San Francisco

Festivals and Events in October

Fleet Week San Francisco

Various locations

Fleet Week is the Bay Area’s opportunity to honor the men and women of the U.S. Navy and marine services. Navy ship tours and an exciting air show will be happening. Reserved seating and corporate packages available. Fleet Week takes place from October 4 to 12, 2026.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

Golden Gate Park

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is a free celebration of music in the park that includes a who’s who of top entertainers in bluegrass, country and rock. The festival will take place October 2 to 4, 2026.

Castro Street Fair

Castro & Market Street

Arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, dancing and music are all part of the fun at Castro Steet Fair, a gay-friendly street festival. The Castro Street Fair will take place October 4, 2026.

NEXUS SF / Bay Area Black Art Week

Nexus has grown into a regional cultural movement with more than 58 arts organizations, galleries, and creative hubs, alongside more than 70 Black artists and cultural leaders. Together, they have presented more than 140 exhibitions, open studios, events, programs, and immersive experiences celebrating the impact of Black art and culture throughout the Bay Area. September 30, 2026 - October 4, 2026.

Pop-Ups on the Plaza: Celebrating Latine Makers

Embarcadero Ferry Terminal Plaza

This Hispanic History Month, celebrate Bay Area Latine makers with a day of delicious food, crafts, and community at the Embarcadero Ferry Terminal Plaza (south of the Ferry Building) and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. The event will take place October 3, 2026. 

San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade

Parade begins on Jefferson and Powell streets

The city celebrates its Italian heritage with the annual San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade through North Beach with food, music, and entertainment. See the parade October 11, 2026.

SF Cheese Fest

Treasure Island

On October 3, 2026, sample exceptional cheeses directly from some of California's finest artisan cheesemakers with perfect pairings of preserves, chocolate, and charcuterie. Attendees can also enjoy a large selection of beer and wine, along with live music. 

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 streets, 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.

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 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.

Mill Valley Film Festival

Multiple venues

Presented by the California Film Institute, the Mill Valley Film Festival celebrates the best in independent and world cinema. Founded in 1978, it has established an impressive track record for launching new films and filmmakers. The Mill Valley Film Festival will take place from October 1 to 11, 2026.

San Francisco Fall Antiques Show

Fort Mason

The oldest continuously operating international antiques show on the West Coast happens at the Fort Mason Center. This show includes 60 distinguished antiques dealers from America and Europe selling a broad range of antique merchandise. The Fall Antiques Show will take place October 14, 2026

Litquake

Multiple venues

This San Francisco literary festival showcases hundreds of the Bay Area’s finest writers for a week of readings, discussions, films, cross-media happenings and more. Litquake will take place from October 4 to October 24, 2026.

Grand National Rodeo, Horse and Stock Show

Cow Palace

Bareback riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, saddle bronco riding, team and tie-down roping and bull riding are among the competitive events at the Cow Palace the Grand National Rodeo, Horse and Stock Show, occurring October 9 to 10, 2026.

ArtSpan/SF Open Studios

934 Brannan Street

San Francisco’s most exciting artists open their doors to the public and reveal their latest projects, how they work and what’s for sale at ArtSpan/SF Open Studios. Enjoy SF Open Studios from September 26 to October 25, 2026.

Potrero Hill Festival

20th Street

The Potrero Hill Festival returns with a full day of fun, food, music and community activities. There will be special activities for the kids, including a puppet show and a petting zoo. The Potrero Hill Festival will take place October 17, 2026. 

LEAP Sandcastle Classic

Ocean Beach

Teams comprised of architects, engineers, contractors, designers, corporations, and local elementary school students work together to build giant sand sculptures at the LEAP Sandcastle Classic. The funds raised by teams and sponsors make it possible for LEAP to continue to provide arts programs to Bay Area students. The LEAP Sandcastle Classic will take place October 24, 2026.