Wondering about the best things to do in San Francisco this July? This month, street fairs reign supreme, with music festivals, carnivals and dance parties popping up all over the city. And, with the Fourth of July coming round once again, you can enjoy the breathtaking sights of fireworks—that is, if you can see them through the fog.
Looking for more cool activities to do during summer in SF? We’ve got you covered. We’ve got even more coverage of 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.
Featured photo: Fillmore Jazz Fest by Lynn Friedman, courtesy of Fillmore Merchants Association.
July 4
What would Independence Day be without the famous foggy Fourth of July fireworks display over the bay? Thousands flock to the waterfront in hopes of clear skies after spending the day enjoying Pier 39 and surrounding neighborhoods. The first boom begins at about 9:30pm. Pro tip: Don’t drive, as parking can get pretty intense.
Blending art and soul in one of the country’s most unique neighborhoods, the San Francisco Fillmore Jazz Festival is the largest free jazz festival on the West Coast, drawing over 100,000 visitors over the Independence Day weekend. From sunup to sundown, visitors can groove to the sounds of live music from multiple stages, browse the offerings of over 12 blocks of fine art and crafts and enjoy gourmet food and beverages.
July 12
For a taste of France in San Francisco, join the party at Embarcadero Plaza for la fete nationale. Dig into a croissant, play a round of petanque, free a mime from their invisible box and enjoy a sunny day under the tricolore.
July 20 & 21
The vibrant Circus Bella, with a diverse troupe of acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, and clowns, offers free performances all around the Bay Area. This July, it’s performing two shows in San Francisco at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Pro tip: no seating is provided at the shows, so bring your own blankets and folding chairs.
July 25–27
Like most big cities, San Francisco has an annual marathon that draws runners from far and wide. This USATF-certified road race has been running continuously since 1977. Races include 5K, 10K, a 1K perfect for families, two half marathons, one full marathon and even an ultramarathon (two marathons over two days). Some races even cross the Golden Gate Bridge.
July 26 & 27
Golden Gate Park — an environment already lush with beautiful flowers — is blooming with even more spectacular flora. The San Francisco Orchid Society’s annual orchid sale fills the SF County Fair Building with plant vendors and educational demonstrations. Stack your wagon with new plant friends or simply waltz through a beautiful display of orchids from around the world.
All July
Every summer, the San Francisco Symphony amps up their programming with orchestra-accompanied film screenings, concerts with special guests and tribute shows for prolific musicians. This year, see performances like How to Train Your Dragon in concert, two nights with Paul Simon, a symphonic tribute to David Bowie and a blues experience with Morgan Freeman. You can also catch a free symphony concert at Stern Grove Festival on July 6.
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!