San Francisco Festivals in 2018 & 2019

Your One Stop Resource for All Festivals & Street Fairs in SF

The streets are alive again in 2018 & 2019 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.

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Types of SF Festivals

Click the links below for a list of popular annual festivals based on interests.

Art | Beer | Crafts | Film

Food | Music | Parades | Street Fairs | Wine

Summer

August 2018

Outside Lands Festival

One of the largest outdoor live music festivals in SF
Dates: 8/10 - 8/12
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

Polk Street Blues Festival

2018 Dates: 8/18 & 8/19
Two main stages
Merchant marketplace with arts and crafts booths
Several gourmet food and beverage vendors
From 10am to 6pm each day
On Polk between California & Sutter
Admission is free
Learn more

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 August 4 & 5 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 2018 are 6/17 - 8/19
Weekly outdoor musical festival
Starts at 2pm
Admission is free
Click for more details

>> More events in August in SF

>> Concert calendar for August

Hotel Deals Around SF

Planning to spend a night or two as you enjoy some of the top San Francisco festivals? If so, make sure to check out these top hotels deals for your stay.

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

Booking: Find great deals all around San Francisco for your upcoming stay!

September 2018

Fringe Festival

Grassroots theater festivals
2018 Dates: 9/6 - 9/15
All performances at the Exit Theaterplex at 156 Eddy Street
35 groups performing 150 shows
Learn more here including the full schedule of performances

Green Film Festival

Films showcasing people and the environment around us
More than 60 films this year from 21 countries
Focus on our impact on the earth and ways we are trying to save it
Dates: 9/6-9/13
Find details

Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival

2018 Dates: 9/8 & 9/9
Sample chocolates, wine and learn new creations from SF's top chefs
Ice cream eating contest and a silent auction to raise money for Project Open Hand
Click here for more details

A Taste of Greece

SF's only Greek Food Festival
In the Mission at the Annunciation Cathedral
2018 dates are TBD
Enjoy traditional food, music, and wine
More details here

Chinatown Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

2018 Dates are 9/15 & 9/16
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

Oktoberfest by the Bay

2018 Dates are 9/21-9/23
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

Folsom Street Fair

Worlds largest leather & fetish event
2018 date is 9/30
From 11am to 6pm
On Folsom Street between 8th and 13th Streets
Admission is free

>> More events in September

>> Full concert calendar for September

October 2018

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

Free Bluegrass Festival held in Golden Gate Park
Date is 10/5-10/7
Music is free, dozens of food and beverage vendors on hand selling a variety of items
Find additional details

Castro Street Fair

Date is 10/7 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: 10/5 - 10/7
Along the waterfront in both Fishermans 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

Excelsior Arts & Music Festival

2018 date is TBD
Family-friendly event with lots of activities for the kids
Live music, food, and arts & crafts booths
Excelsior district on Ocean Avenue and San Juan Avenue
Learn more here

Dance Film Festival

Date: 10/11 - 10/14
All films focus on the art of dance
Most films show at the Bravo Theater in San Francisco
Find more details and other November Film Festival

Litquake

Longest running literary festival in SF
Dates are 10/11-10/20
Literary events from panel discussions to author readings
All around San Francisco
Click here for this year's schedule

The Wharf Fest

Date is 10/20
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 10/18-10/20
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
Find more details and the full schedule here

Potrero Hill Festival

Date is 10/20
In Potrero Hill on 20th between Wisconsin and Missouri
Local musicians, food, historians, and other activities for the entire family
Full festival details here

>> More events in October

November 2018

Pinot Days

Dates are 11/3
Grand Tasting at Bespoke in the Westfield Shopping Centre
More than 70 Pinot producers on hand during the tasting
Tickets start at $75 per person
Click here for more details

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 11/3 & 11/4

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
2018 Dates are 11/16 - 11/18

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: 11/17 & 11/18
Renegade Craft Fair: 11/10 & 11/11
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 2018: 11/17 - 12/23

Another Hole in the Head

13th Annual Film Festival
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Dark Fantasy, and Exploitation
10 days of independent films
Dates: 11/28 - 12/10
Learn more

>> Full calendar of events in November

December 2018

Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Stroll through history at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Enjoy food, crafts, and entertainment
Five weekends in November and December from 11/17 - 12/23
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

January 2019

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: 1/17 - 1/19
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

SF Sketchfest

San Francisco comedy festival
Performances at venues throughout the city
2019 Dates: TBD
More event details and the full schedules

February 2019

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

2019 Date is TBD at AT&T Park
Meet some of the players, get autographs, and pick up single game tickets
Find gear for the 2019 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 18th year
Show include the best in independent, alternative and subversive movies from around the world
One of SF's largest film festivals
2019 dates are TBD
Full line up and ticket information

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
2019 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
2019 Dates are TBD
Several venues around San Francisco

>> More on these and other SF festivals in February

March 2019

Ocean Film Festival

2019 Dates TBD
More than 50 works that explore our amazing oceans
Pieces about the ocean's ecosystem, interesting plants and animals and more
Click here for a full list of films

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 $49 from 1pm to 4pm or from 6pm to 9pm
VIP admission $59.02 from Noon to 4pm
On SF's Pier 35
Date: TBD

Saint Patrick's Day 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: TBD
Festival is from 10am to 5pm
Parade starts at 11:30am
See pictures and learn more about this SF festival

>> More details on our March festivals

April 2019

Union Street Spring Celebration

27th 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: TBD
Listen to traditional Japanese music, sample gourmet treats and visit dozens of other vendors
Find additional details

International Beer Festival

Date is TBD
35th Annual Beer Festival from 7 to 10pm
Sample beers from more than 100 brewers from around the world
More details and ticketing information

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
Additional details

International Film Festival

61st 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: TBD
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: TBD

>> A calendar of more festivals in April

May 2019

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 TBD
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 6pm
Date is TBD

>> May calendar of festivals

>> More May events in San Francisco

>> May concert calendar in SF

June 2019

Union Street Festival

Dates are TBD
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

Date: TBD
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

Two week long festival of jazz performances
Dates: TBD
All performances are at the new SF Jazz Center or other Civic Center performance centers

North Beach Festival

Dates are TBD
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

Haight Street Fair

Date is TBD
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

This year's theme is Embrace, Encourage, Empower
Festival is TBD
Parade starts at 10:30am on Sunday
Festival includes more than 300 exhibitors
You will also find live music and dancing in the streets all day long!
Click here for more details

Juneteenth Festival

Date is TBD
It's the 56th 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