San Francisco

Festivals and Events in November

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 comes alive with energetic clubs, keeping the party going after hours. 

Downtown First Thursdays

Second Street (between Market and Howard streets)

DFT is a free monthly street party hosted in Downtown San Francisco, taking place every first Thursday of the 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 streets) and along neighboring alleyways ready for you to explore. The event will also feature two 21+ outdoor bars on Minna and Natoma.

Day of the Dead Procession

Mission District

Day of the Dead processions and the Festival of Altars are annual community events celebrating the traditions of Dia de los Muertos in the Mission District. November 2, 2026.

Bhangra and Beats Night Market

Clay and Battery streets

Experience the diverse culture of San Francisco at Bhangra & Beats, where you can groove to the beats of Bhangra music and other popular Bay Area music genres. This free event takes place two Fridays in 2026, transforming downtown into a lively marketplace. Enjoy food, cocktails, and shopping and celebrate SF's vibrant cultural scene. November 13, 4 - 9 p.m. 

San Francisco Hip-Hop Dance Festival

Palace of Fine Arts

The San Francisco Hip-Hop Dance Festival will feature excellent professional dance companies from around the world. In addition, master classes taught by some of the visiting artists will be offered, along with a VIP/Performer party to celebrate the convergence of artists with the public. November 14-15, 2026.

Embarcadero Center Building Lighting Ceremony

Embarcadero Plaza

Bring the family to stroll through a holiday fair, enjoy live entertainment and witness the lighting of the Embarcadero Center’s dramatic office towers, which brighten the San Francisco skyline with 17,000 lights throughout the holiday season. Date TBD.

Union Square Tree Lighting Ceremony

Union Square

View the annual illumination of Macy’s Great Tree, decorated with more than 1,500 ornaments. Date TBD.

Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting Ceremony

Ghirardelli Square

Ghirardelli’s magical square comes alive with colorful performers, music, children’s activities and a 50-foot Christmas tree lighting up the night. Date TBD.

Illuminate SF Festival of Light

Citywide

More than 60 permanent and temporary eco-friendly light art installations transform San Francisco nights into a citywide gallery of light. Tours and events based around these public art installations invite visitors to “embrace the power of light.” Begins November 27, 2026.

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Cow Palace

The Dickens Christmas Fair revives the tradition of an old English Victorian Christmas with theaters, a music hall, dance parties, taverns, shops, stalls, food, street vendors and period costumes. Weekends only, beginning November 21, 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.