Spring Flings
San Francisco is heating up — Here’s what’s happening in May 2024
Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, a fitness enthusiast, or just looking for a good time, San Francisco has something special in store for you.
Spring is here, summer is finally arriving, and so begins our street festival fervor alongside concerts and picnics in San Francisco. As flowers bloom across the Bay Area, our city emerges from the fog with a burst of energy and excitement. May is a month of celebration, with a diverse array of events and activities that cater to every taste. Here are The Bold Italic’s favorites:
Bay to Breakers
May 19th from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Starting line at Howard and Main streets, San Francisco
One of the highlights is the Bay to Breakers race on Sunday, May 19th. This iconic San Francisco event is a 12K run is known for its festive atmosphere, with participants often dressing up in creative costumes. The race attracts both serious runners and those just looking to have fun. Check out our snaps from last year:
Golden Gate Bandshell Concerts
From May through November
75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco
The free outdoor concerts feature a diverse lineup of local artists performing genres like singer-songwriter, folk, rock, jazz, soul, R&B, funk, reggae, and more. The historic 122-year-old Golden Gate Bandshell received upgrades like a new stage, lighting, and sound system during the pandemic. This beloved San Francisco tradition is put on by the SF Recreation & Parks Department and Illuminate.
Academy of Art University Fashion Show
May 16th at 3 p.m.
1849 Washington St., 5th Floor
The Academy of Art University hosts an annual fashion show to showcase the talents of its graduating fashion design students. Themed “Uncharted Territories” for 2024, this is a culmination of the students’ hard work and creativity throughout their studies.
We went last year, and yeah — it’s student work and often feels like it. But it’s a fun foray into many different aesthetics set to decent music, and models that could probably try a sandwich.
Free movies in San Francisco parks
May 17th — October 18th
Seven parks and counting in San Francisco. Check the map
Sundown Cinema is a popular free outdoor movie series held annually in San Francisco from May to October. It features seven films screened at seven different parks across the city, offering a unique cinematic experience under night skies.
The screenings begin shortly after sundown and are completely free and open to the public. However, reserved seating can be purchased through SF Parks Alliance membership. Notable screenings in 2024 include a Selena sing-along at Dolores Park, Bullitt at the Presidio, Barbie at the Ferry Building, and The Nightmare Before Christmas with a costume contest at Jerry Garcia Amphitheater.
Carnaval San Francisco
May 25th and 26th
Located on Harrison Street between 16th and 24th streets
Carnaval San Francisco is a colorful two-day festival held annually in San Francisco’s Mission District over Memorial Day weekend. It celebrates Latin American, Caribbean, and Afro-Diasporic cultures through music, dance, arts, and cuisine.
Established in 1979 by a group of artists and activists, it is now the largest multi-cultural celebration on the West Coast. The free festival spans 17 blocks in the Mission District, primarily along Harrison Street between 16th and 24th Streets. It features five main stages with over 50 local performing artists, 400 vendors, global cuisine, arts and crafts, and various activities for all ages.
The highlight is the vibrant grand parade on Sunday, showcasing elaborate costumes, music, and dance groups representing different cultures and traditions.
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
From May through October
760 Howard Street, San Francisco
The Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is a seasonal outdoor festival that takes place in San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Gardens from May through October. It presents a diverse array of free performances and cultural programs, showcasing the rich artistic talents of the Bay Area. Here are key highlights:
- Weekend Sessions: The flagship series showcasing touring and regional artists in music, dance, theater, circus, and large cultural festivals every weekend.
- Salsa at Jessie: A monthly open-air salsa dance party featuring live salsa bands from May to October at Jessie Square.
- Thursday Lunchtime Concerts: Intimate one-hour performances by local bands during the lunch hour.
- Poetic Tuesdays: A sampling of the Bay Area’s poetry scene, with four poets and a musical guest performing outdoors.
- Children’s Garden Series: Interactive half-hour shows for kids under 10 and their families, often welcoming school groups and camps.
- Special Projects: Commissioned works and residencies by accomplished playwrights, composers, and choreographers.
BottleRock Music Festival — Napa
May 24–26
Located at Napa Valley Expo: 575 3rd St, Napa
The 2024 edition will feature headlining performances by Stevie Nicks, Pearl Jam, Ed Sheeran, Megan Thee Stallion, Maná, and Queens of the Stone Age, among others. Past headliners have included Imagine Dragons, Robert Plant, No Doubt, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Foo Fighters.
The festival provides official hotel packages in Napa, Sonoma, and surrounding areas, as well as shuttle services from major cities like San Francisco and Sacramento. Downtown Napa hotels tend to sell out early and have inflated pricing during the festival weekend.
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