San Francisco Festivals and Events in September
Summer might be over elsewhere, but the season's just getting started in San Francisco. Experience our best weather and these great events.
All dates and locations are subject to change and should be confirmed with organizers before making travel plans.
Portola Music Festival
Pier 80The highly popular two-day music festival will take place on Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1, 2023. This year's lineup is sure to get the crowd moving and grooving. Popular acts like Polo y Pan, Jai Paul, Thundercat, Rina Sawayama, Flying Lotus and Major Lazer are sure to draw crowds. Famed Swedish DJ and producer Eric Pydz will also be performing his HOLO set (debuted in 2018 and seen at this year's Coachella). Using cutting-edge technology, HOLO will include giant, stunning 3D visuals that will float above the stage during his performance. Additionally, more hip hop and R&B acts will be featured, with the inclusion of Lil Simz, Kenny Beats and Masego. Attendees will also be excited to see 2000s throwback favorite Nelly Furtado, as well as beloved headliner, Skrillex. If that wasn't enough, Portola Week features a full list of pre- and after-parties at various music venues around San Francisco.
Bhangra & Beats Night Market
Clay St. & Battery St.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 over four Fridays in 2024, transforming downtown into a lively marketplace. Enjoy food, cocktails, and shopping and celebrate SF's vibrant cultural scene. May 10, 5 - 10 p.m.
The Giant Race
Oracle ParkThe Giant Race features a half marathon, 10K, and 5K races through San Francisco’s historic streets with a dramatic finish on the field at Oracle Park, home of the three-time World Series Champion San Francisco Giants. Families can participate in the Kids Race and Family Relay.
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 p.m. 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.
Bites & Brew Walking Tour
Meet at 345 Spear StreetGet it percolating in the East Cut, one of the busiest corners of San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood on the Bites & Brew Walking Tour, sponsored by The East Cut CBD. On this lovely morning adventure, you'll visit five local businesses known for their outstanding coffee and get to sample their selections. Register now for the September 7 or September 21 tour.
SF Botanical Gardens Flower Piano
San Francisco Botanical GardensFlower Piano returns to the San Francisco Botanical Garden from September 13-22, with a special opening night on September 12. This year's event, now spanning 10 days, transforms the garden into an alfresco concert hall where everyone is invited to play and listen. The Flower Piano Lounge will offer special concerts, food and drink, and comfortable seating. Performers include Lavay Smith and the Red Hot Skillet Lickers, Martin Luther McCoy & the Robin Hodge Williams Gospel Choir, Sixth Station Trio, and Sumi Lee Tango Collective.
BAY AREA ROCKS! Benefit Concert
August HallOn September 7th, the Guardsman will be hosting their benefit concert in Union Square at August Hall. This year, they are bringing together famous Bay Area musicians from the the '70's to the '90's to get you up and dancing while raising money for local communities.
San Francisco Symphony’s Opening Night Gala
Davies Symphony HallThe San Francisco Symphony starts its regular season with an Opening Gala Concert on September 25th.
San Francisco Opera Opening Night Concert
War Memorial Opera HouseThe opera season begins with the annual opening night gala on September 6th.
Annual Peak2Peak Walk
Get a unique view of San Francisco's skyline and discover hidden stairways and paths on this 12-mile urban trek connecting neighborhoods, parks, and vistas as you walk the spine of the city, cresting 10 peaks along the way.
Muni Heritage Weekend
Various LocationsFeaturing vintage streetcars, special cable cars and possibly the introduction of one newly restored vehicle, the event celebrates San Francisco’s diverse and fascinating public transit history. September 23 to 24.
San Francisco Opera in the Park
Golden Gate ParkOn September 10, enjoy an outdoor venue and free admission to an opera performance featuring the stars of the San Francisco Opera and the Opera Orchestra.
Autumn Moon Festival
Grant Ave. between California and Pacific streetsThis Chinatown event features multicultural entertainment, traditional lion and dragon dances, arts and crafts, lantern village, moon cakes and children's activities. Enjoy the Autumn Moon Festival from September 14 to 15.
Comedy Day
Robin Williams Meadow, Golden Gate ParkOn September 15, Laugh out loud at this free comedy “concert,” featuring 40 of the U.S.’s and Bay Area’s best comedians.
Folsom Street Fair
Folsom Street between Eighth and 13th streetsThe “daddy of all leather celebrations,” the Folsom Street Fair is the largest leather, alternative and fetish street fair in the world, drawing some 400,000 attendees annually, dressed in leather, rubber, uniforms, drag—or very little at all. Folsom Street Fair will take place on September 29.
Oktoberfest on Front
Break out your lederhosen and dirndl! Celebrate Oktoberfest with San Francisco’s oldest Bavarian Beer Hall at Oktoberfest on Front. Front Street will come alive with mouthwatering bratwurst, ice-cold Hofbräu beers, live music, and traditional Oktoberfest games. This year’s event is even bigger, expanding on Schroeder’s beloved annual block party to deliver the ultimate Oktoberfest experience in downtown SF!
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