Ain’t no way to sugarcoat it: San Francisco’s had a brutal week. But locals know the best part of the city is its vibrant communities and its world-class parks.
Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities to experience both this weekend, with a long list of events, gatherings and straight-up parties happening in city parks. And the non-rainy weather means lots of folks will be heading out to enjoy the crush of wildflowers, blooming gardens and crazy cherry blossoms of the season.
One especially fun way to show your love is to head over to one of San Francisco Park Alliance’s “Heart Your Parks” pop-up events. Make a donation—however big or small—and get a screen print on heavy-duty textured paper with a design customized for a neighborhood park. The donations go back into SF parks to fund programming, capital improvement projects or community partners.
After kicking off the fundraiser last Saturday in Alamo Square, today’s "Heart Your Park" will take place in Washington Square from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Upcoming pop-ups will happen in Duboce Park and Golden Gate Park (see full schedule below).
Check out SF Recreation and Parks' complete event calendar or the substantial list below for all the events happening this weekend and during the rest of April in parks around San Francisco—a city we “heart.”
Outdoor Happenings This Weekend
Heart Your Parks—Washington Square Park
🗓️ Saturday, April 8 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Come out to support your favorite SF Parks. Donations can be made throughout the month of April.
Bug Day—Randall Museum
🗓️ Saturday, April 8 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The bugs are back at the Randall! Get hands-on and elbows deep in science with art activities, games, a bug costume contest, movies and live music.
Psychedelic San Francisco IndieFest—Golden Gate Bandshell
🗓️ Saturday, April 8 | noon-4 p.m.
Enjoy back-to-back live music by Peña, Grooblen, Mild Universe, Analog Dog and Bolero.
Harvey Milk Photo Center Studio Sale
🗓️ Saturday, April 8 | 12-5 p.m.
Purchase dark room equipment, framing supplies, cameras and more at this historic location.
Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival—Japantown
🗓️ Saturday and Sunday, April 8-9 and April 15-16
Join in during the back-to-back weekend, four-day festival packed with a full schedule of activities in celebration of the blooming of cherry blossoms and Japanese American culture.
Easter in the Park—Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
🗓️ Sunday, April 9 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Celebrate a festive full day of free events including children’s Easter at 10 a.m., Easter celebration at noon and the Hunky Jesus contest at 3 p.m.
Reggae Sunday—Golden Gate Bandshell
🗓️ Sunday, April 9 | 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Get your groove on with DJs Irie Dole and Guid8nce with special guest DJ Henroc.
Events Coming Up in April 2023
Illuminate Live Singer/Songwriter Wednesday—Golden Gate Bandshell🗓️ Wednesday, April 12 | 4-7 p.m.
Take a midweek moment to enjoy live music by the Beautiful Losers, Dore Coller and Jim Bruno.
Heart Your Parks—Duboce Park
🗓️ Saturday, April 15 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Spend a day in the park supporting the ongoing enhancement projects spearheaded by the San Francisco Parks Alliance, with already a dozen opened or reopened parks and playgrounds in the books since 2020.
Career Resource Fair—Civic Center Plaza
🗓️ Saturday, April 15 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Interested in working for the City of San Francisco? Meet with city departments and learn about job opportunities.
Harvey Milk Photo Center: Our Mothers Ourselves—Legacies that Shape Us
🗓️ Saturday, April 15 | 2-5 p.m.
Join in for the opening reception of Our Mothers Ourselves curated by Ellen Konar and Adrienne Defendi. The exhibit features images, objects and audio narratives of 10 artists exploring maternal legacies. Exhibit closes June 3.
Heart Your Parks—Earth Day at Golden Gate Park
🗓️ Saturday, April 22 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Celebrate the culmination of the monthlong "Heart Your Parks" campaign at Earth Day Golden Gate Park.
Spring Fling—Crocker Amazon Park
🗓️ Saturday, April 22 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Replacing last year’s Spring Eggstravaganza, Spring Fling offers springtime fun for the whole family including carnival rides, scavenger hunts, games, music, arts and crafts, food trucks and more.
Earth Day Short Film Fest—Randall Museum
🗓️ Saturday, April 22 | 1 p.m. (kid-friendly program), 2 p.m. (all ages)
Prepare to be entertained by Randall Museum’s thought-provoking wild and scenic films focused on climate change, wildlife and human impact on our planet.
We Players: Adventures With Alice—Golden Gate Park
🗓️ Thursdays-Sundays, April 27 through May 20
Join in for a whimsical rendition of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland through Golden Gate Park, adapted and directed by Ava Roy.