Fall in the City is right around the corner, but rest assured, we’ve compiled the best things to do in San Francisco during September. While most cities are starting to cool down, September is the warmest month on average for San Francisco. Indoor and outdoor events abound, so here are our best picks for cultural events, fairs, food tours and more. Speaking of food, we also have an extensive list of the best restaurants in San Francisco, and for weekend planning, the best places to stay.
Featured photo courtesy of Grace Hom
September 5
Since its May 2024 debut, the initially year-long block party series has been so successful — drawing hundreds of thousands of partygoers — that it’s been extended until the end of 2025. The all-ages event features street performers, drag, fashion, and more surprises. September’s western-themed “Downtown Hoedown” takes place 4-9pm on Front Street, and features free line dancing, mechanical bull rides, and of course, live country music.
September 12
This gala heralds the beginning of SF Symphony’s 2025-26 season, and features star pianist Yuja Wang, who made her debut there back in 2006. Joining her is conductor Jaap van Zweden for a special program featuring Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1, John Adams’s Short Ride in a Fast Machine, and Ottorino Respighi’s Pines of Rome. A complimentary preconcert reception offers a celebratory toast and light bites, while the afterparty boasts a live DJ and specialty cocktails.
September 13
Attention all cheese heads! Get your fill of the good and rare stuff at this beloved annual event at the Ferry Building. Featuring samples of craft cheeses from California cheesemakers — plus cured meats, jams, desserts and other bites — the fest is offering VIP early entry with exclusive samples and activities. And because cheese always pairs well with a beverage, there are local wineries and breweries on hand too.
September 13
Every year at this time, we celebrate Latino Heritage Month and recognize the independence days of several Latin American countries. As part of the festivities, community organization Calle 24 from the Mission District is having a family-friendly festival, honoring culture from Patagonia to the Arctic Circle. This year’s focus is on the Latino diaspora that has called San Francisco home for generations. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate and support an important part of our community!
September 19-21
Perhaps there’s no better time to see the hilarious comedian Maz Jobrani perform. A true Iranian-American icon, he was born in Tehran and moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he graduated from UC Berkeley before pivoting to show business. While gracing the screen countless times — from Friday After Next to Curb Your Enthusiasm — his bridge-building standup led to his performing for the Obamas at the White House in 2016. You can enjoy Maz’s wit in his best-selling book or podcast, but you shouldn’t miss the chance to see this comedy master in his element.
Is there a better way to celebrate the end of summer than dancing your heart out? The answer is no, according to lovers of this EDM-centric San Francisco, currently in its fourth year. Produced by Goldenvoice (Coachella, anyone?), this year’s lineup is the most impressive one yet, with icons such as LCD Soundsystem, Moby, Christina Aguilera, and Chemical Brothers to rising stars like Australian DJ Dom Dolla and the Korean-language anthem maker Peggy Gou. Relive your rave days, while taking in the site’s at San Francisco’s Pier 80.
September 28
The annual Folsom Street Fair is the famously infamous San Francisco institution, drawing in leather/kink/alt-sex community members from around the world — typically up to a quarter million attendees! Turning 41 years old this year, this one-of-a-kind BDSM and leather subculture street fair caps San Francisco’s “Leather Pride Week.” As always, the festivities take place on Folsom Street between 8th and 13th Streets, in the heart of San Francisco’s South of Market district.
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!