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.
Through September 7
Walk into an undersea ecosystem beneath rippling surface waves and glowing plankton at this new exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences. Unseen Oceans explores ocean depths from the surface to the seafloor, weaving in stories of ocean researchers and diving technology alongside biofluorescent fish, jumbo-sized plankton models and even blue whales that swim by on a 180-degree wraparound video screen. Finish your adventure downstairs at the aquarium’s Twilight Zone, an immersive display of vibrant coral and fish that live in mesophotic reefs.
Dates TBD
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.
More free museum days include:
- Legion of Honor: free Saturdays for Bay Area residents,
- De Young: free first Tuesday for all (April 1), free first Saturday for Bay Area residents,
- Asian Art Museum: free first Sunday for all (April 5).
Dates TBD
For fans of musical theater or pop queen icons, SIX is the story of six literal queens — the six wives of King Henry VIII. This show is more of a musical revue than a typical plot-driven musical, presenting a series of solos about each queen’s thoughts, gripes and dreams about ol’ Henry. And though the story leans historical, the show is incredibly modern, with characters inspired by contemporary pop singers and every song a dynamic and catchy spectacle.
Dates TBD
This year rings in the 11th ever Cesar Chavez day holiday, and San Francisco’s annual parade will march from Dolores Park to 24th St. in his honor, as well as fellow activist Dolores Huerta. 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!
Dates TBD
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 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.
Dates TBD
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.
Dates TBD
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: it’s a match made in hoppy heaven.
Dates TBD
San Francisco’s Climate Week is nine days of gatherings, volunteer events and celebrations of the environment. You can see a number of cleanups and roundtable events on the Climate Week website, with more being added even up to the week. And the city and some nonprofits host free, public Earth Day events as well:
On April 19, the Earth Day Festival at Yerba Buena Gardens kicks off the week with live music, food, a tree planting demo and vendors from a number of green businesses.
And on April 20, the Bayview neighborhood’s New Farm hosts its 55th annual Earth Day celebration. This community farm has a rich history of connecting the neighborhood to the natural world, and it values SF’s roots as an artistic haven.
Dates TBD
The big show stopper at Chase Center this month is no other than Australia’s queen of pop. On her whirlwind world tour, the timeless Minogue stops in San Francisco as one of her many destinations on the American leg of the Tension Tour.
Dates TBD
Walk through the halls of a magnificent Pacific Heights mansion while experiencing the cutting edge of Californian interior design. Designers and decorators from all over the state bring their expertise to San Francisco every year for this event. Firms get one room to decorate and show off their style, providing an eclectic and immersive experience in every corner — even down to the walk-in closets and laundry room.
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!
