San Francisco Local Events

Our guide to the city’s best annual events & local attractions.

As long-time locals of the City by the Bay, Argonaut Hotel and our thoughtful team have compiled a list of some of the city’s top events and attractions. Discover the best things to do in San Francisco and contact our concierge for assistance with planning your adventure.

people at concert

Outside Lands

The Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival is a music festival held annually in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Enjoy an eclectic lineup of indie & alternative rock, hip hop, and electronic music, as well as food, art, and wine.

Location: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA

More info: Visit Outside Lands Website

man with gay parade flag

San Francisco Pride

The Annual San Francisco Pride Celebration & Parade is held every year in late June. With over 200 parade contingents and exhibitors, and more than 20 community-run stages and venues, SF Pride is the largest gathering of the LGBT community and allies in the nation.

Location: San Francisco Civic Center Plaza

Parade Route: Beale Street to 8th Street

More info: Visit San Francisco Pride Website

man running

San Francisco Marathon

A series of USATF certified road running events held each summer; includes a full marathon, two half marathons, an ultramarathon, and a 5K.

Marathon 
The Marathon is a loop course. Starting at the world-famous Ferry Building, runners pass through Fisherman’s Wharf, the Marina, up and back across the Golden Gate Bridge, and down through the Presidio, along the Pacific Ocean and more. The course is USATF certified and is a Boston Marathon qualifying race.

Half Marathon
Choose between the first half marathon of the course or the second half marathon – both are USATF certified.

5K race
The 5K is flat, fast, and runs a loop on the Embarcadero along the beautiful San Francisco Bay.

More info: Visit San Francisco Marathon Website

Alcatraz Island San Francisco

Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon

The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon attracts World Champions, Olympic Medalists, and the best amateur triathletes from 50 states and over 40 countries. They will put their endurance to the ultimate test as they take on San Francisco’s legendary Bay, steep hills, and rugged terrain.

The annual Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon features a 1.5-mile swim from Alcatraz Island to the shores of the St. Francis Yacht Club, an 18-mile bike ride, and an 8-mile run through the trails of the Golden Gate Recreational Area.

A Fitness Festival and Expo are featured on Saturday and Sunday at Marina Green in San Francisco. This two-day fest offers the opportunity for sampling, product giveaways, product displays, sweepstakes, and more. Enjoy food courts, beer garden, and experiential vendor displays.

More info: Visit Escape From Alcatraz Triathalon Website

people cheering with beers

Bay Area Brews Festival

The Annual Bay Area Brew Festival features a bevy of international and domestic beers (over 200 beers and 70 breweries!) plus San Francisco’s best food trucks. It’s a favorite among SF’s foodie-centric locals. Proceeds benefit Coppers Dream Animal Rescue, whose aim is to rescue dogs from shelters and find permanent homes for rescued pets.

21+ only.

Location: Fort Mason Center

More info: Visit Bay Area Brews Festival Website

Air Force planes

SF Annual Fleet Week Celebration

San Francisco Fleet Week is an annual public event that honors the contributions of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Taking place every October over Italian Heritage Weekend, SF Fleet Week’s air show, parade of ships, and many community events have become a significant part of our city’s local culture. As the largest and most significant event of its kind in the nation, SFFW features a unique training and education program that brings together civilian and military forces to develop and share best practices in humanitarian assistance and emergency disaster response.

More info: Visit San Francisco Fleet Week Website

Fisherman's Wharf sign in San Francisco.

Wharf Fest

Every fall, Fisherman’s Wharf gets festive for Wharf Fest, a daylong community celebration with beer and wine tasting, free street fair activities, and benefit concerts. Don’t forget their famous chowder competition – our restaurant, Pescatore, took home the first place prize for 2019!

Location: Fisherman’s Wharf

More info: Visit Wharf Fest Website

North Beach Festival view San Francisco.

Off the Grid Fort Mason

Head to the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture to experience an extravaganza of food trucks, music, outdoor activities, and more! Enjoy outdoor dining spaces and a wide array of tempting food trucks from March-October. Admission is free, and guests can purchase $25 tickets good for 4 tasting items.

Location: Fort Mason Center

More info: Visit Off The Grid Fort Mason Website

Fort Mason Farmers Market San Francisco

Fort Mason Farmer’s Market

Year-round Sundays from 9:30am-1:30pm, the Fort Mason Farmers’ Market is bustling with over 35 vendors selling produce, flowers, handmade goods, and more. Visit to soak in the amazing views and stock up on picnic supplies – you’ll see why the Bay Area offers one of the best natural bounties to be found!

Location: Fort Mason Center

More info: Visit Fort Mason Farmer’s Market Website

Street Food in San Francisco.

Eat Drink SF

Eat Drink SF is San Francisco’s premier food and drink festival, held every summer. One ticket grants you access to a tasting smorgasbord of Bay Area wine, spirits, and cuisine. Plus chef meet and greets, demos, networking, and more!

Location: TBD

More info: Visit Eat Drink SF Website

North Beach Festival view San Francisco.

North Beach Festival

One of the largest street fairs in San Francisco, North Beach Festival features arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, live music stages, chalk art, and all kinds of fun for the entire family. This free SF tradition is not to be missed

Location: North Beach District

More info: Visit North Beach Festival Website

Italian flag

Italian Heritage Parade

A celebration of Italian-American heritage, this parade is held every fall and features music, floats, performances, and more. Admission to the parade is free.

Route location: Fisherman’s Wharf to Washington Square

More info: Visit Italian Heritage Parade Website

Chinese New Year Parade San Francisco

Chinese New Year Parade

The largest event of its kind (in the whole world!), the San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival and Parade aims to both educate and entertain its wide audience. Enjoy a colorful celebration of Chinese culture and heritage. Get there early to grab a seat along the 1.3 mile parade route.

Location: Chinatown

More info: Visit Chinese New Year Parade Website

Chase Center San Francisco

Chase Center Events

Home of the Golden State Warriors, Chase Center also hosts a wide array of A-list live concerts, collegiate sports, and more. All live music lovers and sports aficionados should be sure to check out their upcoming calendar of events when planning a trip to San Francisco.

Location: Mission Bay

More info: Visit Chase Center Events Website

City Lights, Quiet Nights

Despite our lively waterfront location, our guests always comment on how quiet our rooms are. The comfy beds and stunning views come up often, too.

COME SEE US

City Lights, Quiet Nights

Despite our lively waterfront location, our guests always comment on how quiet our rooms are. The comfy beds and stunning views come up often, too.

COME SEE US

PACKAGES & OFFERS

Breakfast by the Bay

Experience the magic of San Francisco with our premium summer Suite and Bayview guestroom package. Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant energy while you relax in our luxurious accommodations featuring picturesque views of the San Francisco Bay.

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Gift Cards Now Available

Give the gift of exploration, relaxation or wharf-side dining in San Francisco. Gift cards to Argonaut Hotel and Blue Mermaid are now available for purchase.

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