San Francisco Festivals and Events in September
Summer might be over elsewhere, but the season's just getting started in San Francisco. Experience our best weather and these great events.
All dates and locations are subject to change and should be confirmed with organizers before making travel plans.
Portola Music Festival
Pier 80
Portola Music Festival is a 2-day music festival that takes place on San Francisco's Pier 80. If you're a lover of the most current EDM, alternative and hip-hop, this festival is for you.
The Giant Race
Oracle Park
The Giant Race features a half marathon, 10K, and 5K races through San Francisco’s historic streets with a dramatic finish on the field at Oracle Park, home of the three-time World Series Champion San Francisco Giants. Families can participate in the Kids Race and Family Relay.
Downtown First Thursdays
Second Street (between Market and Howard streets)
DFT is a free monthly street party hosted in Downtown San Francisco, taking place every first Thursday of the month from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Get ready for disco in the streets, DJs, live music, drag, martial arts, fashion, street performances, and many other surprises! The fun takes place on Second Street (between Market and Howard streets) and along neighboring alleyways ready for you to explore. The event will also feature two 21+ outdoor bars on Minna and Natoma.
Bites & Brew Walking Tour
Meet at 345 Spear Street
Get it percolating in the East Cut, one of the busiest corners of San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood on the Bites & Brew Walking Tour, sponsored by The East Cut CBD. On this lovely morning adventure, you'll visit five local businesses known for their outstanding coffee and get to sample their selections.
SF Botanical Gardens Flower Piano
San Francisco Botanical Gardens
Flower Piano returns to the San Francisco Botanical Garden from September 12 to 21, 2025. This year's event, now spanning 9 days, transforms the garden into an alfresco concert hall where everyone is invited to play and listen. The Flower Piano Lounge will offer special concerts, food and drink, and comfortable seating
BAY AREA ROCKS! Benefit Concert
August Hall
On September 7th, the Guardsman will be hosting their benefit concert in Union Square at August Hall.
San Francisco Symphony’s Opening Night Gala
Davies Symphony Hall
The San Francisco Symphony starts its regular season with an Opening Gala Concert with a festive pre-show cocktail reception.
San Francisco Opera Opening Night Concert
War Memorial Opera House
The opera season begins with the annual opening night gala.
Annual Peak2Peak Walk
Get a unique view of San Francisco's skyline and discover hidden stairways and paths on this 12-mile urban trek connecting neighborhoods, parks, and vistas as you walk the spine of the city, cresting 10 peaks along the way. Get moving September 13, 2025.
Muni Heritage Weekend
Various Locations
Featuring vintage streetcars, special cable cars and possibly the introduction of one newly restored vehicle, the event celebrates San Francisco’s diverse and fascinating public transit history.
San Francisco Opera in the Park
Golden Gate Park
Enjoy an outdoor venue and free admission to an opera performance featuring the stars of the San Francisco Opera and the Opera Orchestra.
Autumn Moon Festival
Grant Ave. between California and Pacific streets
This Chinatown event features multicultural entertainment, traditional lion and dragon dances, arts and crafts, lantern village, moon cakes and children's activities.
Comedy Day
Robin Williams Meadow, Golden Gate Park
Laugh out loud at this free comedy “concert,” featuring 40 of the U.S.’s and Bay Area’s best comedians.
Folsom Street Fair
Folsom Street between Eighth and 13th streets
The “daddy of all leather celebrations,” the Folsom Street Fair is the largest leather, alternative and fetish street fair in the world, drawing some 400,000 attendees annually, dressed in leather, rubber, uniforms, drag—or very little at all. Folsom Street Fair will take place on September 28, 2025.
Oktoberfest on Front
Break out your lederhosen and dirndl! Celebrate Oktoberfest with San Francisco’s oldest Bavarian Beer Hall at Oktoberfest on Front. Front Street will come alive with mouthwatering bratwurst, ice-cold Hofbräu beers, live music, and traditional Oktoberfest games. This year’s event is even bigger, expanding on Schroeder’s beloved annual block party to deliver the ultimate Oktoberfest experience in downtown SF!
Free Programs in Union Square Plaza
Every week, you can enjoy a variety of free activities in the middle of Union Square. From chess lessons and live music to crafting activities and juggling demonstrations, these programs are perfect for visitors of all ages. Be sure to stop by every second Saturday for special cultural activities, showcasing the diversity of San Francisco.
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