Bay to Breakers

Held annually in May, the 100-year old Zazzle Bay to Breakers 12k is one of the world’s largest and oldest footraces, held annually in San Francisco, California.  In the true spirit of San Francisco the race is a celebration for everyone. Thousands of costumed participants join with families, and weekend runners and walkers. As they make their way through the heart of San Francisco, energized by continuous bursts of live music, they are cheered on by thousands of spectators lining the route. After the race, there is a big gathering called Foodstock Festival to attend!  Footstock features food booths, a beer and wine garden, musical entertainment, the Annual Costume Contest, t-shirt pick-up, an alphabet garden for meeting friends/family, and other fun festivities.

How Weird Street Faire

Looking for something a little more out of the ordinary?  Try experiencing the How Weird Street Faire, held annually in May, the How Weird Street Faire fills nine city blocks with thousands of people in colorful costumes dancing in the streets. There at nine stages of world-class music, art and performances, a tasty selection of food and drinks, non-profit organizations to educate and inspire, and all the weirdness that San Francisco is famous for. All ages are welcome, and costumes are highly encouraged.  Come prepared to find some special clothing, jewelry, art, decorations, hula hoops, and much more throughout the faire!

San Francisco Waterfront Festival

There is no place better to celebrate the Fourth of July than at Pier 39 for the annual San Francisco Waterfront Festival!  Celebrate with a variety of events including live musical entertainment and a fireworks extravaganza.  In addition to the great  local bands, visitors will enjoy a variety of delicious foods, arts & crafts activities & displays, and so much more. The fun takes place all day long and at about 9PM, fireworks will light up the skies over San Francisco. Great fun for the entire family awaits at San Francisco's Fourth of July Waterfront Festival.

Fillmore Street Jazz Festival

Another great celebration location for the Fourth of July is at the Fillmore Street Jazz Festival!  The Fillmore Jazz Festival is the largest free Jazz festival on the West Coast, drawing over 90,000 visitors over the Independence Day weekend. From sunup to sundown, visitors can groove to the sounds of live music from multiple stages, browse the offerings of over 8 blocks of fine art and crafts and enjoy gourmet food and beverages. Asian to Cajun, paintings to pottery, old favorites and new directions, the Fillmore Jazz Festival is not to be missed.

Oktoberfest by the Bay

You don’t have to visit Germany to experience an authentic Oktoberfest!  Celebrating in the true tradition of Munich's famed festival, Oktoberfest by the Bay, held in September, will include nonstop music, singing, dancing and the very best in German food and drink.  Headlining the stage will be the world renowned, 21-piece Chico Bavarian Band! Come for three or four hours and you're sure to catch all of the music and dance performances.

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Ghirardelli Square

Planning on spending the Holiday’s in San Francisco?  Then you won’t want to miss the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Ghirardelli Square!  Ghirardelli Square kicks off the holiday season with it’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, usually around the 3rd week in November. A spectacular Christmas tree will be lit with sparkling lights, ornaments, decorations and oversized Ghirardelli Chocolate bars. Enjoy the Ghirardelli Christmas carolers’ performance and stop in for a visit with Saint Nick. The Square’s festivities include activities for the whole family!

As you can see, there is a festival for every season in San Francisco, and these are only a handful!  For more Events & Festivals located in San Francisco, CA, make sure to click on the Play tab above, then choose Events & Festivals for a complete list.  Have fun planning your trip to the “city by the bay!”