By Alexis Berry and Erin Kain By Alexis Berry and Erin Kain | May 22, 2023 | Lifestyle, Feature, Guides,
From pride parades to food and drink fairs, here are the festivals in San Francisco you won't want to miss.
SFFILM International Film Festival
Featuring over 150 films and live events for two weeks, the longest running film festival in the Americas offers a range of marquee premieres, international competitions, compelling documentaries, short and mid-length films, live musical events and exclusive red carpet events. Be on the lookout for familiar faces—A-list celebs like Guillermo del Toro, Harrison Ford, Zoe Saldana and Evan Rachel Wood have accepted awards at festivals past.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival
This three-day weekend music festival is held annually on the first weekend of October in Golden Gate Park. Attracting over half a million people each year, expect an eclectic lineup of country, soul, folk, funk and rock artists performing across six outdoor stages, plus multiple food and beverage vendors to whet your whistle.
This street fair was developed in response to the rebirth of the economic and residential spirit of the Haight-Ashbury community in the mid-’70s. Now, every second Sunday of June the inspiring cultural event boasts two stages with a variety of musical presentations and more than 200 vendor booths with crafts, gourmet food, art and information on community outreach programs.
A platform for contemporary design, the FOG Design+Art fair celebrates significant and leading contributors in the design and visual arts communities. The fair hosts 45 leading international galleries, prominent art dealers and exciting programming. Don’t miss the delectable hors d’oeuvres and craft cocktails at the Preview Gala, whose proceeds benefit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
Held every September on Folsom Street, this fair is the largest leather and BDSM fetish event in the world. The fair caps San Francisco’s Leather Pride Week and features games, beverage booths, stages with alternative bands and artists, and dance areas with DJs and cage dancers—not to mention the charity spanking booth, live BDSM demonstrations and famous twister stage.
Live music throughout the event, premiere arts and crafts by the west coast's top artists, food trucks, family friendly vendors and activities, and a collaboration paint temple, this is a festival staple not to be missed.
A Bay Area tradition, Fleet Week honors the men and women serving in our armed forces. The festivities take place every October over Italian Heritage Weekend on the Marina Green with a stunning air show, parade of ships and myriad community events, including fascinating ship tours and a fun-filled neighborhood concert series.
Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
Get into the spirit of spring with the annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival. Located in the heart of Japantown, this two-weekend affair is one of the largest cherry blossom celebrations and one of California’s most prominent observances of Asian culture, heritage and traditions, welcoming over 220,000 people every year. Witness dazzling displays—from origami and calligraphy to martial arts and tea ceremonies—brought to life by vibrant colors, festival eats from the Food Bazaar and the Sapporo Beer Garden, and live performances at Japantown’s Peace Plaza.
The Center for Asian American Media hosts the annual CAAMFest, the nation’s largest festival celebrating 40 years of Asian American stories. Since 1982, this showcase has served as a pivotal launching point for Asian American independent filmmakers and new Asian cinema. CAAMFest40 is the latest chapter in a legacy of Asian American voices and will present approximately 120 compelling works both virtually and in-person throughout the Bay Area.
Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival
No celebration embodies everything we love about the Bay Area like the Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival. With past lineups including Childish Gambino, Twenty One Pilots and Kacey Musgraves, this highly anticipated weekend transforms Golden Gate Park into a colorful woodland sanctuary with eclectic musical performances—and equally electric crowds. Outrageous psychedelic color schemes, savory bites from popular vendors and Instagrammable ’fits with friends make this festival the ultimate summer highlight.
Trade in your Friday night popcorn for a full week of film caviar as SF IndieFest brings the iconic San Francisco Green Film Festival to the Bay Area. Indulge in dozens of all-new independent films focused on our planet, its inhabitants and the environmental challenges we must overcome with genres from eco-horror to documentary to short film. Follow the live schedule film by film or invest in an all-inclusive pass for the ultimate viewing experience.
Cruise into the Bay Area boating season with the annual Opening Day on the Bay, a premier sailing event sure to put your sea legs to the test. The day traditionally kicks off with the blessing of the fleet in Raccoon Strait, followed by a colorful parade destined to sail from the Golden Gate Bridge to Pier 39.
One of San Francisco's top indie jamborees, Noise Pop Music & Arts Festival delivers an unmatched artistic experience. This popular fest sweeps the Bay Area every February, offering partygoers the chance to engage in art, film and music. Past headliners include favorites like the White Stripes, Best Coast, Azealia Banks, Dorian Electra, and all-time legends from Yoko Ono and The Plastic Ono Band to Frank Black of the Pixies.
With a reputation for record-breaking sales, citywide partnerships and attendees by the thousands, Art Market San Francisco hosts dozens of significant works from modern and contemporary art galleries across the globe. This massive expo is just the place for a spot of artistic inspiration—perfect for revisiting last year’s esteemed favorites or viewing exciting new additions.
Uncorked: San Francisco Wine Festival
Whether you prefer a glass of cabernet sauvignon or opt for a sparkling rosé, Uncorked Wine Festival has you covered. Sip from hundreds of rich, full-bodied wines and champagnes from renowned wineries such as Terra d’Oro, Cedar + Salmon, Napa Valley Quilt, and Etude Wines. Elevate your tasting with gourmet bites from vendors like Copper Top Ovens, or a unique VIP experience with access to dedicated seating, high-end wines and a mimosa bar.
With over one million attendees, 200 parade divisions and exhibitors, and dozens of community-run stages, the San Francisco Pride Parade is the largest gathering of the LGTBQ+ community and allies in the country. As a world leader in the global pride movement, this Bay Area celebration serves as a testament to not only to the unstoppable spirit of resilience and compassion of San Francisco’s diverse LGTBQ+ community, but also to universal love and acceptance.
San Francisco International Arts Festival
The San Francisco International Arts Festival brings out the imagination of the Bay Area’s art community like no other, assembling some of the world's finest artists under a common cause. In an effort to promote activism and advocacy, the festival speaks to fundamental human awareness and the elevation of a multicultural performance platform to inspire both local and global audiences, expanding artistic horizons and deepening community connection.
The San Francisco Jazz Festival is a days-long jam session, with endless singing and dancing across countless concerts and multiple venues. Witness spectacular performances by artists such as Molly Miller, Christian McBride, Nicolas Bearde and Masha Campagne. Pick your favorites or spend a night hopping from concert to concert to find your perfect tune.
Sonoma International Film Festival
For filmmakers and film lovers alike, the Sonoma International Film Festival is a dream come true. The five-day festival is dedicated to promoting the best of what independent film has to offer, noted for its exceptional networking and distribution opportunities as well as the participation of a number of industry jurists and panelists. From animation to comedy, the lineup of diverse films comment on environmental justice and social stigmas from various perspectives.
Spanning across the vibrant North Beach district, this sunny fest has something for everybody. Nosh on delectable seaside fare from gourmet food trucks, get creative with chalk art, jam out to live music or stop in at the dozens of arts and crafts booths. All proceeds are donated to local community programs, including free meals, afterschool activities and temporary housing.
La Cocina’s SF Street Food Festival
This foodie fiesta departs from usual fests in its rich cultural focus—supporting its community, women’s equality and businesses run by immigrants and people of color. Over 50 local award-winning chefs and restaurants will be in attendance, serving up delights both savory and sweet.
Get your groove on at one of San Francisco’s most beloved summer celebrations spanning 85 years and counting. Dance to ten curated concerts on lush meadows with wowing headliners including Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, Grammy Award winners and up-and-coming stars. Past performers include Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, The Isley Brothers, Janelle Monáe, The Psychedelic Furs and more.
This illuminated night festival is one of the largest celebrations of its kind in the world, welcoming over three million spectators and virtual audiences. The parade itself has deep roots in San Francisco’s history and aims to educate and enrich with colorful testaments to Chinese culture and tradition. Behold colorful pageantry, drums, glowing lanterns and firecrackers—it’s easily one of the most vibrant events of the year.
SF IndieFest has organizes a 10-day-long celebration of the best documentary filmmaking, including hybrid and live presentations at the Roxie Theater. Attended by over 9,000 devoted film lovers each year, this festival is not to be missed.
Photography by: ISTOCK
