San FranciscoFestivals and Events in August
August is the end of Summer for some, but not in San Francisco. It's the beginning. Here's what you should do.
SOMA Nights
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 that keep the party going after hours.
Fridays on Front Street
Check out San Francisco's newest free block party, Fridays on Front Street! On select Fridays, attendees can enjoy outdoor live music featuring local artists curated by Noise Pop. The event will also include street-side beer, various food pop-ups, sports, and games.
Downtown First Thursdays
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) and along neighboring alleyways, ready for you to explore. The event will also feature two 21+ outdoor bars on Minna and Natoma.
Jerry Day
Jerry Day is a civic and cultural event celebrating one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time and San Francisco native son, Jerry Garcia, founding member of the Grateful Dead. This event captures the true spirit of Jerry Garcia as we celebrate his legacy, the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, and recognize his childhood roots in San Francisco's Excelsior District. The event will take place on August 1, 2026.
Nihonmachi Street Fair
The Nihonmachi Street Fair is a celebration of the Asian and Pacific communities in the Bay Area, with an emphasis on the nonprofit organizations that provide vital services. There will be live musical and cultural performances, Asian artisans, food, information tables, exhibits, and more. The event will take place on August 1 and 2, 2026.
Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival
Outside Lands in Golden Gate Park has upped the ante on music festivals going green and “leveraged San Francisco’s food, wine, technology and activism cultures, “according to Rolling Stone, “for a one-of-a-kind world-class experience.” Outside Lands Music Festival will take place from August 7 to 9, 2026.
Professional Women's Soccer
See Bay FC, San Francisco's National Women's Soccer League club, play home games in PayPal Park. Home games are on August 1 and 23, 2026.
SF’s Pizza, Bagel & Beer Festival
The Pizza Bagel and Beer Festival takes place in San Francisco's historic Italian neighborhood of North Beach. Over 65 local pizzerias, bakeries, and breweries will come together for a celebration of food and community, where festival-goers will enjoy tastings, savoring the best of the Bay Area in a single afternoon. Eat all the carbs on August 15, 2026.
The San Francisco Historium Spotlight
Pier 35
Experience the Gold Rush for one weekend-only! From the creators of The Great Dickens Christmas Fair comes a new, immersive, living history event: the San Francisco Historium Spotlight. This joyfully imagined celebration transforms the city's iconic waterfront into a blast from the past, complete with tall ships, gold panning, live entertainment, gourmet food and beverages, and more! August 22 and 23, 2026.
Pokémon World Championship
The Pokémon World Championships 2026 bring together the best players from around the globe to compete for the title of World Champion across the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pokémon video games, and more. Beyond the competition, fans can enjoy hands-on activities, exclusive Pokémon Center pop-ups, and community experiences celebrating the world of Pokémon. The Pokémon World Championship will take place from August 28 to 30, 2026, at the Moscone Center.
Cinema on the Square
Enjoy a free, outdoor, sunset screening of "Pokémon Detective Pikachu" on August 29. Bring a picnic blanket and some extra layers so you can comfortably enjoy the entire evening.
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 that showcase 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.
You May Also Like
As San Francisco heats up, get outdoors and jump on a Lyft Bay Wheels bike to experience some of the City's top events.
Countless art, music, dance, and theater organizations create and produce outstanding outdoor performances year-round.
San Francisco's drag scene is world renowned, which means there's no better place to catch a drag show or brunch.
As the year is winding down, the place to be is San Francisco. Our top festivals and events during December are just a click away.
January in San Francisco. There are always things to do. Check out our top picks for events and festivals in the City.
From the stage to the club to the streets, San Francisco's dance scene is one of the best year-round.
Brighten up your visit to San Francisco by attending these eclectic festivals and celebrations, some of which date back more than 100 years.
Because San Francisco has a long history of cherishing outrageous self-expression, and of being a place where everyone is always welcome, you can dress up just about any...
Get the fast facts on San Francisco's largest, greenest, and newly renovated convention venue, The Moscone Center