MUST EXPERIENCE CULTURAL EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
IN SAN FRANCISCO
Brighten up your visit to San Francisco by attending these eclectic festivals and celebrations, some of which date back more than 100 years. Throughout San Francisco’s history, visitors are welcomed across various countries, cultures, religions and identities. Some never left, and their traditions have forever enriched the cultural fabric of our city, particularly in neighborhoods such as Chinatown, the Castro, and many more.
Today, we celebrate these communities with an eclectic lineup of festivals and celebrations, some of which date back more than 100 years. These expressions of pride, diversity and individuality are the perfect way to experience San Francisco. Add these one-of-a-kind cultural events to your next trip itinerary.
FILLMORE JAZZ FESTIVAL (JULY)
Visit the neighborhood considered “the Harlem of the West” for an annual celebration of its storied jazz history. The Fillmore’s many music venues hosted the legends of the time, including Duke Ellington and Billie Holliday. You can still hear performers in some of those spaces today, as well as up and down Fillmore St. during the Fillmore Jazz festival.
OUTSIDE LANDS (AUGUST)
This property, steeped in San Francisco’s rich history, now stands at a prime location at the city’s heart, having undergone a complete reimagination. The newly renovated rooms, lobby, and restaurant beckon you to explore and indulge in a unique blend of contemporary amenities and vintage charm. The thoughtful upgrades have been crafted with great care to pay homage to the hotel’s past as a distinctive and fashionable destination for travelers. While you’re here, don’t miss out on visiting the iconic Art-Deco Redwood Room – a venue that takes you on a journey through San Francisco’s captivating past. A visit to this property is a must for those looking to immerse themselves in the city’s history and culture.
FOLSOM STREET FAIR (SEPTEMBER)
Anything goes in San Francisco, and nowhere is that more apparent than the annual Folsom Street Fair, the world’s largest leather event. Whether you’re a curious onlooker or a long-term participant in these subcultures, you’ll have a great time at this free fair. Historically a centerpiece of San Francisco’s LGBTQ community, Folsom Street is where gay biker bars flourished in the 1960s and ’70s. You’ll see attendees dressed in their shiniest leather and latex fetish wear or in nothing, clothing is optional at this festival.
FLEET WEEK (OCTOBER)
You’ll know it’s Fleet Week by Blue Angels buzzing overhead. Over a million people gather to watch aviators from the United States Navy’s flight demonstration squad perform flips, rolls and other stunts across Bay Area skies. There’s also a parade of ships and community events paying tribute to veterans and active members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS (OCTOBER)
One of the first signs of fall in San Francisco is the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass music festival. This free festival in Golden Gate Park has drawn the nimblest fingers in bluegrass since 2001. But as the name suggests, it’s not just about bluegrass. Conor Oberst, Gillian Welch and Emmylou Harris have all been known to play HSB, which is beloved for its advertising-free, non-commercial atmosphere. This annual favorite will be welcoming gleeful music lovers from all over. With more than 80 artists performing at this celebration, you can hear country, soul, folk, and indie blues in a beautiful outdoor setting. And it’s free to attend! Come celebrate in San Francisco September 29-October 1, 2023.
ILLUMINATE SF FESTIVAL OF LIGHT (NOVEMBER- JANUARY)
Always a city of color and light, San Francisco cranks up the kilowatts during Illuminate SF Festival of Light. This city-wide event features more than 60 installations in 17 neighborhoods, turning parks, bridges and buildings into bright, shining masterpieces.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH
Ghirardelli Chocolate Company has reopened its flagship store, the Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop, at Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco, on Thursday, July 13, 2023. After a six-month renovation of the historic building, the store celebrates Ghirardelli’s history and
craftmanship as a U.S. chocolate pioneer and the company’s legacy in San Francisco dating back to the 1850s. The new design features North America’s largest flowing chocolate wall, the original, 19-foot “G” from the historic marque Ghirardelli sign, a replica San Francisco cable car that doubles as a seating area, antique chocolate making equipment on display, and much more for guests to discover.
