Looking for exciting things to do in San Francisco this October 2024? The city comes alive with a variety of vibrant events, from film festivals to outdoor celebrations, making it the perfect time to explore. Whether you’re a local or visiting, San Francisco offers something for everyone this fall. From the iconic Fleet Week to the quirky Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival and beloved traditions like the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival and Italian Heritage Parade, there’s no shortage of fun. Read on to discover the must-attend events happening in San Francisco this October!
1. Downtown First Thursdays
- October 3rd, 5 – 10 PM, 2nd Street and Market Street, Downtown San Francisco
- Free event
Downtown First Thursdays (DFT) is a free, family-friendly monthly street festival held in the heart of Downtown San Francisco on the first Thursday of every month from 5 PM to 10 PM. Expect lively entertainment with disco in the streets, DJ sets, live music, drag performances, fashion shows, captivating street acts, and many other exciting surprises yet to be revealed!
2. Mill Valley Film Festival
- October 3 – 13, Mill Valley
- Tickets
The California Film Institute organizes the Mill Valley Film Festival, which will take place this year between October 3 and 13 and will welcome more than 200 filmmakers from more than 50 countries.
READ MORE: Fall in San Francisco – 15 exciting things to do
3. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
- October 4 – 6, Golden Gate Park
- Free event
This beloved San Francisco music festival will take place in Golden Gate Park between October 4 and 6 this year. Get ready for an eclectic mix of bluegrass, folk, and country!
4. Harvest Fest
- October 5, 4 – 7 PM, Salesforce Park
- Free event
Grab your cowboy hat and gather around Salesforce Park for the Harvest Fest! This event will feature square dancing, a mini pumpkin patch, fall family photo backdrops, seasonal brews, pumpkin decorating, face painting, and more!
5. Castro Street Fair
Founded in 1974 by Harvey Milk, Castro Street Fair celebrates its 50 anniversary this year! Live music, dance performances, local vendors, and artisan booths will transform Castro Street into a colorful festival of inclusivity.
6. San Francisco Fleet Week
- October 7 – 14, SF Northern waterfront
- Free event / get tickets for reserved seating or extra packages
Held annually in October, Fleet Week is one of San Francisco’s most popular events. This year, it takes place between October 7 and 14, with the main attraction, the air show, taking place over the weekend of October 11—14. You can attend the event for free, but prime viewing spots like Marina Green offer ticketed VIP seating for those who want a more comfortable experience. The best places to watch the air show are Pier 39, Crissy Field, Aquatic Park, and Twin Peaks.
7. Litquake – San Francisco Literary Festival
- October 10 – 26, San Francisco
- Free event
Litquake brings together authors, poets, and readers for a week of lively discussions, readings, and performances. See the schedule and the venues here.
8. World of Dumplings
- October 12, 11 – 5 PM, Rincon Center
- Free event
This is the first edition of the newest San Francisco food festival. There will be dumplings from all over the world, 15+ restaurant vendors, cooking demonstrations, and eating contests.
9. San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade
- October 13th, starting 12:30 PM, North Beach
- Free event
The Italian Heritage Parade in San Francisco is the oldest Italian American parade in the United States. In addition to the parade, the event features Italian food, music, and family-friendly entertainment, making it a joyful tribute to Italian heritage and a cherished part of San Francisco’s cultural calendar.
10. Brazilian Fest SF
- October 13th, 11 AM – 6 PM, The Crossing at EastCut
- Free event
BrazilianFestSF is a series of events taking place at The Crossing in the East Cut neighborhood in San Francisco from July through October that will get people moving, promoting social engagement, community building, and wellness. There will be Brazilian food, live music, dance lessons, and kids activities.
11. San Francisco Short Film Festival
- October 17 – 27, Balboa & 4Star Theaters
- Tickets
The San Francisco Short Film Festival returns this year from October 17 to 27. Ninety-five short films from around the world will be shown at Balboa Theater, 4Star Theater, and online.
READ MORE: 7 Film Festivals happening in San Francisco in October 2024
12. Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival
- October 19 – 20, Half Moon Bay
- Free event
This is one of the Bay Area’s fall favorite events, with a dazzling array of activities, including a world-famous giant pumpkin weigh-off, where massive gourds compete for the top prize, as well as pumpkin carving contests, live music, arts and crafts, and a variety of seasonal foods and drinks—pumpkin pie, pumpkin pancakes, and even pumpkin beer!
13. Ferry Building Mushroom Festival
- October 24 – 27, Ferry Building
- Free event
Starting October 24, the Ferry Building will spotlight mushroom-themed menus, displays, and special food offerings. There will also be cooking demonstrations (with mushrooms, of course) and author discussion. The festival is free to attend.
14. Mushroom Masquerade
- Friday, October 25th | 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Ferry Building
- Tickets
This is the signature Friday night event of the San Francisco Ferry Building Mushroom Festival and promises to be an evening of flavorful bites, fine wine, and lively music. Bring your best mushroom-inspired attire!
15. Trick or Treat at Ferry Building
- October 27th, Ferry Building
- Free event
A family-friendly event to get you into the Halloween spirit. Bring your costume and get ready for spooky crafts, pumpkin carving demonstrations, and face-painting sessions. Free to everyone.
READ MORE: Best Places to See the Fall Foliage on the West Coast
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