Mark Your Calendar for San Francisco’s Biggest Festivals of 2023
Written by Shelley D. FargoPublished Feb. 06, 2023 • 6:13pm
Arts & Culture
Pride attendees watch the parade on Market Street in San Francisco on Sunday, June 26, 2022. | Juliana Yamada/The Standard
Saturday’s huge—if soggy—Chinese New Year Parade didn’t just usher in the Year of the Rabbit, it kicked off the 2023 calendar of community celebrations around the city.
And after a few weird years of Covid-driven cancellations or cautiousness, 2023 is shaping up to be fully back to normal, with many of the year’s biggest parties already on the books.
Mark your calendar now for the rest of SF’s don’t-miss 2023 festivals and street fairs listed below. (Events not yet confirmed for 2023 are not included in the list.)
Market Street, March 11, 2023
St. Patrick's Day Parade 2023 begins at 11:30 a.m. at Second and Market streets. The route travels down Market toward Civic Center. The parade route culminates at the festival at Civic Center Plaza.
Japantown, April 8-9 and 15-16, 2023
The 56th annual Cherry Blossom festival, the largest one of its kind on the West Coast, will take place April 8-16 in the heart of Japantown. Check back for a list of events. This annual festival, steeped in rich Japanese culture, celebrates Japanese traditions and the diversity of Japanese Americans.
The Mission, May 27-28, 2023
The 45th annual Carnival, slated for May 27-28, is the largest two-day multicultural event on the West Coast aimed to educate others by celebrating and showcasing the diasporic traditions of Latino, Caribbean and African communities. The Grand Parade takes place on May 28.
Civic Center, June 24-25, 2023
Kicked off by the Gay Liberation March of 1970, the San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade have been the largest of its kind in the nation, supporting the LGBT+ community and their allies for 53 years. The parade will be on June 25, 2023. The route travels down Market Street. from Embarcadero to the celebration at the Civic Center.
Pacific Heights, July 1-2, 2023
The West Coast's largest free jazz festival consists of 12 entire blocks of fine arts and crafts to peruse while filling your ears with sweet soulful live jazz tunes.
SoMa, July 29, 2023
This "leather and kink" block party, Up Your Alley, takes place on Dore Alley between Folsom and Howard streets. It's known as the "broth" of the Folsom Street Fair.
SoMa, Sept. 24, 2023
An annual celebration of support, community and sexual liberation, the Folsom Street Fair promises to be back out into the streets again this year providing a safe inclusive space and equity for BIPOC and LGBTQ2+ people. The adults-only event is celebrating its 40th year in 2023.
Golden Gate Park, Sept. 29-Oct. 1
Head out to Hellman Hollow in Golden Gate Park (near the Polo Field) to enjoy live music and food from over 50 gourmet food and beverage vendors. The event is free. Packing a picnic is encouraged, and remember to BYOB, as alcohol will not be sold at this event. Be sure to check park rules for additional information about alcoholic beverages.
Shelley D. Fargo can be reached at [email protected]
