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.

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

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

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

The Inflatable Run & Festival

• Date: 10/20 from 8am to 2pm
• Fun, family-friendly event at the Solano County Fairgrounds in Vallejo
• Kid-friendly obstacle course that is 1-mile long (you will go around 3 times)
• Games, attractions and other activities in the festival area including bounce houses, carnival games, go-cart racing and more
• Live music and food
• Use the code LISTING for $5 off
• Visit their site to learn more and register today

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

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!

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: 1/10-1/27
• More event details and the full schedules

February 2019

Chinese New Year's Street Festival

• Dates: 2/23 - 2/24
• Parade is on 2/23
• 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 2/15 - 2/17
• 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 3/7 - 3/10
• 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: 3/16
• 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: 4/13 & 4/14 + 4/20 & 4/21
• 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

• 62nd 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: 4/10-4/23
• 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 5/25 & 5/26
• 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 6/15 & 6/16
• 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 6/29 & 6/30
• 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

Fillmore Jazz Festival

• 6/29 & 6/30 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

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

• Date is TBD
• 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)
• Find out more here

>> Additional festivals in June

>>More events in June

>>June concert calendar

July 2019

Stern Grove Festival Free Concerts in the Park

• Every Sunday afternoon from mid-June to mid-August
• Specific dates for 2019 are TBD
• Weekly outdoor musical festival
• Starts at 2pm
• Admission is free
• Click for more details

Ethnic Dance Festival

• Four weekends of dance performances, workshops, panel discussions and more
• Dates are TBD
• Click here for more information

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
• Date is TBD
• This year's event is in Marin at the Marin Center in San Rafael
• Click here for details and ticketing information

>> July festivals calendar

>> More events in July in San Francisco

>> Concert calendar for July

August 2019

Outside Lands Festival

• One of the largest outdoor live music festivals in SF
• Dates: TBD
• 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

• 2019 Dates: 8/17 & 8/18
• 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 TBD 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 2019 are TBD
• Weekly outdoor musical festival
• Starts at 2pm
• Admission is free
• Click for more details

>> More events in August in SF

>> Concert calendar for August

September 2019

Fringe Festival

• Grassroots theater festivals
• 2019 Dates: TBD
• 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: TBD
• Find details

Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival

• 2019 Dates: 9/7 & 9/8
• 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
• 2019 dates are TBD
• Enjoy traditional food, music, and wine
• More details here

Chinatown Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

• 2019 Dates are TBD
• 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

• 2019 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

Folsom Street Fair

• Worlds largest leather & fetish event
• 2019 date is TBD
• From 11am to 6pm
• On Folsom Street between 8th and 13th Streets
• Admission is free

>> More events in September

>> Full concert calendar for September

 

Click here to download the list of all major annual San Francisco festivals and street fairs.

Other Popular SF Events

Wine Tasting Festivals	SF Giants Schedule	Theater Calendar

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