There’s a lot to do across the Bay Area every weekend, and there are a handful of events we spend the whole year eagerly waiting for. We’ve compiled a list of our most anticipated events, festivals, and concerts coming up across the Bay Area this year. Looking for more to do in the Bay Area? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Date Spots in the Bay Area.
1. NorCal Cherry Blossom Festival
When: 4/12 – 4/13 and 4/19 – 4/20
Where: SF’s Japantown Plaza
This annual festival features Japanese cultural performances, a Grand Parade, traditional art, live music, food and more. There are also popular exhibits like a Sapporo beer garden, a children’s cherry blossom village, and an arts & craft area.
2. Bay to Breakers
When: 5/18
Where: The race starts in the Embarcadero neighborhood and ends on the Great Highway.
This wild footrace has been a popular Bay Area event for over 100 years. Run, walk, or dance to the finish line alongside wacky costumes and live music.
3. BottleRock
When: 5/22 – 5/25
Where: Napa Valley
This famous Napa Valley music festival is bringing Green Day, Justin Timberlake, Cage the Elephant, and many more to a rock filled weekend. The food lineup brings stars from the Bay Area’s food scene like Nopalito, El Garage, Curry Up Now, El Porteño Empanadas, and more.
4. Carnaval SF
When: 5/25 -5/26
Where: Downtown SF
Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with over 50 local performing artists on 5 main stages and over 400 vendors dishing out food from Brazil, Mexico, Bolivia, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Peru, Chile, and Haiti.
5. SF Jazz Festival
When: 6/13 – 6/15
Where: SF Jazz Center
This year marks the event’s 41st celebration filled with music, food, art, and community. This year’s headliners are Charles Lloyd Sky Quartet, Stanley Clarke, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, and Patrice Rushen.
6. SF Pride
When: 6/28 – 6/29
Where: Civic Center
The nation’s largest gathering of the LGBTQ+ community and allies is celebrating its 55th year. The event features over 300 artists and exhibitors. There’s also a parade with over 250 contingents that lasts about 4 hours.
7. Outside Lands
When: 8/8 – 8/10
Where: Golden Gate Park
The lineup for this iconic music festival hasn’t been unveiled yet, but you’re sure to catch stars from across several genres. Another highlight of the festival is the opportunity to try lots of the Bay Area’s restaurants and pop-ups in one place. (Check back once the lineup drops for more information).
8. Leap Sandcastle Classic
When: 10/25
Where: Ocean Beach
October might seem like an odd time to gather at the beach, but thousands of people do just that to raise money to support arts education in Bay Area schools. Watch teams build enormous sand sculptures while enjoying live music, performances, and local food trucks.
9. SF Coffee Festival
When: 11/8 – 11/9
Where: Fort Mason Center
The 9th annual SF Coffee festival includes a latte art competition, live music, food, fun local goods, and coffee classes. Chat with the Bay Area’s top coffee roasters as you sample some of the best coffee and tea in the country. If you’re serious about your caffeine, this is an event you can’t miss.
