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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.


Friday, May 22

SF City Guides Memorial Day Weekend 2026 (50+ Free Walking Tours)
SF City Guides Memorial Day Weekend 2026 (50+ Free Walking Tours)

It’s time to learn more about your city and get out and walk. San Francisco City Guides offers free walking tours just about every day. All tours are free and open to the public, but donations are welcome. Memorial Day Weekend Walking Tours 2025 | ...

Saturday, May 23

SF City Guides Memorial Day Weekend 2026 (50+ Free Walking Tours)
SF City Guides Memorial Day Weekend 2026 (50+ Free Walking Tours)

It’s time to learn more about your city and get out and walk. San Francisco City Guides offers free walking tours just about every day. All tours are free and open to the public, but donations are welcome. Memorial Day Weekend Walking Tours 2025 | ...

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, ...

“Black Family Day” 2026 Fair at UC Davis Quad
Saturday, May 23 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 8:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*RSVP on Eventbrite!
| UC Davis Quad
"Black Family Day" 2026 Fair at UC Davis Quad
Built to Last: Black Strength Through Time Join us on May 23rd, 2026, from noon – 8 p.m. at the UC Davis Quad for a powerful celebration of Black excellence, resilience, and community! This year’s theme, Built to Last: Black Strength Through Time, honors the legacy, endurance, ...

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, ...
SF City Guides Memorial Day Weekend 2026 (50+ Free Walking Tours)
SF City Guides Memorial Day Weekend 2026 (50+ Free Walking Tours)

It’s time to learn more about your city and get out and walk. San Francisco City Guides offers free walking tours just about every day. All tours are free and open to the public, but donations are welcome. Memorial Day Weekend Walking Tours 2025 | ...

SF City Guides Memorial Day 2026 (10 Free Walking Tours)
SF City Guides Memorial Day 2026 (10 Free Walking Tours)

It’s time to learn more about your city and get out and walk. San Francisco City Guides offers free walking tours just about every day. All tours are free and open to the public, but donations are welcome. Memorial Day Weekend Walking Tours 2025 | ...

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, ...

52nd Annual Muir Beach Volunteer Firefighters’ Barbecue
Sunday, May 24 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: $10*
*Entry fee of $30 per vehicle, carpooling encouraged; $10 per person walk/bike-in
| Santos Meadow
52nd Annual Muir Beach Volunteer Firefighters’ Barbecue
The Muir Beach Volunteer Fire Department (MBVFD ) is thrilled to announce details for the 52nd Annual Muir Beach Volunteer Firefighters’ Barbecue on Sunday afternoon of Memorial Day Weekend, May 24, in Santos Meadow near Muir Beach and Muir Woods. Featuring delicious food, fantastic live ...

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 ...