San Francisco October Festivals & Street Fairs 2026
Here’s a round-up of fun and fabulous October festivals, street fairs, and events including Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, San Francisco Fleet Week, Castro Street Fair, and much more you can look forward to this October 2026.
> We’ll be updating this guide with more October events soon!
- Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2026 – October 2-4, 2026
- 52nd Annual Castro Street Fair – October 4, 2026
- 2026 San Francisco Fleet Week – October 4-12, 2026
- The Bay’s Huge “626 Night Market” – October 9-11, 2026
- 2026 Italian Heritage Festival & Parade – October 11, 2026
- “Welcome Back Monarch” Butterfly Festival 2026 – October 11, 2026
- Alcatraz’s Sunrise Gathering for Indigenous Peoples’ Day – October 12, 2026
- Oakland’s “Autumn Lights Festival” at Lake Merritt – October 15-17, 2026
- 2026 Bay Area Science Festival – October 17, 2026
- Bearrison Street Fair 2026 – October 17, 2026
- 51st Annual Potrero Hill R&B Festival 2026 – October 17, 2026
- 2026 Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival – October 17-18, 2026
- San Francisco Opera Costume Sale – October 17-18, 2026
- 2026 “Sunday Streets” Excelsior Block Party Day – October 18, 2026
- SF’s Annual Sandcastle Classic 2026 – October 24, 2026
- Lit Crawl 2026: 4-Hour Roaming Literature Fest w/ 250+ Authors – October 24, 2026
- SF’s World of Dumplings Food Festival – October 25, 2026
- SF’s “Nightmare on Front Street” Halloween Block Party 2026 – October 30, 2026
- Castro Halloween 2026 Block Party & Night Market 2026 – October 31, 2026
- “Halloween Hoopla” Kids Festival in the Park 2026 – October 31, 2026
- 9 Awesome Trick-or-Treat Streets in San Francisco – October 31, 2024
Need more Halloween plans? Check out our Bay Area Halloween Guide 2026 for costume parties, epic pub crawls, spooky events and plenty of ways to get weird this October.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2026
Fri-Sun, October 2-4, 2026 – 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.
52nd Annual Castro Street Fair
Sunday, October 4, 2026 – 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.
2026 San Francisco Fleet Week
October 4-12, 2026 – SF (Northern Waterfront) – FREE – The annual Fleet Week airshow and festival is back with more than a full week of events including ship tours, the Parade of Ships, Fleet Fest, K9 showcases, and the three-day airshow running October 9-11, 2026, highlighted by the Blue Angels buzzing around the city.
The Bay’s Huge “626 Night Market”
Fri-Sun, October 9-11, 2026 – Pleasanton (Alameda County Fairgrounds) – $8 – Inspired by the famous open-air nighttime bazaars of Asia, come ready to feast and explore 200+ food, merchandise, crafts, arts, games, music, and entertainment attractions.
2026 Italian Heritage Festival & Parade
Sunday, October 11, 2026 – SF (North Beach) – FREE – San Francisco’s Italian Heritage Parade brings Italian-American culture to the streets with live music, performances, floats, and community groups, winding from Fisherman’s Wharf along Columbus Avenue to Washington Square.
“Welcome Back Monarch” Butterfly Festival 2026
Sunday, October 11, 2026 – Santa Cruz (Natural Bridges State Beach) – FREE – Celebrate the monarchs’ annual return with crafts, a parade, story time, live music, food, pumpkin ice cream, games, and hands-on activities.
Alcatraz’s Sunrise Gathering for Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2026
Monday, October 12, 2026 – SF (Alcatraz) – FREE* (Event is free, but boat tickets are $12 for adults. Free for children under 5.) – Rise before dawn for the annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Sunrise Gathering on Alcatraz, commemorating the 1969-71 occupation by Indians of All Tribes with ceremony, reflection, and cultural commemoration.
Bay Area Science Festival 2026
Saturday, October 17, 2026 – SF (UCSF, Mission Bay) – FREE – Massive, one-day-only celebration of all things science with 125+ hands-on experiences for all ages, taking place outdoors at Koret Quad’s expansive lawns, pine groves & surrounding research facilities.
Oakland’s “Autumn Lights Festival” 2026
Thursday to Saturday, October 15-17, 2026 – Oakland (The Gardens at Lake Merritt) – $28.52 – Annual 3-day light art festival with 75+ artists taking over the 8-acre lakefront gardens w/giant inflatables, fire art, interactive LED artworks, illuminated fairy circles and more.
2026 Bearrison Street Fair
Saturday, October 17, 2026 – SF (SoMa) – FREE – Enjoy burly entertainment, including Full Queer Wrestling, the Barbells, Bears & Butts Deadlift Contest, XL Art Gallery, DJs, and more at this lively SoMa street fair celebrating the city’s bear and queer communities.
51st Annual Potrero Hill R&B Festival 2026
Saturday, October 17, 2026 – 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.
2026 Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival
Sat-Sun, October 17-18, 2026 – Half Moon Bay – FREE – The World Pumpkin Capital of Half Moon Bay celebrates with giant pumpkins, four stages of live music, the fantastically fun Great Pumpkin Parade, arts and crafts, food, contests, and tons more.
SF Opera’s Huge 2026 Costume Treasure Hunt
Sat-Sun, October 17-18, 2026 – Burlingame – $5 (price varies by date) – Find your next Halloween costume among actual theatrical costumes from decades of San Francisco Opera productions, including Victorian gowns, dramatic capes, embroidered uniforms and fantasy creations. Pieces start at just $5, with stage props and opera merchandise also available.
“Sunday Streets” Excelsior Block Party Day
Sunday, October 18, 2026 – SF – FREE – SF’s “Sunday Streets” takes over the Excelsior, transforming neighborhood streets into a car-free block party with cultural performances, live music, games, and more.
SF’s Annual Sandcastle Classic 2026
Saturday, October 24, 2026 – 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 World of Dumplings Food Festival
Sunday, October 25, 2026 – SF (Ferry Building) – FREE – Eat your way around the world with 25+ restaurants serving dumplings from across the globe, plus live music, performances, cooking demos, eating contests, trivia, family activities and more.
SF’s “Nightmare on Front Street” Halloween Block Party 2026
Friday, October 30, 2026 – SF (Front St) – FREE – Take over downtown for Nightmare on Front Street, a free Halloween block party with live DJs, themed cocktails, spooky activities, costume-filled crowds and food from three popular bars: Schroeder’s, Harrington’s and Royal Exchange.
Castro Halloween 2026 Block Party & Night Market
Saturday, October 31, 2026 – SF (Castro) – FREE – Halloween in the Castro returns with four blocks, three stages, trick-or-treating, a costume contest, live entertainment, local food vendors and a glowing neon dance party.
“Halloween Hoopla” Kids Festival in the Park 2026
Saturday, October 31, 2026 – SF (SoMa) – FREE – The 26th annual Halloween Hoopla returns with Circus Bella performers, live music and a Halloween Costume Parade for kids under 10, plus crafts, spooky activities and a pumpkin patch.
Sunday, November 1
18th Cine+Más San Francisco Latino Film Festival runs October 22-November 1, 2026. The 18th Cine+Más San Francisco Latino Film Festival brings films from across the U.S., Latin America and Spain to venues throughout San Francisco. This year’s lineup celebrates Latino stories and filmmakers through documentaries, ...
The 22nd annual Micailhuitl Día de Muertos celebration takes place over two days at History Park in San Jose. The community event includes cultural activities, traditional ceremonies, live entertainment, community altars, arts and crafts, and food. Original Event Description: _Join us for our 22nd Annual ...
The 22nd annual Micailhuitl Día de Muertos celebration takes place over two days at History Park in San Jose. San Jose’s longest-running Día de Muertos celebration features cultural activities, traditional ceremonies, live entertainment, community altars, arts and crafts, and food. Original Event Description: _Join us ...
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
Meet the Moment Video Festival brings politically and socially engaged video art to storefront windows, vacant spaces and outdoor projections along a walkable Mid-Market loop. Curated by Natasha Becker, Mushi Wooseong James, Việt Lê, Julio César Morales, Efe Ozmen and Twyla Ruby, the festival features ...
Monday, November 2
Tuesday, November 3
Thursday, November 5
The 30th Arab Film Festival opens on Thursday November 5th with El Sett, Marwan Hamed’s sweeping portrait of Umm Kulthum, the most iconic Arab singer of all time. The program spans 10 days, presenting over 40 films from 26 countries, over 30 directed by women, ...
Downtown First Thursdays is back in 2026 for a full year of street parties in 2026, starting Jan 1, 2026, with a New Year’s Day Edition and returning every first Thursday with a new downtown block party. DJs – Live Performances – Dancing – Drag ...Monthly
Friday, November 6
Pleasant Hill Night Market Will Return in May 2026 After a successful first season, the Night Market will be back in May 2026 with food, music, merchandise, activities and more! Visit Pleasant Hill California for more info. After getting so much love and support from ...
Saturday, November 7
Coffee lovers, your weekend plans are brewing. The 10th annual San Francisco Coffee Festival returns to Fort Mason for two days of specialty coffee, tea, food, and live music. Sample your way through a curated lineup of Bay Area coffee roasters and exhibitors, discover new ...
The 10th Annual San Francisco Coffee Festival returns to Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion for two days of curated coffee tastings, featuring top roasters and exhibitors. Attendees can sample unique beans, explore diverse flavor profiles, and enjoy live entertainment in a lively setting. November 7-8, ...
Autumn is calling, and this year, we’re heading back to CAMP SPARK! SAN FRANCISCO FALL CIDER FEST 2026: CAMP SPARK EDITION Where: SPARK Social SF, 601 Mission Bay Blvd. North, San Francisco When: Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 12 PM-4 PM Age: Strictly 21+ Get ...
Sunday, November 8
The Inner Sunset Flea Market is back for its 11th season on April 12th! Launched in collaboration with the Inner Sunset Park Neighbors and happening every second Sunday from April to November, this vibrant, well-loved community event transforms Irving Street (9th-11th Ave.) into a lively ...Monthly
The 30th Arab Film Festival opens on Thursday November 5th with El Sett, Marwan Hamed’s sweeping portrait of Umm Kulthum, the most iconic Arab singer of all time. The program spans 10 days, presenting over 40 films from 26 countries, over 30 directed by women, ...
Coffee lovers, your weekend plans are brewing. The 10th annual San Francisco Coffee Festival returns to Fort Mason for two days of specialty coffee, tea, food, and live music. Sample your way through a curated lineup of Bay Area coffee roasters and exhibitors, discover new ...
The 10th Annual San Francisco Coffee Festival returns to Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion for two days of curated coffee tastings, featuring top roasters and exhibitors. Attendees can sample unique beans, explore diverse flavor profiles, and enjoy live entertainment in a lively setting. November 7-8, ...
Wednesday, November 11
The 30th Arab Film Festival opens on Thursday November 5th with El Sett, Marwan Hamed’s sweeping portrait of Umm Kulthum, the most iconic Arab singer of all time. The program spans 10 days, presenting over 40 films from 26 countries, over 30 directed by women, ...
Thursday, November 12
Friday, November 13
San Francisco’s beloved Bhangra & Beats Night Market returns in 2026 for two massive celebrations, including a special Diwali edition this fall. For the first time ever, the city’s biggest South Asian cultural celebration takes over Yerba Buena Gardens, bringing its signature mix of Punjabi ...
Saturday, November 14
If you love tea, there’s probably no better event all year to attend. Explore and taste hundreds of teas from 30+ different tea makers. Vendors include established brands and local artisans. The two-day festival takes place November 14-15, 2026 Tickets start at $19 and include ...
The 30th Arab Film Festival opens on Thursday November 5th with El Sett, Marwan Hamed’s sweeping portrait of Umm Kulthum, the most iconic Arab singer of all time. The program spans 10 days, presenting over 40 films from 26 countries, over 30 directed by women, ...
Renegade Craft’s Winter 2026 fair brings more than 250 curated small creative businesses to the Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion for a weekend of holiday shopping. Vendors will offer goods including ceramics, outerwear, snacks, and knit hats. The fair is indoors with outdoor food trucks ...
Renegade San Francisco Winter Craft Fair 2026 returns to Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion on November 14 + 15, 2026, for a weekend of holiday shopping featuring 250+ curated artists and independent small businesses. Browse handmade gifts and creative finds, including ceramics, apparel, jewelry, home ...
Sunday, November 15
If you love tea, there’s probably no better event all year to attend. Explore and taste hundreds of teas from 30+ different tea makers. Vendors include established brands and local artisans. The two-day festival takes place November 14-15, 2026 Tickets start at $19 and include ...
Renegade San Francisco Winter Craft Fair 2026 returns to Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion on November 14 + 15, 2026, for a weekend of holiday shopping featuring 250+ curated artists and independent small businesses. Browse handmade gifts and creative finds, including ceramics, apparel, jewelry, home ...
Renegade Craft’s Winter 2026 fair brings more than 250 curated small creative businesses to the Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion for a weekend of holiday shopping. Vendors will offer goods including ceramics, outerwear, snacks, and knit hats. The fair is indoors with outdoor food trucks ...
Sunday, November 22
Tuesday, November 24
Come out for the Noe Valley Night Market from 5–8pm at the Noe Valley Town Square for a cozy evening of live music, local retail and food vendors, and family-friendly fun. Gather with neighbors, support small businesses, and enjoy a music-filled evening out with the ...Monthly
Friday, November 27
Thursday, December 3
Downtown First Thursdays is back in 2026 for a full year of street parties in 2026, starting Jan 1, 2026, with a New Year’s Day Edition and returning every first Thursday with a new downtown block party. DJs – Live Performances – Dancing – Drag ...Monthly
Saturday, December 5
Come Eat, Drink, Shop, Play, Connect, and Be Local at the 11th Annual Sunset Holiday Mercantile at the County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park! Sunset Holiday Mercantile in 2026 which features TWO DAYS of artisan makers and vendors, plus live music, food, activities and ...
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
Come Eat, Drink, Shop, Play, Connect, and Be Local at the 11th Annual Sunset Holiday Mercantile at the County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park! Sunset Holiday Mercantile in 2026 which features TWO DAYS of artisan makers and vendors, plus live music, food, activities and ...
Friday, December 11
The long-awaited return of the Sunset Night Market has arrived! Sunset Night Market™ gets ready for summer with The Dragon Boat Festival! Join us for a night of food, culture, music, and community spirit. Bring your family, invite your friends, and wish for good luck while taking ...
Experience the Fillmore with Live Blues, Delicious Bites & Boutique Bingo at this vibrant night market celebrating soul, art and community. The historic Fillmore District will come alive after dark with the launch of a series of night markets throughout the year. Fillmore After Dark ...
Saturday, December 12
Live on Larkin – a new series of free street events on Larkin Street. Come out and celebrate in the Tenderloin, one of San Francisco’s most vibrant cultural crossroads, and discover why it’s one of the best destinations for amazing food, art, and history. Live ...
Sunday, December 13
Saturday, December 19
Prescott Market in West Oakland hosts a holiday pop-up craft faire on three dates in 2026, featuring over 50 rotating local vendors with handmade crafts, upcycled goods, rare records, clothing, jewelry, and more. The event includes DJs, a large stage, a food court with eight ...
Tuesday, December 29
Come out for the Noe Valley Night Market from 5–8pm at the Noe Valley Town Square for a cozy evening of live music, local retail and food vendors, and family-friendly fun. Gather with neighbors, support small businesses, and enjoy a music-filled evening out with the ...Monthly
Saturday, June 19
