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San Francisco Festivals in 2021
by Jill Loeffler •
Updated: August 3, 2021
The streets are alive again in 2021 with the San Francisco festivals and street fairs. Many of these SF events draw hundreds of people and are a tradition in many of these neighborhoods.
Entrance is free to many of them. At most festivals, you can walk the streets and enjoy live music, food and drinks. You can also visit booths with original art work, crafts, jewelry and more.
Types of SF Festivals
Click the links below for a list of popular annual festivals based on interests.
August 2021
Nihonmachi Street Fair
- Asian-Pacific American festival that features traditional and non-traditional performances, art, music and more
- Sample yummy foods from Asian Pacific Countries as well as San Francisco favorites
- Two stages with live music all weekend long including everything from jazz to rock
- Bring along the kids for Asian inspired crafts and other fun games
- Dates are July 17 & 31 + August 7 & 8, but they do plan to have a 2021 festival in Japantown
- Click here for details
Stern Grove Festival Free Concerts in the Park
- Every Sunday afternoon from mid-June to mid-August
- Specific dates for 2021 are June 20 - August 29
- Weekly outdoor musical festival
- Starts at 2pm
- Admission is free, but advanced registration is required (tickets available 12 days in advance of each concert online)
- Click for more details
>> More events in August in SF
>> Concert calendar for August
Ideas to Help You Plan Your Stay
Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour: The best way to get around San Francisco is on the Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour. It runs from 9 am to 6 pm and takes you directly from one attraction to the next. You can select from their 24- or 48-hour tour. They also have a cool night tour. The Big Bus Tour Company is the most popular and highly rated option. Visit their site to learn more.
TripAdvisor: Still need to book your hotel? Check out recent reviews and a list of amenities on TripAdvisor. You can read what others experienced at each hotel and find the one that is right for you! Visit TripAdvisor to learn more.
CityPass: Save up to 44% on 4 of San Francisco's top attractions with the CityPass. This discount card includes admission to the California Academy of Sciences and a Blue & Gold Fleet Cruise. In addition, you can visit two other attractions of your choice from the following four options: Aquarium of the Bay, SF Zoo, Walt Disney Museum, and the Exploratorium. Visit their site to learn more.
September 2021
Chinatown Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
- 2021 Dates are September 11 & 12
- Starts with a parade on Saturday morning
- Features live entertainment, arts & crafts, and traditional food all weekend long
- 11am to 6pm both days
- Click here for more details and the full entertainment schedule
North Beach Festival
- Usually held in June, but will be in September in 2021 (9/18 & 9/19)
- From 10am to 6pm in the North Beach neighborhood
- 125 arts and crafts booths
- 20 gourmet food booths
- Three stages with live entertainment
- Italian street painting and beverage gardens
- Children's activity area
- Admission is free
- Find more details here
Folsom Street Fair
- 2021 date is September 26
- Plan is to scale this back in 2021 and rename it Folsom Street Presents: MEGAHOOD2021
- They recommend that you plan to come in 2022 if you want to really experience this amazing event
- Worlds largest leather & fetish event (not in 2021, but will be back to their normal festival in 2022)
- From 11am to 6pm
- On Folsom Street between 8th and 13th Streets
- Admission is free
Oktoberfest by the Bay
- 2021 Dates are TBD
- At SF's Pier 48
- Enjoy German food, beer, and entertainment
- Head over during one of four sessions during the weekend
- Find out more here
Fringe Festival
- Grassroots theater festivals
- 2021 Dates: September 9 - 18 (if they receive city approval)
- All performances at the Exit Theaterplex at 156 Eddy Street
- 35 groups performing 150 shows
A Taste of Greece
- SF's only Greek Food Festival
- In the Mission at the Annunciation Cathedral
- 2021 dates are TBD
- Enjoy traditional food, music, and wine
>> Full concert calendar for September
October 2021
Outside Lands Festival
- One of the largest outdoor live music festivals in SF
- Dates: October 29 - 31
- In Golden Gate Park on the western side of San Francisco
- Features gourmet food, internationally recognized wines and work of hundreds of arts on display.
- Click here for this year's line-up and event details
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
- Free Bluegrass Festival held in Golden Gate Park
- Date is TBD for 2021
- Music is free, dozens of food and beverage vendors on hand selling a variety of items
- Find additional details
Castro Street Fair
- Date is October 3, 2021 from 11am to 6pm
- Intersection of Market Street & Castro Street in the Castro
- Live music, almost a hundred booths
- Small entrance fee that is donated to local non-profit organizations
- More festival details
Fleet Week San Francisco
- Date: October 3 - 11, 2021
- Along the waterfront in both Fisherman's Wharf and the Marina Districts
- Thousands of people attend every year
- Blue Angels perform over the weekend
- See pictures from previous years and find the calendar of events
Litquake
- Longest running literary festival in SF
- Dates are 10/7 - 10/23
- Literary events from panel discussions to author readings
- All around San Francisco
- Click here for this year's schedule
Dance Film Festival
- Date: 10/15 - 10/24
- All films focus on the art of dance
- Most films show at the Bravo Theater in San Francisco
The Wharf Fest
- Date is TBD
- One day of activities ranging from live music to a Segway obstacle course
- Other events include a chowder competition, fireworks, and booths from local artists
- More details here
International Festival of Short Films
- Date is October 7 - 9, 2021
- All films play at the Roxie Theater in the Mission
- Shorts about important moments in people's lives including gains and losses, aspiration, and giving everything for your dream
Potrero Hill Festival
- Date is TBD
- In Potrero Hill on 20th between Wisconsin and Missouri
- Local musicians, food, historians, and other activities for the entire family
November 2020
Ski & Snowboard Festival
- Explore the latest ski and snowboard gear for the upcoming snow season
- Sip wine and brews along the way
- Pier 35
- Dates are TBD
Tree Lighting Ceremonies
- Dozens of tree lighting ceremonies all around San Francisco
- Watch them in Union Square, Pier 39, and Ghirardelli Square
- Enjoy parades, live music, and other family fun as well
- Entire list of tree lighting ceremonies in SF this year
Hip Hop International Dance Fest
- One of the largest Hip Hop Dance Festivals in the world
- Three days of performances
- All shows at the Palace of Fine Arts Theater
- Virtual in 2021 (will return in 2022)
Craft Festivals at Fort Mason
- Offer unique pieces from popular local and national artists
- Buy gifts for the holidays or yourself
- Offer everything from jewelry to art work
- West Coast Craft Fair: TBD
- Renegade Craft Fair: TBD
- Find more details on the Fort Mason page
Great Dickens Christmas Fair
- Stroll through history at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair
- Enjoy food, crafts, and entertainment
- Five weekends in November & December
- All activities are at the Cow Palace
- Dates 2021: November 20 - December 19
>> Full calendar of events in November
December 2020
Great Dickens Christmas Fair
- Stroll through history at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair
- Enjoy food, crafts, and entertainment
- Five weekends in November and December
- Dates 2021: November 20 - December 19
- All activities are at the Cow Palace
- Tickets on sale at a discount on Goldstar
Tree Lighting Ceremonies & Holiday Events
- Dozens of tree lighting ceremonies all around San Francisco
- Watch them in Union Square, Pier 39, and Ghirardelli Square
- Enjoy parades, live music, and other family fun as well
- Entire list of tree lighting ceremonies in SF this year
Another Hole in the Head
- 18th Annual Film Festival
- Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Dark Fantasy, and Exploitation
- 10 days of independent films
- Dates: December 1 - 13, 2021
January 2022
ZAP Wine Festival
- Wine festival focused on Zinfandel wines
- Offers the best Zins from California producers and beyond
- At the Presidio and the Four Seasons Hotel
- Date: TBD
- More details on this year's event
Martin Luther King Jr. Festival and March
- Celebrate the work of Martin Luther King Jr.
- All day long event with a film festival, art festival, march and more
- Date: TBD with most events on the holiday itself
- Click here for more details
Bay Area Brews Festival
- Sample wines from dozens of national and international brewers
- Enjoy gourmet food from SF's famous food trucks (food sold separately)
- General admission $50 from 1pm to 4pm or from 5:30pm to 8:30pm
- VIP admission $70 from Noon to 4pm
- Fort Mason Center
- Date: TBD
SF Sketchfest
- San Francisco comedy festival
- Performances at venues throughout the city
- 2021 Dates: TBD
- More event details and the full schedules
February 2022
Chinese New Year's Street Festival
- Dates: TBD
- Parade is on TBD
- Fair includes traditional dancing, art, and Chinese food
- Discover lion dancing, calligraphy, and other activities
- Click here for more details
SF Giants Fan Fest
- 2021 Date is TBD at Oracle Park
- Meet some of the players, get autographs, and pick up single game tickets
- Find gear for the 2021 season
- Get your picture taken with the World Series trophies
- Meet other SF Giants fans
- Click here for more details and ticketing information
SF Indie Fest
- Independent Film Festival heading into its 22nd year
- Show include the best in independent, alternative and subversive movies from around the world
- One of SF's largest film festivals
- 2021 dates are TBD
Salsa Rueda Festival
- Learn to dance or freshen up your skills during the daytime workshops
- Practice and mingle with others during the nightly parties with world famous bands
- 2021 Dates are TBD
- All activities at the Hotel Witcomb
- Click here to visit their site for more details and to register today!
Noise Pop Festival
- Independent film, art, and music
- 2021 Dates are TBD
- Several venues around San Francisco
>> More on these and other SF festivals in February
March 2022
Ocean Film Festival
- 2020 festival is postponed.
- More than 50 works that explore our amazing oceans
- Pieces about the ocean's ecosystem, interesting plants and animals and more
Saint Patrick's Day Parade & Festival
- At Civic Center Plaza in the heart of the city
- Live music, cold beer and dancing
- Outside the main festival is a fun, family friendly area with activities for the kids
- Date: Postponed
- Parade starts at 11:30am
- See pictures and learn more about this SF parade
>> More details on our March festivals
April 2022
Union Street Spring Celebration
- 28th Annual Spring Celebration & Easter Parade
- Date: TBD
- Event is from 10am to 5pm
- Parade starts at 2pm
- Union Street, Gough to Fillmore in the Marina District
- Discover more festival details here
Cherry Blossom Festival
- Two weekend long celebration every spring
- In SF's Japantown neighborhood
- Dates: Postponed
- Listen to traditional Japanese music, sample gourmet treats and visit dozens of other vendors
- Find additional details
International Beer Festival
- Date is 4/18
- 37th Annual Beer Festival from 7 to 10pm
- Sample beers from more than 100 brewers from around the world
Cesar Chavez Holiday Parade and Festival
- Celebrates the life and work of this labor and civil rights leader
- Date: TBD
- Parade starts at 11am at Dolores Park
- Festival is on 24th Street between Treat and Bryant from 12pm to 5pm
- Festival includes entertainment, music and arts & crafts booths
- More information on this year's event
Glen Park Festival
- Family friendly event in the Glen Park neighborhood
- Food, entertainment and crafts from local artists
- Two children's areas with live entertainment, games and two jumpy houses
- Event runs from 10am to 4:30pm
- Date: TBD
International Film Festival
- 63rd Annual International Film Festival
- Features over 150 films and live events over a two week time period
- Showcases narrative feature films, live action, animated shorts, television and theatrical dramas
- Dates: 4/8 - 4/21
- More on this year's event
Bay Area Dance Week
- 600+ free performances in San Francisco and the Bay Area
- Shows from both amateur and professional dancers
- 10-day event
- Dates: 4/26 - 5/5
>> A calendar of more festivals in April
May 2022
Taste of Potrero
- Eat, drink, and be merry at this year's Taste of Potrero
- Sample some of SF's best food and drinks
- Raise money for public education
- Date is TBD
Mission Carnaval Celebration
- Dates 5/23 & 5/24
- Street fair celebrating diversity in the neighborhood and throughout the world
- Focused on the Latin American and Caribbean cultures
- Food, music and dancing in the streets
- Festival is free
- Learn more about Carnaval
Taiwanese American Cultural Festival
- Enjoy Taiwanese food, music, and other cultural activities
- Free and open to the public
- Event in Union Square from 10am to 4pm
- Date is TBD
>> More May events in San Francisco
June 2022
Stern Grove Festival Free Concerts in the Park
- Every Sunday afternoon from mid-June to mid-August
- Specific dates for 2022 are TBD
- Weekly outdoor musical festival
- Starts at 2pm
- Admission is free, but advanced registration is required (tickets available 12 days in advance of each concert online)
- Click for more details
Union Street Festival
- Postponed to 2022
- In the Marina District, on Union Street between Gough and Stein
- 250 craft booths, 25 gourmet food booths
- 2 stages of live entertainment
- Bistro style cafes by local restaurants
- Admission is free
- Click here for more details
Soy & Tofu Festival
- No festival in 2021
- Saint Mary's Cathedral in Japantown
- Sample soy and tofu products from a variety of vendors
- Enjoy live music from Asian American performers
- Participate in the interactive games
- Attend an educational session on the uses of soy
SF Jazz Fest
- Members only, virtual event in 2021
- Two week long festival of jazz performances
- All performances are virtual this year
Haight Street Fair
- Postponed to 2022
- In the Haight Ashbury District
- Three stages of live music
- From 11am to 6pm
- Six blocks of vendors from crafts to gourmet treats
- Admission is free
- Find more details here
Gay Pride Parade & Festival
- Smaller event this year with no parade and only a few small celebrations around SF.
- Click here for more details
Juneteenth Festival
- No large festival in 2021, but it should return in 2022.
- It's the 57th year for this festival, celebrating the 152th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation
- On Fillmore Street between Post & Turk Streets
- Parade begins at 11am
- Two stages of entertainment
- A Kiddy Corner
- Free and open to the public
- Click here for more details
SF Free Folk Festival
- Virtual in 2021
- One full day of music, dance workshops, concerts, crafts and more
- Free festival, but you can support the festival with a donation
- At Cyprian's Center, 2097 Turk Street (at Lyon)
Ethnic Dance Festival
- Four weekends of dance performances, workshops, panel discussions and more
- Virtual in 2021
>> Additional festivals in June
July 2022
Stern Grove Festival Free Concerts in the Park
- Every Sunday afternoon from mid-June to mid-August
- Specific dates for 2022 are TBD
- Weekly outdoor musical festival
- Starts at 2pm
- Admission is free, but advanced registration is required (tickets available 12 days in advance of each concert online)
- Click for more details
Fillmore Jazz Festival
- Postponed in 2022
- In the Pacific Heights neighborhood
- One of the largest free jazz festivals on the west coast
- From 10am to 6pm both days
- Hundreds of booths showcasing unique art, crafts and other goodies
- Dozens of food and beverage booths
- On Fillmore Street between Jackson and Eddy Streets
- Full live music schedule and event details
Yerba Buena Festival
- Annual event at the Yerba Buena Gardens in SOMA
- Runs from May through October
- Several performances each week from kids shows to local musicians
- Click here for this year's full schedule of performances
Breastfest Beer Festival
- Beer festival and fundraiser for low-income women diagnosed with breast cancer
- Features more than 35 breweries from around the world with many local favorites
- TBD for 2022
- This year's event is in Marin at the Marin Center in San Rafael