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America Innovates: Free 3-Day Innovation Expo at Fort Mason (May 16-18)

America Innovates: Free 3-Day Innovation Expo at Fort Mason (May 16-18)

Step into the future at “America Innovates,” a free, family-friendly, three-day interactive expo coming to San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center from May 16–18, 2026.

Co-hosted by Forbes and America250 during National Inventors Month, the immersive public experience will showcase innovations of the past, present and future through hands-on exhibits, emerging technology demonstrations and livestreamed conversations with leading innovators across transportation, healthcare, robotics, AI, aviation, finance and consumer technology.

Visitors can explore interactive showcases from dozens of exhibitors, including a full-size model of Joby Aviation’s electric air taxi, robotics and AI demonstrations, healthcare innovation exhibits and the Springer-Lu Pavilion focused on science, education and medical breakthroughs.

The event will also feature appearances and discussions with entrepreneurs, scientists and innovators including Rosie Rios, Bob Metcalfe, Caterina Fake, Timothy Springer and more.

Free admission. Open to the public. Registration encouraged.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.


Cost: FREE*
*Free admission and open to the public. Advance registration is encouraged. Event runs daily from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. from May 16–18, 2026 at Fort Mason Center’s Gateway Pavilion in San Francisco.
Categories: *Top Pick*, Community, Fairs & Festivals, Geek Event, In Person, Kids & Families, Lectures & Workshops
Venue: Fort Mason Center – Gateway Pavilion
Address: 2 Marina Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94123

Sunday, May 17, 2026

7:30 am   FREE Unofficial “Bay to Breakers” Day Party + Happy Hour (Downtown SF)  FREE*
*Free with RSVP - 21+
8:00 am   Bay to Breakers 2026 (Everything You Need to Know)  FREE*
*Free to watch, but you should register and pay the fee to run, but most of the course is hardly policed and you can usually enjoy the course for free, though with the shame of knowing you didn't pay.
9:00 am   Cole Valley Neighborhood Garage Sale  FREE*
*Please scan QR code, scroll down, and click the link Take Me to The Map
9:00 am   Mission Yoga’s 25th Anniv. Open House: Free Class Weekend (May 16-17)  FREE*
*Please register and book your classes at www.newmissionyoga.com before coming to class to reserve your spot!
10:00 am   43rd Annual Berkeley “Himalayan Fair” (May 16-17)  FREE*
*Donations encouraged at the door
10:00 am   SF’s Free “Sundays at the Beach” Tai Chi Day (Great Highway)  FREE
10:00 am   SFMOMA’s Hat Party for Matisse Exhibit Opening  $30*
*Free for members, teens (13–18), and children (12 and under); $30 for adults, $25 for seniors (65 and older), and $23 for students with valid ID
10:00 am   Summer Shakespeare Read Aloud: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Mountain View)  FREE*
*optional cash dues $2
10:00 am   “Manny’s Neighborhood Trash Cleanup” w/ $1 Beer & Free Yoga Classes, Free Fries (SF)  FREE*
*Sign up on this TogetherSF Mobilize page: https://www.mobilize.us/togethersf/event/444979/
11:00 am   Pleasant Hill’s Art, Wine & Music Festival 2026 (May 16-17)  FREE*
*Free admission; food/drinks for purchase
11:00 am   “Lindy in the Park” Swing Dance Party (Golden Gate Park)  FREE*
*Weather permitting (rain cancels)
11:00 am   5th Annual East Bay Makers Market & Car Show 2026 (Richmond)  FREE*
*Free Admission 11:00am - 3:00pm
12:00 pm   Fogo Na Roupa Carnaval Parade Rehearsal  FREE
1:00 pm   Golden Gate Park Sunday Roller Disco Party (SF)  FREE
1:00 pm   Sacramento’s 2026 FoodieLand Night Market (May 15-17)  $12*
*$12; Kids 5 & under are free
2:00 pm   “Homegrown Pros” World Cup 2026 Celebration: Meet Soccer Stars (San Ramon)  FREE
4:30 pm   Free Reggae in the Park 2026 “Crucial Sundays” (Golden Gate Park)  FREE
5:00 pm   SF’s “Civic Strings” Free Concerts (2025/26)  FREE*
*RSVP - donations are accepted
6:00 pm   “HellaSecret” Speakeasy Comedy Show & Cocktail Night (Oakland)  FREE*
*Free with RSVP
7:00 pm   FREE: “Hayes Valley Comedy Night” Sunday at The Function (SF)  FREE*
*Exclusive free tickets with Eventbrite RSVP. Otherwise $20-25 at door. Please note like most comedy clubs, there is a two drink minimum per person
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