November in San Francisco brings plenty of festivals and events! From exploring the world of tea at the San Francisco Tea Festival at the iconic Ferry Building to discovering handcrafted treasures at Renegade Craft in Fort Mason, there’s something for every taste. Celebrate the holiday season early with the opening of Union Square’s Holiday Ice Rink, enjoy Downtown’s lively First Thursday street festival, and savor the city’s flavors during San Francisco Restaurant Week. Wrap up the season with unique experiences like Cider Fest, the Coffee Festival, and the dazzling Holiday Market at Embarcadero Center. Join the festivities and experience the best of San Francisco this November!

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1. San Francisco Tea Festival

• November 2 – 3, 11 – 5 PM, Ferry Building
• Get tickets

Held at the iconic Ferry Building, the festival brings together tea enthusiasts, experts, and vendors from around the world. Attendees can explore a wide range of teas, from traditional matcha and oolong to innovative blends, while learning about the history and health benefits of this beloved beverage. The event also features workshops, tasting sessions, and demonstrations, making it a perfect place to deepen your tea knowledge and connect with fellow tea lovers in a warm, welcoming environment.

2. Renegade Craft

• November 2 – 3, 11 AM – 5 PM, Fort Mason
• Scan the QR code at the Fair to pay the $5 suggested entry.

Renegade Craft is the perfect destination for discovering one-of-a-kind pieces and connecting with the Bay Area’s bustling art and craft community. Shop from over 250 artists at Renegade San Francisco ~ featuring the best artist-made gifts, creative small bizz goods, and handmade treasures, all in time for the holidays!

3. Holiday Ice Rink Opening Celebration

• November 6, 2024, 5 PM – 7 PM, Union Square Plaza
• Free event

The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square, presented by Kaiser Permanente, will open with a festive evening ceremony to kick off the holiday ice skating season. Guests are invited to skate before and after the celebration, which will include on-ice performances and an appearance from cast members of A Whynot Christmas Carol at the American Conservatory Theater. Additional special guests will include local dignitaries and celebrities, who will be invited to take to the ice alongside guests of all ages for the first official skate of the season. First (100) guests skate for free during the 5:30 pm and 7 pm sessions.

4. Downtown First Thursday

• November 7, 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!

5. 2024 Fall San Francisco Restaurant Week

• November 8 – 17, 2027, San Francisco
• Participating Restaurants 

From Michelin-starred establishments to beloved neighborhood gems, SF Restaurant Week showcases the city’s rich food culture, allowing diners to experience a variety of cuisines, from farm-to-table Californian to authentic global flavors. It’s a perfect opportunity to try new spots, support local chefs, and savor the unique tastes that make San Francisco a top dining destination. Participating restaurants will offer special menus Friday, November 8 – Sunday, November 17 at one or more the following price points:

• Brunch or Lunch (2+ Items or Courses): $10, $15, $25, $35, $45.
• Dinner (3+ Items or Courses): $30, $45, $60, $75, $90

6. San Francisco Fall Cider Fest

• November 9, 2024, 12 – 4 PM, Spark Social
• Get tickets

Slip on your coziest sweater, wrap yourself in your favorite scarf, and embrace the crispness of autumn with a dash of glitz at The San Francisco Fall Cider Festival! Raise your glass and sip your way through unlimited pours of 30+ ciders featuring flavors like sweet honey-sage, agave ginger, sour blood orange, and tropical passionfruit. Indulge in all your fall food truck favorites, warm up by the fire pit with s’mores, and snap Insta-worthy shots at our awe-tumn photo ops—all while grooving to live beats!

READ MORE: Best Places to See the Fall Foliage on the West Coast

7. San Francisco Coffee Festival

• November 9 – 10, 9 – 4:30 PM, Fort Mason
• Get tickets

Get ready for an immersive coffee experience when the 8th annual San Francisco Coffee Festival® kicks off. Enjoy over 100 specially curated exhibitors, including the Bay Area’s top coffee roasters, as they share with you some of the best coffee, teas, eats, and more in the country. Want to learn more about coffee? Just ask the master roaster at their booth or attend one of the many educational panels.

8. Holiday Market at Embarcadero Center

• Thursday, November 21st, 2024, 4 PM – 6 PM, Embarcadero Center
• Free event

Dive into the festive spirit as you shop local artisans and retailers, groove to live music, sip on delightful drinks, and savor tasty lite bites. Discover the mystique of tarot readings to add a dash of intrigue to your night! As the night draws to a close, be captivated by the breathtaking sight of Embarcadero Center lighting up the sky with 17,000 dazzling lights outlining the building. The first 200 attendees will receive a drink token for a complimentary cocktail or mocktail. Plus, the first 300 guests who purchase a drink will be treated to a complimentary caramel apple. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the season! 

READ MORE: The Giant Gingerbread House at Fairmont San Francisco

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