On the first Friday of every month, North Beach is bustling with events, primarily showcasing local artists and businesses in the historic neighborhood. While the North Beach is typically packed with people on weekend nights due to the many popular bars and restaurants, First Fridays are a particularly lively cultural event for the neighborhood. The next event is this Friday, February 6, and it’s the perfect way to start your weekend.
Many of the iconic businesses in North Beach join the art walk, hosting open houses, poetry readings, live music, and art exhibitions. Some highlights for this month’s event include tours of Club Fugazi, which hosts the popular acrobatic show Dear San Francisco. Head to Caffe Trieste for live music and espresso, or listen to live jazz at the French bar Paris 75. The always lively Tupelo will have live music starting at 10 pm.
Literary fans can head to the Golden Sardine or Coit Tower for poetry readings, or head to City Lights’ poetry room to find their next read. Vesuvio and Waystone will feature art exhibitions, and the Fish Tank will have screening printing. Finally, If you’re looking for a unique Valentine’s Day gift, P.F. Candle Co. is hosting a candle-making workshop
North Beach First Fridays typically start around 5 pm, with most activities ending by 9 or 10 pm. The neighborhood has many popular restaurants, particularly Italian. Of course, there are plenty of bars, from cozy wine bars to packed pubs with live music. We recommend taking public transit to the art walk, as the neighborhood has limited parking and First Fridays typically draw many people. You can learn more about North Beach First Fridays here.