Our City by the Bay hosts a range of street fairs, music festivals, cultural and sporting events all summer long. Check out our guide to the best of San Francisco’s summer activities, that will keep you and your family’s weekends packed with fun all summer long!
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
Date: May through October 2025
Location: Yerba Buena Gardens
Enjoy free outdoor performances ranging from music and dance to theater and children's programs at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival. This long-running event offers a diverse lineup of artists, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of San Francisco. It's an ideal spot for families and visitors looking to experience live entertainment in a beautiful urban setting.
Union Street Festival
Date: May 31st - June 1st (11am-7pm)
Location: Union Street between Gough and Fillmore Streets, San Francisco
Kick off the summer with this lively street festival featuring live music, artisan vendors, and gourmet food. It’s a celebration of community spirit in the heart of the Cow Hollow neighborhood. With activities for all ages, it’s a great way to explore local culture and creativity. Expect a festive atmosphere with something for everyone.
San Francisco Jazz Festival
Date: June 13th – 15th
Location: 201 Franklin Street
Experience a weekend of world-class jazz performances at the San Francisco Jazz Festival. With 35 concerts across multiple stages, this event showcases both legendary artists and emerging talents. It's a must-attend for jazz enthusiasts and music lovers seeking vibrant cultural experiences in the city.
North Beach Festival
Date: June 14th - June 15th
Location: Columbus and Grant Avenues
One of the city’s oldest street fairs, this event brings Italian charm with street painting, live music, and local eats. You’ll find artisan vendors, chalk art zones for kids, and even blessings for pets. It’s family-friendly and steeped in the rich culture of North Beach.
Stern Grove Festival
Date: June 15th - August 17th
Location: Sigmund Stern Grove
The Stern Grove Festival 2025 offers free outdoor concerts every Sunday in a magical redwood grove. Headliners this year include Diana Ross, Orville Peck, and Phantogram. Known for world-class talent and relaxed vibes, it’s one of the best free things to do in San Francisco this summer. Tickets are now lottery-based to improve access.
San Francisco Marathon
Date: June 27th
Location: Starts at the Ferry Building
The San Francisco Marathon 2025 is a scenic race crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, through Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Park, and more. Participants can run the full, half, or 5K, making it accessible to all levels. It’s one of the top summer fitness events in the Bay Area. Experience SF like never before—on foot.
San Francisco Pride Celebration & Parade
Date: June 28th - 29th
Location: Market Street to Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco
One of the most iconic LGBTQ+ pride events in the world, San Francisco Pride 2025 returns with a dazzling parade, live music, and community events. This two-day festival celebrates diversity, inclusion, and progress. It's one of the largest summer events in San Francisco, attracting visitors from across the globe. Expect powerful speakers, colorful performances, and unforgettable energy.
Fillmore Jazz Festival
Date: July 5th - 6th
Location: Fisherman's Wharf
The Fillmore Jazz Festival is the West Coast’s largest free jazz celebration, transforming 12 city blocks into a cultural hub. Enjoy smooth jazz, soulful vocals, local cuisine, and one-of-a-kind crafts. Located in the historic Fillmore District, this festival is a tribute to San Francisco’s deep jazz roots. A can't-miss free music festival in San Francisco.
San Francisco Frozen Film Festival
Date: July 16th - 20th
Location: SF’s Fisherman’s Wharf waterfront and other locations around SF
Celebrate independent filmmaking at the San Francisco Frozen Film Festival, which features a selection of cutting-edge films, documentaries, and music videos. Recognized as one of the "Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals" by MovieMaker Magazine, it's a platform for emerging artists and a treat for cinephiles.
San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
Date: July 17th - August 3rd
Location: Various venues including the Castro Theatre
As the world’s longest-running Jewish film festival, this annual event offers powerful stories through independent, international, and documentary film. Held at San Francisco’s historic Castro Theatre and other venues, it’s a thought-provoking cinematic experience. Screenings are paired with panels, Q&As, and social events. A must for film lovers in San Francisco.
Dead & Company 60th Anniversary Concerts
Date: August 1st - 3rd
Location: Golden Gate Park Polo Field
Celebrate 60 years of Grateful Dead legacy with Dead & Company joined by Billy Strings and Trey Anastasio Band. Each night features a unique setlist in one of SF’s most iconic outdoor venues. It’s a rare chance to witness the living history of a band that helped define San Francisco's music scene. A bucket-list Bay Area concert event.
Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival
Dates: August 8th - 10th
Location: Golden Gate Park
One of the most anticipated music festivals in San Francisco, Outside Lands delivers three days of top artists, immersive art, and local food and drink. With multiple stages, comedy tents, and wine and beer gardens, it’s a full sensory experience. Past performers have included everyone from Kendrick Lamar to Paul Simon. Don’t miss this flagship summer festival in Golden Gate Park.
Haight-Ashbury Street Fair
Date: September 7th (11:00am - 5:30pm)
Location: Haight Street between Stanyan and Masonic
The Haight-Ashbury Street Fair is a vibrant celebration of San Francisco's countercultural heritage, held annually in the historic Haight-Ashbury district. This free event features live music across multiple stages, local artisans, food vendors, and family-friendly activities like the Children's Alley and Haight Street Skate Jam. It's a day where the community comes together to honor the neighborhood's rich history and eclectic spirit.
Other Events & Recurring Activities
Free Museum Day @ Asian Art Museum
When: First Sundays of the Month
Free Weekends @ California Academy of Sciences
When: Varies by Neighborhood
Free Admission @ Conservatory of Flowers
When: First Tuesday of Each Month
Free Museum Day @ Contemporary Jewish Museum
When: First Fridays of the Month
Free Museum Day @ the de Young Museum
When: Every Saturday
Free Hour @ Japanese Tea Garden
When: MWF 9am-10am (Free for SF Residents Everyday)
Free Days @ San Francisco Botanical Gardens
When: Second Tuesday of the Month, Daily 7:30am-9am (Free for SF Residents Everyday)
Free Days @ San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
When: First Thursdays of the Month 1pm-8pm
Fort Mason Centers' Events
When: Multiple Events Every Week
Ferry Plaza Farmers' Market
When: Saturday (8am-2pm), Tuesday and Thursday (10am-2pm)
Where: Ferry Building, Embarcadero and Market Streets, San Francisco
Fillmore's Farmers' Market
When: Saturday (9am-1pm)
Where: 1700 O'Farrell St
Heart of the City Farmers' Market
When: Wednesdays and Sundays (7am-4pm)
Where: Fulton St at Larkin
Divisadero Farmers' Market
When: Sunday (9am-1pm)
Where: 1377 Fell Street
Fort Mason Center Farmers' Market
When: Sunday (9:30am-1:30pm)
Where: Fort Mason Center, Marina Blvd
Alemany Farmers' Market
When: Saturday (7am-2pm)
Where: 100 Alemany Blvd
Noe Valley Farmers' Market
When: Saturdays (8am-1pm)
Where: Noe Valley Town Square
Inner Sunset Farmers' Market
When: Sunday (9am-1pm)
Where: 1315 8th Ave
North Beach Farmers' Market
When: Saturdays (9am-1pm)
Where: 725 Greenwich St
Mission Community Market
When: Thursday (3pm-7pm)
Where: 84 Bartlett St
