San Francisco Calendar

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   |   Thu 12/2   |   Fri 12/3   |   Sat 12/4   |   Sun 12/5   |   Mon 12/6   |   Tue 12/7

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

SF's Civic Center Plaza Holiday Tree Lighting 2021
SF’s Civic Center Plaza Holiday Tree Lighting 2021
Cost: FREE | Civic Center Plaza

The Civic Center Plaza Holiday Tree Lighting — a free, family-friendly event — returns Wednesday, December 1, 4-7pm! This festive event features holiday entertainment, “snow” flurries, festive bites and drinks, free holiday more...

All DaySF’s “World Tree of Hope” w/ 17,000 Origami Cranes (Dec. 1 – Jan. 8)   FREE
All DaySay Goodbye to Grace Cathedral’s Rainbow Steps for 2021   FREE*
*Free to view from outside and take photos
4:00 pmWorld AIDS Day March & Candlelight Vigil (SF)   FREE
4:00 pmOpening Night: “The Alterverse” Celebration of Poetry and Light (Golden Gate Park)   FREE*
*Free
4:30 pmSF’s Union Square Chanukah Lighting w/ 25-Foot-Tall Menorah (4th Night)   FREE
4:30 pmSF’s World AIDS Day + Golden Gate Park “Circle of Lights” (2021)   FREE
6:00 pmSF’s Spectacular Upside Down 50-Foot Crystal Tree Lighting (Westfield Centre)   FREE*
*Please note space is limited for free tickets. Most of the space will be taken up for the San Francisco Magazine Tree Lighting event ($75) but we have confirmed with the promoter that there will be limited space for the public to view the lighting
7:00 pmZeitgeist’s Free Outdoor Concert Night (Every Wednesday)   FREE
7:30 pmPremiere of “The Magic Lamp” at the Presidio Theatre (SF)   $10*
*Families and friend groups of four or more will receive a Family Pack discount of 20%.
8:00 pmPub Trivia at Standard Deviant (SF)   FREE*
*No cost!

Thursday, December 2, 2021

$15 Tix: SF's Immersive Art Show "teamLab Continuity" (Asian Art Museum)
$15 Tix: SF’s Immersive Art Show “teamLab Continuity” (Asian Art Museum)
Cost: $15*
*Weekday tickets are $20. Weekend tickets are $25. Thursday evening tickets are $15
 | Asian Art Museum

Plan ahead for the holidays. This is your final chance to see one of SF’s most engaging and inspiriting immersive art experiences. The Asian Art Museum just announced their final block more...

7:00 pmSF’s “HellaSecret” Outdoor Comedy Show & Cocktail Night (Dec. 2-4)   $15*
*Get $5 off Tickets - Early Bird tickets $15 adv w/ code FUNCHEAP (otherwise $20). General Admission tickets $20 adv with code FUNCHEAP (otherwise $25) - limited to 40 tickets due to maintain social-distance. There is a two drink minimum
7:00 pmSF’s Holiday Secret Speakeasy Comedy Night (Dec. 2-4)   $10*
*Get $5 off Tickets - Early Bird tickets start at $10 adv w/ code FUNCHEAP. There is a two drink minimum
11:00 amFree Outdoor Bollywood Fitness Class at Civic Center Plaza (SF)   FREE
2:00 pmFree “Hidden SF” Downtown Walking Tours   FREE*
*Rain might cancel
4:00 pm91st Golden Gate Park Tree Lighting w/ Carnival Rides + Snow (2021)   FREE*
*Most activities are typically free, but some may have a nominal cost.
4:00 pmSFMOMA Free First Thursday Nights (Bay Area Residents)   FREE*
*Tickets are limited to residents of qualifying counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma.  Tickets are free and reserving online is highly encouraged. Tickets go online two weeks in advance. Limit two adult tickets per reservation. Children 18 and younger always get into SFMOMA free.
4:30 pmSF’s Union Square Chanukah Lighting w/ 25-Foot-Tall Menorah (5th Night)   FREE
5:30 pmSF’s Holiday Drive-in Movies are Back at Fort Mason (Dec. 2-4)   $30*
*Early bird tix start at $30
7:00 pmSF’s Lighted Forest Returns to Golden Gate Park on Dec. 2   FREE
7:00 pmSF’s Drag Queens on Ice 2021 (Union Square)   FREE*
*Free to watch


Friday, December 3, 2021

Friday "HellaSecret" Outdoor Comedy Show & Cocktail Night (SF)
Friday “HellaSecret” Outdoor Comedy Show & Cocktail Night (SF)
Cost: $15*
*Get $5 off Tickets - Early Bird tickets $15 adv w/ code FUNCHEAP (otherwise $20). General Admission tickets $20 adv with code FUNCHEAP (otherwise $25) - limited to 40 tickets due to maintain social-distance. There is a two drink minimum
 | Secret Location (SF)

Get ready for SF’s very first fully-dedicated outdoor comedy club – part of our new pop-up (and socially-distant) comedy shows at unique outdoor spots all across the bay. We’ll take over more...

7:00 pmSF’s Friday Secret Speakeasy Comedy Night   $10*
*Get $5 off Tickets - Early Bird tickets start at $10 adv w/ code FUNCHEAP. There is a two drink minimum
9:45 pmSecret Holidays 2021 Guest List: Cobb’s Free Winter Comedy Nights (Dec. 3)   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.
10:30 pmFyah Fridays: Dancehall / Reggaeton / Afrobeat Night (SF)   FREE*
*Free before 11pm with RSVP
10:00 amJapantown’s Stunning New Immersive Light Art Show Grand Opening   FREE*
*Please note, we're not sure of the cost yet. We'll update the post when more details are available.
1:00 pmFilipino “Parol Lantern Festival” Workshop (Dec. 3-4)   FREE*
*YBCA says these workshops are "low cost" but doesn't mention a price
3:00 pmSF’s Union Square Chanukah Lighting w/ 25-Foot-Tall Menorah (6th Night)   FREE
5:00 pmNorth Beach First Fridays Art Crawl (SF)   FREE
5:00 pm$1 Drink Fridays: “Battle of the Decades” DJ Party (North Beach)   FREE*
*Free admission with RSVP on Eventbrite
5:15 pmDowntown’s “Let’s Glow SF” Tall Building Light Festival (Dec. 3-12)   FREE*
*Completely free

Saturday, December 4, 2021

SF's Tiki Bar "HellaSecret" Comedy Show (5p , 7p + 9p Shows)
SF’s Tiki Bar “HellaSecret” Comedy Show (5p , 7p + 9p Shows)
Cost: $15*
*Get $5 off Tickets - Early Bird tickets $15 adv w/ code FUNCHEAP (otherwise $20). General Admission tickets $20 adv with code FUNCHEAP (otherwise $25) - There is a two drink minimum
 | Secret Location (SF)

Get ready for the original “HellaSecret” comedy show. A series of pop-up live comedy shows at unique spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a venue and you’ll get an more...

7:00 pmFREE Tix: Downtown SF’s Brand New Speakeasy Comedy Night   FREE*
*Free tickets for first 100
7:00 pmSF’s Downtown Secret Alley Outdoor Comedy Night (Dec. 4-5)   $10*
*Use promo code FUNCHEAP for limited $10 tickets (normally $15.
7:00 pm“HellaSecret” Outdoor Comedy Night (SF)   $15*
*Get $5 off Tickets - Early Bird tickets $15 adv w/ code FUNCHEAP (otherwise $20). General Admission tickets $20 adv with code FUNCHEAP (otherwise $25) - limited to 40 tickets due to maintain social-distance. There is a two drink minimum
7:00 pmSF Secret Speakeasy Winter Comedy Night   $10*
*Get $5 off Tickets - Early Bird tickets start at $10 adv w/ code FUNCHEAP. There is a two drink minimum
8:00 pmSF’s “The Do-Over” 15 Year Anniversary Party (Free w/ RSVP)   FREE*
*Free with RSVP. RSVP does not guarantee entry. Please arrive early!
9:45 pmSecret Holidays 2021 Guest List: Cobb’s Free Winter Comedy Nights (Dec. 4)   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.
10:30 pmNo Scrubs: ’90s Hip Hop and R&B Night (SF)   $10*
*Get $5 off Tickets - Early Bird tickets $10 adv w/ code FUNCHEAP (otherwise $15-20). Two drink minimum
8:00 amFree Union Square Ice Skating Lessons: Every Weekend (2021-22)   FREE*
*Free lessons (and free skate rental) but an RSVP is required. Limited to 50 people per session.
9:30 amFree 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 amFree “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
11:00 am2021 “Sunset Holiday Mercantile” Golden Gate Park Pop-Up (Dec. 4-5)   FREE
11:00 amFerry Building Holiday Pop-Up & Dance Party (SF)   FREE
12:00 pm“Sip & Shop” First Saturdays at Speakeasy Brewery (SF)   FREE*
*FREE Outdoor Family & Fur Baby Friendly Events
1:00 pmFilipino “Parol Lantern Festival” Workshop (Dec. 3-4)   FREE*
*YBCA says these workshops are "low cost" but doesn't mention a price
1:30 pmFirst “Caturday” Party in San Francisco (Dolores Park)   FREE
3:00 pmSF’s 3rd Annual “Krampus Pageant” at El Rio (2021)   $10*
*$10-$20 suggested donation (no one turned away for lack of funds)
5:00 pmCaltrain Holiday Train Whistle-Stop Tour: World’s Largest Toy Train | 2021   FREE
7:30 pmSF’s Union Square Chanukah Lighting w/ 25-Foot-Tall Menorah (7th Night)   FREE
9:00 pmSF’s Prince vs. Michael Jackson DJ Party (NoPa)   $10

Sunday, December 5, 2021

Asian Art Museum: Free Admission Day (Every First Sunday)
Asian Art Museum: Free Admission Day (Every First Sunday)
Cost: FREE*
*Special exhibitions may require separate admission surcharge
 | Asian Art Museum

Through the power of art, the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco brings the diverse cultures of Asia to life. Located in the heart of San Francisco, the museum is home to more...

7:00 pmSF’s HellaDesi Comedy Night (Every Sunday)   FREE*
*Free with RSVP for first 100 people. $10 advanced tickets or $15 at door without RSVP
7:00 pmFREE Tix: Downtown SF’s Brand New Speakeasy Comedy Night   FREE*
*Free tickets for first 100
7:00 pmFree Downtown SF “HellaSecret” Outdoor Comedy Night   FREE*
*Use promo code FUNCHEAP for limited $10 tickets (normally $15.
7:00 pm“Crazy Funny Asians” Comedy Showcase (SF)   FREE*
*Free tickets, but RSVP Required. Donations ($5-$10) greatly appreciated. $10 adv / $15 door tickets also required
8:00 amFree Union Square Ice Skating Lessons: Every Weekend (2021-22)   FREE*
*Free lessons (and free skate rental) but an RSVP is required. Limited to 50 people per session.
10:00 am“Fog City Flea” at The Ferry Building (Every Sunday)   FREE
11:00 amSF’s Shipyard Holiday Party & Art Show w/ 60 Artists (2021)   FREE
11:00 am2021 “Sunset Holiday Mercantile” Golden Gate Park Pop-Up (Dec. 4-5)   FREE
11:00 am“Lindy in the Park” Swing Dance Party (Golden Gate Park)   FREE*
*Weather permitting (rain cancels)
12:00 pm“The Nooner” Free Outdoor Concert + Meet Chickens & Goats (The New Farm)   FREE
1:00 pmGolden Gate Park Sunday Roller Disco Party (SF)   FREE
3:00 pmJCCSF’s Glowing Hanukkah Party at Ghirardelli Square (2021)   FREE
4:30 pmSF’s 2021 Union Square Chanukah Lighting w/ 25-Foot-Tall Menorah (Final Night)   FREE
5:00 pmCaltrain Holiday Train Whistle-Stop Tour: World’s Largest Toy Train | 2021   FREE

Monday, December 6, 2021

SF Arcade Bar "Emporium" Free Game Token Night (Every Monday)
SF Arcade Bar “Emporium” Free Game Token Night (Every Monday)
Cost: FREE*
*4 free game token if you show your California ID
 | Emporium SF

Emporium Arcade Bar San Francisco, the dynamic venue known for its classic arcade games, colorful, fun-loving atmosphere, and renowned drink menu, now offers four free game tokens for residents with a more...

6:30 pm2021 World’s Largest Origami Tree “Tree of Hope” Lighting (Grace Cathedral)   FREE
7:00 pm“Motown On Mondays” DJ Night (Madrone Art Bar)   FREE*
*Free before 8pm; $5 after
9:00 pm“The Monday Night Band” Live at Tupelo (North Beach)   FREE

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

San Francisco Comedy Night in The Mission (Public Works)
San Francisco Comedy Night in The Mission (Public Works)
Cost: FREE*
*First 150 people get free tickets. Otherwise get $5 off Tickets - Early Bird tickets $10 adv w/ code FUNCHEAP (otherwise $15-20).There is a two drink minimum
 | Public Works

HellaSecret is taking over The Mission for the first time! Welcome to our brand new comedy show in the main room of Public Works with a secret lineup of SF’s top comics which typically has credits more...

9:30 amde Young Museum Free Day (First Tuesdays)   FREE*
*Free admission to general galleries; special exhibition fees still apply. Timed tickets required
9:30 am“Legion of Honor” Museum Free Day (First Tuesdays)   FREE*
*Free admission to general galleries; special exhibition fees still apply. Advanced timed tickets required.
10:00 amSF’s “Conservatory of Flowers” Free First Tuesdays (Golden Gate Park)   FREE*
*Tickets are not able to be reserved in advance. The Conservatory of Flowers says you should "just show up."
11:00 amSF’s City Hall Holiday Pop-Up Shop w/ 40 Makers (2021)   FREE
4:00 pmSF’s Free Arcade Game Night at The Detour (First Tuesdays)   FREE*
*Free unlimited play wristband with any purchase from bar
8:00 pmHella Wicked Smart Trivia (SF)   FREE

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Free Admission Hour "Japanese Tea Garden" at GG Park
Free Admission Hour “Japanese Tea Garden” at GG Park
Cost: FREE*
*Free hour, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 10am. Otherwise adult SF resident admission is $7. Non-resident adult admission is $11-12
 | Japanese Tea Garden

Still Open / SHELTER IN PLACE UPDATE: 12/7/20 –  Outdoor gardens are specifically allowed and exempt from closures in the Shelter-in-Place order from December 6 to January 4. “Outdoor botanical gardens and more...

7:00 pmZeitgeist’s Free Outdoor Concert Night (Every Wednesday)   FREE

Thursday, December 9, 2021

$15 Tix: SF's Immersive Art Show "teamLab Continuity" (Asian Art Museum)
$15 Tix: SF’s Immersive Art Show “teamLab Continuity” (Asian Art Museum)
Cost: $15*
*Weekday tickets are $20. Weekend tickets are $25. Thursday evening tickets are $15
 | Asian Art Museum

Plan ahead for the holidays. This is your final chance to see one of SF’s most engaging and inspiriting immersive art experiences. The Asian Art Museum just announced their final block more...

11:00 amFree Outdoor Bollywood Fitness Class at Civic Center Plaza (SF)   FREE
5:00 pmSF’s “Castro Art Walk” Returns for First Time in 2 Years   FREE
7:00 pmSilent Disco Ice Skating Party at Union Square (SF)   $25

Friday, December 10, 2021

Fyah Fridays: Dancehall / Reggaeton / Afrobeat Night (SF)
Fyah Fridays: Dancehall / Reggaeton / Afrobeat Night (SF)
Cost: FREE*
*Free before 11pm with RSVP
 | Neck of The Woods

“Fyah Fridays” is San Francisco’s newest Dancehall/Reggaeton dance party. Come see the Bay Area’s own DJ Natural (Emporium, Double Dutch, The Grand) spins your favorite Reggaeton – Dancehall – Afrobeat jams all night! Fyah Fridays: more...

5:00 pm$1 Drink Fridays: “Battle of the Decades” DJ Party (North Beach)   FREE*
*Free admission with RSVP on Eventbrite
6:00 pmSF’s New Art Show & Holiday Party (Bernal Heights)   FREE

Saturday, December 11, 2021

San Francisco Zen Center Meditation Session w/ Asian Art Museum
San Francisco Zen Center Meditation Session w/ Asian Art Museum
Cost: FREE*
*Sliding Scale
 | Asian Art Museum

Learn how to meditate with a teacher from the San Francisco Zen Center. This virtual session for beginners will introduce you to the benefits of meditation, which can help settle the more...

5:00 pmSF’s Tiki Bar “HellaSecret” Comedy Show (5p , 7p + 9p Shows)   $15*
*Get $5 off Tickets - Early Bird tickets $15 adv w/ code FUNCHEAP (otherwise $20). General Admission tickets $20 adv with code FUNCHEAP (otherwise $25) - There is a two drink minimum
7:00 pmFREE Tix: Downtown SF’s Brand New Speakeasy Comedy Night   FREE*
*Free tickets for first 100
7:00 pmSF’s Downtown Secret Alley Outdoor Comedy Night (Dec. 11-12)   $10*
*Use promo code FUNCHEAP for limited $10 tickets (normally $15.
10:30 pmNo Scrubs: ’90s Hip Hop and R&B Night (SF)   $10*
*Get $5 off Tickets - Early Bird tickets $10 adv w/ code FUNCHEAP (otherwise $15-20). Two drink minimum
8:00 amFree Union Square Ice Skating Lessons: Every Weekend (2021-22)   FREE*
*Free lessons (and free skate rental) but an RSVP is required. Limited to 50 people per session.
9:30 amFree 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 amVolunteer: SF City Impact’s Pre-Christmas Block Party (Tenderloin)   $25*
*All of our outreaches are volunteer led and funded, so there is a $25 fee for all participants.
9:30 amFree “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“Patchwork Show” Modern Makers Festival at Westfield Center (SF)   FREE
10:00 amMCD Mobile MakeArt Party: Ferry Building Holiday Pop-Up (SF)   FREE
11:00 amSF’s Harvey Milk Holiday Craft Fair 2021   FREE
11:00 am“Halo-Halo Holidays” SF’s Filipino X-Mas Crawl   $5*
*Each regular ticket to Kapwa Garden includes a $1.00 donation to help with the up-keep of our non-profit community space, a $4.00 credit to spend with any vendor, and entry for (1) person.