San Francisco Events & Things to Do

San Francisco is super spendy to live in, but there’s always a ton of fun, free & cheap things to do… if you know where to look. Here’s our calendar of upcoming fun, yet affordable, events.

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See Events For: Today | Wed 8/12 | Thu 8/13 | Fri 8/14 | Sat 8/15 | Sun 8/16 | Mon 8/17

Tuesday, August 11, 2026
$5 Off Tix: “Hairspray” The Broadway Musical Live in SF (July 10-Sept. 12) Tuesday, August 11 – 7:00 pm - Ends at 9:45 pm \| Cost: $47* *Save $5 with code FUNCHEAP \| San Francisco Playhouse It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and big-hearted teen Tracy Turnblad dreams of dancing on the Corny Collins Show. When her wish comes true, Tracy becomes an overnight sensation and uses her newfound more...
7:30 pm	SF’s Iconic Punchline Comedy Club: Secret Guest List (Dino Archie)	FREE* *Free with RSVP. Must arrive 30 minutes in advance for guaranteed entry. All shows are 18 & over with valid photo ID. Like most comedy clubs, there is a two drink minimum.
7:30 am	San Francisco Botanical Garden’s Free Day (2nd Tuesdays)	FREE* *Free on the 2nd Tuesday of the month; on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and daily from 7:30-9 am. Free for SF residents daily
12:00 pm	“People in Plazas” Gypsy Swing Concert w/ Gaucho (SF)	FREE
12:00 pm	People in Plazas: Pop & Country Concert (SF)	FREE
7:00 pm	The Weird Kidz “Embrace the Weird” Roadshow	$15
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park) Wednesday, August 12 – 9:00 am - Ends at 10:00 am \| Cost: FREE* *Free from 9-10am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; otherwise non-resident admission is $12 - $16 depending on the season. San Francisco residents are always free with valid ID \| Japanese Tea Garden The Japanese Tea Garden provides visitors from around the world with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, tranquility, and harmony of a Japanese-style garden in the heart of San Francisco’s more...
12:00 pm	People in Plazas: Traditional Jazz (SF)	FREE
2:00 pm	Free Art Workshop: Nature Stencil Art	FREE* *FREE with RSVP
4:00 pm	‘Midweek Melodies’ Free Happy Hour Concert (Golden Gate Park)	FREE
5:30 pm	Switch & Stitch: A Clothing Swap Market and Mending Counter by Rethink The Runway	$15* *General Admission tickets start at $15 while supplies last. VIP tickets start at $45 while supplies last, and include a gift bag and a guaranteed time slot for the Repair Counter.
6:00 pm	“Wiener Wednesday” Free Hot Dog Night at Rye (SF)	FREE* *Every Wednesday, Free Hot Dogs with every Hornitos Cocktail purchase
6:30 pm	GaHee Park & Dorothy Dávila in Conversation	FREE
7:00 pm	Black Hammer’s Free “Hopped Up” Trivia Night (Every Wednesday)	FREE
7:00 pm	The Laugh Boat: Local Brews & Free Comedy \| SF	FREE
8:00 pm	Chuckles Comedy and Food Show	FREE* *Suggested Donations at Door
11:59 pm	2026 Perseids: The Best Meteor Shower of the Year	FREE

Thursday, August 13, 2026
Flight Club: Adult Flight Night for Ages 18+ at “House of Air” Trampoline Park (SF) Thursday, August 13 – 7:00 pm - Ends at 9:00 pm \| Cost: $20* *Pricing is Per Hour, House of Air Grip Socks are required to jump. \| House of Air Take full advantage of our 70+ trampolines — without the worry of running into (or launching) a 9 year old! Flight Club is House of Air’s exclusive 18+ takeover where the more...
12:00 pm	People in Plazas: Jazz / Folk Concert (SF)	FREE
12:30 pm	Brazil in the Gardens: Alexandre Ribeiro & Alessandro Penezzi (Yerba Buena Gardens)	FREE
5:00 pm	SF’s “Valencia Live” Night Market in The Mission (Every 2nd Thu)	FREE
5:30 pm	Feroz Ansari – The Wisdom and Wealth Solution	FREE
6:00 pm	Thursday Night Poem Jam \| SF Main Library	FREE
6:00 pm	Free Movie Night: Bestseller Adaptation “Oh, This Unspeakable Void” (SF)	FREE
6:00 pm	Preseason \| Titans vs 49ers at Rock’s Den
7:00 pm	Theresa Donahoe’s All the Great New Things to Come	$15
8:00 pm	Shame Cave Comedy Show: A Shameful Yet Shameless Night \| SF	FREE
8:30 pm	El Rio Jams	$10* *Tickets are $10 online and $12 at the door
Friday, August 14, 2026
Caterpillar Puppets (Kids’ Show) at Yerba Buena Gardens Festival 2026 Friday, August 14 – 11:00 am - Ends at 12:30 pm \| Cost: FREE \| Yerba Buena Gardens, Children’s Garden Fri, Aug 14 \| 11:00am – 11:30am Children’s Garden, Yerba Buena Gardens 799 Howard St. San Francisco, CA This children’s program has two shows: 11-11:30am with a repeat show 12-12:30pm. Joe Leon’s Caterpillar Puppets don’t just entertain kids more...
11:30 am	Chess Lessons & Socials at Union Square (SF)	FREE
7:00 pm	SF’s HellaSecret “Crazy Funny Asians” Friday Night Comedy Showcase (7p + 9p)	FREE* *Free tickets, but RSVP Required. Donations ($5-$10) greatly appreciated. Otherwise, $15 adv / $20 door tickets also available
5:00 pm	$1 Drink Fridays: “Battle of the Decades” DJ Party (North Beach)	FREE* *Free admission with RSVP on Eventbrite
5:09 pm	2026 “Fillmore After Dark” Night Market	FREE
7:00 pm	Free Comedy Night w/ Danny Dechi & Friends \| Outer Richmond	FREE
7:00 pm	Pearl Louise’s Lovin Jaleal	$15
7:30 pm	Feral Friday SF Square Dance	$20* *Fee scale: kids free, 13-18/$10, adults/$20
8:30 pm	Jumanji-Style Rap Battles + Live Freestyles (The Independent)	$30
Saturday, August 15, 2026
$35 for Locally-Run Independent Internet Service (SF + Bay Area) Saturday, August 15 – All Day \| Cost: $35* *$35 per month - Fast Speeds \| No contracts \| No hidden fees \| All Over the Bay Area Join thousands of Bay Area residents who’ve chosen Monkeybrains for fast internet, honest pricing, and friendly local support. Why choose Monkeybrains? Local Internet. Built Right. Fast Speeds \| No contracts \| No hidden fees RESIDENTIAL Home more...
2:00 pm	SF’s Thrilling New Play “R.O.I. (Return on Investment)” (Aug. 6-Sept. 6)	$41* *Tickets start at $41
9:00 pm	Free Tix: HellaSecret “Desi Comedy Night” Live in SF (7p + 9p)	FREE* *Free with RSVP for first 100 people. $25 at door without RSVP
8:30 am	Free PFF Walk 2026: Support Pulmonary Fibrosis Research (Little Marina Green)	FREE
9:30 am	Free de Young Museum Day for Bay Area Residents (Every Saturday)	FREE* *Free general admission to Bay Area residents. Valid ID or proof of residency required. This offer applies only to the permanent collection galleries. Advanced timed tickets required.
9:30 am	Free “Legion of Honor” Museum Day for Bay Area Residents (Every Saturday)	FREE* *Free general admission to Bay Area residents. Valid ID or proof of residency required. This offer applies only to the permanent collection galleries. Timed advanced tickets required
All Day	Free PresidiGo Shuttle \| Downtown to Presidio	FREE
10:00 am	SF’s 2026 Dahlia Competition in Golden Gate Park (Aug 15-16)	FREE
10:00 am	Free 100th Annual Dahlia Show: SF’s Official Flower Blooms (Golden Gate Park)	FREE* *No tickets needed. Open to the public
10:00 am	Secondhand Saturday: Outer Sunset’s 5th Annual Surf Swap (2026)	FREE* *Free
2:00 pm	“San Francisco Mime Troupe” Live Summer Musical in the Park (2026)	FREE* *Free, but donations are accepted
10:00 pm	SF’s Snowboard & Ski Trick Workshop w/ Pro Coaches & Trampolines (House of Air)	$40* *Booking in advanced is recommended
11:59 pm	San Francisco Midnight Mystery Ride (Every Third Saturday)	FREE
Sunday, August 16, 2026
SF’s 2026 Dahlia Competition in Golden Gate Park (Aug 15-16) Sunday, August 16 – 10:00 am - Ends at 4:00 pm \| Cost: FREE \| Hall of Flowers (GG Park) Each summer on the third weekend in August, the Dahlia Society of California draws thousands of visitors to its annual flower show in the Hall of Flowers at Golden Gate Park’s more...
10:00 am	SF’s Snowboard & Ski Trick Workshop w/ Pro Coaches & Trampolines (House of Air)	$40* *Booking in advanced is recommended
10:00 am	Free 100th Annual Dahlia Show: SF’s Official Flower Blooms (Golden Gate Park)	FREE* *No tickets needed. Open to the public
10:00 am	“Manny’s Neighborhood Trash Cleanup” w/ $1 Beer & Free Yoga Classes, Free Fries (SF)	FREE* *Sign up on this TogetherSF Mobilize page: https://www.mobilize.us/togethersf/event/444979/
11:00 am	“Lindy in the Park” Swing Dance Party (Golden Gate Park)	FREE* *Weather permitting (rain cancels)
1:00 pm	Golden Gate Park Band’s Symphony in the Park: Hungarian Culture	FREE* *Free, but donations are welcome.
1:00 pm	Golden Gate Park Sunday Roller Disco Party (SF)	FREE
3:00 pm	San Francisco Rising Q&A with the Director (Main Library)	FREE
Monday, August 17, 2026
SF’s Snowboard & Ski Trick Workshop w/ Pro Coaches & Trampolines (House of Air) Monday, August 17 – 7:00 pm - Ends at 8:00 pm \| Cost: $40* *Booking in advanced is recommended \| House of Air Max out your ski or snowboarding skills with House of Air’s Adult Slopestyle Workshop – designed to push your limits in a controlled, high-energy environment. Beginners and seasoned free skiers and boarders more...
9:00 am	Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)	FREE* *Free from 9-10am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; otherwise non-resident admission is $12 - $16 depending on the season. San Francisco residents are always free with valid ID
6:00 pm	SF Arcade Bar “Emporium” 8 Free Game Tokens for “Industry Night” (Every Monday)	FREE* *8 free game tokens if you are part of the "industry"
7:00 pm	“Motown On Mondays” DJ Night (Madrone Art Bar)	FREE* *Free before 8pm; $5 after
8:00 pm	Mirthquake: Monday Live Comedy in the Richmond w/ $5 Drinks (SF)	FREE* *free tickets, RSVP to ensure a spot, 21+
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
People in Plazas: Melody Of China Trio Concert (SF) Tuesday, August 18 – 12:00 pm - Ends at 1:00 pm \| Cost: FREE \| 101 California This free annual outdoor music festival “People in Plazas” (PiP), typically puts on over 130 free lunchtime concerts featuring an array of different styles from July to September in over 15 different more...
12:00 pm	People in Plazas: Emily Day Swingtet (SF)	FREE
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
$5 Off Tix: “Hairspray” The Broadway Musical Live in SF (July 10-Sept. 12) Wednesday, August 19 – 2:00 pm - Ends at 4:45 pm \| Cost: $47* *Save $5 with code FUNCHEAP \| San Francisco Playhouse It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and big-hearted teen Tracy Turnblad dreams of dancing on the Corny Collins Show. When her wish comes true, Tracy becomes an overnight sensation and uses her newfound more...
9:00 am	Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)	FREE* *Free from 9-10am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; otherwise non-resident admission is $12 - $16 depending on the season. San Francisco residents are always free with valid ID
11:00 am	“Biblio Bistro” Farmers’ Market Cooking School \| UN Plaza	FREE
12:00 pm	People in Plazas: Steely Dan Concert (SF)	FREE
12:00 pm	People in Plazas: R&B Concert (SF)	FREE
4:00 pm	‘Midweek Melodies’ Free Happy Hour Concert (Golden Gate Park)	FREE
6:00 pm	“Wiener Wednesday” Free Hot Dog Night at Rye (SF)	FREE* *Every Wednesday, Free Hot Dogs with every Hornitos Cocktail purchase
7:00 pm	Black Hammer’s Free “Hopped Up” Trivia Night (Every Wednesday)	FREE
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Flight Club: Adult Flight Night for Ages 18+ at “House of Air” Trampoline Park (SF) Thursday, August 20 – 7:00 pm - Ends at 9:00 pm \| Cost: $20* *Pricing is Per Hour, House of Air Grip Socks are required to jump. \| House of Air Take full advantage of our 70+ trampolines — without the worry of running into (or launching) a 9 year old! Flight Club is House of Air’s exclusive 18+ takeover where the more...
12:00 pm	People in Plazas: Tango Concert (SF)	FREE
12:00 pm	People in Plazas: French Jazz Concert (SF)	FREE
Friday, August 21, 2026
SF’s HellaSecret “Crazy Funny Asians” Friday Night Comedy Showcase (7p + 9p) Friday, August 21 – 7:00 pm - Ends at 10:00 pm \| Cost: FREE* *Free tickets, but RSVP Required. Donations ($5-$10) greatly appreciated. Otherwise, $15 adv / $20 door tickets also available \| Secret Location (SF) Inspired by the blockbuster movie, see some of the Bay Area’s top comedians at San Francisco’s Crazy Funny Asians comedy showcase, presented by Funcheap and HellaFunny. Let’s celebrate the Bay’s Asian-American culture more...
8:00 pm	SF’s Thrilling New Play “R.O.I. (Return on Investment)” (Aug. 6-Sept. 6)	$41* *Tickets start at $41
9:30 pm	Secret Guest List: Cobb’s Free Comedy Nights (Roast Battle)	FREE* *Free with RSVP. Must arrive 30 minutes early for guaranteed entry. All shows are 18 & over with valid photo ID. Like most comedy clubs, there is a two drink minimum.
4:30 pm	Free Friday Happy Hour Outdoor Concert in Golden Gate Park	FREE
5:00 pm	“Off the Grid” Fort Mason: Friday Night Market w/ 110+ Vendors (2026)	FREE* *Free to attend, but food/drink for purchase
5:00 pm	$1 Drink Fridays: “Battle of the Decades” DJ Party (North Beach)	FREE* *Free admission with RSVP on Eventbrite
6:00 pm	“Sundown Cinema” SF’s Outdoor Movie Night in the Park 2026	FREE
Saturday, August 22, 2026
SF’s Snowboard & Ski Trick Workshop w/ Pro Coaches & Trampolines (House of Air) Saturday, August 22 – 10:00 am - Ends at 1:00 pm \| Cost: $40* *Booking in advanced is recommended \| House of Air Max out your ski or snowboarding skills with House of Air’s Adult Slopestyle Workshop – designed to push your limits in a controlled, high-energy environment. Beginners and seasoned free skiers and boarders more...
9:00 pm	Free Tix: HellaSecret “Desi Comedy Night” Live in SF (7p + 9p)	FREE* *Free with RSVP for first 100 people. $25 at door without RSVP
9:30 am	Free de Young Museum Day for Bay Area Residents (Every Saturday)	FREE* *Free general admission to Bay Area residents. Valid ID or proof of residency required. This offer applies only to the permanent collection galleries. Advanced timed tickets required.
9:30 am	Free “Legion of Honor” Museum Day for Bay Area Residents (Every Saturday)	FREE* *Free general admission to Bay Area residents. Valid ID or proof of residency required. This offer applies only to the permanent collection galleries. Timed advanced tickets required
10:00 am	SFMOMA’s New 75,000 Floating Kites Canopy Debuts	FREE* *Free to view
10:00 am	SF’s Gold Rush Days Festvial: Singing, Panning + Feasting at Pier 35 (Aug 22-23)	$40
11:00 am	Student Discount Day: 15% Off Back-to-School Shopping (Buffalo Exchange)	FREE* *Student ID Required - Receive 15% off your entire purchase at all Buffalo Exchange locations (including the Buffalo Outlets!) on Saturday, 8/22. To get the deal, just show your current school ID at checkout!
12:00 pm	Free “Summer of Love” Festival at PIER 39 (Aug. 22-23)	FREE
2:00 pm	2026 World Arts West Dance Festival (SF Main Library)	FREE
2:00 pm	Free “Haight-Ashbury Small Business Stroll” (SF)	FREE* *Free
6:00 pm	Crash An Indian Wedding Party With Non Stop Bhangra	$25* *25 advance, 30 day of
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Secret Guest List: Cobb’s Free Comedy Nights (Dark and Darker) Sunday, August 23 – 7:00 pm - Ends at 9:00 pm \| Cost: FREE* *Free with RSVP. Must arrive 30 minutes early for guaranteed entry. All shows are 18 & over with valid photo ID. Like most comedy clubs, there is a two drink minimum. \| Cobb's Comedy Club Cobb’s Comedy Club has a secret guestlist for a handpicked group of shows at SF’s biggest comedy club. Every month they handpick some of SF’s top local comedians to showcase for you more...
7:30 pm	SF’s Iconic Punchline Comedy Club: Secret Guest List (Your Next Comic: A New Faces Showcase)	FREE* *Free with RSVP. Must arrive 30 minutes in advance for guaranteed entry. All shows are 18 & over with valid photo ID. Like most comedy clubs, there is a two drink minimum.
10:00 am	SF’s Snowboard & Ski Trick Workshop w/ Pro Coaches & Trampolines (House of Air)	$40* *Booking in advanced is recommended
10:00 am	“Manny’s Neighborhood Trash Cleanup” w/ $1 Beer & Free Yoga Classes, Free Fries (SF)	FREE* *Sign up on this TogetherSF Mobilize page: https://www.mobilize.us/togethersf/event/444979/
10:15 am	SF’s “Festival of Chariots” in Golden Gate Park (2026)	FREE
11:00 am	“Lindy in the Park” Swing Dance Party (Golden Gate Park)	FREE* *Weather permitting (rain cancels)