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 Foot Race with Costumed Debauchery |
Howard & Spear Streets San Francisco, CA United States +1 415 359 2800 http://www.baytobreakers.com/ |
This isn't just one of the largest and most colorful foot races in the world; it's a festival of events that benefits a variety of charities. The 12K race starts promptly at 8a each year on the third Sunday in May at the intersection of Howard and Spear Streets in downtown's Financial District. More than 100,000 people, runners included, attend the race each year. Many dress in wild costumes. You never know what you might see, but be on the lookout for giant-sized, mobile Katamari spheres being rolled across the city by drunken revelers. The weekend ends with a street festival, Footstock, that features live music. Please visit the website for more information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Regan Parks |
 Photo: Regan Parks |
 Photo: Regan Parks |
 Photo: Regan Parks |
 Photo: Matt Ericson  |
 Photo: Luke Bunselmeyer |
 Photo: Allan Gojilde |
 Photo: Andy Eveland |
 Photo: Avram Cheaney |
 Photo: mycleveralias |
 Photo: Nondas Voll |
 Photo: dave g |
 Photo: Greg Hinch |
 Photo: Ron Kurti |
 Mardi Gras, San Francisco-style |
2522 Mission Street San Francisco, CA 94110 United States +1 415 920 0125 http://www.carnavalsf.com/ |
Every Memorial Day Weekend the Mission District hosts a wild street festival that rivals the festivities of New Orleans' Mardi Gras. The festival includes a sampling of food and craft booths, a costume contest, and Latin American dance and musical performances. The height of the celebration is the parade that runs from Mission and 24th Street and ends at 16th Street. This event is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Carlos B. Cordova |
 Photo: Keith Harris |
 Photo: Clyde Ng |
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Choke Down Some 'Chokes |
11272 Merritt Street P.O. Box 744 San Francisco, CA 95012-1041 United States +1 831 633 2465 http://www.artichoke-festival.... |
Marilyn Monroe was crowned Castroville's first Artichoke Queen back in 1948. If that does not glamorize this celebration of thorny vegetables, nothing will. In addition to crowning the latest of Ms. Monroe's successors, this two-day festival features a parade, a 10K race, arts and crafts, music, and of course, artichokes. The thistle like plant is prepared in more ways than you thought possible. The drive from San Francisco is about two hours. Take the Merrit Street exit (State Route 183) from State Route 1. See website for yearly particulars. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Carolyn Hack |
 Gung Hay Fat Choy! |
Market & Kearny Streets San Francisco, CA 94104 United States +1 415 982 3071 http://www.chineseparade.com |
Following the discovery of Gold in California, many of the Chinese working on railroads in the area wanted to find a way to celebrate the coming lunar year. In order to expose the locals to their native culture, the Chinese response was a fusion of the typical American parade with their native holiday of the New Year. Today, the Chinese New Year Parade has become a San Francisco and International institution. Snaking its way down Market Street, the parade is the largest of its kind anywhere and has grown to include various other cultures to share in the festivities and perform for over three million spectators each year. With colorful Dragons, ferocious lions, ear-splitting firecrackers, and red envelopes all around, this colorful, noisy, and highly religious event also includes a two week festival with a spectacular flower show and community fair. Gung Hay Fat Choy! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Amy Cardoza |
 Photo: Glenn Edens |
 Photo: Lindsay Tabas |
 Photo: dana durkee |
 Photo: Ayah Young |
 Photo: David L. Jones |
 Photo: Ed Sentner |
 Photo: Craig Good |
 Family fun carnival |
420 Grand Street (Rittler Park) San Francisco, CA 94501-5941 United States +1 510 747 7529 http://www.ci.alameda.ca.us/ |
Every Fourth of July the Alameda Recreation and Park Department hosts this fair that features concessions, carnival booths, and live music after the Webster Street parade in Alameda. The fair takes place at the play yard of a local middle school that features an adjoining large grassy park and a stage that overlooks Eighth Grade Hill. Face painting, snow cones, lollipop pulls, beanbag toss and a dunk tank are all part of the activities. The fair embodies good old-fashioned family fun. So head out to Alameda, the Island City on the Bay, and celebrate independence with a corn dog and a long roll of carnival tickets. Admission is free. Some vendors may accept credit cards. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Gay & Proud Of It |
1800 Market Street San Francisco, CA 94102 United States +1 415 864 3733 http://www.sfpride.org |
The goal of the San Francisco Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Celebration Committee is to educate others and celebrate their culture. An annual June celebration called Pride is the gay event of the U.S. and includes numerous performers and celebrity appearances. The Sunday morning parade along Market Street attracts a large and diverse crowd every year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mayu Shimizu |
 Photo: deborah d. lattimore |
 Photo: jennifer treistman |
 Photo: Mayu Shimizu |
 Photo: Anne |
 Photo: Louie M. Stewart |
 Photo: leMMon Noki |
 Photo: CuriousDaniel |
 Photo: zendepth |
 Photo: Josh Crandall |
 Photo: Melissa Land |
 Photo: amy allis |
 Photo: jerkalert |
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Happenin'! |
Haight Street (between Stanyan Street & Masonic Avenue) San Francisco, CA 94117 United States +1 415 863 3489 http://www.haightashburystreet... |
It is not the Summer of Love, but it is one of the most colorful summer street fairs The City has to offer. There is lots to see and do, but the most interesting sight of all may be the Deadheads, punks, grunge-meisters, and yuppies all mingling to the sounds of music and the aroma of the organic and not-so organic treats offered up by the street merchants. The fair, which takes place in June, is always crowded, so public transportation is definitely the way to get there. The event is free; some vendors may take credit cards. See website for complete yearly particulars. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Julian V. Maestas |
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The world's biggest salami |
Corner of Filbert & Stockton Street Washington Square San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 989 2220 http://www.sfnorthbeach.org/fe... |
The world's biggest salami is just one of the many attractions at what claims to be the world's oldest street fair. This free fair, held over a weekend in mid-June, celebrates the attractions of North Beach, one of San Francisco's most historic neighborhoods. It features arts and crafts, live music and small press booksellers. In addition to the salami, one of the biggest attractions of the festival is the Italian food prepared by some of North Beach's finest restaurants. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Denise Dreier |
 Photo: mac42 |
 Photo: Jeff Balke |
 Photo: Carlo Mastrogiacomo |
 Photo: Andrea Moed |
 Photo: Erin Collopy |
 Photo: aniketn4 |
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Japanese Spring Tradition |
Post & Fillmore Streets San Francisco, CA 94115 United States +1 415 563 2313 http://www.nccbf.org/ |
The Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in Japantown during two weekends in April. It showcases traditional Japanese arts with continuous demonstrations of, among others, tea ceremonies, martial arts, taiko drumming, and traditional dancing on an outdoor stage in the Japan Center. There are also parades, Asian food kiosks, and live music. Fewer street merchants attend than at most street fairs, but the merchandise offered, such as Kanji calligraphy scrolls, is of good quality and some are unique to this festival. Event is free; some vendors may accept credit cards. See website for yearly particulars. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jared Shelburne |
 Photo: Jason Wysong |
 Photo: Gordon Reece |
 Photo: Lori Ikeda-Lowe |
 Photo: Misono Y. Allen |
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Entertainment al fresca |
At the corner of Beach Street and The Embarcadero San Francisco, CA 94133 United States +1 415 705 5500 http://www.pier39.com/entertai... |
If you visiting Pier 39, then you are in for a big treat! The street performers' at Pier 39 is a recipe for success. They start with one of The City's most beautiful attractions, add great shopping and fabulous seafood restaurants, and then toss in jugglers, comedians, unicyclists, clowns and magicians and voila! It is a place tourists and locals of all ages enjoy. See website for performance schedule. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ben Brown |
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Fun, music and food |
953 De Haro Street San Francisco, CA 94107 United States +1 415 255 8802 |
This neighborhood party starts at 9a with a traditional and ever-popular pancake breakfast and then continues with sidewalk chalk painting, balloon-twisting, and some great art and dance workshops. The evening brings a party at the Potrero Hill Neighborhood house with catering provided by some of Potreros finest restaurants and fabulous music. The nice part about this Autumn street fair is that ticket sales for the evening events go to support the Potrero Hill Neighorhood House that provides so many services to its community. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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St. Paddy's Day, San Francisco-Style |
Corner of 2nd & Market San Francisco, CA 94105 United States +1 415 675 9885 / +1 415 395 8417 / +1 650 359 0270 http://www.sfstpatricksdaypara... |
The oldest and largest Saint Patrick's Day parade west of the Mississippi celebrates another festive year. Talented participants like San Francisco's Irish Pipers and the San Mateo Bearcat Marching Band will spread the Irish cheer with the traditional sound of bagpipes and drum rolls while a myriad of Irish dance schools will showcase their customs and fancy footwork to invigorating melodies for all parade lovers. Community organizations such as the Irish Wolfhound Rescue Trust will put their best foot forward, marching alongside one man's most favorite "four-legged" friend, the Irish Wolfhound, and City Officials, will show their "green" side by joining the St Patrick's Day Parade and Celebration. The Family Festival will be held at Civic Center Plaza and will include live music, face painting, delicious food, a world-class Beer Garden and more. Some of the Bay Area's top Irish performers will grace the festival stage with foot stomping music and plenty of cheer. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Music, Dance & Love |
Market Street (Civic Center) San Francisco, CA United States +1 415 738 8544 http://www.loveparadesf.org |
San Francisco celebrates three days and nights of music, dancing and love with plenty of festivities and a parade featuring hundreds of dancers, DJs and performers. Loveparade started in Berlin in 1989 and since has become an international event with parades held in places including Mexico, Tel Aviv and Santiago de Chile. The first Loveparade came to San Francisco in 2004 and is one of the largest and most anticipated electronic music events in the world. Events begin on Friday and run through Sunday. The Saturday parade heads west on Market Street to the festival location at Civic Center. A $5 donation is requested when entering the festival. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wendy goodfriend |
 Photo: jim walker |
 Photo: Gabriel Rojas |
 Photo: wendy goodfriend |
 Photo: GrilledBabyPandas |
 Photo: Ted Weatherly |
 Photo: Charlie Reiman |
 Photo: Brant Chamberlain |
 Photo: Mazi Sadri |
 Photo: Tony Barulic |
 Photo: Ryan Swift |
 Photo: iamthemikeb |
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Art, food & music |
At the corner of Union and Gough streets San Francisco, CA 94123 United States +1 800 310 6563 http://www.unionstreetfestival... |
This festival is a fun way to buy masterpieces from local artists. Not only does it offer a plethora of artists to choose from, it does so while live jazz and classical music plays and where gourmet foods are sold. If art is not your thing, just come for the atmosphere, there are plenty of high fashion boutiques on Union Street to hold your attention and the food vendors always have gourmet items to rival what the area's upscale restaurants offer. Admission is free; some vendors may accept credit cards. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: dotann |
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Once bitten - put on your mittens! |
California Street At Taylor Street San Francisco, CA 94108 United States +1 650 279 1840 / +1 866 424 8836 http://www.sfvampiretour.com/ |
If you feel you are hot-blooded enough to try a vampire tour down dark alley ways and into blood-sucker friendly nightclubs in the bitter cold; then you got to be from the courageous few left. Relax, as scary as it sounds, the tour is pretty light-hearted so there's nothing to fear except catching a cold. A drink should keep you warm—the spirit kind. No blood used in this Gothic adventure! Review © 2007, Wcities |