New Year’s resolutions are a ton of pressure, but summer self-improvement? That’s an idea we can get behind. And from culture and physical fitness to food appreciation and social awareness, there's a ton happening in San Francisco in these... slightly warmer months. We’ve rounded up 30 San Francisco happenings you need to hit around the city, and their nearest Muni metro stops, for a more scintillating you by fall.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
Gay and Lesbian Film Festival $40 gets you a pass to 10 days of weekday matinee screenings of films from the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.
Castro Theatre
Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Castro Theatre $40 gets you a pass to 10 days of weekday matinee screenings of films from the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
Summer Movie Night at Top of the Mark: Bullit Take in a movie, gourmet popcorn, and fine wine at the stunning Top of the Mark at the Intercontinental. Each week features a different film, selected around a theme. And what’s more San Francisco than Bullit?
Intercontinental Hotel
Summer Movie Night at Top of the Mark: Bullit Intercontinental Hotel Take in a movie, gourmet popcorn, and fine wine at the stunning Top of the Mark at the Intercontinental. Each week features a different film, selected around a theme. And what’s more San Francisco than Bullit?
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
Circus Bella A one-ring circus takes over the Yerba Buena Garden Festival for an hour of static trapeze, rope walking, juggling, contortion, unicycle, clowning (in the professional sense), and acrobatics, set to original music.
Yuerba Buena
Circus Bella Yuerba Buena A one-ring circus takes over the Yerba Buena Garden Festival for an hour of static trapeze, rope walking, juggling, contortion, unicycle, clowning (in the professional sense), and acrobatics, set to original music.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
Romeo and Juliet in the Park When’s the last time you read Shakespeare? If the answer is “high school,” take in a free production of Romeo and Juliet, featuring a cast of the Bay Area’s best actors and resident artists from SF Shakes’.
(Multiple Locations)
Romeo and Juliet in the Park (Multiple Locations) When’s the last time you read Shakespeare? If the answer is “high school,” take in a free production of Romeo and Juliet, featuring a cast of the Bay Area’s best actors and resident artists from SF Shakes’.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
It’s a Beatnik Shindig…Dig? Calling all Kerouac fans. This collection of panel discussions, movie screenings, art exhibits, books signings, parties, poetry readings, and jazz, celebrates San Francisco’s great Beatnik generation in the epicenter of the movement -- North Beach.
The Beat Museum
It’s a Beatnik Shindig…Dig? The Beat Museum Calling all Kerouac fans. This collection of panel discussions, movie screenings, art exhibits, books signings, parties, poetry readings, and jazz, celebrates San Francisco’s great Beatnik generation in the epicenter of the movement -- North Beach.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
SF Pride Parade The festival of equality (and outrageous costumes), and one of San Francisco’s most beloved. The Parade marches down Market Street from Beale to 8th Street and terminates with a celebration at Civic Center.
Civic Center
SF Pride Parade Civic Center The festival of equality (and outrageous costumes), and one of San Francisco’s most beloved. The Parade marches down Market Street from Beale to 8th Street and terminates with a celebration at Civic Center.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
“Eat Like a Chef” Series Tickets get you a five-course prix-fixe menu at Nob Hill’s Stone’s Throw, by a rotating roster of guest chefs. This particular night features Namu Gaji’s farm-grown Asian-inspired cuisine.
Stone’s Throw
“Eat Like a Chef” Series Stone’s Throw Tickets get you a five-course prix-fixe menu at Nob Hill’s Stone’s Throw, by a rotating roster of guest chefs. This particular night features Namu Gaji’s farm-grown Asian-inspired cuisine.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
Fillmore Jazz Festival San Francisco jazz lovers gather on Fillmore Street between Jackson and Eddy streets to celebrate jazz culture. Stages throughout the festival feature up-and-coming jazz-fusion, Latin-flavored acts, and classic crooners belting out standards.
Fillmore Street
Fillmore Jazz Festival Fillmore Street San Francisco jazz lovers gather on Fillmore Street between Jackson and Eddy streets to celebrate jazz culture. Stages throughout the festival feature up-and-coming jazz-fusion, Latin-flavored acts, and classic crooners belting out standards.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
Dog Dinner Be a better dog owner by bringing your best friend to dinner on the back patio of one of San Francisco’s most beloved restaurants. In honor of the city’s furry friends, enjoy $10 off a bottle of wine.
Zazie
Dog Dinner Zazie Be a better dog owner by bringing your best friend to dinner on the back patio of one of San Francisco’s most beloved restaurants. In honor of the city’s furry friends, enjoy $10 off a bottle of wine.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
Phono Del Sol Music and Food Festival Bands, booze, and bites descend on the park for a day-long festival featuring local and visiting artists and food trucks.
Portrero del Sol Park
Phono Del Sol Music and Food Festival Portrero del Sol Park Bands, booze, and bites descend on the park for a day-long festival featuring local and visiting artists and food trucks.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
Prince and Michael Jackson Karaoke The ultimate karaoke tribute to pop royalty at legendary music venue Neck of the Woods, backed by DJ Dave Paul.
Neck of the Woods
Prince and Michael Jackson Karaoke Neck of the Woods The ultimate karaoke tribute to pop royalty at legendary music venue Neck of the Woods, backed by DJ Dave Paul.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
Litquake at Yerba Buena Garden Festival Get inspired on your lunch break by listening to local poets, spoken-word artists, and musicians, read their work in picturesque Yerba Buena Park.
Yerba Buena
Litquake at Yerba Buena Garden Festival Yerba Buena Get inspired on your lunch break by listening to local poets, spoken-word artists, and musicians, read their work in picturesque Yerba Buena Park.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
Renegade Craft Fair Grab unique clothing, home wares and art, handmade by hundreds of local, independent makers -- all in one spot.
Fort Mason Pavilion
Renegade Craft Fair Fort Mason Pavilion Grab unique clothing, home wares and art, handmade by hundreds of local, independent makers -- all in one spot.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
San Francisco Frozen Film Festival No it has nothing to do with that song: The SFFFF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to gaining as wide an audience as possible for independent, youth, socially conscious, and underserved filmmakers. Oh and the name? Inspired by San Francisco's "summer."
The Roxie
San Francisco Frozen Film Festival The Roxie No it has nothing to do with that song: The SFFFF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to gaining as wide an audience as possible for independent, youth, socially conscious, and underserved filmmakers. Oh and the name? Inspired by San Francisco's "summer."
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
High Style Costume Exhibit Brush up on your fashion smarts at this last glimpse of design evolution throughout the 20th century, as told through the creations of Chanel, Givenchy, Dior, and more.
Legion of Honor
High Style Costume Exhibit Legion of Honor Brush up on your fashion smarts at this last glimpse of design evolution throughout the 20th century, as told through the creations of Chanel, Givenchy, Dior, and more.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
Mezcal and Tequila Tastings Join Michael Cecconi, Bar Chief, for an educational evening of tequila and mescal. He’ll guide tasters through flights and debunk myths along the way.
Two Sisters Bar & Books
Mezcal and Tequila Tastings Two Sisters Bar & Books Join Michael Cecconi, Bar Chief, for an educational evening of tequila and mescal. He’ll guide tasters through flights and debunk myths along the way.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
San Francisco Jewish Film Festival Now in its 25th year, this celebration of Jewish identity opens with the British film Dough, in which Jonathan Pryce plays an aging kosher baker who revives his dying business with the help of a young Muslim immigrant from Darfur.
(Multiple Locations)
San Francisco Jewish Film Festival (Multiple Locations) Now in its 25th year, this celebration of Jewish identity opens with the British film Dough, in which Jonathan Pryce plays an aging kosher baker who revives his dying business with the help of a young Muslim immigrant from Darfur.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
SF Marathon Join in, or cheer runners as they pass the city’s best scenery and most iconic landmarks. It kicks off at the Ferry Building, where you can lace up and join in or yell, “Good luck with that.”
(Multiple Locations)
SF Marathon (Multiple Locations) Join in, or cheer runners as they pass the city’s best scenery and most iconic landmarks. It kicks off at the Ferry Building, where you can lace up and join in or yell, “Good luck with that.”
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
Third Eyed Blind and Dashboard Confessional Travel back to your angsty teen years with this alternative rock collaboration’s summer tour.
Masonic
Third Eyed Blind and Dashboard Confessional Masonic Travel back to your angsty teen years with this alternative rock collaboration’s summer tour.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
American Craft Council Show Celebrate man vs. machine at the largest juried show west of the Rockies dedicated to all things handmade, from clothing, furniture and jewelry to things for your pad.
Fort Mason Center
American Craft Council Show Fort Mason Center Celebrate man vs. machine at the largest juried show west of the Rockies dedicated to all things handmade, from clothing, furniture and jewelry to things for your pad.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
Nihonmachi Street Fair Support a mentoring platform for Asian-American youth at this festival of performance, art, music, food, and community outreach -- now in its 42nd year. More than 30,000 people attended last year, so get down the front at the two music stages early.
Japantown
Nihonmachi Street Fair Japantown Support a mentoring platform for Asian-American youth at this festival of performance, art, music, food, and community outreach -- now in its 42nd year. More than 30,000 people attended last year, so get down the front at the two music stages early.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
Jerry Day Celebrate the legendary Grateful Dead leader, and San Francisco native, with an outdoor concert at his eponymous venue -- located in his childhood neighborhood.
Jerry Garcia Amphitheater
Jerry Day Jerry Garcia Amphitheater Celebrate the legendary Grateful Dead leader, and San Francisco native, with an outdoor concert at his eponymous venue -- located in his childhood neighborhood.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
Outside Lands This festival takes over the park with musicians, art, comedy, and tons of food and wine. This year’s highlights include performances by Wilco, Billy Idol, The Black Keys, and Elton John.
Golden Gate Park
Outside Lands Golden Gate Park This festival takes over the park with musicians, art, comedy, and tons of food and wine. This year’s highlights include performances by Wilco, Billy Idol, The Black Keys, and Elton John.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers The Bay’s “Queen of Swing” takes over Yerba Buena with her signature R&B and jump blues, plus covers of greats like Billie Holiday, Etta James, and Patsy Cline.
Yerba Buena
Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers Yerba Buena The Bay’s “Queen of Swing” takes over Yerba Buena with her signature R&B and jump blues, plus covers of greats like Billie Holiday, Etta James, and Patsy Cline.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
San Francisco Street Food Festival La Cocina joins Noise Pop and Midway to produce a two-day celebration of food and music that supports San Francisco’s inspiring food entrepreneurs -- many of whom got their start as street food purveyors.
Pier 70
San Francisco Street Food Festival Pier 70 La Cocina joins Noise Pop and Midway to produce a two-day celebration of food and music that supports San Francisco’s inspiring food entrepreneurs -- many of whom got their start as street food purveyors.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
Alcatraz Challenge Swim Make like you’re escaping from Alcatraz with this challenging mile-and-a-half swim between the infamous prison and the East Beach at Crissy Field.
Crissy Field
Alcatraz Challenge Swim Crissy Field Make like you’re escaping from Alcatraz with this challenging mile-and-a-half swim between the infamous prison and the East Beach at Crissy Field.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
Eat Drink SF An interactive urban food and wine festival that features a series of tastings, classes, dinners, and events to celebrate local talent and cuisine. The highlight is the Grand Tasting at Fort Mason, where you can sample creations from 30 top restaurants while imbibing on local wine, spirits, and beer.
(Multiple Locations)
Eat Drink SF (Multiple Locations) An interactive urban food and wine festival that features a series of tastings, classes, dinners, and events to celebrate local talent and cuisine. The highlight is the Grand Tasting at Fort Mason, where you can sample creations from 30 top restaurants while imbibing on local wine, spirits, and beer.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
Noe Valley Wine Walk A neighborhood block party to celebrate local business, the fifth annual wine walk from Diamond to Chattanooga features wine samples, finger food, and special treats.
24th Street
Noe Valley Wine Walk 24th Street A neighborhood block party to celebrate local business, the fifth annual wine walk from Diamond to Chattanooga features wine samples, finger food, and special treats.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
The Giant Race Half marathon, 10K and 5K distances wind through San Francisco’s historic streets, finishing at AT&T Park’s baseball field. Proceeds benefit Project Open Hand.
(Multiple Locations)
The Giant Race (Multiple Locations) Half marathon, 10K and 5K distances wind through San Francisco’s historic streets, finishing at AT&T Park’s baseball field. Proceeds benefit Project Open Hand.
Date
Event
Location
Dec 31 Wed
Billy Joel at AT&T Park The Piano Man himself will descend on AT&T Park for a night of feel-good hits you definitely know all the words to.
AT&T Park
Billy Joel at AT&T Park AT&T Park The Piano Man himself will descend on AT&T Park for a night of feel-good hits you definitely know all the words to.