Northern California Festivals and Events
Parades, music festivals, car shows and fairs from San Francisco to the Sierra.
San Francisco's festivals are among the oldest and most colorful in the country, and the wine country and Monterey Peninsula host events that draw visitors from around the world. Fall is the busiest season: the harvest in the wine valleys, Fleet Week and its air show over the bay, and some of the warmest weather of the year in the city.
Event dates change each year, and big weekends like Monterey Car Week fill hotels far in advance. Check organizers' sites before you plan around an event, and book rooms early.
Annual Festivals and Events
A PGA Tour event played on Pebble Beach Golf Links and nearby courses.
One of the largest Lunar New Year celebrations outside Asia, with a night parade and a long golden dragon.
A 12K footrace across the city from the bay to Ocean Beach, famous for its costumes.
A three-day music festival with wine, food and celebrity chef stages at the Napa Valley Expo.
A large state fair at Cal Expo with exhibits from every county, rides, wine judging and concerts.
Outdoor theater and concerts on a stage at Sand Harbor, with the lake as a backdrop.
A large music, food and wine festival in Golden Gate Park.
A week of classic car shows, races and auctions, ending with the Concours on the 18th fairway.
One of the longest-running jazz festivals in the world, on several stages at the county fairgrounds.
Navy ship visits and an air show over the bay featuring the Blue Angels.
A free music festival in Golden Gate Park with bluegrass, folk and roots acts on several stages.
Dates move from year to year — confirm on the organizer’s site before you plan around an event.
Official Event Calendars
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When is the best time to visit for festivals in San Francisco?
September and October, when Fleet Week, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass and other fall events meet the city's warmest weather. Outside Lands in August and Chinese New Year in late winter are also major draws.
What is Monterey Car Week?
A week of classic and exotic car events on the Monterey Peninsula each August, including auctions, vintage races at Laguna Seca and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Hotels fill up months ahead.