Enjoy Some Jazz, See a Film, and More in San Francisco
Spend the weekend enjoying a plethora of art.
Spring is in the air, and you know what that means—it’s time to break up with your cuffing season partner and get back out there! San Francisco in the springtime is truly one of the most magical places. The flowers are blooming, the weather is warmer, and the fog hasn’t returned in full force. All of the street fairs start popping up again, and there’s still snow in the mountains, so you don’t have to pick and choose! It’s the perfect time to go on a beautiful hike, enjoy drinks on a rooftop, and check out all the fun things to do in San Francisco that we’ve gathered here.
Food and Drink Events in San Francisco
April 26–8
Palace of Fine Arts, $25 and up
If Charlie Bucket lived in SF, you’d definitely find him at this chocolate extravaganza, a gathering of chocolate makers and chocolatiers sharing their knowledge and, even better, their products. There are industry-specific seminars and panels, pairing and tasting events (chocolates with rum, brandy, wine, whiskey, coffee, tea, and cheese), a chocolate marketplace, and more.
Festivals in San Francisco
April 28
Theaters throughout SF, $20
The longest-running film festival in the U.S. is back with more than 50 film screenings across five days. There’s something for everyone, including international competitions, compelling documentaries, short and mid-length films, live music performances, and more.
April 28
Fort Mason, $35 and up
You may know this art extravaganza as Art Market San Francisco, but now it’s got a new name that puts SF and our “arts ecosystem” in the spotlight. You’ll have the chance to see work from 85 top galleries from the local and international scene, exciting installations, industry talks, and more.
April 27
Duboce Park, Free entry (or $20 and up to enter the show)
Duboce Park is going to the dogs in the most adorable way possible for the annual DogFest celebration, raising funds for McKinley Elementary, a small public school in the neighborhood. The park will be filled with carnival games, jump castles, food trucks, vendors, and a dog show with competitions including Best Costume, Best Tail, Best Trick, Best Mutt, Best Ears, and more.
Sunday, April 26, 12–4 pm
Mare Island, Free entry
Spend a sunny Sunday on Mare Island with non-stop live music (jazz, folk, R&B, rock, and more), lawn games, tasty bites and libations (including beer and wine), and lots of cute dogs since they’re also welcome to join in the fun.
April 27
Russian Hill, Free entry
Live music from Motel Club, Jazz Mafia, Wolf Jett, and more will take over the streets of Polk and Broadway on Saturday from noon to 6 pm. Then, head south a few blocks to Polk and California for a DJ set from 7 to 10 pm and maybe do a mini bar crawl or food stop on the way.
More Fun Things to Do in San Francisco
Ongoing
Union Square, $25 and up
Straight from Broadway and the West End, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical A Strange Loop has arrived in San Francisco. The story is about Usher—“a Black, queer writer writing a musical about a Black, queer writer writing a musical about a Black, queer writer,” which is maybe the best description of a musical ever. A Strange Loop is said to be funny, innovative, and full of catchy songs, which sounds pretty much like everything anyone could want in a musical.
April 27
Calistoga, Free entry
Looking for an excuse to head to Wine Country? Calistoga Wellness Week has tons of experiences, like mud baths and spa treatments, including a bunch of free ones, like live music and yoga (not at the same time) at one of our favorite places to stay, Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs which gives you the perfect excuse to eat the green chile apple pie at their adorable backyard restaurant, House of Better. Be sure to check the listings because some free events require an RSVP.
Entwined closing
Through Sunday, April 28
Golden Gate Park, Free
This is your last weekend to see Entwined, the forest of illuminated color lighting up JFK Promenade in Golden Gate Park. Head there anytime after sunset this weekend, or cross your fingers that it comes back next year so you can see it then.