Best Things to Do in San Francisco This August

Best Things to Do in San Francisco This August

Looking for the coolest things to do in a world-class city at the height of summer? We’ve done the deep research for you on the best things to do in San Francisco including museums, cultural events, 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. 

Exterior of the de Young art museum in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park
Photo courtesy of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.

de Young and Legion of Honor Free Days

August 3 & 6

The de Young and Legion of Honor offer free general admission every first Saturday for Bay Area residents and every first Tuesday for all. Travel the world through art as you check out pieces that span centuries at the iconic de Young Museum in the Golden Gate Park. Through August 11, the museum will be featuring a special exhibit of women’s fashion from dozens of designers, and its permanent exhibitions include inspiring works from around the world. 
 

More info: famsf.org

The sun shines through a redwood forrest at Muir Woods
Photo by Billy Huynh.

Free National Parks Day

Date TBD

Pack what you need and come celebrate the anniversary of the American Great Outdoors Act with free access to national parks, including Muir Woods National Monument and more. The opportunity to visit National Parks with the entrance fee waived only comes around a few times a year, so be sure you make the most of it.
 

More info: nps.gov

A stage is lit up by fireworks and pyrotechnics at San Francisco's Outside Lands music festival
Photo courtesy of @SFOutsideLands

Outside Lands

August 9–11

Don’t miss out on San Francisco’s most popular annual music festival this August. Outside Lands is the perfect event for music lovers. Or, grab a drink from 30 of the most popular NorCal breweries in attendance. If wine is more your taste, indulge in over 100 varieties from California’s finest vineyards. Catch a bite of savory bacon flights, Indonesian dumplings and churro waffles. The festival has not yet announced its 2024 lineup, but we will update you once we get the always impressive list of artists.  
 

More info: sfoutsidelands.com

String quartet plays in candle-lit hall for San Francisco's Candlelight Concerts
Photo courtesy of @candlelight.concerts

Candlelight Concerts

Dates vary

Enjoy a truly unique night with this live, multi-sensory musical experience at some of San Francisco’s more whimsical locations like the Great Star Theater, St. Ignatius Church, and the International Art Museum of America. Unwind beneath the gentle glow of candlelight to orchestra and string quartet covers of popular artists like ABBA, Beyonce and more. Each concert is about 60 minutes with first come first serve seating.

More info: feverup.com

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!

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