Looking to fill a couple hours of your day while in the San Francisco Bay Area? With so many offerings in the region, we’ve curated some of the top events this month so you don’t have to. Less researching and more enjoying your time in the area. Enjoy!
Featured Photo: Courtesy of Outside Lands
San Francisco
de Young and Legion of Honor Free Day (First Tuesday)
August 2
Travel the world through art as you check out pieces from the 17th through 20th centuries at the de Young Museum, an iconic landmark in the Golden Gate Park. The museum also features the new Faith Ringgold exhibit, along with other works of art from the past. Ringgold is an activist and artist with powerful messages on display for you to see.
More info: legionofhonor.famsf.org
Free National Parks Day
August 4
Pack what you need and come celebrate the anniversary of the American Great Outdoors Act with free access to national parks, including Muir Woods National Monument and more. The opportunity to visit national parks with the entrance fee waived only comes around a few times a year, so be sure you make the most of it.
More info: nps.gov
Outside Lands
August 5-7
Don’t miss out on San Francisco’s most popular annual music festival this August. Outside Lands is the perfect event for music lovers. Enjoy over 60 music sets a day from August 5-7, including headliners such as Green Day, Jack Harlow, Post Malone, Weezer, SZA, and Phoebe Bridgers. Not to mention, 90 of the Bay Area’s most unique and exciting restaurants will be popping up over the weekend. Catch a bite of Duck Confit Burritos, Falafel Gyros, or Braised Oxtail Nachos. Or, grab a drink from 30 of the most popular NorCal breweries in attendance. If wine is more your taste, indulge in over 100 varieties from California’s finest vineyards.
More info: sfoutsidelands.com
Candlelight Concerts
Dates vary
Enjoy a truly unique night with this live, multi-sensory musical experience at some of San Francisco’s more whimsical locations like the Grace Cathedral, Folsom Street Foundry, and the International Art Museum of America. Unwind beneath the gentle glow of candlelight to orchestra and string quartet covers of popular artists like Taylor Swift, Adele, The Beatles, and more. Each concert is about 60 minutes with first come first serve seating.
More info: feverup.com
Oklahoma! At Golden Gate Theatre
August 16-31
Experience an evening of theatrical magic at the Golden Gate Theatre as the famous musical, Oklahoma!, stops in town during their U.S. tour. This critically acclaimed and award winning Broadway classic is only here for a limited time this August. Due to the show’s typical New York exclusivity, you won’t want to miss this opportunity while it’s in the Bay.
More info: goldengatetheatresf.com
North Bay
Summer Music Series
August 7,14, 21, 28
Spend the rest of your summer days outside, building community and enjoying live music. Head over to Town Center in Corte Madera to support local artists every Sunday afternoon this August for their Summer Music Series. Some featured performers include Christian Pepin, Z and the Benders, Carlos Herrera Band, and Brian Francis Baudoin. Lunch, cocktails, wine, and beer are available. Despite the option for booze, this event is still family friendly.
More info: shoptowncenter.com
Big Freedia Live at Lagunitas
August 15
Tune in to the 10th-Amphiversary season of Live at Lagunitas, a live show of music and comedy. Profits from the show will be donated to Best Friends Animal Society, whose goal is to give shelter to homeless pets, as well as Gibson Gives, a foundation committed to helping out one guitar at a time. Enjoy entertainment, beer, and a good time with friends.
More info: eventbrite.com
Cotati Accordion Fest
August 20-21
Come see the annual Cotati Accordion Festival, a multi-generational and multicultural live show of accordions. This unique and popular festival will be held in La Plaza Park, Cotati, and will feature over 60 vendors with food, beer, wine, crafts, and of course, accordions for sale.
More info: cotatifest.com
The Outdoor Art Club's 120th Birthday Celebration
August 21
The Outdoor Art Club was founded on August 20, 1902 as a women’s club dedicated to the protection and beautification of outdoor spaces, wildlife conservation, and other civic, literary, and charitable work in Mill Valley. The party in honor of it’s 120 years of service will be held from 1pm to 4pm at the Club’s historic, Maybeck-designed Clubhouse at One West Blithedale Avenue in Mill Valley. Wine, beer, and food will be served, and guests will enjoy live music from Austin de Lone and The Wreckless Strangers.
More info: marinarts.org
Poolside Jams
August 21
Take a swim and enjoy a set of upbeat tunes in Mill Valley for this Poolside Jams event at Strawberry Recreation. DJ, No Room for Zeus, will be performing while you splash and soak up the sun. Make sure to bring your own blankets and chairs. Food and refreshments are also welcome to this family friendly event.
More info: strawberryrecration.com
Marine Wildlife and Ecology: Sail Around the Golden Gate Bridge
August 21
Get away from the bustle of the city and enjoy a boat tour of Sausalito, Marin Headlands, and the Point Bonita Lighthouse to catch some of the Bay’s most popular marine wildlife. Sit back and enjoy the sights, as an on-board naturalist guides you through the Bay’s diverse ecosystems. Return just in time to grab lunch at one of Sausalito’s many restaurants.
More info: sausalito.org
East Bay
FoodieLand Night Market
August 5-7 and 12-14
If you are a food blogger or just simply a foodie then you must check out Foodie Land that is happening at Golden Gate Fields in Berkeley! From August 5-7 and 12-14 (Friday 3:00pm to 9:30pm, and Saturday/Sunday 1:00pm to 9:30pm). Enjoy the day with friends and family and try out up to 150 vendors and taste the flavors from a variety of cultures that represent the multicultural richness here in the East Bay.
More info: foodielandnm.com
LCD Soundsystem
August 16-19
Come check out this iconic New York outfit at the Fox Theater in Oakland for the We Missed You 2022 tour.
More info: livenation.com
Kid Cudi
August 21
Kid Cudi, the artist behind the famous song “Day-n-Nite,” is coming to the East Bay this summer and will be supported by fellow artists Don Toliver, Denzel Curry, and Strick. The rapper and singer is on his fifth tour, promoting his Man on the Moon albums, which are heavily influenced by his inner struggles and his fight to overcome them. Come see him August 21st at the Oakland Arena.
More info: axs.com
Kendrick Lamar
August 31
Songwriter and hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar will be performing in Oakland at the end of the month. Known for his unique style and being one of the most influential rappers of our generation, Lamar makes music with strong political messages, often about his experiences as an African American. Through his career, Kendrick has earned 14 Grammys and various other awards.
More info: ticketmaster.com
South Bay
Crunchyroll Expo
August 5-7
Every year, anime lovers and enthusiasts from all over get together to celebrate anything and everything anime related. This three day event will debut exclusive premieres and feature exclusive merchandise as well as live music. Fans will also have a chance to meet some of the biggest voice acting names in the industry and other well known anime creators. Crunchyroll Expo is known for having guests come in extravagant cosplays and becoming their favorite characters in outfits with hundreds of hours put into crafting. See what all the hype is about.
More info: crunchyrollexpo.com
World Dog Surfing Championships 2022
August 6
Hang out on the beach and watch incredible dogs catch some waves at the World Dog Surfing Championships at Linda Mar Beach. Activities during this event will include the surf competition, a dog beach fashion contest, dog adoptions, partner tents with additional activities, and more. Contestants can also help support and fundraise for various dog charities.
More info: surfdogchampionships.com
San Jose Jazz Summer Fest
August 13
Get your groove on at this year’s San Jose Jazz Summer Fest. This celebration of culture will feature artists playing jazz, blues, salsa, Latin, R&B, and global music. Headliners include Ladysmith Black Mambazo, CeeLo Green, Ledisi, and many more. Food and drink will also be available. If you love music, you won’t want to pass on this outdoor festival.
More info: summerfest.sanjosejazz.org
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!
