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.
Flower Piano
San Francisco Botanical Gardens
In the final days of summer and celebrating its 10th anniversary, Flower Piano will fill San Francisco Botanical Garden with music for everybody, September 10 to 20, 2026. Participants are invited to explore and enjoy the Botanical Garden’s plant collections as they seek out 12 pianos spread out across the 55-acres. At each of the pianos, there will be scheduled professional and community partner performances as well as open play time for anyone to sit down and play, reflecting a range of genres, ages, and cultures. Elevate your experience with a Lounge Pass!
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.
Epicenter San Francisco: A Tour of Downtown
Various Locations
The San Francisco Historical Society presents a special, one-day-only, self-guided tour of San Francisco's downtown, where fortunes have been made—and lost!—over generations. Explore this ever-evolving neighborhood from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 19.
Muni Heritage Weekend
Market Street Railway Museum
Step back in time and enjoy free rides on rare vintage transit vehicles. Take part in family-friendly activities, explore interactive exhibits, and peruse transit partner booths. Muni Heritage Weekend is on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Portola Music Festival
Pier 80
Portola Music Festival is a two-day music festival that takes place on San Francisco's Pier 80. If you're a lover of the most current EDM, alternative and hip-hop, this festival is for you. September 26 and 27.
The Giant Race
Oracle Park
The 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.
Haight Ashbury Street Fair
Haight Street
Music, arts, crafts and food are the mainstay of the Haight Ashbury Street Fair celebrating the cultural history and diversity of one of San Francisco's most internationally celebrated neighborhoods, Haight-Ashbury. September 20.
Lowrider Parade and "King of the Streets"
Mission District
Car culture in the Mission is next-level, and you can see it on full display at the first-ever televised Lowrider Parade, starting at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 19. The "King of the Streets" hopping competition that follows at 3:00 p.m. will showcase the incredible hydraulic technology that gives lowriders their signature bounce.
Peak2Peak
Mission District
Peak2Peak is the ultimate urban walking adventure you’ll never forget. This year’s epic route packs a punch with under-the-radar neighborhoods, hidden nooks and crannies, jaw-dropping views, secret stairways, and of course, plenty of challenging peaks. Every ticket comes with a knowledgeable guide for your small group, catered lunch to keep you fueled, an exclusive turn-by-turn map of the route, and a special commemorative gift. Get moving September 19, 2026.
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.
San Francisco Symphony’s Opening Night Gala
Davies Symphony Hall
The San Francisco Symphony starts its regular season with an Opening Gala Concert with a festive pre-show cocktail reception.
San Francisco Opera Opening Night Concert
War Memorial Opera House
The opera season begins with the annual opening night gala.
San Francisco Opera in the Park
Golden Gate Park
Enjoy an outdoor venue and free admission to an opera performance featuring the stars of the San Francisco Opera and the Opera Orchestra. September 13.
Autumn Moon Festival
Grant Ave. between California and Pacific streets
This Chinatown event features multicultural entertainment, traditional lion and dragon dances, arts and crafts, lantern village, moon cakes and children's activities. September 19 and 20.
Comedy Day
Robin Williams Meadow, Golden Gate Park
Laugh out loud at this free comedy “concert,” featuring 50 of the U.S.’s and Bay Area’s best comedians. September 20.
Folsom Street Fair
Folsom Street between Eighth and 13th streets
The “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 27, 2026.
Cinema on the Square
Union Square
Enjoy an free, outdoor, sunset screening of "The Conversation" on September 26. 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, 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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