SF Chinese New Year Grand Parade (Late January–March (date varies with Lunar New Year; 2026: Saturday, March 7 at 5:15 p.m.)). One of the largest Chinese New Year parades outside of Asia; draws 100,000s of spectators. Parade steps off at Second and Market Streets and runs ~1.3 miles.
Stern Grove Festival (Sundays, mid-June through mid-August (2026: June 14 – August 16)). Free outdoor summer concert series in Sigmund Stern Grove, held every Sunday at 2 p.m. Advance reservations required. Diverse lineup of music genres.
North Beach Festival (Father's Day weekend in June (2026: June 20–21)). One of San Francisco's oldest free street fairs; 11 blocks in the historic Italian North Beach neighborhood. Features 200+ artisan vendors, live music, Italian street painting (madonnari), and Blessing of the Animals.
SF Pride Celebration and Parade (Last weekend of June (2026: June 27–28; parade June 28 at 10:30 a.m.)). One of the world's largest LGBTQ+ gatherings; over 1 million annual attendees. Free to attend. Parade travels up Market Street from Embarcadero to Civic Center.
Outside Lands Music Festival (August (2026: August 7–9)). Three-day music, food, art, and wine festival in Golden Gate Park. 2026 headliners: Charli XCX, RÜFÜS DU SOL, The Strokes. All ages. Ticketed event.
Folsom Street Fair (Last Sunday of September (2026: September 27)). World's largest leather event; estimated 250,000–400,000 attendees. Free to attend along Folsom Street (8th–13th Streets, South of Market). Founded 1984; nonprofit raises $300,000+ annually for local charities.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (First weekend of October (2026: October 2–4; benefit concert October 1)). Free, non-commercial three-day music festival in Golden Gate Park. Founded 2001 by Warren Hellman, who mandated it remain free. Features roots, folk, country, and bluegrass genres.