Wear a costume to St. Stupid’s Day Parade, which starts at the foot of Market Street and follows a route through the financial district. Bring socks to toss at the Stock Exchange and pennies to leave at the Bankers Heart. Free.
Macy’s flower show
April 1 - 5, 2020
(begins March 22)
1 mile NE
See spectacular arrangements of flowers from around the world and attend scheduled events at Macy’s Flower Show at Macy’s in Union Square. Free.
Book of Mormon
April 1 - 26, 2020
(also March)
0.6 miles NE
The Book of Mormon is an outrageous comedy about young missionaries in the vein of South Park and winner of nine Tony Awards, at Golden Gate Theatre.
Hear lectures on health and spirituality, and meet vendors of ecological, green, and holistic products and services at New Living Expo in San Mateo Event Center.
Doggie egg hunt
April 4, 2020
S.F., Oakland, Redwood City, Santa Clara
Enjoy finger foods and local vendors while your dog sniffs out eggs filled with tasty treats and prizes at the Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs in three locations (S.F., Oakland, Redwood City).
Free museum day
April 4, 2020
Statewide
Get a free ticket that allows two people to visit one of the many museums participating in Museum Day Live. Tickets are available beginning February 27, 2020.
Smart talks
April 4, 2020
(10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
2.1 miles NW
A ticket to One Day University includes three classes taught by expert professors from different schools at Jewish Community Center of San Francisco.
America in World War I
Future of Lying: New Rules of Deception & Trust
Memorable Musicals That Changed Broadway
Easter in the park
April 4, 2020
2.8 miles west
Eggstravaganza is a family-friendly event with egg hunts, carnival rides, games, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and a BBQ competition at Robin Williams Meadow in Golden Gate Park. Read the web page to buy tickets in advance (kids age 2 and younger free). No pets.
Run around Angel Island
April 4, 2020
8.2 miles north via ferry
Follow a hilly loop trail around Angel Island State Park (either once or twice) with stunning views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge at Romancing the Island Half Marathon & 10K.
Easter in Oakland
April 4, 2020
12.2 miles NE
Easter Love Reach has egg hunts up to age 12, face painting, craft-making, entertainment, and a petting zoo at Bushrod Park. Free.
Scottish fair in Fremont
April 4, 2020
34 miles SE
Celebrate Scotland at Tartan Day Scottish Fair with music, dancing, bagpipes, handmade crafts, historical re-enactments, a children’s area, and meat pies at Ardenwood Historic Farm. Kilts welcome but no dogs.
Monster trucks
April 4, 2020
43 miles south
Big trucks with big wheels create big excitement at Monster Jam at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
Bacon and beer in San Jose
April 4, 2020
47.5 miles south
Enjoy craft beer, bacon-inspired tastes from local restaurants, music, and interactive games at Bacon and Beer Classic at Earthquakes Stadium.
Beer tasting
April 4, 2020
55 miles north
Taste dozens of beers, vote for your favorites, sample food from local restaurants, and hear live music at Battle of the Brews in Grace Pavilion at Sonoma County Fairgrounds for age 21+.
Festival of colors
April 4 - 5, 2020
(also March)
Bay Area
Throw brightly colored flour, dance to DJ music, and eat Indian food to celebrate the spring festival of Holi.
Renegade Craft Fair has indie crafts, food trucks, craft cocktails, DJ music, and workshops in the Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason Center. Held in April, July, November. Free.
Half marathon
April 5, 2020
5.2 miles west
The scenic Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon San Francisco begins at Ocean Beach, crosses the Golden Gate Bridge, has live bands along the way, and a finish line concert at the Civic Center.
South Bay Easter concert
April 5, 2020
53.2 miles south
Celebrate Easter by hearing and/or singing Handel’s entire Messiah with a full orchestra in Los Gatos. Register free online.
Film festival
April 8 - 21, 2020
San Francisco & the East Bay
Billed as the longest-running film festival in the Americas, San Francisco International Film Festival screens 180 films from 50 countries, awards prizes, and holds parties, panel discussions, and classes.
Wine walk
April 10, 2020
(4 to 8 p.m.)
1.6 miles north
Visit merchants on Polk Street from Jackson to Post to sample wine and appetizers with your ticket to Polk Street Spring Wine Walk. Held in April and Sept.
Cider tasting
April 11, 2020
3.6 miles NW
Sample 150 artisanal ciders from throughout the world with food samples during Cider Summit S.F. at the Civil War Parade Ground in the Presidio. Children may attend with their parents.
Easter festival & parade - Oakland
April 11, 2020
12.3 miles east
Bring a decorated hat to wear, and join the 11:30 a.m. parade, with face painting and treats during the Easter Parade & Spring Festival at Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church in Oakland. See the poster.
Color eggs naturally
April 11, 2020
14.7 miles NE
Children make patterns on eggs with brilliant plant-based colors at the hands-on workshop Naturally Dyed Eggs at UC Botanical Garden.
Rabbit race in Cupertino
April 11, 2020
44.1 miles south
Big Bunny 5K has awards by age category; the Kids’ Fun Run has medals for all at Cupertino Civic Center.
Easter parade - Campbell
April 11, 2020
54 miles south
Bunnies and Bonnets Parade has marching bands, animals, and dancers going west on Campbell Avenue (from Railway Avenue to 3rd Street). Free.
Japanese festival & parade
April 11 - 12 and 18 - 19, 2020
1 mile NW
Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival includes food booths, performances, martial arts, a pop-culture area, and live bands, plus a Grand Parade on April 19 (1 p.m.) from City Hall to the festival in Japantown. Free.
Easter restaurants
April 12, 2020
San Francisco Bay Area
OpenTable lists restaurants that offer special brunch, lunch, and dinner menus on Easter weekend. Select a morning hour to see brunch availability, or select an evening hour for dinner.
Easter comedy
April 12, 2020
4.2 miles west
Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence offer entertainment, an Easter bonnet contest, and “Foxy Mary” and “Hunky Jesus” contests at Golden Gate Park. Free.
Teen poetry competition
April 14 - 18, 2020
10.9 miles east
Youth Speaks Unified Festival includes Teen Poetry Slam, Unified Poetry Slam, and MC Olympics at Neyborly @ Jack London, in Oakland.
Charity tasting event
April 16, 2020
0.5 miles east
Taste features 20 local chefs making “artfully inspired bites and cocktails” with a silent auction to support charity at Root Division on Mission Street.
Food & wine at Pebble Beach
April 16 - 19, 2020
128 miles south
The picturesque gated community of Pebble Beach Resort is the site of hedonistic Pebble Beach Food & Wine, which offers epicurean events featuring 250 wineries and 100 chefs.
Asparagus festival
April 17 - 19, 2020
82.3 miles east
San Joaquin Asparagus Festival has asparagus dishes to eat, a craft fair, a petting zoo, entertainment, and carnival rides at San Joaquin County Fairgrounds.
Free national park day
April 18, 2020
U.S. National Parks
Entry is free at Muir Woods National Monument and San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park on Free Entrance Days in the National Parks. Expect more people and less parking than usual.
Cesar Chavez festival
April 18, 2020
1.4 miles SW
Cesar Chavez Holiday celebrates the life and work of the famous Mexican-American civil rights activist and union organizer with a parade leaving Dolores Park at 11 a.m. and ending at a street fair on 24th Street (from Folsom to Bryant). Free.
Beer festival
April 18, 2020
2.3 miles north
A ticket to San Francisco International Beer Festival gets you unlimited beer samples from 100 brewers, unlimited food samples, spirit tasting, and live music at Fort Mason Center for age 21+.
More than 30 Mendocino wineries and food producers are headed to San Francisco to give you a Taste of Mendocino at Fort Mason Center for age 21+.
Earth Day at the beach
April 18, 2020
23.1 miles north
Help clean up the beach and then create sculptures from sand, rocks, shells, and seaweed at the Earth Day Celebration at Stinson Beach. You’re welcome to dance or play music. No dogs. Free.
Santa Clara beer & wine
April 18, 2020
52 miles south
A ticket to Hop ‘N Vine Festival & Market gets you tastes from 10 breweries and 20 wineries that are located in Santa Clara County, with light appetizers at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds in San Jose.
Visit art studios
April 18 - 19, 2020
5.5 miles SW
Visit 170 artists during Open Studios at Hunters Point Shipyard and 20 artists at Islais Creek Studios. See schedule.
New plays in San Jose
April 18 - 19, 2020
50 miles south
Watch actors read the scripts of new plays written by “up-and-coming Bay Area playwrights” during Lights Up at City Lights Theater in San Jose.
Festival in Sebastopol
April 18 - 19, 2020
55 miles north
Celebrate the blooming apple trees at Apple Blossom Festival, which includes an old-fashioned parade (Saturday 10 a.m.), live blues on Sunday, and a street fair with food and craft vendors both days in Sebastopol.
People in the street
April 19, 2020
(Tenderloin)
San Francisco neighborhoods
Walk, bike, or roller skate on a city street when most cars are banned for Sunday Streets, which are held about once a month from March to October.
Earth Day street fair
April 19, 2020
1.6 miles south
Earth Day San Francisco has live music, keynote speakers, organic food vendors, workshops, and an eco kids’ zone on Valencia Street (from 19th to 21st). Free.
Earth Day in Berkeley
April 19, 2020
12.8 miles NE
Berkeley Earth Day promises “inspiring speakers, music, upcycled crafts, veggie food, and dozens of eco-vendors” at David Brower Center. Free.
Dance festival in San Jose
April 19, 2020
52 miles south
Watch dozens of groups perform a wide range of dances (including hula, modern, jazz, and salsa) lasting about five minutes each at sjDANCEco Festival outdoors at Santana Row. Free.
Modern art fair
April 23 - 26, 2020
2.3 miles north
Browse contemporary and modern art at Art Market San Francisco, which features 70 galleries in the Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason Center.
Bird festival
April 23 - 26, 2020
42 miles NW
Choose from 60 field events, including nature walks and workshops, during Point Reyes Birding & Nature Festival at Point Reyes National Seashore and surrounding counties. Some events sell out early.
Scrapbook expo
April 24 - 25, 2020
36.2 miles SE
Scrapbookers will find classes, vendors, and crop parties at the Stamp & Scrapbook Expo at Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton.
Boutique art fair
April 24 - 26, 2020
1.9 miles NE
The Startup Art Fair showcases contemporary art by 60 independent artists in an intimate setting at the Hotel Del Sol.
Art & antiques show
April 24 - 26, 2020
21.4 miles south
Shop from 100 vendors of fine antiques and decorative arts ranging from the 17th century to modern day at the Hillsborough Antiques + Art + Design Show at San Mateo Event Center. Repeats in October.
Dance week
April 24 - May 3, 2020
Bay Area
Attend hundreds of performances, classes, and workshops during Bay Area Dance Week. Free.
Grilled cheese
April 25, 2020
0.8 miles SE
Buy creative grilled cheese creations from 20 vendors during S.F. Grilled Cheese Fest at SoMa StrEat Food Park. Optional unlimited craft beer. Free admission for children age 10 and younger.
Farm festival in Muir Beach
April 25, 2020
18.3 miles NW
Meet baby goats and lambs, feed chickens, watch sheep shearing and goat milking, see bees, make crafts, hear live music, buy food for sale, walk the trails, and enjoy ocean views during Spring Fling at Slide Ranch.
Obstacle race
April 25, 2020
36.2 miles SE
Rugged Maniac 5K Obstacle Race is a three-mile race with 20 obstacles of walls, slides, fire, and mud, plus bands and beer at Alameda County Fairgrounds.
Petaluma festival
April 25, 2020
38.5 miles north
Petaluma Butter & Egg Days features a noon parade, arts & crafts booths, live music, a beer garden, and a kids’ area in downtown Petaluma. Free.
Japanese festival in Cupertino
April 25 - 26, 2020
45 miles south
Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival [website has sound] features Japanese food, arts & crafts booths, entertainment (taiko drums, dancing, martial arts, music), cultural demonstrations, (tea, origami, flowers, bonsai), and a children’s area, indoors & outdoors at Cupertino Memorial Park. Free.
Designer home tour
April 25 - May 25, 2020
4.3 miles west
San Francisco Decorator Showcase features the work of dozens of local interior and landscape designers in a different home every year. The 2020 home is located at 22 22nd Avenue. Closed Monday except Memorial Day.
Boat parade
April 26, 2020
2.1 miles north
Opening Day on the Bay marks the official start of boating season with a blessing of the fleet at 10:30 a.m. in Raccoon Strait, followed by a colorful parade at noon of 100 boats moving along the waterfront from Crissy Field to Pier 39. Press release. Free.
Neighborhood festival
April 26, 2020
4 miles south
Glen Park Festival is a low-stress event with live entertainment, jump houses, and craft and food vendors on Diamond Street & Wilder Street in quaint Glen Park. Take BART to Glen Park station. Free.
Car & air show
April 26, 2020
24 miles SW
Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show is a macho dream with cars, airplanes, motorcycles, and even tractors on display, plus stunt shows, kids’ activities, food vendors, and live music at Half Moon Bay Airport.
Vintage and antique lovers will find an eclectic variety of items available from 200 dealers at the Petaluma Spring Antique Faire. Repeats in September. Free.
Japanese festival in San Jose
April 26, 2020
47 miles south
Enjoy Japanese music, dance, martial arts, handmade arts & crafts, flower arranging, and authentic food at Nikkei Matsuri Festival in San Jose’s Japantown.
Silent Film Festival
April 29 - May 3, 2020
1.6 miles SW
The San Francisco Silent Film Festival screens important titles from the silent era, often fully restored and with live music, at the Castro Theatre.
Bug Day
April 2020
(undated)
1.8 miles SW
Watch live honeybees, buy honey, make bug-related crafts, touch live exotic insects, see insects under microscopes, compete in the Insect Olympics, and maybe even eat a bug during Bug Day at Randall Museum. Free.
Concerts in the park
April 2020
(undated)
3 miles west
Golden Gate Park Band plays a variety of music (classical, marches, opera, swing, and show tunes) at Spreckels Temple of Music in Golden Gate Park. Most concerts are held Sundays at 1 p.m. Free.
Jewish wine tasting
April 2020
(undated)
3.6 miles NW
Uncorked: Pairing Wine with Tzedakah features 14 “California wineries connected to the Jewish community” with appetizers at San Francisco Film Centre for age 21+.
Oakhella Festival Series promises “amazing live performances, beautiful visual art, dope DJ sets, delicious food trucks, and some of the coolest vendors” at 8th Street & Peralta Street Free.
Jazz
April 2020
(undated)
13.6 miles NE
Hear Grammy-winning jazz artists when Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour stops for an evening at Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley.
Berkeley wine walk
April 2020
(undated)
14 miles NE
Sample local wines with small bites at “about 20” participating businesses on Gourmet Ghetto Wine Walk, which includes a wine glass and supports charity.
