Looking for the coolest things to do in one of the prettiest cities in the world when spring rolls around? We’ve got you covered. Even once the celebrations wane, there is still plenty to do. We’ve done the deep research for you on the best things to do in San Francisco including museums, cultural events and food tours and more. Speaking of food, we also have an extensive list of our best restaurants in San Francisco, and if you’re planning a weekend, the best places to stay.Â
Free SFMOMA Admission
April 1
All residents of the nine Bay Area counties are invited to spend a day at the museum. From 1–8 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month, Bay Area residents can enjoy SFMOMA’s galleries filled with lively and inspiring art for free. First Thursdays also feature live programs that highlight exhibitions on view.Â
More info: sfmoma.org
SFMOMA Art Bash
April 8
It’s the year’s hottest art party. Get closer to the art in support of SFMOMA. Food, drink, dancing to a DJ like it’s 2019 all over again. Until 1 a.m.
More info: sfmoma.org/event/series/artbashÂ
Kehinde Wiley: An Archaeology of Silence
Now through October 15
American artist Kehinde Wiley’s new paintings and sculptures confront the silence surrounding systemic violence against Black people through the visual language of the fallen figure. The resulting works, on view at the de Young , reference iconic images of mythical heroes, martyrs, and saints, and offer a haunting meditation on the legacies of colonialism and racism.
More info:famsf.orgÂ
56th Annual SF Cherry Blossom Festival
April 8–9, 15–16
Festival is the largest Cherry Blossom Festival on the West coast. Since 1968, the festival has served to cultivate the continued alliance between Japan and the United States. Each year, over 220,000 people attend this event showcasing the vibrant colors and grace of Japanese culture.Â
More info: sfcherryblossom.org
Come From Away
April 11-23
This broadway musical returns to the Orpheum Theatre and tells the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them.Â
More info: broadwaysf.com
SF International Film Festival
April 13–23
Founded in 1957, the SFFILM Festival is the longest-running film festival in the Americas. The SFFILM Festival is deeply rooted in the culture and process of film appreciation — film as an art form and as an influential force for social change — and is an important showcase for the most searching and innovative films from around the globe.
More info: sffilm.org
MoAD African Book Club
April 30
Join the museum for an ongoing series in partnership with host and African Book Club co-Founder Faith Adiele. April’s book selection is A Down Home Meal for These Difficult Times by Meron Hadero. This program will be hosted in person, and the author Meron Hadero will be in attendance for the program. moadsf.org
Event Venues
Looking to see what’s happening right now in SF? Our comprehensive list of venues across the city below will help you find what you need to know what’s going on.
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!
