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, the Berlin & Beyond Film Festival will take place between 8 and 14 March at Castro Theater, the famous movie palace celebrating 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
The International Ocean Film Fest will be held this year between 7 and 10 March at Cowell Theater. It will feature independent productions of all kinds (documentaries, shorts, narratives, animations) from all over the world. The festival aims to raise awareness about the ocean’s environmental, social, and cultural importance and 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
The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, which celebrates Irish culture and history, will take place this year on March 16. The parade route will start at 11 a.m. at the corner of Market and Second Streets and head all the way to Civic Center Plaza, where the festival will be held.
READ MORE: 7 Film Festivals happening in San Francisco in October 2024
Free Museum Days
Dates: Tuesdays
More info
Every month, many of San Francisco’s museum offers free admission days, usually on the first Tuesday or Wednesday. 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 in this year’s edition will be political repression, genocide, disappearances, free speech, censorship, environmental destruction, and 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, which brings together hundreds of master chocolatiers, confectioners, and other culinary artisans. Presentations, interviews, talks, and chocolate demonstrations will also take place.
Mardi Gras Carnaval
March, 5
Dates: March, 5
Location: Mission District
Price: free
More info
A 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 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 a.m. to 4 p.m., 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, or 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 the Culture for Community program. Enjoy 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 celebrating African American culture. It will take place on March 2 and will feature 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. At this free, all-ages weekend event, meet community historians, archivists, genealogists, archaeologists, researchers, educators, re-enactors, and other history enthusiasts.
READ MORE: San Francisco Events in October 2024
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 in 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 will feature short films (10 minutes or under) about dance from across the globe and will take place from 23 to 24 March at Little Roxie Theater.
Go on a walking tour in San Francisco:
