Big Art Loop: “Waterfront Walkabout” Free SF Art Stroll (Embarcadero)

San Francisco’s new event series where live music, interactive pop-ups, & monumental art set the stage for a bayside stroll like no other!

Launching September 17 and returning monthly every third Thursday this fall, Waterfront Walkabout is a free series inviting you to experience the Big Art Loop – Portside as the Embarcadero waterfront comes to life!

Date: Thursday, Sept 17, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Pier 14 to the Exploratorium

Our event is a series 3 events in the fall. The event will be taking place every third Thursday of each month. September 17, October 15th, and November 19th.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Soak in live music, fresh oysters, and drinks at the Ferry Building’s front plaza, then stroll the art trail to discover playful pop-up experiences at four larger-than-life sculptures:

Corpus (Pier 14): Step up to the glowing Shrimp Boat Art Car for beats by the bay

Echoes (Ferry Terminal Plaza): Grab a paintbrush for outdoor Paint & Sip or join interactive games with Playful SF and Chamber of Connection

🧜 Coralee (Pier 1/2): Dive into mermaid crafts and enchanting water spirit storytelling with En2Action

️ Got Framed (Pier 7): Strike a pose on the pier for free professional portraits

GUIDED ART TOURS

Explore at your own pace, or join a free docent-led tour for a deeper dive into the stories behind the four featured sculptures! These 60-minute guided walks depart from Pier 14 (at Corpus / the Shrimp Boat Art Car) and end at Pier 7.

• 5:30 PM – Guided Art Tour
• 6:30 PM – Guided Art Tour

Please note: Space is limited—advance tour registration is required during Eventbrite checkout. No purchase is necessary.

EXPLORATORIUM

Not ready for the night to end? Extend your evening with the Exploratorium After Dark, an adults-only experience featuring craft cocktails, immersive art, and 650+ interactive exhibits (6–10 PM; separate tickets required).

Waterfront Walkabout celebrates the Big Art Loop – Portside, a walkable, bikeable trail of monumental temporary sculptures transforming San Francisco’s waterfront—from Fisherman’s Wharf to India Basin Waterfront Park—into a vibrant open-air gallery. This series is presented by the Port of San Francisco, Big Art Loop, Building 180, the Ferry Building, Downtown SF Partnership, and Street Plans.