Home » *Top Pick*, Art & Museums, Community, Downtown San Francisco, Fairs & Festivals, In Person, Live Music, Outdoors

SF’s Free Cantonese Opera Festival 2026 w/ Costume Try-Ons (Chinatown)

Thursday, September 17, 2026 - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Please RSVP through our Eventbrite for your FREE tickets to this event!

Chinatown San Francisco | 1138 Grant Ave. San Francisco, CA

Event Details

Cantonese Opera Festival 2026

Celebrate the rich traditions, music, costumes, and artistry of Cantonese Opera at this special community festival in the heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown!

Join us for a FREE, family-friendly cultural celebration featuring live performances, traditional costumes, Chinese classical music, and opportunities to experience Cantonese opera up close.

What to Expect

Cantonese Opera Performances
Enjoy performances featuring talented local and international Cantonese Opera artists, performers, and students.

Try On Cantonese Opera Costumes
Step into the world of traditional Chinese opera! Guests will have the opportunity to try on beautiful Cantonese Opera costumes and learn more about their history and significance.

Meet & Greet with Opera Artists
Meet local and international performers, including renowned Cantonese Opera artists. Guests can enjoy autograph opportunities and learn about the performers’ experiences and artistry.

Traditional Chinese Music
Experience the beautiful sounds of traditional Chinese instruments, including performances by the Great Star Orchestral Association and instrumental performers from Canada.

🪕 Hands-On Cultural Experience
Get a closer look at traditional Cantonese musical instruments and discover the craftsmanship, sounds, and cultural traditions behind them.

‍‍‍ Family & Community Event
Bring your family, children, friends, and neighbors for an afternoon of music, culture, education, and community connection.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Admission: FREE — Open to the Public
Location: Jack Kerouac Alley, between Grant Avenue & Columbus Street
San Francisco Chinatown

Come celebrate and experience the beauty of Cantonese Opera and Chinese cultural traditions with our community!

Please reserve Thursday, September 17, 2026. Bring your parents, children, family, and friends!

️ Free Admission

No admission fee is required. Everyone is welcome!

Presented by BaiWa Hor Charity Foundation
In partnership with the Chinatown History & Culture Association and supported by the Civic Joy Fund.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.


Cost: FREE*
*Please RSVP through our Eventbrite for your FREE tickets to this event!
Categories: *Top Pick*, Art & Museums, Community, Downtown San Francisco, Fairs & Festivals, In Person, Live Music, Outdoors
Venue: Chinatown San Francisco
Address: 1138 Grant Ave. San Francisco, CA

Thursday, September 17, 2026

7:00 am   Free National Parks Day: Muir Woods + Yosemite for Constitution Day 2026  FREE*
*The entrance fee waiver for fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours. Although the entrance fee is waved, paid parking/shuttle reservations required for Muir Woods even on free days.
10:00 am   Center Hardware’s Toolapalooza 2026  FREE
12:00 pm   SF’s Free Concerts & Food Trucks: “Civic Center Soundtrack” (Every Tue/Thu)  FREE
12:00 pm   People in Plazas: Country Concert (SF)  FREE
3:00 pm   The Presidio 250th Birthday Celebration (SF)  FREE*
*RSVP at presidiointerfaith@gmail.com
5:00 pm   Second Annual Blossom into Autumn: A Fundraiser for Oasis for Girls  $20*
*100% of ticket sales and 30% of all bar sales go directly to support local youth.
5:00 pm   Big Art Loop: “Waterfront Walkabout” Free SF Art Stroll (Embarcadero)  FREE*
*RSVP to reserve a spot for the guided art walking tour, the event and event activities are entirely free
5:00 pm   OakTown Thursdays  FREE*
*Free Community Event
5:00 pm   OakTown Thursdays (Oakland)  FREE*
*FREE
5:00 pm   District 10 Sunnydale Family Summit  FREE*
*Free food and childcare.
6:00 pm   Beats, Brews & Vines Free Downtown Millbrae Festival  FREE
6:00 pm   Opening Night: Protest Photography Through the Decades (SF Main Library)  FREE
6:30 pm   Constitution Day Community Conversation (Mountain View)  FREE*
*Please RSVP so we can make sure there’s enough food for everyone
7:00 pm   Oakland’s Free POC Comedy Night (Temescal)  FREE*
*Free with RSVP
7:00 pm   SF’s New “CritterFest” Film Festival About Pets + Animals (Sept. 17-20)  $15*
*Shows at the 4-Star Theater are $15 door / $15.90 in advance. Virtual on-demand tickets are $10. MOVIES FOR ALL: With proof of an EBT/SNAP/WIC card, folks are eligible for $5 day-of-show movie tickets.
7:00 pm   Free Literary Night: Out of Character Readings + Art Talk (Minnesota Street Project)  FREE
7:00 pm   The Ritual of Braiding  $24.38
7:00 pm   Flight Club: Adult Flight Night for Ages 18+ at “House of Air” Trampoline Park (SF)  $20*
*Pricing is Per Hour, House of Air Grip Socks are required to jump.
7:30 pm   Free HellaFunny Thursday Comedy Night (Downtown SF)  FREE*
*Exclusive free tickets with Eventbrite RSVP. Otherwise $20-25 at door. Please note like most comedy clubs, there is a two drink minimum per person
9:00 pm   16th & Mission Open Mic (w/out a mic)  FREE*
*Absolutely free for all!
9:00 pm   Arcade Karaoke: SF’s Wild New Thursday Night Party + $3 Shots (SF)  FREE*
*Free with RSVP. - 21+
9:00 pm   Every Thursday: “Inner Circle” Dance Party at White Rabbit (SF)  FREE*
*Inner Circle is always Free with RSVP
< Wednesday, September 16 Friday, September 18 >