We can’t wait to enjoy these activities, events, and seasonal things to do this May 2026 in San Francisco. Enjoy the peak of the spring season with a lively afternoon at Bay to Breakers, a sunny stroll through blooming flower fields, and a massive party over Memorial Day weekend at Carnaval SF.
Whether you’re a foodie planning ahead for the Embarcadero Center Wine Walk or you want to get the best deals for a museum visit, we’ve got all the details. Scroll down to start planning your May in SF!
May is typically a pretty dry month in SF, with temps in the mid-60s and less fog than usual. But no matter when you’re seeing the sights in San Francisco, it’s always worth dressing in layers.
AURA at Grace Cathedral is a 45-minute immersive show that blends music, visual projections, and the cathedral’s breathtaking architecture. Celebrated around the world, the experience turns the historic space into a dynamic art installation, illuminating its arches and intricate details through light and sound.
On May 9th, Salesforce Park will host the 18-piece Electric Squeezebox Orchestra for a 2-hour jazz concert. The free, outdoor concert is first-come, first-served in the park, and we recommend bringing a picnic blanket to comfortably enjoy the show.
Celebrate Om Records’ 30th anniversary with a free day party at the Embarcadero.
A free Om Records 30-year anniversary day party will be held at the Embarcadero on May 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM featuring Mark Farina, Colette b2b DJ Heather, Shiny Objects and J Boogie; RSVP is available.
The new Valencia LIVE! night market and neighborhood party returns to Valencia Street in the Mission District. Beginning May 14th, the lively block party will take over Valencia Street on second Thursdays through October.
A new community street festival is coming to Larkin Street in San Francisco, featuring live music, karaoke, family-friendly activities, and plenty of great food. “Live on Larkin” is free and open to the public, and is intended to highlight the food and local businesses in the Tenderloin.
The first festival takes place on May 9th as part of the 5th Annual AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Heritage Month Block Party.
Embarcadero Center Wine Walk
Visit San Francisco’s Embarcadero Center for its popular annual Wine Walk. Savor delicious local wines while browsing some of the city’s most beloved storefronts and businesses. Even better, all proceeds will go to Sonoma County Fire Relief.
Elevate your Saturday this May at Off the Grid’s premier waterfront destination. Cityside Park is currently transformed into a Mediterranean getaway at SF’s latest coastal landmark. Start your journey with a scenic, free 8-minute ferry (with RSVP) before diving into a culinary market featuring 15+ food trucks. From gourmet oriental bites to rustic European plates, the selection is curated for the perfect spring lunch.
Have your camera app ready — and look up to find a kaleidoscope of colorful kites dancing in the iconic SF skyline. The vibe is fueled by live DJs spinning a curated blend of retro European vinyl and upbeat anthems. This all-ages open-air festival is open every Saturday through May 16, from 11 AM to 4 PM.
Whether you’re a foodie, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking to lounge by the water with a drink in hand, Off the Grid at Treasure Island is the Bay Area’s must-visit destination this May.
The historic Filoli House & Gardens is overflowing with colorful spring blossoms this spring. Visit in May for an impressive display of wildflowers, irises, wisteria, peonies, roses, and lavender.
Bay to Breakers is San Francisco’s famous fun run, dating back to 1912! Hundreds will turn out to run, walk, or dance a 12km route through SF’s most iconic neighborhoods. The race always features elaborate costumes, en route entertainment, and unforgettable moments.
Heads up – Mother’s Day is around the corner! Whether you’re looking to celebrate Mother’s Day on a budget or you want to go all-out with a nice meal, we’ve got plenty of exciting ideas to help you get the ball rolling.
The extremely popular concert series known simply as Candlelight is turning heads right now in San Francisco! The Bay Area’s top musicians perform classical covers of everything from Vivaldi to Taylor Swift, surrounded by hundreds of flickering candles. Venues include St. Ignatius Church and the International Art Museum of America.
If you’re craving a big, quintessentially San Francisco night out, this genre-defying show masterfully weaves together breathtaking acrobatics, poetry, music, and movement, crafting a powerful love letter to the city’s vibrant heart and rich history. From the captivating stories of the Gold Rush to modern-day wonders, it’s an immersive journey designed to make you experience iconic moments and leave your own heart in San Francisco.
Taiwanese American Cultural Festival
The West Coast’s largest celebration of Taiwanese American Culture takes place this month at Union Square. Enjoy a day dedicated to Taiwanese cuisine, entertainment, and family-friendly activities at this event for 30 years running.
Cole Valley Nights is a whimsical, family-friendly street party on Cole Street (between Carl and Parnassus) with local vendors, live music, and plenty of food. The event is free and encourages public transit due to limited parking.
Fort Point Beer Co. is hosting Ferry Flicks, an outdoor movie series in the Ferry Building Beer Garden on Friday nights this May. Check out the film schedule below:
- May 1: Grease
- May 8: Crazy Rich Asians
- May 15: Moonrise Kingdom
- May 22: Bend It Like Beckham
We love San Francisco for its vibrant culture, history, and resources, but it’s no secret that living here costs a pretty penny. Whether you’re a college student on a budget or a bargain hunter wanting to see the sights, this list of free museum days will certainly help you save some bucks.
San Francisco celebrates its vibrant jazz history with ‘The Jazz Room,’ a new show at The Palace Theater. This hour-long performance features timeless classics and improvised solos, immersing audiences in the rich musical tradition of New Orleans. Experience a captivating evening filled with beloved songs and talented local musicians, all while enjoying drinks in a setting reminiscent of iconic jazz bars. Secure your tickets for an unforgettable night of jazz and history!
Carnaval San Francisco is gearing up for a festive celebration taking over 17 blocks of the Mission District on Memorial Day weekend! The highly anticipated free event has been running for nearly 50 years, and you can expect plenty of vendors, a queen and king competition, and a Grand Parade with over 3,000 artists.
The Exploratorium at Pier 15 in San Francisco is an exciting place for discovery any time of the day, but these 18+ After Dark events are a must for some epic kid-free fun at their exhibits. After Dark happens each Thursday from 6-10 pm with a different theme every week, featuring guest speakers, films, great music, and more.
BottleRock Napa Valley
BottleRock Napa Valley is once again coming up, and you can look forward to some fantastic acts for 2026 including Lorde, Teddy Swims, Lil Wayne, Foo Fighters, LCD Soundsystem, Zedd, Backstreet Boys, Sombr, and Ludacris.
Head to the Mission for the multi-day San Francisco International Arts Festival (SFIAF), a multi-venue celebration of global culture featuring over 50 ensembles and solo artists from the U.S. and eight other countries. It’s an opportunity to see international artists make their U.S. debuts alongside local talent, including musicians, dancers, actors, and other performers.
The Ferry Building will once again host SF’s popular International Tea Festival on the first weekend in May. Taste blends from more than 30 local and international tea vendors, and come away with your own porcelain tasting cup.
Bike To Wherever Day
Take the San Francisco Bike Coalition’s pledge to ride your bike in San Francisco on May 14th for a chance to win prizes and join community activations around the city. Stop by the Energizer Station at the Presidio between 6:30 and 9:30 am for free swag, food, and tune-ups.
The San Francisco live music scene is on another level! Illuminate Live presents dozens of free concerts courtesy of Illuminate and SF Rec & Parks. All performances are free and family-friendly, with the impressive Golden Gate Bandshell as the backdrop. The Bandshell, which is 120 years old, added new lighting, a state-of-the-art sound system, and a new stage during the pandemic.
- Wednesdays: Midweek Melodies 4 – 7 pm
- Fridays: Happy Hour 4:30 – 7:30 pm
- Sundays: Reggae 4:30 – 7:30 pm
IN A LANDSCAPE brings a 1912 grand piano and classical pianist Hunter Noack to two local gardens this May. Get tickets to the event on May 18th at Filoli and May 21st at SF Botanical Garden.
San Francisco Giants home games
Cheer on the Giants at the following home games at Oracle Park this month!
- May 4, 5, 6: San Francisco Giants vs. San Diego Padres
- May 8, 9, 10: San Francisco Giants vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
- May 22, 23, 24: San Francisco Giants vs. Chicago White Sox
- May 25, 26, 27: San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
If you’re looking for an easy, low-key way to enjoy May in downtown San Francisco, Union Square offers free weekly programming through the spring, featuring sketching classes, live and blues music, fitness sessions, juggling lessons on weekends, mahjong, chess socials, and public games and seating.
Don’t miss a free techno concert featuring DJ Joey Beltram on May 2nd from 4-8pm.
San Francisco is buzzing with free music as the Civic Center Soundtrack concert series returns. If you’re looking for an easy weekday pick-me-up in May, the Civic Center Soundtrack concert series in Fulton Plaza is back this spring with free live performances from local artists every Tuesday and Thursday (12–3 PM) through October 2026—plus rotating food trucks.
Taste wines from 40 California wineries while enjoying live jazz on Main Street. For a classic spring day trip just outside San Francisco, head to Half Moon Bay’s Wine and Jazz Festival on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 12:00 to 5:00 PM on Main Street. The event features 40 California wineries, live jazz performances, plus food and beer vendors—and tickets include unlimited tastings and a commemorative glass.
We’re looking ahead at an exciting schedule of San Francisco Bay Area concerts for 2026. Here’s what’s coming up in May:
- May 1: Charlie Puth at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
- May 3: Lewis Capaldi at The Greek Theatre
- May 7: Scotty McCreery at Mountain Winery
- May 10: RAYE at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
- May 10: Seal at Mountain Winery
- May 11: Demi Lovato at Chase Center
- May 14: Alejandro Sanz at SAP Center
- May 14: Romeo Santos & Prince Royce at Chase Center
- May 15: Florence + The Machine at Chase Center
- May 16-19: BTS at Stanford Stadium
- May 22-24: Bottlerock Napa Valley at Napa Valley Expo
As we enter a new month, many museum exhibitions in San Francisco are getting refreshed and replaced. We’re keeping tabs on the best new temporary exhibitions from SFMOMA to the Asian Art Museum, so you’ll never miss an amazing new display.
Downtown First Thursdays is a monthly block party featuring over 175 vendors, performers, and activities on 2nd Street. The enormous free events attract thousands of San Franciscans for a memorable and cost-effective night out in the city.
Don’t miss a free four-hour techno show in Union Square on May 2, 2026.
A free techno concert organized by Free Techno SF will take place in Union Square on May 2, 2026, featuring Joey Beltram and local DJs from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
