Best Things To Do in San Francisco This October

October 31st shouldn’t be the only date to look forward to this month. San Francisco is the place to be for fun and exciting events. Whether you’re a festival junkie or a former theatre kid, there are plenty of things for everyone to check out this month.

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. Take a peek below and join in on all the fun!

Featured Photo: Courtesy of Piotr Musial
hardly strictly bluegrass festival
Photo: Courtesy of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival

Join the crowd and attend a festival like no other. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass draws nearly the entire population of SF over the course of three days. Don’t fret about VIP and weekend tickets — this FREE annual event features some of the biggest names in bluegrass as well as indie, folk, and alternative rock. So, bring your six-pack, a couple of buddies, and enjoy twangy sounds in Golden Gate Park. 

people dancing with colorful flags
Photo: Courtesy of Castro Street Fair Facebook

Castro Street Fair

Check out all the fun and bring the whole community together at Castro Street Fair. Founded by Harvey Milk, SF’s first openly gay elected official, this fair is an important annual event celebrating diversity and LGBTQ+ folks in the Castro neighborhood. Whether you’re part of the community or an ally, you can enjoy various live entertainment, vendors, and meet local artists and non-profit organizations. 

planes in the sky during fleet week
Photo: Courtesy of Fleet Week

Fleet Week Air Show

Ride into the danger zone and witness something right out of Top Gun at Fleet Week. This waterfront event features the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and other military/commercial airplanes zooming right past the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. In addition, the Aquarium of the Bay will be hosting a Fleet Week watch party. For an additional cost, the watch party event will include a full-catered buffet, complimentary beverages, and VIP outdoor terrace access — perfect for those who want a panoramic viewing experience. So, bring the entire family out because you don’t want to miss this spectacular choreographed performance.

sloth hanging on tree
Photo by Javier Mazzeo

Boo at the Zoo at SF Zoo & Gardens

Spooky season has arrived in SF. Celebrate the season with your kids at the SF Zoo & Gardens. This year the zoo has partnered with the Sloth Conservation Foundation to bring Sloth-oween — a self-guided, sloth-themed tour at Boo at the Zoo. If sloths aren’t your spirit animal, you can also find a Day of the Dead haunted house and a costume contest/parade. To attend, guests must make reservations in advance. 

Looking for more things to do in the area?

Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!

Scroll to Top