Fall is around the corner in the city, and we’ve got you covered with the best things to do in San Francisco during September. While most cities start to cool down this month, September is actually 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 our best restaurants in San Francisco, and if you’re planning a weekend, the best places to stay.
Featured photo courtesy of Grace Hom.
Dates TBD
One Market Restaurant in San Francisco’s downtown hosts this First Fridays event through the end of the year, featuring fabulous drag queens and a mouthwatering multi-course menu. SF queen Bobby Friday hosts the evening, and early birds can enjoy a happy hour before the dinner commences.
Dates TBD
A harvest festival with 3,000 years of history, this tradition packs Chinatown’s Grant Avenue with dancers, activities and food — including many, many mooncakes. Partake in the food and culture of one of San Francisco’s most historic neighborhoods. Can’t make the mid-month celebration? The city’s Richmond District also holds its own Autumn Moon Festival on September 28 on Clement Street.
Dates TBD
Every year, from September 15 through October 15, we celebrate Latino Heritage Month and recognize the independence days of several Latin American countries. As part of these festivities, the community organization Calle 24 from the Mission District organizes a festival with vendors, music, lowriders and tons of pride for SF’s Latino Cultural District.
Even more celebrations are coming to SF for Latino Heritage Month. On September 15, San Francisco City Hall holds a reenactment of “El Grito” — that is, “the cry” which declared Mexican independence from Spain. And, the East Cut neighborhood puts on BrazilianFest in celebration of the country’s independence day on September 8.
Dates TBD
Attention all cheese heads! Get your fill of the good stuff at this event at the Ferry Building featuring samples of craft cheeses from California cheesemakers, plus cured meats, jams, desserts and other bites. And because cheese always pairs well with a beverage, there are local wineries and breweries on hand too.
Dates TBD
This gala heralds the beginning of another season for SF Symphony, and a consequential one at that. 2024 is the last year to see conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen at the helm. At this event, Salonen will conduct the orchestra and a special guest, pianist Lang Lang, in a program of Prokofiev and Saint-Saens. Elevate your experience with the Gala Dinner Package for a culinary journey alongside the musical experience.
Dates TBD
Folsom Street Fair is famously infamous, drawing in leather/kink/alt-sex community from around the world. 40 years old this year, this annual BDSM and leather subculture street fair caps San Francisco’s “Leather Pride Week”. It takes place on Folsom Street between 8th and 13th Streets, in San Francisco’s South of Market district.
Oktoberfest
Dates vary
Lace up those lederhosen because events celebrating Munich’s legendary festival abound in the Bay Area. You have your pick of date and locale, as bars and businesses around the city put on their own versions of the iconic beer fest. This year, San Francisco sees a street party at Schroeder’s on Sep 20, a keg tap at SF Brewing Company on September 21, a “Parktoberfest” celebration at Park Chalet near the beach on October 4 and more events proceeding through October.
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!
