and other traditional Chinese dishes in Chinatown and then head next door to North Beach for some Italian treats, 3-hour tour runs most days of the week, find tickets for this tour.
>> Find additional food tours around SF
Napa Valley Tours
Ripe grapes on the vines in Napa ValleySome of our most ask about San Francisco events in August are our tours to Napa Valley. This Northern California wine region creates some of the best wines in the world.
They are well known for their Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. In addition, you will also find a wide variety of other top wines including Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and many others.
The region is just over an hour north of San Francisco. Many companies offer a full day tour that runs for about 8 to 10 hours. During the day, you will often stop at around 3 to 4 tours with tastings at most places. Some tours include the price of the tastings and some don't.
A guided tour is a great way to leave the driving to someone else so you can taste as much of the amazing wines here as you want. All tours leave from and return to SF.
Here are just a few of my favorites.
Napa & Sonoma Full Day Tour: Visit three wineries including a large facility to a smaller boutique winery, visit both Napa & Sonoma on this full day trip that runs for about 8 hours, all three tastings included with your ticket, stop for lunch is not included, learn about wine making from experts in both of these regions, find tickets for August.
Redwoods & Wine Country: This 9 to 10 hour tour includes a stop in the morning at Muir Woods National Park. You'll then head north to wine country to taste at up to 3 wineries. You'll have lunch on your own in the historic Sonoma Plaza, leaves from SF daily. Learn more about this fantastic guided tour here.
>> Learn more about visiting wine country
Additional SF Bay Area Events
Fremont Festival of the Arts (8/5 & 8/6): This annual arts & crafts festival features more than 500 different vendors. In addition to handmade crafts, you will also find plenty of food trucks, beer, wine, and even margaritas. This fair is great for the entire family since there are street performers and face painters. There are also two stages with continuous live music all day long. You will also find a whole section just for the kids with rides, games and shows. The event is from 10 am to 6 pm in downtown Fremont. It is free admission for all.
Napa Town & Country Fair (8/10 - 8/13): This year's Napa Town & Country Fair runs for three days. It's a great place to find the best meat, fruits, vegetables, and wines from local growers and producers. In addition, you will find find plenty of fun activities for the entire family.
San Jose Jazz: Summer Fest (8/11 - 8/13): All you really need to know is that there are several stages of music including Jazz, Blues, Salsa, R&B, and more at the annual San Jose Jazz Summer Fest. Known as one of the best jazz festivals in the USA, this is the place to tap your toes and dance 'til you can't dance anymore.
Bay Area Aloha Festival (8/12): This annual festival gives guests a taste of Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture through food and live music and dance performances. In addition, you can enjoy activities for the whole family, including Lei-making workshops, ukelele classes, traditional net making, and more. Partake in the free community event from 10 am to 5 pm at the San Mateo County Event Center.
Scotts Valley Art, Wine & Beer Festival (8/19 & 8/20): Not only a art, wine and beer festival, this is also a great car show too. The festival has a competition with over 120 different artists bringing their best from around the world. Located at the stunning Skypark, with redwoods all around, this is one of the San Francisco Bay Area events in August that has something for the whole family ranging from food, art, music, drinks and anything else you can imagine. The festival starts at 10 am on both Saturday and Sunday, and ends at 6 pm on Saturday, and 5 pm on Sunday.
Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance (8/20): The preeminent car show in the USA is in August again this year. Started in 1950, this show has been home to many of the most exotic, and expensive, cars for over 70 years running. Not only will you see the most beautiful cars, in perfect condition, but you can also watch as bidding starts and buyers do their best to win the car of their dreams. Additional things to do in the Monterey area this month.
Silicon Valley Pride (8/26 & 8/27): One of the most colorful SF Bay Area events in August is Silicon Valley Pride. The party starts at 4 pm, on Saturday night, with the always hilarious "Heroes vs Villains" Party at Cesar Chavez Park. The Saturday night festival starts at 4 pm and ends at 11 pm. The Pride Parade is at 10 am starting at Market Street in San Jose and the festival runs from noon to 6 pm. There is loads of live entertainment, food, drinks, dancing, and everything else you can imagine to show pride in Silicon Valley during these two days.
Palo Alto Festival of the Arts (8/26 & 8/27): The gorgeous University Avenue becomes a fine art street fair with over 300 different vendors showing, and selling, their crafts to all. This is one of the best SF Bay Area events in August and always is a great way to spend a few days in the later part of the month. This two day event usually draws around 175,000 people and includes both food and wine booths for you to enjoy. There are also musicians and other entertainers in case you want to take a break and just relax for a while. Don't miss out on one of the largest SF Bay Area events in August. It starts at 10 am and ends at 6 pm each day and is about 40 miles south of San Francisco.
CrunchyRoll Expo in Santa Clara (No Event in 2023): If you are into anime, cosplay, and manga, then the CrunchyRoll Expo cannot be missed. Crunchyroll is the world's largest online home for anime and this 3-day expo will bring together some of the best artists, biggest fans, and best movies from all over. With over 100,000 square feet of space for the convention, you will have more than enough to see and do all weekend long. You are encouraged to cosplay, but you don't need to if you don't want to. Just come and enjoy this incredible event. There are differing levels of tickets available so make sure to check and see which is the best for you. Find tickets and learn more on their site.
More Tips to Visit SF in August
More Things to Do: Beyond attending the wonderful events I've outlined above, there are plenty more things to do when you visit San Francisco in August. Read my guide on the best tours, cruises, family activities, restaurants, and nightlife to check out during this time of year. Get more ideas for your August trip to SF.
What to Wear in August: Are you looking for a few ideas on what to pack? If so, then visit my San Francisco weather page for August. I take you through what to expect during the day and night. I also provide you with some tips on what to wear during your stay. More details on what to wear in SF in August.
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