Best Things to Do in the Bay Area This April
Featured Photo: Alcatraz, by Eric Ward
Spring has sprung in the Bay Area. Outdoor events begin to take off again for another year of street fairs and concerts on lawns, and some of the area’s many trails see new blooms with colorful wildflowers. These are the best things to do this April.
Broadway shows, cultural festivals, SF International Film Festival and more.
There’s lots to celebrate this month in San Francisco. It’s the first full month of spring, and parties abound for Earth Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Earth Day, Tax Day… Well, maybe not that last one. Beyond the expected holidays, look out for festivals for beer, cherry blossoms and film.
For more tips on what to do in the city during springtime, you can also check out our interview with the concierge at Hotel Nikko. She shared some great routes for a good walking tour (including free guided walking tours), seasonal activities and travel hacks like how to make sure you score an Alcatraz ticket.
Spring flowers may be blooming, and there may even be beautiful sunny days this April, but be sure to pack layers for your visit. San Francisco’s weather remains mild and cool even during spring and summer months.
Nature festivals, agricultural parades, wildflower hikes and more this April.
Good morning sunshine! While San Francisco stays cool well into summer, just across the Golden Gate the North Bay starts gradually heating up. And, longer days mean more time for adventure. Consider a trip to Muir Woods National Monument on April 19, when the normal entrance fee is waived by the National Parks Service. Or, travel up the coast to Point Reyes National Seashore — which, I should note, is free 365 days a year. Speaking of which, April means the return of the Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival. Wildflowers should be peaking in many parks this month as well.
Spring block parties, secondhand sales, outdoor concerts and more.
With the ushering in of spring and the return of warmer weather, the East Bay sees the return of evening block parties and festivals. Oakland’s First Fridays is hosting its second block party of 2025. If you’ve never been, it’s an evening of contagious fun, with music and food all over their five-block stretch of Telegraph Avenue.
But that’s not all. Family-friendly events reach almost every corner of the East Bay this month, with San Ramon’s sheep shearing day the flashiest among them. You can also bring the kids along to Berkeley for the Bay Festival, or to Oakland to see Children’s Fairyland (celebrating its 75th anniversary this year).
Makers Markets, Earth Day cleanups, a cherry blossom festival and more.
Did you know that the South Bay has venues for professional opera, Broadway shows and orchestral concerts? And that’s just in San José. April is right in the middle of many performing arts seasons, making it an opportune time to check out the region’s offerings. Besides the arts, community shines in the South Bay this month, with local makers fairs and Earth Day celebrations bringing folks together.
