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San Francisco Festivals in July 2023: 10 Most Popular in SF this Month
by Jill Loeffler •
Updated: May 4, 2023
Discover details on the 10 best San Francisco festivals in July. My top picks for this month include the Fillmore Jazz, Stern Grove, and Fourth of July Waterfront festivals.
It's a fun time to get outdoors to listen to live music, learn how to dance, and cheer on many local up-and-coming artists. Many of these are free and all are open to the public.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
1. Fourth of July Waterfront Festival
Date: 7/4
Our Fourth of July celebration is huge every year. Activities start in the morning and run until our large fireworks show which ends around 10 pm.
All events are in Fisherman's Wharf along the waterfront. Highlights (besides the large fireworks display at dark) include live music, food, drinks, and dozens of family-friendly activities.
>> Everything there is to see and do this 4th of July in SF
2. Fillmore Jazz
Dates: 7/1 & 7/2
The Fillmore Jazz event is one of the largest San Francisco festivals in July. It's always the first Saturday and Sunday of the month and features free live music and entertainment. It's located on Fillmore Street in the Pacific Heights and Western Addition districts.
You can also stroll through local artists booths, enjoy some cool beverages, and sample gourmet treats. The event lasts from 10 am to 6 pm both days.
3. Stern Grove Concerts in the Park
Dates: 6/18 - 8/20
One of the most popular San Francisco festivals in July for locals is the Stern Grove Concerts Series. This park is on the western side of SF and this annual event features well known and up-and-coming local artists.
This year's performers include the Indigo Girls, Lyle Lovett, and our very own SF Symphony. Reservations are required in advance and tickets are available for free starting one month before each show.
Best Tours Around San Francisco
4. Frozen Film Festival
Dates: 7/12 - 7/16
See independent pieces from new and aspiring directors all around the world. This is one of my favorite San Francisco festivals in July as the event focuses on getting exposure for directors from under served communities, youth, and other independents areas.
The event runs for four days and you can catch this year's flicks during two of those days as the other two days focus on awards and other events.
5. Yerba Buena Gardens
Dates: Several days in July
The Yerba Buena Gardens event features free, live entertainment several days a week from May to October. These performances include kids shows, music, dance, and more. All events are on the lawn at the Yerba Buena Gardens on Mission between 3rd and 4th Streets.
>> More details on this annual event
6. Northern California Soy and Tofu Festival
Date: Moved to June
The Northern California Soy and Tofu Festival has become a fun, tasty, and educational summer tradition at St. Mary's Cathedral in SF's Japantown. The fair features several vendors of delicious soy and tofu treats, as well as information about the health benefits of these food products.
There will be a tofu-eating contest, a dessert competition, and more fun activities for the whole family. This is truly a unique experience that invites you to delve a little further into Asian culture and cuisine, and beyond.
>> More event details on their website
7. Up Your Alley
Date: 7/30
Up Your Alley is a leather and fetish festival that draws in more than 15,000 people every year. Held in the South of Market District, this festival is for "real players only."
Attendees participate openly in B. D. S. M. play. There will also be more than 80 vendors selling everything you need to have a wonderful time at this festival.
The event runs from 11 am to 6 pm.
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VRBO: In addition to 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.
8. Sunday Streets
Date: 7/10
Sunday Streets is a time to get active and discover new health tips. This event runs every Summer from April to October. It's located in a new district each month. During the events, the streets are closed so you can walk, run, or bike around them. You can enjoy group activities such as rock climbing and aerobics classes. You can also get your blood pressure tested and get other screenings (often for free!).
>> Find this July's district for this event and details on what to expect when you attend
9. Silent Film Festival
Dates: 7/12 - 7/16
The Annual Silent Film Festival once again brings favorite silent films to the big screen and shines the spotlight on often forgotten ones from throughout the decades.
This is one of the San Francisco festivals in May that will feature a variety of shows over the course of the 4-day event. All movies and live music performances will screen around San Francisco.
>> More information about the SF Silent Film Festival
10. Free Folk Festival
Date: 7/8
The Annual SF Folk Festival celebrates its 46th anniversary this year at Everett Middle School in the colorful and diverse Mission District. This free event runs all day long, offering dozens of different kinds of dance and music performances, as well as workshops.
Enjoy everything from acoustic guitar to ukulele jams to contra band dance, Irish Step, and Argentine Tango. It's a festival for all ages and everyone is encouraged to participate.
Additional Fun Things to Do in SF this Month
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