San Francisco, California Hotels and City Guide

San Francisco - Entertainment

San Francisco Entertainment

San Francisco has transformed itself into a place that is ready to party and have a good time. But not in drunken house party fashion – not even really hot nightclub fashion. Rather, San Francisco parties with color and music and style. Its diverse people will bring numerous cultural festivities right to the streets, inviting everyone around to join in and celebrate. It can be an eye-opening and enjoyable experience. No matter what month you choose to visit San Francisco, you’re bound to bump into a festival and love what you’ve discovered.

Starting in January, you can watch as the sea lions arrive in the bay, clambering over one another as they seek some of the prime spots to lounge. The Independent Film Festival will bring amazing pieces of film art to your eyes that will make you wonder why Hollywood films make all the money. Of course, you can’t visit San Francisco and miss Chinese New Year in Chinatown. With color and fabrics and fireworks and food, it’s one great and massive party. Watch hundreds of cyclists pedal their way through the city during Critical Mass.

February gets to show off a unique collection of flowers, books, and wines with the Pacific Orchid Exposition, the California Antiquarian Book Fair, and the Annual Bon Appetit Wine & Spirits Focus. So pick up stop and smell the flowers, pick up some rare books, and sip delectable wine. Those are certain to be three good days, hands down.

March brings in plenty of festivals, starting with the San Francisco International Asia American Film Festival. Once you’ve had your fill of movies, wait for the San Francisco Jazz Spring Season and tap your feet away to the notes of golden jazz. Everyone loves the Irish and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade gives plenty of reason to show it, and the San Francisco Flower & Garden Show is yet another chance to appreciate some of Mother Nature’s jewels. End your month with the Street Performer’s Festival, watching with awe until you feel like a kid again.

April is full of celebrations. Major League Baseball starts, check out Dine for a Change, the Bustamante Antiques Show and Sale, learn something new during the Cambodian New Year Festival, it is Opening Day on the Bay, indulge your palate at the Spring BBQ and Wine Tasting, and watch even more movies during the San Francisco International Film Festival. Think that’s enough? How about visiting Japantown to celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival and see martial arts demonstrations or learn about tea ceremony.

May brings more crafts and arts to light – at least, after you watch over 100,000 joggers (dressed in crazy costumes – or nothing at all) participate in the Bay to Breakers run. Then you can move on to the International Children's Festival, check out the Anatriptic Arts Expo, give your ears some ear candy during the Sea Music Festival, and then return to art – and college – with the San Francisco Art Institute MFA Exhibit. You can take a little time to peruse the San Carlos Fine Arts & Crafts Festival and maybe take up a new hobby for when you go home.

June is filled with exciting days and celebrations. Start out on Union Street for the Union Street Festival. Movie buffs can visit the Assorted Film Festivals. Get a taste of a different culture during Fiesta Filipina. Celebrate with every environmentalist during World Environment Day. Take in all the sights along the street when the Haight Street Fair opens up. Participate in the Ethnic Dance Festival and Harmony Festival. Of course, this month is also one in which gays and lesbians take to the streets to celebrate their own lifestyle. Take part or simply take in everything during the Pink Saturday party on Castro St. where over half a million people show up. Then the next day, watch as the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade marches up and down the streets with a pleasant and colorful vibe.

When July rolls around, things get even crazier (if that is even possible). Red Bull Streets of San Francisco takes over for fast-paced death-defying feats. Fourth of July Celebrations mean enough fireworks to blot out the stars. The Fillmore Street Jazz Festival will get you up and dancing again. The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival means even more movies if you haven’t seen a film festival yet (or simply aren’t tired of films yet). The Mime Troupe in the Park brings a little bit of unique flair to the area, and the Montclair Village Fine Arts Festival is a great way to top off your month.

Even if August isn’t the warmest month of the year, it is certainly nice enough to enjoy plenty of festivals, including: the AfroSolo Arts Festival, San Francisco Aloha Festival, Polynesian Pride Festival, ArtworkSF Café Show, Golden Gateway to Gems, and the Nihonmachi Street Fair. Indulge in the arts as well as another culture during this month!

September has some exquisite and immensely fun festivals – a little something for everyone. Football lovers get to gear up at the National Football League gets its teams ready for another season of passing and tackling. You simply cannot go wrong when a Chocolate Festival appears on the calendar. Dessert may have come first, but it won’t be able to spoil the Half Moon Bay Wine BBQ. Delight in the Art Bark Fest, and enjoy the Fringe Festival.

October brings sports and more (always more!) with the National Hockey League, Eat Local San Francisco, Fleet Week, Excelsior Festival, Octoberfest By The Bay, and the Castro Street Fair. Another warm month giving you ample opportunity to see and do just about everything under the sun – and why not?

November is a month in which you can wind down. With the National Basketball Association starting up basketball again and the Jazz Festival to go to, you can spoil yourself with either one as much as you want or even take time off to get ready for the cheer of December.

December is a little relaxed, but still has a handful of fun things to see and places to visit. Peruse the Craft Showcase and maybe get a few ideas on things you can do yourself. Old First Concerts will bring a smile to your face, and then you can rewind in time during the Great Dickens Christmas Fair. Pamper your Christmasy or musical side and see the San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker. Then of course there’s the Matzo Ball. Jewish and single? This Matzo Ball’s for you.

Here are just a few things you don’t want to miss.

Annual Events in San Francisco

Chinese New Year

January
Throughout the City/Chinatown

Pacific Orchid Exposition

February 25-28
Fort Mason Center’s Festival Pavilion
Marina Blvd, San Francisco, CA

San Francisco International Asia American Film Festival

March 12-22
145 9th Street, San Francisco, CA

San Francisco International Film Festival

April 23-May 7
39 Mesa Street, Suite 110
The Presidio
San Francisco CA

International Children’s Festival

May 9-12
Golden Gate Park

Dine For a Change

June 4
Restaurants throughout the city

Fillmore Street Jazz Festival

July 3 & 4
Fillmore Street between Jackson & Eddy

San Francisco Aloha Festival

August 1 & 2
San Francisco Presidio Main Post/Parade Grounds

San Francisco Chocolate Festival

September 12-13
Ghirardelli Square

San Francisco Fleet Week

October 8-13
All over the city

San Francisco Jazz Festival

October 10 – November 21
Venues Throughout the City

Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Every weekend in December
Cow Palace Exhibition Halls
San Jose, CA

Hotels in San Francisco, California