San Francisco has loads of exciting events happening throughout the summer. The Bay Area provides the perfect summer atmosphere to take full advantage of what the city has to offer. So grab a blanket, sunglasses, a sweet fanny pack, a ParkWhiz parking pass and head to the fest of your choice. With all the San Francisco summer festivals, you should never be bored. We have highlighted some suggestions below. No excuses.
Union Square Live – Now through Oct. – Union Square parking
You can catch free live music and events almost everyday in San Francisco’s Union Square. Catch a quick family friendly show at 12:30 PM or 6 PM on weekdays and Sundays at 2 PM. Hang out with friends, family, or co-workers and take in the sights and sounds of San Fran’s finest local entertainment. Take a break from working or shopping with live tunes.
Twitter:@unionSqLive #unionsqsf #unionsquarelive
San Francisco Jazz Festival – 6/11 – 6/22 – SFJAZZ Center parking
A summer of sweet, sweet jazz can be all yours if you are in San Francisco in June. Quintets, Quartet’s, Octets, Big Band, Swing, Latin Bossa Nova … you name it, they’ve got it at the SF Jazz Festival. Held nightly in the SFJAZZ Center this event is, in my opinion, the one San Francisco Summer Fest not to miss.
Twitter: @SFJAZZ
Pride Festival – 6/28 – 6/29 – San Francisco Civic Center parking
The most fantastic Pride Celebration in the US happens in the Civic Center district of San Fran. This celebration kicks off with live music and crafts on June 28th, but the real spectacle happens the next day. Post up for the parade that will travel down Market St from Beale to 8th. Delight in the festive costumes, the smiling participants, and the fabulous floats!
Twitter: @SfPride #sfpride
Outside Lands – 8/8 – 8/10 – Golden Gate Park
This epic 3-day festival of great musicians, artists, beer, and food is the perfect back to school treat. Roll out to SF’s Golden Gate Park and groove out to headliners Kanye West, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, Tiesto, Death Cab for Cutie and many, many more. The tickets are now sold out, but chances are you can find a deal on Seatgeek,
Twitter: @sfoutsidelands #ol2014 #outsidelands
Moon Festival – 9/14 -9/15 – Chinatown parking
Taking place at the end of Summer Harvest is a cultural celebration for all ages. The Moon Festival in San Francisco’s Chinatown district is the largest party in neighborhood all year. Get in the action with 200 arts and crafts booths, daily parades, and so much delicious food. The more food in your belly, the more fun you’ll have.
Twitter: @sfchinatown
Other Summer San Francisco Treats
Fisherman’s Wharf – Fisherman’s Wharf parking
Fishing District doesn’t really sound all that appealing when you are in a big city. However, in San Francisco it is one of the top “to-dos”. With 100’s of shops, fresh seafood, and a variety of cruises, Fisherman’s Wharf has something for everyone. Into checking out the sights on a Segway tour? Done. Love marine life? Head into Pier 39 and laze around with the Sea Lions. Have a thing for weird celebrity wax figures? Well, Madam Tussaud does too, and she put them in a museum on Fisherman’s Wharf, just for you. Don’t miss this San Fran staple this summer.
Yerba Buena Gardens – Open Monday thru Sunday 6 Am – 10 PM – Yerba Buena Gardens parking
Even cities with a less “rat race” feel, like San Francisco, can provide that overwhelming feeling. Take a breather and stroll in the beauty and calm of Yerba Buena Gardens. Every Tuesday this summer feel free to pick up some fresh-from-the-farm produce at the Farmer’s Market. The park also offers a Children’s learning garden to make sure those kids know how much work goes into making those veggies they leave on their plate. At the end of your day take some reflecting time at the MLK Jr. memorial at the largest fountain on the West Coast.
A.C.T. – American Conservatory Theatre parking
Need a night of A.C. and culture? Look no further than A.C.T., an institution committed to providing world-class theatre and theatre education. This venue features works from young, up-and-coming playwrights and travelling Broadway shows alike. There are a variety of wonderful theatres, and I suggest you catch a show at everyone of them, if you can, but A.C.T. is a great starting point.
One hot dog + one cold brew + one souvenir bat = one amazing time at the San Francisco Giant’s At&t Park. There is no better summer experience than taking in a game of baseball. Why not stop on by and take in a game? There are plenty of summer seats; depending on the game, tickets are as low as $12 on the SF Giant’s official site.
If you are in the area there are plenty of San Francisco Summer festivals and other events to make your trip that much better.
