The month of February is a special one, and not just because of Valentine’s Day. It’s the shortest month of the year and the first normal month after the holiday season. It’s also the last magical period to enjoy all of San Francisco’s offerings before Spring starts.
We’ve done the deep research for you on the best things to do in San Francisco this February 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. Take a peek below and join in on all the fun!
Featured Photo: Courtesy of XaVaPi via PixaBay
Black History Month
All month
San Francisco
Various locations throughout the city
Museum of the African Diaspora, SF Jazz and more have yearly ways to celebrate. SFJazz hosts many concerts this month featuring Black artists. The San Francisco Public Library also holds its own series of events called “More Than a Month” to celebrate Black leaders, artists and community members through diverse programming.
February 5–12
San Francisco
Vogue Theatre, 3290 Sacramento Street
Curated by Ruthe Stein, the festival offers 25 films for Anglophiles during its eight-day run. Opening night has a party followed by a screening of Mr. Burton, a new UK film starring Toby Jones as the school teacher who guided actor Richard Burton to stardom.
February 14-15
San Francisco
Grant Avenue between Clay and Broadway
The Flower Market Fair is the first taste of SF’s blowout Chinese New Year Parade and Street Fair. Over 120 booths spring up in historic Chinatown, with vendors selling fresh flowers, oranges, candies and home supplies. Performances by lion dancers and cultural arts punctuate the day. Just a warning: If you get claustrophobic, this might not be the event for you — Chinatown’s narrow streets get crowded fast.
Named one of the top ten parades in the world by the International Festivals & Events Association, the SF Chinese New Year festivities last from January to March. You’ll be amazed by pyrotechnics, intricate floats, costumes, lion dancers and the sheer positivity radiating from this parade in historic Chinatown. Don’t miss this opening ceremony, which will be both entertaining and educational.
February 19–March 1
San Francisco
Multiple venues throughout the city
Hear the best in indie music at this singular festival, now in its 33rd year. Get to know emerging artists that you never knew before, while exploring the frontiers of contemporary music. A highlight this year is Christopher Owens, the singer-songwriter formerly of the city’s legendary dreampop band Girls.
February 20–March 1
San Francisco
Salesforce Park, 425 Mission Street
Lagers, ales and all things hoppy and frothy are coming to San Francisco. Attendees can enjoy brewery booths, tasting experiences, food pairings and more. The best part is that 100% of proceeds benefit the Bay Area Brewers Guild and the small Bay Area brewers it supports.
February 21–22 and February 28–March 1
San Francisco
Dance Mission Theater, 3316 24th Street
Celebrate Black History Month in San Francisco with this acclaimed, life-affirming dance festival. Featuring the work of over a dozen choreographers, this multi-day event has been recognized by the state for preserving the legacy of Black dance in the Bay Area. One rave review praised the programming as “a vibrant tapestry of dance dedicated to Black joy, struggle, beauty, and triumph.”
February 28
San Francisco
Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue
The SF Symphony’s annual concert and banquet has drawn upon vibrant Asian traditions for over 25 years. Proceeds from the event support the Symphony’s artistic, education and community programs.
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!