San Francisco October Festivals & Street Fairs
Here’s a round-up of fun and fabulous October festivals, street fairs, and events including Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, San Francisco Fleet Week, Sunday Streets “Phoenix Day” massive city-wide block party, and much more you can look forward to this October 2025.
> We’ll be updating this guide with more October events soon!
- Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2025 – October 3-5, 2025
- 51st Annual Castro Street Fair – October 5, 2025
- 2025 San Francisco Fleet Week – October 5-13, 2025
- SF’s World of Dumplings Food Festival – October 12, 2025
- 2025 Italian Heritage Festival & Parade – October 12, 2025
- 2025 Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off – October 13, 2025
- Alcatraz’s Sunrise Gathering for Indigenous Peoples’ Day – October 13, 2025
- Bearrison Street Fair 2025 – October 18, 2025
- 50th Annual Potrero Hill R&B Festival 2025 – October 18, 2025
- 2025 Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival – October 18-19, 2025
- 2025 Sunday Streets “Phoenix Day” Block Party Day – October 19, 2025
- SF’s Official Diwali Celebration & Night Market – Friday, Oct. 24, 2025
- SF’s Annual Sandcastle Classic 2025 – October 25, 2025
- Bay Area Science Festival at UCSF (Mission Bay) – October 25, 2025
- SF’s “Nightmare on Front Street” Halloween Block Party 2025 – October 31, 2025
- 9 Awesome Trick-or-Treat Streets in San Francisco – October 31, 2024
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2025
Fri-Sun, October 3-5, 2025 – SF (Golden Gate Park) – FREE – One of the largest, free-est, and beloved music festivals in the country. Be one of over 750,000 attendees over the three-day musical extravaganza in beautiful Golden Gate Park.
51st Annual Castro Street Fair
Sunday, October 5, 2025 – SF (Castro) – FREE – Community street celebration that was founded by Harvey Milk in 1974 features hundreds of local artists, vendors, craftspeople, and multiple stages with live entertainment and dancing throughout the neighborhood.
2025 San Francisco Fleet Week
October 5-13, 2025 – SF (Northern Waterfront) – FREE – The annual Fleet Week airshow and festival is back with nearly a full week of events including ship tours, K9 showcases, ship tours and the three-day airshow running October 10-12, 2025 highlighted by the Blue Angels buzzing the city.
SF’s World of Dumplings Food Festival
Sunday, October 12, 2025 – SF (FiDi) – FREE – A free dumpling festival at the Ferry Building with 20+ vendors, live music, cooking demos, contests, and dumplings from around the world.
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2025 Italian Heritage Festival & Parade
Sunday, October 12, 2025 – SF (North Beach) – FREE – The San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade launched in 1868, and is now the longest continuously running Italian Heritage Parade in the United States.
2025 Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off
Monday, October 13, 2025 – Half Moon Bay – FREE – The excitement is building in Pumpkintown as the World’s Greatest Gourd Growers and their Goliath, mind-bending, Rhinoceros-sized orange orbs hope to squash the world record at the 52nd annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off –– the “Super Bowl of Weigh-Offs” –– in the World Pumpkin Capital, Half Moon Bay.
Alcatraz’s Sunrise Gathering for Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2025
Monday, October 13, 2025 – SF (Yerba Buena) – FREE – A sunrise gathering on Alcatraz honoring the 1969–71 occupation by Indians of All Tribes, featuring ceremony, reflection, and cultural commemoration.
2025 Bearrison Street Fair
Saturday, October 18, 2025 – SF (SoMa) – FREE – Enjoy burly entertainment, including attendee competitions building off the fan-favorite wrestling stage and the buns-out deadlift competition.
50th Annual Potrero Hill R&B Festival 2025
Saturday, October 18, 2025 – SF (Potrero Hill) – FREE – Jam out to R&B music while we celebrate the Potrero community outdoors on 20th Street as we stretch out over 4 blocks with live music, food, family, and fun.
2025 Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival
Sat-Sun, October 18-19, 2025 – Half Moon Bay – FREE – The World Pumpkin Capital of Half Moon Bay celebrates with a smashing lineup of heavyweight champion pumpkins, four stages of stellar live music, the fantastically fun Great Pumpkin Parade, and tons more.
Sunday Streets “Phoenix Day” Block Party Day 2025
Sunday, October 19, 2025 – SF – FREE – SF’s biggest block party with over a dozen community-led block parties and activities happening across the city, there’s something for every San Franciscan and visitor to enjoy.
SF’s Official Diwali Celebration & Night Market
October 24, 2025 – SF (Downtown) – FREE – Bhangra and Beats’s season finale ends with a bang as San Francisco’s official Diwali celebration. Celebrate with a giant night market and block party spanning 4 city blocks with an array of South Asian vendors and food, plus performances.
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Bay Area Science Festival 2025
Saturday, October 25, 2025 – SF (UCSF, Mission Bay) – FREE – Massive, one-day-only celebration of all things science with 120+ hands-on experiences for all ages – taking place outdoors at Koret Quad’s expansive lawns, pine groves & research facilities. One block from Chase Center.
SF’s Annual Sandcastle Classic 2025
Saturday, October 25, 2025 – SF (Ocean Beach) – FREE – For one day, Ocean Beach is home to the largest sandcastle contest in Northern California; featuring dozens of jaw-dropping, supersized sand sculptures; plus there are food trucks and live music all day.
SF’s “Nightmare on Front Street” Halloween Block Party 2025
Friday, October 31, 2025 – SF (FiDi) – FREE – Experience a spook-tacular, free Halloween block party on Front Street with themed drinks, live music, DJs, costume contests, and eerie fun at multiple haunted venues.
Friday, December 5
The most wonderful time of the year is nearly here! The 6th annual Winterfest returns to TJPA’s Salesforce Park, December 5-7, 2025! The holiday festivities begin on the night of December 5th with live music from the band Magic Nostalgia, dancing, and a countdown to ...
Let’s Glow SF, the nation’s largest FREE holiday projection arts festival, is making a triumphant return to downtown San Francisco for its fifth and grandest year yet. This all-ages, family-friendly event runs for 10 nights from December 5-14, 2025. Experience breathtaking animated projections illuminating eight ...
Saturday, December 6
The Box SF Artists and Makers Fair is a multi-day weekend event held monthly at the historic building located in the heart of San Francisco! Originally the William Randolph Hearst printing plant built in the 1920’s, The Box SF is now home to two floors of premier ...
Come Eat, Drink, Shop, Play, Connect, and Be Local at the 10th Annual Sunset Holiday Mercantile at the County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park! Sunset Holiday Mercantile in 2025 which features TWO DAYS (December 6-8, 11a-5p) of artisan makers and vendors, plus live music, ...
The most wonderful time of the year is nearly here! The 6th annual Winterfest returns to TJPA’s Salesforce Park, December 5-7, 2025! The holiday festivities begin on the night of December 5th with live music from the band Magic Nostalgia, dancing, and a countdown to ...
Let’s Glow SF, the nation’s largest FREE holiday projection arts festival, is making a triumphant return to downtown San Francisco for its fifth and grandest year yet. This all-ages, family-friendly event runs for 10 nights from December 5-14, 2025. Experience breathtaking animated projections illuminating eight ...
Grow the future with the 2nd annual Terpnami SF seed show. SOMA District | South Beach | 1st and Howard St. Featuring: —30 world-class breeders —1,000 growers big and small —Glass, art, food, drink, music and culture Saturday, and Sunday, December 6-7, from 12 to ...
Sunday, December 7
Sunset Mercantile’s weekly outdoor market featuring farmers, ranchers, food trucks, live music, children’s activities, vendors, makers, merchants, artists, and local organizations. Bring the whole family for free seasonal art activities at the Sunset Mercantile Artship. Enjoy shopping an array of farm fresh produce, artisan goods. ...Every Sunday
The most wonderful time of the year is nearly here! The 6th annual Winterfest returns to TJPA’s Salesforce Park, December 5-7, 2025! The holiday festivities begin on the night of December 5th with live music from the band Magic Nostalgia, dancing, and a countdown to ...
The Box SF Artists and Makers Fair is a multi-day weekend event held monthly at the historic building located in the heart of San Francisco! Originally the William Randolph Hearst printing plant built in the 1920’s, The Box SF is now home to two floors of premier ...
Come Eat, Drink, Shop, Play, Connect, and Be Local at the 10th Annual Sunset Holiday Mercantile at the County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park! Sunset Holiday Mercantile in 2025 which features TWO DAYS (December 6-8, 11a-5p) of artisan makers and vendors, plus live music, ...
Let’s Glow SF, the nation’s largest FREE holiday projection arts festival, is making a triumphant return to downtown San Francisco for its fifth and grandest year yet. This all-ages, family-friendly event runs for 10 nights from December 5-14, 2025. Experience breathtaking animated projections illuminating eight ...
Come for the Marketplace, stay for the experience! HEAD WEST is a marketplace for emerging + established local brands and small businesses. From hand-made ceramics to locally sourced vintage, there are always new categories of goods available to explore. Marketplaces becomes a destination to not ...Monthly
Grow the future with the 2nd annual Terpnami SF seed show. SOMA District | South Beach | 1st and Howard St. Featuring: —30 world-class breeders —1,000 growers big and small —Glass, art, food, drink, music and culture Saturday, and Sunday, December 6-7, from 12 to ...
Monday, December 8
Let’s Glow SF, the nation’s largest FREE holiday projection arts festival, is making a triumphant return to downtown San Francisco for its fifth and grandest year yet. This all-ages, family-friendly event runs for 10 nights from December 5-14, 2025. Experience breathtaking animated projections illuminating eight ...
Tuesday, December 9
Let’s Glow SF, the nation’s largest FREE holiday projection arts festival, is making a triumphant return to downtown San Francisco for its fifth and grandest year yet. This all-ages, family-friendly event runs for 10 nights from December 5-14, 2025. Experience breathtaking animated projections illuminating eight ...
Wednesday, December 10
Let’s Glow SF, the nation’s largest FREE holiday projection arts festival, is making a triumphant return to downtown San Francisco for its fifth and grandest year yet. This all-ages, family-friendly event runs for 10 nights from December 5-14, 2025. Experience breathtaking animated projections illuminating eight ...
Thursday, December 11
Let’s Glow SF, the nation’s largest FREE holiday projection arts festival, is making a triumphant return to downtown San Francisco for its fifth and grandest year yet. This all-ages, family-friendly event runs for 10 nights from December 5-14, 2025. Experience breathtaking animated projections illuminating eight ...
Friday, December 12
Come join us at the Excelsior Night Market for a night of food, fun, and community vibes! This is the place to be for unique crafts, entertainment and live music. Explore the diverse offerings from local vendors and connect with your neighbors in a fun ...
Let’s Glow SF, the nation’s largest FREE holiday projection arts festival, is making a triumphant return to downtown San Francisco for its fifth and grandest year yet. This all-ages, family-friendly event runs for 10 nights from December 5-14, 2025. Experience breathtaking animated projections illuminating eight ...
🎉 Off the Grid Returns to Fort Mason for 2025 – With a Massive Monthly Night Market + 110+ Vendors! After taking most of 2024 off, Off the Grid is making a huge comeback in 2025 — The beloved Friday night tradition at Fort Mason ...
Saturday, December 13
Let’s Glow SF, the nation’s largest FREE holiday projection arts festival, is making a triumphant return to downtown San Francisco for its fifth and grandest year yet. This all-ages, family-friendly event runs for 10 nights from December 5-14, 2025. Experience breathtaking animated projections illuminating eight ...
Winter Walk Presented by JPMorganChase, San Francisco’s signature holiday event, returns to Union Square December 13-24, 2025 for a 12-day celebration that transforms two blocks of Stockton Street into a festive holiday destination. This annual event will once again feature a holiday marketplace, food trucks, ...
Sunday, December 14
Sunset Mercantile’s weekly outdoor market featuring farmers, ranchers, food trucks, live music, children’s activities, vendors, makers, merchants, artists, and local organizations. Bring the whole family for free seasonal art activities at the Sunset Mercantile Artship. Enjoy shopping an array of farm fresh produce, artisan goods. ...Every Sunday
Let’s Glow SF, the nation’s largest FREE holiday projection arts festival, is making a triumphant return to downtown San Francisco for its fifth and grandest year yet. This all-ages, family-friendly event runs for 10 nights from December 5-14, 2025. Experience breathtaking animated projections illuminating eight ...
Winter Walk Presented by JPMorganChase, San Francisco’s signature holiday event, returns to Union Square December 13-24, 2025 for a 12-day celebration that transforms two blocks of Stockton Street into a festive holiday destination. This annual event will once again feature a holiday marketplace, food trucks, ...
Monday, December 15
Winter Walk Presented by JPMorganChase, San Francisco’s signature holiday event, returns to Union Square December 13-24, 2025 for a 12-day celebration that transforms two blocks of Stockton Street into a festive holiday destination. This annual event will once again feature a holiday marketplace, food trucks, ...
Tuesday, December 16
Winter Walk Presented by JPMorganChase, San Francisco’s signature holiday event, returns to Union Square December 13-24, 2025 for a 12-day celebration that transforms two blocks of Stockton Street into a festive holiday destination. This annual event will once again feature a holiday marketplace, food trucks, ...
Wednesday, December 17
Winter Walk Presented by JPMorganChase, San Francisco’s signature holiday event, returns to Union Square December 13-24, 2025 for a 12-day celebration that transforms two blocks of Stockton Street into a festive holiday destination. This annual event will once again feature a holiday marketplace, food trucks, ...
Thursday, December 18
Winter Walk Presented by JPMorganChase, San Francisco’s signature holiday event, returns to Union Square December 13-24, 2025 for a 12-day celebration that transforms two blocks of Stockton Street into a festive holiday destination. This annual event will once again feature a holiday marketplace, food trucks, ...
Friday, December 19
Winter Walk Presented by JPMorganChase, San Francisco’s signature holiday event, returns to Union Square December 13-24, 2025 for a 12-day celebration that transforms two blocks of Stockton Street into a festive holiday destination. This annual event will once again feature a holiday marketplace, food trucks, ...
Saturday, December 20
Winter Walk Presented by JPMorganChase, San Francisco’s signature holiday event, returns to Union Square December 13-24, 2025 for a 12-day celebration that transforms two blocks of Stockton Street into a festive holiday destination. This annual event will once again feature a holiday marketplace, food trucks, ...
This holiday season, SFMade is hosting their first-ever Holiday Pop-Up Store: a 3-week retail destination at Two Embarcadero Center showcasing the incredible products made by our members right here in San Francisco! December 2nd to 20th, we’ll be transforming a storefront into a curated shopping ...
Sunday, December 21
Sunset Mercantile’s weekly outdoor market featuring farmers, ranchers, food trucks, live music, children’s activities, vendors, makers, merchants, artists, and local organizations. Bring the whole family for free seasonal art activities at the Sunset Mercantile Artship. Enjoy shopping an array of farm fresh produce, artisan goods. ...Every Sunday
Winter Walk Presented by JPMorganChase, San Francisco’s signature holiday event, returns to Union Square December 13-24, 2025 for a 12-day celebration that transforms two blocks of Stockton Street into a festive holiday destination. This annual event will once again feature a holiday marketplace, food trucks, ...
Monday, December 22
Winter Walk Presented by JPMorganChase, San Francisco’s signature holiday event, returns to Union Square December 13-24, 2025 for a 12-day celebration that transforms two blocks of Stockton Street into a festive holiday destination. This annual event will once again feature a holiday marketplace, food trucks, ...
Tuesday, December 23
Winter Walk Presented by JPMorganChase, San Francisco’s signature holiday event, returns to Union Square December 13-24, 2025 for a 12-day celebration that transforms two blocks of Stockton Street into a festive holiday destination. This annual event will once again feature a holiday marketplace, food trucks, ...
Wednesday, December 24
Winter Walk Presented by JPMorganChase, San Francisco’s signature holiday event, returns to Union Square December 13-24, 2025 for a 12-day celebration that transforms two blocks of Stockton Street into a festive holiday destination. This annual event will once again feature a holiday marketplace, food trucks, ...
Sunday, December 28
Wednesday, December 31
Glowfari returns in November 2025! This wildly popular, family-friendly experience features hundreds of ALL new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and Oakland Zoo’s commitment to ...
Thursday, January 1
Glowfari returns in November 2025! This wildly popular, family-friendly experience features hundreds of ALL new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and Oakland Zoo’s commitment to ...
Saturday, January 10
The Box SF presents EAT ME!, a monthly artisanal food fair, kicking off on January 10-11, 2026! Enjoy a flavorful weekend at The Box SF each month while exploring a wide selection of artisanal food products from local culinary vendors. “Eat Me!” Artisan Food Fair ...
Sunday, January 11
The Box SF presents EAT ME!, a monthly artisanal food fair, kicking off on January 10-11, 2026! Enjoy a flavorful weekend at The Box SF each month while exploring a wide selection of artisanal food products from local culinary vendors. “Eat Me!” Artisan Food Fair ...
Thursday, January 22
Join us for regular monthly art, food and cultural events on Folsom St (Between 6th-12th). Over 20 business participating, pop-up vendors, performances & street activations. SOMA Nights aims to foster a sense of community by connecting residents and local businesses during the Folsom Streetscape Project ...Monthly
Saturday, January 24
The Box SF Artists and Makers Fair is a multi-day weekend event held monthly at the historic building located in the heart of San Francisco! Originally the William Randolph Hearst printing plant built in the 1920’s, The Box SF is now home to two floors of premier ...
Sunday, January 25
The Box SF Artists and Makers Fair is a multi-day weekend event held monthly at the historic building located in the heart of San Francisco! Originally the William Randolph Hearst printing plant built in the 1920’s, The Box SF is now home to two floors of premier ...
Glowfari returns in November 2025! This wildly popular, family-friendly experience features hundreds of ALL new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and Oakland Zoo’s commitment to ...
Saturday, February 14
The Box SF Artists and Makers Fair is a multi-day weekend event held monthly at the historic building located in the heart of San Francisco! Originally the William Randolph Hearst printing plant built in the 1920’s, The Box SF is now home to two floors of premier ...
Sunday, February 15
The Box SF Artists and Makers Fair is a multi-day weekend event held monthly at the historic building located in the heart of San Francisco! Originally the William Randolph Hearst printing plant built in the 1920’s, The Box SF is now home to two floors of premier ...
Thursday, February 26
Join us for regular monthly art, food and cultural events on Folsom St (Between 6th-12th). Over 20 business participating, pop-up vendors, performances & street activations. SOMA Nights aims to foster a sense of community by connecting residents and local businesses during the Folsom Streetscape Project ...Monthly
Sunday, March 1
Come for the Marketplace, stay for the experience! HEAD WEST is a marketplace for emerging + established local brands and small businesses. From hand-made ceramics to locally sourced vintage, there are always new categories of goods available to explore. Marketplaces becomes a destination to not ...Monthly
Thursday, March 26
Join us for regular monthly art, food and cultural events on Folsom St (Between 6th-12th). Over 20 business participating, pop-up vendors, performances & street activations. SOMA Nights aims to foster a sense of community by connecting residents and local businesses during the Folsom Streetscape Project ...Monthly
Sunday, April 5
Come for the Marketplace, stay for the experience! HEAD WEST is a marketplace for emerging + established local brands and small businesses. From hand-made ceramics to locally sourced vintage, there are always new categories of goods available to explore. Marketplaces becomes a destination to not ...Monthly
Friday, April 10
Friday, April 17
Sunday, May 3
Come for the Marketplace, stay for the experience! HEAD WEST is a marketplace for emerging + established local brands and small businesses. From hand-made ceramics to locally sourced vintage, there are always new categories of goods available to explore. Marketplaces becomes a destination to not ...Monthly
Sunday, June 7
Come for the Marketplace, stay for the experience! HEAD WEST is a marketplace for emerging + established local brands and small businesses. From hand-made ceramics to locally sourced vintage, there are always new categories of goods available to explore. Marketplaces becomes a destination to not ...Monthly
Sunday, July 5
Come for the Marketplace, stay for the experience! HEAD WEST is a marketplace for emerging + established local brands and small businesses. From hand-made ceramics to locally sourced vintage, there are always new categories of goods available to explore. Marketplaces becomes a destination to not ...Monthly
Sunday, August 2
Come for the Marketplace, stay for the experience! HEAD WEST is a marketplace for emerging + established local brands and small businesses. From hand-made ceramics to locally sourced vintage, there are always new categories of goods available to explore. Marketplaces becomes a destination to not ...Monthly
Friday, August 28
San Francisco will host Pokémon XP, a new official fan event running alongside the 2026 Pokémon World Championships, at the Moscone Center from Aug. 28-30, 2026. The event will offer panels, workshops, special guests, and a pop-up Pokémon Center store with exclusive merchandise. Pokémon XP ...
Saturday, August 29
San Francisco will host Pokémon XP, a new official fan event running alongside the 2026 Pokémon World Championships, at the Moscone Center from Aug. 28-30, 2026. The event will offer panels, workshops, special guests, and a pop-up Pokémon Center store with exclusive merchandise. Pokémon XP ...
Sunday, August 30
San Francisco will host Pokémon XP, a new official fan event running alongside the 2026 Pokémon World Championships, at the Moscone Center from Aug. 28-30, 2026. The event will offer panels, workshops, special guests, and a pop-up Pokémon Center store with exclusive merchandise. Pokémon XP ...
Sunday, September 6
Come for the Marketplace, stay for the experience! HEAD WEST is a marketplace for emerging + established local brands and small businesses. From hand-made ceramics to locally sourced vintage, there are always new categories of goods available to explore. Marketplaces becomes a destination to not ...Monthly
Sunday, October 4
Come for the Marketplace, stay for the experience! HEAD WEST is a marketplace for emerging + established local brands and small businesses. From hand-made ceramics to locally sourced vintage, there are always new categories of goods available to explore. Marketplaces becomes a destination to not ...Monthly
Sunday, November 1
Come for the Marketplace, stay for the experience! HEAD WEST is a marketplace for emerging + established local brands and small businesses. From hand-made ceramics to locally sourced vintage, there are always new categories of goods available to explore. Marketplaces becomes a destination to not ...Monthly
Sunday, December 6
Come for the Marketplace, stay for the experience! HEAD WEST is a marketplace for emerging + established local brands and small businesses. From hand-made ceramics to locally sourced vintage, there are always new categories of goods available to explore. Marketplaces becomes a destination to not ...Monthly
