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San Francisco Festivals in May 2024: Carnaval, BottleRock, & More

Jill on a windy day at the Golden Gate Bridge

by Jill Loeffler  •

Updated: March 1, 2024

San Francisco festivals in May 2024 offer you the chance to celebrate the Latin culture, sample local wines, and enjoy independent films. You can also listen to music, sample traditional Asian cuisines, and enjoy BottleRock in Napa.

Read on for details about this month's annual events.

Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

San Francisco Festivals in May

Carnaval Festival & Parade

Dates: 5/25 & 5/26

One of the largest San Francisco festivals in May is the Carnaval celebration in the Mission District. The event lasts for two days over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

The colorful, lively Sunday morning parade brings Latin American and Caribbean traditional dances to the streets of SF's largely Latino neighborhood.

There is also a massive street fair spread out along eight city blocks, featuring food, more music and dance, and arts and crafts.

>> This year's event details

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival

Dates: Several in May

The Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is an ongoing summer festival of free performances that opens this month. From May to October, this cultural center provides five to seven shows a week—many on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, but also some on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the afternoons.

The performances include jazz, classical, and world music concerts, as well as traditional and contemporary dance. This festival gives you lots of great excuses to take an hour or two out of your day and relax on the grass at these gardens in the SoMa District.

>> This year's schedule & event info

BottleRock in Napa

Dates: 5/24 - 5/26

One of the biggest music festivals in Napa is BottleRock. This three day event is the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend.

It's a great time to sample local wines, enjoy gourmet treats, and listen to some of the top international bands on stage. 

This year's performers include:

  • Friday, May 24: Stevie Nicks, Megan Thee Stallion, St. Vincent, Nelly, and 21 others, find tickets
  • Saturday, May 25: Pearl Jam, Mana, Kali Uchis, The Kid Laroi, and 22 others, find tickets
  • Sunday, May 26: Edward Sheeran, Queens of the Stone Age, Dominic Fike, Norah Jones, and 22 others, find tickets

You can purchase tickets for one, two or all three days.

All performances are at the Napa Valley Expo which is near downtown Napa. 

>> Find tickets for all three days

>> More fun things to do in Napa in May

More Tips for Your May Visit

Cinco de Mayo Festival

Date: TBD

As Cinco de Mayo falls on a Friday this year, the annual Mission District festival will be held all day the Saturday before.

The street fair will transform one of the city's trendiest and most lively strips of shops and restaurants—Valencia between 21st and 24th Streets—into a family-friendly celebration of Mexican and Latin American cultures. It runs from 10 am to 6 pm.

Enjoy authentic food, music, dance, and art in SF's traditionally Latino neighborhood.

>> Learn more about this fun event

Taiwanese American Cultural Festival

Date: 5/13

The Taiwanese American Cultural Festival is another one of the San Francisco festivals in May that celebrates the traditions of a particular cultural group and proudly shares them with the broader community.

At this annual event in Union Square, you can taste delicious Taiwanese cuisine, admire the folkloric costumes and dances, and get involved at the interactive booths. Learn about the history and customs of this island nation and maybe even get your fortune read.

>> Visit their site for more details

CAAM Fest

Dates: TBD

The CAAM Fest is another one of the fantastic cultural San Francisco festivals in May, this one featuring art from the Asian American community. The festival offers more than 120 film screenings, several concerts, and great food.

The Opening Night Gala will take place at the Asian Art Museum, and every piece of art included in this festival sheds light on the complex cultures of Asia.

Growing Together Day

Date: TBD

Come out to Candlestick Point, a waterfront park on the southern side of San Francisco, for this free Saturday community festival. The event is perfect for families looking to spend a day outdoors celebrating art, nature, and community. 

From 10 am to 3 pm, there will be live music and entertainment, food trucks, guided nature walks, local artists and vendors, activities for kids and adults, and more. 

Hotel Discounts in SF

Save on your stay with the great deals on Booking.com and TripAdvisor. In addition to deals, you can read recent guest reviews to find the best place for your stay.

BookingFind great deals all around San Francisco for your upcoming stay

TripAdvisorWhat's the #1 hotel in San Francisco? Read reviews & find hotel deals on TripAdvisor!

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

San Francisco Festivals in May: Calendar of Upcoming Annual Events.

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