Why not welcome spring in one of the prettiest cities in the world? With this list of the coolest things to do in San Francisco this April, we’ve got you covered. Festivals, museums, performances and more will keep you busy all month, along with holidays like Earth Day and Cesar Chavez Day (technically on March 31).
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.
Featured photo by Mark Shigenaga.
Free SFMOMA Admission
April 4
All residents of the nine Bay Area counties are invited to spend a day at the museum. From noon to 8 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month, Bay Area residents can enjoy SFMOMA’s galleries for free — and this month’s First Thursday includes a complimentary cup of coffee! Check out evocative photography and painting by Zanele Muholi, or stick around until 5 p.m. for the opening celebration of a new exhibition. Of all the first Thursdays in the year, April 4 will be a good one at MOMA.
More info: sfmoma.org
Dancing Moons Festival
April 5–7
“It’s a pity heroes have no way of exercising their prowess,” reads one poem etched into the wall of the Angel Island immigration station. These poems are transformed into dance in Oakland Ballet’s new production, Angel Island Project, on preview at the third annual Dancing Moons Festival. Coming to SF’s ODC Theater, this award-winning festival celebrates Asian and Pacific Islander choreographers and their stunning new works.
More info: oaklandballet.org
Cesar Chavez Day Parade & Festival
April 13
March 31, 2024 marks the tenth-ever Cesar Chavez day holiday, and San Francisco’s annual parade will march from Dolores Park to 24th St. in his honor. Community groups, unions and local businesses unite for this celebration of the activist’s legacy and the impact of farmworkers across the state. Let’s say it all together now: ¡Sí se puede!
More info: cesarchavezday.org
SF Cherry Blossom Festival
April 13–14 & 20–21
Japantown turns pink for this yearly celebration of Japanese and Japanese American culture. Since 1968, the festival has served to cultivate the continued alliance between Japan and the United States. With an array of events involving bonsai, taiko drumming, traditional Japanese dance, martial arts and more, these two weekends attract thousands to celebrate. Look out for the yearly parade on the festival’s final Sunday.
More info: sfcherryblossom.org
Bay Area Brew Festival
April 20
For one day only, the Presidio Main Lawn will be packed with food trucks, live music and stalls from over 70 breweries. Admission to the festival gets you access to unlimited samples from the participating breweries. At $65 per ticket, that seems like a good deal to me. Be sure to pace yourself by playing some of the lawn games. Cornhole and beer: a perfect afternoon.
More info: bayareabrewfestival.com
Earth Day SF
April 21
At Bayview’s New Farm, a volunteer-run community space and organization for environmental education, Earth Day San Francisco comes together for its 54th annual celebration. Admission is free for this day dedicated to green living, and visitors will enjoy live music, an eco fashion show and interactive art inspired by our natural world. Anybody looking for more Earth Day events can check out SF Climate Week’s other gatherings, cleanups and talks happening all around the Bay.
More info: earthdaysanfrancisco.org
SF International Film Festival
April 24–28
Founded in 1957, the SFFILM Festival is the longest-running film festival in the Americas. SFFilm draws the industry’s top filmmakers and important up-and-comers for a program of films that excite, incite and innovate.
More info: sffilm.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!
