San FranciscoFestivals And Events in April
April is the perfect month to visit San Francisco. Here are our top picks for festivals and events that should give you all the more reasons to visit.
SF Space Walk
Multiple Locations
Featuring a multitude of innovative growers, product drops, cannabis lounges, and events throughout San Francisco, SF Space Walk is a week of weed-centered fun with a wide variety of activities. SF Space Walk will take place from April 13 to 20, 2026.
SOMA Nights
Folsom Street
SOMA Nights is a lively monthly festival transforming Folsom Street (between 6th and 12th streets) into a vibrant hub of art, food, and culture. From 7th to 8th Street, explore alleys and storefronts, live music, performances, delicious food, and unique pop-ups. As the night unfolds, 9th to 12th Streets come alive with energetic clubs, keeping the party going after hours.
Cherry Blossom Festival
Japantown
This annual festival is one of California’s most prominent celebrations of Asian traditions. Two consecutive weekends of performances, crafts, food, martial arts, and exhibitions. A colorful parade will be held starting at the Civic Center and ending in Japantown. The festival will take place on April 11 to 12 and 18 to 19, 2026.
San Francisco Art Fair
Fort Mason Center
Formerly known as Art Market San Francisco, this event is the Bay Area’s only contemporary and modern art fair. More than 70 established galleries and innovative newcomers from across the country will present a significant selection of contemporary and modern works of art. The San Francisco Art Fair will take place April 16 to 19, 2026.
San Francisco International Film Festival - SFIFF
Various Locations
Founded in 1957, the San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM) is the longest-running film festival in the Americas. The SFFILM Festival is deeply rooted in the culture and process of film appreciation—film as an art form and a meaningful force for social change—and is an important showcase for the most searching and innovative films from around the globe. Check out the San Francisco International Film Festival from April 24 to May 4, 2026.
International Ocean Film Festival
Fort Mason Center
The largest and most diverse of its kind, the International Ocean Film Festival features documentaries, animations, narratives and other traditional screen fare on topics ranging from ocean adventures to island culture and more. The International Ocean Film Festival will take place April 10 to 12, 2026.
Bring Your Own Big Wheel Race
Potrero Hill
Ready to embrace a little chaos? Every year, thrill-seekers of all ages grab oversized plastic tricycles and race down the twisty curves of Vermont Street for the Bring Your Own Big Wheel Race—one of SF’s wackiest and most beloved traditions. Costumes? Encouraged. Brakes? Optional. Fun? Guaranteed. The festivities are on April 5, 2026.
Hunky Jesus and Foxy Mary Contest
On April 5, 2026, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, San Francisco’s beloved drag nuns, will host their Annual Hunky Jesus and Foxy Mary look-alike celebration in Dolores Park. This year marks their 47th Anniversary. Come celebrate Easter in style from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Inner Sunset Flea Market
Every second Sunday from April to November 2026, the Inner Sunset Flea Market will be held on Irving Street, between 9th and 11th Avenues. Enjoy two blocks of local vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities. Each market features a unique theme and interactive experiences to make the day even more special.
Black Coffee DJ Set
Grammy-award-winning DJ Black Coffee will play his biggest show to date in the Bay Area on April 11, 2026, at the GAA field on Treasure Island.
Ploverfest
Celebrate the one-year anniversary of Sunset Dunes Park at Ploverfest, the first Sunset Dunes community music festival. The event includes four stages, 16 musical acts, and plenty of outdoor activities from Sloat Boulevard to Judah Street. Ploverfest will take place on April 12, 2026.
San Francisco Restaurant Week
Various Locations
Downtown First Thursdays
Second Street (between Market and Howard Streets)
DFT is a free monthly street party in Downtown San Francisco, held on the first Thursday of each month from 5 to 10 p.m. Get ready for disco in the streets, DJs, live music, drag, martial arts, fashion, street performances, and many other surprises! The fun takes place on Second Street (between Market and Howard Street) and along neighboring alleyways ready for you to explore. The event will also feature two 21+ outdoor bars on Minna and Natoma.
Cookbook Week
Various Locations
Imagine cookbooks leaping off the page, brought to life through immersive tastings, conversations, and performances. San Francisco's Cookbook Week is the nation’s premier event for culinary arts and food media. It unites cookbook lovers, home cooks, and industry professionals for five unforgettable days of flavor and storytelling, April 21-25.
SF Climate Week
Various Locations
Explore a week full of diverse, multidisciplinary events where organizers and supporters can connect, exchange ideas, and foster climate solutions. Hands-on educational activities, talks with civic leaders, and more are scheduled for SF Climate Week. SF Climate Week will occur April 18 to 26, 2026.
San Francisco Earth Day Festival
Civic Center
Earth Day features multicultural entertainment, keynote speakers, earth-friendly exhibitors, eco-educational workshops, organic food and drink, a kid's zone and much more.
Opening Day on the Bay
Kick-off sailing season on San Francisco Bay with a festive boat parade and the blessing of the fleet. Opening Day on the Bay will occur on April 26, 2026.
Bay Area National Dance Week
Various Locations
Bay Area National Dance Week features hundreds of free events including classes, performances, open rehearsals, and lecture demonstrations. Get your groove on April 24 to May 3, 2026.
San Francisco Decorator Showcase
Pacific Heights
With more than 40 years of excellence in design and the decorative arts and 20,000 visitors annually, the San Francisco Decorator Showcase is nationally recognized as one of the premier showcase houses in the country. The showcase will take place from April 25 to May 25, 2026.
Free Programs in Union Square Plaza
Every week, you can enjoy a variety of free activities in the middle of Union Square. From chess lessons and live music to crafting activities and juggling demonstrations, these programs are perfect for visitors of all ages. Be sure to stop by every second Saturday for special cultural activities, showcasing the diversity of San Francisco.
Ride the Future with Waymo
With Waymo's on-demand, eco-friendly fleet of autonomous vehicles, you can get to and from any of these exciting San Francisco events with ease.
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