San Francisco in March: events, festivals and things to do

Film festivals, Mardi Gras and Saint Patrick’s Day are just some of the events happening this March in San Francisco. Read more and find out how to spend the first month of spring in San Francisco:

Berlin & Beyond Film Festival March, 8 – 14

Dates: March, 8 – 14 Location: Castro Theater & other venues Price: from $9.00 More info At its 23rd edition, Berlin & Beyond Film Festival will take place this year between 8 and 14 March at Castro Theater, the famous movie palace which celebrated its 95th anniversary in 2017. The festival is an annual tradition in San Francisco and gives you the opportunity to explore and celebrate movies from all the German-speaking countries.

International Ocean Film Festival March, 7 – 10

Dates: March, 7 – 10 Location: Cowell Theater Price: from $10 More info Featuring independent productions of all kinds (documentaries, shorts, narratives, animations) from all over the world, the International Ocean Film Fest will be held this year between 7 and 10 March at Cowell Theater. The festival wants to raise awareness about the environmental, social and cultural importance of the ocean and to inspire people to participate in environmental efforts.

Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration March, 16

Dates: March, 16 Location: Civic Center Plaza Price: free More info Celebrating Irish culture and history, the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will take place this year on March 16. The parade route will start at 11 am at the corner of Market and Second Streets, heading all the way to Civic Center Plaza, where the festival will be held.

Free Museum Days

Dates: Tuesdays More info Every month, many of San Francisco’s museum offers free admission days, usually in the first Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Here are the free visiting days in March: 3/5: Conservatory of Flowers, Contemporary Jewish Museum, de Young Museum of Fine Arts, Legion of Honor, Museum of Craft & Design, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts 3/12: Botanical Gardens in Golden Gate Park 3/14: Exploratorium, celebrating Community Pi Day READ MORE: Spring traditions from around the world

Human Rights Film Festival March, 21 – 23

Dates: March, 21 – 23 Location: Presentation Theater / USF Campus Price: Free More info Human Rights Film Festival seeks to raise consciousness about human rights and abuses worldwide. Some of the human rights issues highlighted at this year edition will be political repression, genocide, disappearances, free speech, censorship, environmental destruction, climate change. The festival is free and open to the public.

San Francisco Chocolate Salon March, 30

Dates: March, 30 Location: SF County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park Price: $20 – $30 More info Taste as much chocolate as you can in this one-day event that brings together hundreds of master chocolatiers, confectioners, and other culinary artisans. Presentations, interviews, talks, and chocolate demonstrations will take place as well.

Mardi Gras Carnaval March, 5

Dates: March, 5 Location: Mission District Price: free More info Dancing parade, live samba drummers and lively music will fill the Mission streets in a full of life celebration. The Carnaval will take place on March 5 in more than 20 locations in Mission District, and the admission is free.

Presidio Picnic Every Sunday starting March, 31

Dates: every Sunday starting March, 31 Location: Presidio Main Parade Ground Price: free More info Every Sunday starting March 31, from 11 am to 4 pm, grab your blanket and enjoy San Francisco’s largest community picnic. Taste food from all over the world and take part in one of many side activities – yoga and dance classes, concerts, art and craft sessions.

Sunday Streets Starting March, 10

Dates: starting March, 10 Location: Mission District and other San Francisco districts Price: free More info Inspired by the Ciclovía in Bogotá, Colombia, Sunday Streets is a series of free, fun events empowering local communities to transform 1-4 miles of car-congested streets into car-free community spaces for kids to play, seniors to stroll, organizations to connect and neighbors to meet.

Guided Walking Tour of the Presidio Main Post March, 7

Dates: March, 7 Location: Presidio of San Francisco Price: free More info If you want to find out more about the Presidio’s history, take this two-hour free guided tour and hear the stories of the people and places that have shaped the area. Registration is needed.

Free Day at SFMOMA March, 21

Dates: March, 21 Location: SFMOMA Price: free More info San Francisco Museum of Modern Art opens its doors free of charge for everyone on March, 21, as part of Culture for Community program. Enjoy the seven floors of artworks and the largest Living Wall in the US for a whole day. Registration in advance is required.

Black Cuisine Festival March, 2

Dates: March, 2 Location: San Francisco’s Bayview Hunters Point Price: free More info Black Cuisine Festival is a community event that celebrates African American culture. The festival will take place on March, 2 and will bring together soulful delights with African influences, live music, and cooking contests.

San Francisco History Days March, 2 – 3

SDates: March, 2 – 3 Location: Old Mint Price: free More info https://sfhistorydays.org Visit the Old Mint on the first weekend in March and join dozens of organizations celebrating and telling the stories of the City’s unique past. Meet community historians, archivists, genealogists, archaeologists, researchers, educators, re-enactors, and other history enthusiasts at this free, all-ages weekend event at the historic site.

Holi – the Indian Festival of Color March, 16

Dates: March, 16 Location: California College of Arts Price: from $25 More info The biggest Holi event in San Francisco will take place this year on March, 16 at California College of Arts. Come and take part at the largest color fight (with eco-friendly non-toxic powder colors), enjoy music, dance, and traditional food.

2019 Tiny Dance Festival March, 23 – 24

Dates: March, 23 – 24 Location: Little Roxie Theater Price: from $12 More info The San Francisco based festival feature short films (10 minutes or under) from across the globe about dance and will take place from 23 to 24 March at Little Roxie Theater.