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100+ Things to Do Over Memorial Day Weekend 2025 (San Francisco + Bay Area)

A 3-day weekend of fairs, festivals, parades, comedy shows and more fun
By - posted 5/22/2025 No Comment

Memorial Day weekend is here, and the vibrant city of San Francisco is ready to celebrate for a few days, and then honor its fallen on Monday. From enriching cultural experiences to energizing community gatherings, the city and the Bay Area is brimming with events that won’t cost you a dime or will save you serious bucks. Check out these 100+ fantastic, budget-friendly activities where you can have a blast without reaching for your wallet.


Saturday, May 23

2026 San Francisco Carnaval Festival (May 23-24)
Saturday, May 23 – 11:00 am - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free, but donations are accepted
| Harrison Street
2026 San Francisco Carnaval Festival (May 23-24)

Carnaval San Francisco is back for 2026 with their 48th annual celebration. The free, two-day festival spans 17 blocks in the Mission District and features five main stages, 50 local performing artists, and 400 vendors. It offers international food, dancing, sampling sites, and entertainment for families, ...

Sunday, May 24

Afrodancehall Worldwide Carnival Series (SF)
Sunday, May 24 – 10:00 pm - Ends at 2:00 am | Cost: $23.18*
*$33.85 GA | $23.18 Early bird tickets are live and the limit is 100 tickets | Fees included
| The Foundry
Afrodancehall Worldwide Carnival Series (SF)
Get ready for an electrifying music experience as we celebrate Carnival Day SF, Africa Day, and Memorial Day all in one unforgettable night. Afrodancehall Worldwide Carnival Series brings together Afrobeat, Dancehall, Soca, Reggae, Kompa, Hip-Hop & Worldwide Sounds in a vibrant cultural celebration of rhythm, movement, ...

2026 San Francisco Carnaval Festival & Parade
Sunday, May 24 – 10:00 am - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free, but donations are accepted
| Harrison Street
2026 San Francisco Carnaval Festival & Parade

Carnaval San Francisco is back for 2026 with their 48th annual celebration. The free, two-day festival spans 17 blocks in the Mission District and features five main stages, 50 local performing artists, and 400 vendors. It offers international food, dancing, sampling sites, and entertainment for families, ...

2026 San Francisco Carnaval Grand Parade
Sunday, May 24 – 10:00 am - Ends at 2:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Free, but donations are accepted
| 24th & Bryant
2026 San Francisco Carnaval Grand Parade

Carnaval San Francisco is back for 2026 with their 48th annual celebration. The free, two-day festival spans 17 blocks in the Mission District and features five main stages, 50 local performing artists, and 400 vendors. It offers international food, dancing, sampling sites, and entertainment for families, ...

Monday, May 25

Free National Parks Day: Muir Woods + Yosemite for Memorial Day 2026
Free National Parks Day: Muir Woods + Yosemite for Memorial Day 2026

Sometimes you’ve just got to get away from it all and clear your head with the peace and serenity of a national park. On certain “fee-free” days throughout the year, enjoy free entry to all national parks and monuments, including Muir Woods and Yosemite National Park, and ...

Memorial Day Bonfire Night at SF’s Ocean Beach (2026)
Monday, May 25 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 9:30 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Fire rings are first come, first serve
| Ocean Beach Fire Pits
Memorial Day Bonfire Night at SF's Ocean Beach (2026)

For the first time in four months, it’s finally legal again to have a bonfire at Ocean Beach. During the “No Burn” Season (which runs from November 1 to the end of February), bonfires are not allowed, but starting March 1, 2026, bonfires are back ...