Planning a San Francisco trip around an event in 2026? You picked the right year. The Super Bowl, six FIFA World Cup matches, Outside Lands, Pride, Fleet Week, and dozens more festivals are bringing millions of visitors to the Bay Area. The city will be electric.
Whatever brings you to San Francisco, you’ll want to experience the iconic locations that make this city legendary. The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the painted ladies of Alamo Square, towering redwoods in Muir Woods, and vibrant neighborhoods from North Beach to the Mission are all part of what makes San Francisco unforgettable.
Dylan’s Tours has been showing visitors the real San Francisco for over 20 years. Our award-winning tours are designed to fit around your event schedule, so you can see the city’s highlights between concerts, games, and festivals without missing a beat.
Here’s your complete guide to San Francisco events in 2026, with confirmed dates for festivals, concerts, sports, and cultural celebrations throughout the year.
Winter Events in San Francisco: Comedy Shows, Theatre & Cultural Celebrations
SF Sketchfest: San Francisco’s Premier Comedy Festival
Through February 2, 2026
SF Sketchfest wraps up its 23rd year as the nation’s largest sketch comedy and alternative comedy festival. Over two weeks, venues across San Francisco host stand-up, improv, panels, tributes, and live podcast recordings. Shows happen nightly with multiple performances each evening. Tickets sell out quickly for popular acts.
Lunar New Year Festival: San Francisco’s Largest Cultural Celebration
Lion Dance Festival: Through January 31
San Francisco’s Lunar New Year celebration is the largest outside of Asia. The Lion Dance Festival runs through January 31 at 16 San Francisco Public Library branches, with the Jing Mo Athletic Association performing traditional lion dances.
Flower Market Fair: February 14-15
The Flower Market Fair takes place in Chinatown, featuring vendors, performances, and traditional foods ahead of the main parade.
Grand Parade: March 7
The Grand Parade draws over 500,000 spectators to watch the 288-foot Golden Dragon wind through Market and Kearny Streets. The parade includes elaborate floats, martial arts demonstrations, and cultural performances that shut down downtown for the evening. It’s one of the most visually spectacular events on San Francisco’s calendar.
San Francisco Sports Events: Super Bowl LX and Stadium Experiences
Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium
Game Day: February 8, 2026 | Fan Experience: February 4-7 | Pro Bowl Games: February 3
Super Bowl LX brings the NFL’s biggest week to the Bay Area, with the championship game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on February 8. The stadium is about 45 minutes south of San Francisco, but the city hosts most of the week’s festivities.
The Super Bowl Fan Experience runs February 4-7 at the Moscone Center in SoMa, where fans can access interactive exhibits, autograph sessions, and football activities without needing game tickets. This is the main public hub for Super Bowl week.
Major concerts fill the schedule with Sting, The Killers, and a free show from Post Malone. The Pro Bowl Games take place February 3 at the Moscone Center, featuring 88 top NFL players competing in 7-on-7 flag football instead of the traditional tackle format.
Downtown San Francisco, especially around the Moscone Center and waterfront, will be packed with fans, media, and watch parties throughout the week.
Castro Theatre Reopening
February 10, 2026
The Castro Theatre reopens February 10 after a two-year, $41 million renovation. The renovated venue will host both live music and film screenings, with the 30th Berlin & Beyond Film Festival and San Francisco Silent Film Festival screenings scheduled for March.
Spring Festival Season: Music, Film, and Bay Area Traditions
Noise Pop Festival and San Francisco Concerts
February 19 – March 1, 2026
Noise Pop is a two-week indie music festival that spans multiple venues across San Francisco and the East Bay. The 2026 lineup includes Oakland native Daveed Diggs with his experimental hip-hop group Clipping, along with CupcakKe, Tortoise, and Shannon Shaw. Past years have introduced acts like Raphael Saadiq and Carly Rae Jepsen before they hit the mainstream.
Shows happen at clubs and theaters throughout the city, making this one of the best ways to catch live music across different neighborhoods in a condensed timeframe. Tickets are available for individual shows or festival passes.
SF Beer Week
February 20 – March 1, 2026
SF Beer Week celebrates craft beer with over 250 events across 10 days. Bay Area breweries host special releases, trivia nights, comedy shows, and tastings throughout San Francisco and surrounding cities. Many events are free, though some ticketed experiences pair beer with food or offer exclusive releases.
San Francisco Giants FanFest
March 14, 2026
Giants FanFest returns to Oracle Park with free admission for fans who reserve tickets in advance. The family-friendly event runs from 10 am to 3 pm, featuring Giants alumni, broadcasters, and Lou Seal. You can tour areas of the ballpark usually closed to the public and participate in Q&A sessions with players.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade also happens on March 14, so downtown San Francisco will be especially busy.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 14, 2026
The 175th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade runs down Market Street starting at 11:30 am. Over 100,000 people line the route to watch one of the largest St. Patrick’s celebrations in the world. The parade ends around 2 pm, followed by a massive block party in the Civic Center area.
Cherry Blossom Festival
April 11-12 and 18-19, 2026
The Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival takes over Japantown for two weekends. The festival features traditional Japanese music, martial arts demonstrations, tea ceremonies, and a Cherry Blossom Queen Program that’s been running for five decades. Cultural exhibitions include origami displays, bonsai presentations, and calligraphy demonstrations. The Grand Parade happens during the second weekend.
SF International Film Festival
April 23 – May 3, 2026
The SF International Film Festival is the longest-running film festival in the Americas, now in its 69th year. The festival screens over 100 films from more than 40 countries at venues throughout San Francisco. Past festivals have premiered major films and featured appearances from directors and actors for Q&A sessions.
Bay to Breakers
May 17, 2026
Bay to Breakers is a 12K race that’s really a moving costume party. The course runs from the Embarcadero to Ocean Beach, passing through some of San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhoods. Over 100,000 participants and spectators turn out each year, with live music stages set up along the route. The event has been a San Francisco tradition for over 100 years.
Make your event trip unforgettable – explore San Francisco’s must-see landmarks with Dylan’s Tours between festivals and games.
Summer Events in San Francisco: FIFA World Cup and Music Festivals
FIFA World Cup 2026 Matches in the Bay Area
June 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, and July 1, 2026
Six FIFA World Cup matches come to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara this summer, bringing international soccer to the Bay Area. The matches include Qatar vs. Switzerland (June 13), Austria vs. Jordan (June 16), and a Round of 32 match on July 1.
Levi’s Stadium is about 45 minutes south of San Francisco in Santa Clara, easily accessible by Caltrain or car. The matches bring fans from around the world, filling hotels and restaurants throughout the Bay Area for over two weeks. Fan zones and watch parties are expected in downtown San Francisco and San Jose throughout the tournament.
Planning a trip around both the World Cup? Read our FIFA World Cup 2026 Bay Area guide for where to stay and what to see beyond the stadium.
Carnaval SF
May 23-24, 2026
Carnaval San Francisco takes over the Mission District on Memorial Day weekend with one of the city’s most vibrant celebrations. Over 50 performing artists play across five stages, while 400+ vendors serve international food from Brazil, Mexico, Bolivia, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Peru, Chile, and Haiti. The festival is free to attend and draws crowds throughout the weekend.
SF Pride
June 27-28, 2026
SF Pride is the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ gathering, bringing over a million people to San Francisco for the weekend. The Pride Parade runs through downtown San Francisco and the Castro on Sunday, while the festival at Civic Center features multiple stages with live music and performances throughout both days. Pride weekend fills hotels citywide, so book accommodations early if you’re planning to attend.
Stern Grove Festival Concerts
Sundays, June 14 – August 16, 2026
Stern Grove Festival offers free concerts every Sunday afternoon for nearly 90 years running. The natural amphitheater in the eucalyptus grove has hosted Grammy winners, rising stars, and diverse lineups spanning jazz, classical, rock, and world music. Shows start at 2 pm and seating is first-come, first-served. Bring blankets and arrive early for popular acts.
Fillmore Jazz Festival
July 5-6, 2026
The Fillmore Jazz Festival is the West Coast’s largest free jazz festival, taking over the historic Fillmore District for two days. Multiple stages feature jazz, blues, and soul artists, while food vendors line the streets. The festival celebrates the neighborhood’s rich musical history and draws thousands to the area each year.
Golden Gate Park Festivals and San Francisco Concerts
Outside Lands Music Festival
August 7-9, 2026
Outside Lands is San Francisco’s largest music festival, taking over Golden Gate Park for three days each August. The festival brings major headliners across multiple genres, along with local food vendors, art installations, and cannabis experiences unique to the Bay Area. Past lineups have included The Killers, Tyler the Creator, and Sturgill Simpson.
The festival happens in the park’s polo fields and meadows, creating a natural setting that sets Outside Lands apart from urban festival venues. Tickets typically sell out, so check out the schedule and find tickets early when the lineup drops.
Golden Gate Park is also home to free things to do in San Francisco year-round.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
October 2-4, 2026
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is a completely free, three-day festival in Golden Gate Park featuring bluegrass, folk, and Americana artists across multiple stages. The festival draws massive crowds who spread blankets across the meadows to catch performances throughout the day. Warren Hellman founded the festival in 2001 and insisted it remain free and non-commercial, a tradition that continues today.
Acts range from traditional bluegrass legends to contemporary folk artists, with overlapping set times that let you move between stages. It’s one of the top San Francisco events each fall and a favorite among locals and visitors looking for things to do in San Francisco during October.
Year-Round Bandshell Concerts
Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from March to November
The Golden Gate Park Bandshell hosts free concerts nearly year-round, presented by SF Rec & Parks and the SF Parks Alliance. The 120-year-old bandshell added new lighting and a state-of-the-art sound system during the pandemic, creating a world-class outdoor venue in the heart of the park.
Performances include everything from classical to contemporary, with family-friendly shows that make it easy to enjoy live music without tickets or reservations. Just show up and find a spot on the lawn.
Fall Festival Season: Tech, Music, and Bay Area Celebrations
Dreamforce at Moscone Center
September, TBA
Dreamforce is the world’s largest tech conference, bringing over 100,000 attendees to San Francisco each September. Salesforce’s annual gathering takes over the Moscone Center in downtown San Francisco, with keynotes, product demos, networking events, and after-parties spreading throughout SoMa and surrounding neighborhoods.
The conference draws tech leaders, innovators, and companies from around the world, filling hotels and restaurants citywide. Even if you’re not attending Dreamforce, the energy is noticeable throughout downtown during the event.
Dreamforce is just one of many major conferences in San Francisco throughout the year. For complete planning tips on where to stay, how to get around, and what to do between sessions, read our guide to conferences in San Francisco.
Portola Music Festival
September, TBA
Portola Music Festival is San Francisco’s electronic and dance music festival, taking place at Pier 80 on the waterfront. The festival showcases global DJs and cutting-edge production across multiple stages. Past lineups have included LCD Soundsystem, The Chemical Brothers, Dom Dolla, and Peggy Gou.
The waterfront location gives the festival a different feel from Golden Gate Park events, with views of the San Francisco Bay and industrial backdrops that work well for the electronic music vibe.
Fleet Week and the Blue Angels
October 4-12, 2026
SF Fleet Week has been a Bay Area tradition since 1981, celebrating the nation’s sea services with ship tours, military exhibitions, and the main attraction: the Blue Angels Air Show. The Blue Angels perform a choreographed show between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, visible from viewpoints throughout the city.
Fisherman’s Wharf, the Marina, and Crissy Field fill with spectators throughout the weekend. It’s one of the most popular free events on the San Francisco calendar.
Year-Round Venues and Events in San Francisco
Downtown First Thursdays
First Thursday of Every Month, 5-10 pm
Downtown First Thursdays brings a free, all-ages block party to downtown San Francisco on the first Thursday of every month. The event brings together local businesses, food vendors, and live performances throughout the streets. Thousands of people turn out each month to explore the neighborhood, shop, and enjoy the outdoor atmosphere.
It’s an easy way to experience downtown San Francisco’s energy without planning around a specific festival date, and the monthly schedule means you’ll likely catch it during your visit.
Broadway Shows and Theatre
San Francisco’s theatre district stays active year-round with touring Broadway shows at the Orpheum Theatre and Golden Gate Theatre, both near Union Square. Recent seasons have brought productions like The Book of Mormon, Hamilton, and other best musical winners to San Francisco stages.
Check out the schedule at BroadwaySF for current and upcoming shows. The Orpheum Theatre in particular hosts major touring productions throughout the year, making it easy to catch world-class performances between festivals.
Davies Symphony Hall hosts the San Francisco Symphony with performances running September through July. The symphony’s season includes classical repertoire, contemporary compositions, and special film-with-live-orchestra events.
In the East Bay, Oakland’s Fox Theater books concerts, comedy shows, and special events throughout the year in a beautifully restored 1920s venue.
Experience San Francisco Beyond the Events
Coming to San Francisco for the Super Bowl, a World Cup match, or a music festival gives you the perfect opportunity to explore one of America’s most iconic cities. The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Muir Woods’ towering redwoods, the painted ladies of Alamo Square, and vibrant neighborhoods from North Beach to the Mission are all within easy reach.
Dylan’s Tours makes it simple to see the city’s highlights no matter what your schedule looks like. We offer everything from 1-hour open-air city tours to full-day adventures covering all the must-see spots. Our expert guides know San Francisco inside and out, and our thousands of five-star reviews show that we deliver the real San Francisco experience visitors are looking for.
Book your San Francisco tour and make the most of your 2026 visit.
