Another month is upon us, and it’s time to round up even more fun things to do in the Bay Area! Scroll through to get a snapshot of fun events coming up, hidden gems to discover, great restaurants to try, and much more.
1. San Francisco’s FRIENDS™ Experience
San Francisco has welcomed its own true-to-life adventure replicating key scenes and moments from the 90s sitcom FRIENDS™. The experience features interactive activities, collectible merch and 12 realistic rooms replicating the show’s set. Ready to literally step into your favorite FRIENDS™ episodes? Get tickets here.
2. The Impossible Zoo at the Palace of Fine Arts
Have you ever talked to a unicorn? Pet a dragon? You can at The Impossible Zoo, which brings 10 mythical creatures to life at SF’s Palace of Fine Arts. Using special holographic headsets to interact with this magical world, you’ll embark on a series of quests together. Get tickets here.
3. Award-winning CARNE y ARENA VR experience
Alejandro G. Iñárritu presents CARNE y ARENA, a cutting-edge virtual reality that explores the human condition of immigrants and refugees. Called by critics “a must-see” and “genius” and described by attendees as “life-changing” and “powerful,” CARNE y ARENA allows you to live a fragment of the refugees’ personal journeys. Get tickets here.
4. Stunning classical concerts by candlelight
The extremely popular concert series known simply as Candlelight is turning heads right now in San Francisco! You’ll enjoy works from Beethoven, Vivaldi and more played by a talented string quartet, in an intimate environment surrounded by hundreds of luminous candles.
- Nov. 10: Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift at St. Ignatius Church
- Nov. 11: Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and More at St. Ignatius Church
- Nov. 17: Candlelight Oakland: A Tribute To Beyoncé at Chabot Space & Science Center
- See more concerts here.
5. THE INFINITE at Craneway Pavilion
Space Explorers: THE INFINITE is an awe-inspiring and fully immersive experience in Richmond that will transport you to the depths of Space and back. You’ll get to feel the sensation of being in Space alongside the astronauts, and admire mind-blowing views of the Earth in the only immersive expedition to take you inside and outside the International Space Station. Ready for liftoff? Get tickets here.
🌟Sponsored🌟
6. Verse NFT Exhibit at the Palace of Fine Arts
Experience an art gallery like no other at San Francisco’s Verse: Art of the Future. The one-of-a-kind augmented reality experience will transform the space around you into a compelling exhibition of glimmering, shifting, and dynamic NFT artworks. You’ll see spectacular holograms and famous pieces from some of the metaverse’s top-selling artists. Get tickets here.
7. Free concerts at Golden Gate Park Bandshell
The Lift Every Voice series is bringing dozens of free concerts through December 10. 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.
8. Nov. 1-2: Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday celebrated widely both within Mexico and in other countries by people with Mexican heritage. At the beginning of November, San Francisco will celebrate with multiple events, processions, and activities to honor this special holiday.
- Nov. 1-2: Fiesta de Arte del Día de los Muertos at Presidio Tunnel Tops
- Nov 2: Festival of Altars in Potrero Del Sol Park
- Nov. 5: Día de los Muertos with SF Symphony
- And more
9. Nov. 2 – Union Square Ice Rink opens
Who’s stoked to get back on the ice? Layer up and break out your favorite wintery garb, because the Union Square Ice Rink is the place to be during SF’s holiday season. Union Square Ice Rink will soon be available to skaters of all ages and abilities, with opening day set for Wednesday, November 2, 2022. The beloved ice rink will be open daily until January 16, 2023 for its 15th anniversary season.
10. Nov. 4, 11: Last nights for Off The Grid food trucks at Fort Mason Center
Off The Grid: Fort Mason Center (OTG:FMC) is California’s largest weekly food truck event, and this year marks its 12th season. The free events bring dozens of gourmet food trucks to the Fort Mason Center parking lot on Friday evenings from 5pm-10pm, but there are only 2 Fridays left this year: November 4 and November 11.
11. Nov. 5-6: SF International Tea Festival at the Ferry Building
The 9th annual SF International Tea Festival presents over 30 vendors with tea tastings and products for sale, as well as lectures and presentations. Guests will get a free porcelain tasting cup and a swag bag. 11am-5pm November 5-6 – tickets are $25-40.
12. Through Nov. 13: SF Open Studios
SF Open Studios gives the public a rare opportunity to visit over 400 local artists in their personal studios. The annual event started in 1975 as a way for local artists to increase the accessibility of their work by collectively opening their studios to the public. This event is happening in SF now through November 13th.
13. Nov. 1-14: Food discounts and more with Yelp’s Hey to the Bay celebration
Calling all Yelpers! Yelp San Francisco is pulling out all the stops for their Hey to the Bay celebration from November 1-14. Guests can win prizes, admission to free events, meals, discounts, and more by checking in on various local restaurants’ Yelp pages or attending special events and community experiences.
14. Free admission days around SF
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 will certainly help you get started.
- November 1 – de Young Museum
- Also free every Saturday for Bay Area residents
- November 1 – Legion of Honor
- Also free every Saturday for Bay Area residents
- November 1 – Conservatory of Flowers
- Also free daily for SF City & County Residents
- November 2 – GLBT Historical Society Museum
- November 3 – SFMOMA
- Bay Area residents only, 1-8pm
- November 4 – Contemporary Jewish Museum
- November 6 – Asian Art Museum
- November 8 and 24 (Thanksgiving) – SF Botanical Garden
- Also free daily for SF City & County Residents
- Also free daily between 7:30-9am for the general public
- November 12 – Museum of the African Diaspora
- Wednesdays – Museum of Craft and Design
- “Pay what you can” Wednesdays
- MWF before 10am – Japanese Tea Garden
- Also free daily for SF City & County Residents
15. Nov. 8: Election Day
Calling all San Franciscans who want to cast their vote in this year’s general election: Election Day is November 8th and you’ll want to prepare for the big day by making sure you do your research. Read our guide for answers to all your questions.
16. Nov. 9: Illuminate SF Festival of Light begins
Starting at dusk on November 9th, dozens of glowing light art sculptures will flicker into view around San Francisco’s cityscape. This is the 10th annual Illuminate SF Festival of Light, an SF tradition that has brought us some of the most beloved public art in the city. Get ready to enjoy a total of 62 glowing light installations throughout San Francisco, including both never-before-seen temporary displays and permanent sculptures that we all know and love.
17. Nov. 11: Opera at the Ballpark
Opera At The Ballpark is back this year on November 11! Guests can lay out on a picnic blanket at Oracle Park and enjoy a free live simulcast of La Traviata on the big screen. Doors open at 6pm and the screening starts at 7:30pm, but be sure to RSVP ahead of time.
18. Nov. 12: Pigeon Point’s 150th anniversary celebration
Pescadero’s Pigeon Point Lighthouse was first lit in 1872, meaning that we’re coming up on its 150th anniversary this November! California State Parks and the Coastside State Parks Association will host a special 150th anniversary celebration on November 12 from 1-7pm complete with guided lighthouse tours, children’s activities, and live music. Take a trip down the coast for a wholesome seaside afternoon and a dose of California maritime history.
19. Nov. 12-13: SF Coffee Festival
Heads up, coffee lovers! The San Francisco Coffee Festival is coming up on the weekend of November 12-13, and tickets are now on sale. This exciting festival will feature great food, fun local products, a latte art competition, live music, learning sessions, and of course endless high-quality coffee.
20. Nov. 17: GLOW: Discover the Art of Light begins at the Exploratorium
The Exploratorium is bringing back GLOW: Discover the Art of Light in all its 2022 glory. See brand new and expanded installations created by six artists from November 17, 2022 until January 29, 2023 at the Exploratorium at Pier 15.
21. Nov. 18: Disney’s FROZEN musical arrives in SF
Disney’s FROZEN, the hit Broadway musical, is coming to San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre on November 18th. Journey to the mythical kingdom of Arendelle with sisters Elsa and Anna along with Kristoff, Sven, Olaf, and the rest of your favorite characters on their epic adventure. Frozen features all the songs that you know and love from the original film with a dozen new numbers from the film’s songwriters, Oscar winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT winner Robert Lopez.
22. Nov. 19: Holidays at Filoli begins
Holidays at Filoli is one of the Bay Area’s most beautiful and lesser-known light displays, taking place now at Filoli Estate & Gardens in Woodside. Thousands of glittering lights will adorn the garden’s trees, plants, and hedges for a must-see experience starting November 19 through January 8, 2023.
23. Nov. 21 – World Cup viewing parties begin
The 2022 World Cup is fast approaching and SF is hosting free viewing events across town. The non-profit Street Soccer USA has partnered with the City of San Francisco to create free World Cup viewing events in several locations including The Crossing at East Cut, Union Square, JFK Promenade, and Civic Center.
24. Nov. 22, 25-26: Performances of Fantasia and The Godfather with SF Symphony
SF Symphony has an absolutely stellar lineup of concerts coming up, but one of our favorites will always be the Film Series. Watch screenings of classic movies to the music of a live orchestra at these unforgettable performances.
- Nov. 22: Fantasia
- Nov. 25-26: The Godfather
25. Nov. 24-27: Make the most of your Thanksgiving weekend
Looking for some fun activities to do post-turkey? San Francisco has plenty of events, activities, and fun spots to hit up during the long weekend of November 24-27. Stay tuned as we update our list with more events for 2022.
26. Nov. 25: Garden of D’Lights begins at Ruth Bancroft Garden
The Ruth Bancroft Garden is bringing back its whimsical Garden of D’Lights holiday event! Each year, they deck out the plants with multicolored lights, lasers, and more, transforming the already spectacular 3.5 acre space into an otherworldly outdoor adventure. Guests can stroll through the beautiful glowing gardens for 1-1.5 hours to discover countless photo ops and exciting displays.
27. SF museum exhibitions opening and closing this month
As we enter a new month in San Francisco, many local museums are refreshing and replacing their temporary exhibitions. Now’s a great time to take stock and plan ahead to see some of these wonderful displays before they’re gone.
Opening soon:
- Nov. 5: Ragnar Kjartansson: The Visitors, Again! at SFMOMA
- Nov. 17: Spirit of the Season: A Community Art Exhibition at the Walt Disney Family Museum
- Nov. 17: Chris Miller: Kaleidoscope at the Walt Disney Family Museum
- Nov. 17: Delightful Luxury: The Art of Chinese Lacquer at the Asian Art Museum
- Nov. 18: Kongkee: Warring States Cyberpunk at the Asian Art Museum
- Nov. 19: Joan Brown at SFMOMA
- Nov. 19: Proxistant Vision at the Museum of Craft and Design
Closing soon
- Nov. 6: Venus Envy, Chapter I and Madrinas y Hermanas (Godmothers and Sisters) at SFMOMA
- Nov. 20: Michelle Erickson: Wild Porcelain at the Legion of Honor
- Nov. 27: Guo Pei: Couture Fantasy at the Legion of Honor
- Nov. 27: Faith Ringgold: American People at the de Young Museum
- Nov. 27: Oz is for Oznowicz: A Puppet Family’s History at the Contemporary Jewish Museum
28. Thursdays: NightLife at the Academy of Sciences
NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences is one of our favorite ongoing events, and we’re thrilled to see more of these awesome themed soirees on the calendar! The popular Thursday night festivities feature live DJs, outdoor bars, ambience lighting, and more alongside the Academy’s nearly 40,000 animal residents.
- November 3 – Lil’ NightLife – A NightLife exploring all things micro, from tiny homes to microbes.
- November 10 – SpiceLife – Learn about the science of spice with international culinary experts.
- November 17 – NightLife (no set theme)
29. Thursdays: After Dark at the Exploratorium
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 6-10pm with a different theme every week, featuring guest speakers, films, great music, and more.
- November 3 – After Dark: Poetic Machines – An exploration of pre-digital machines.
- November 10 – After Dark: See for Yourself – No set theme
- November 17 – After Dark: Glow Opening – Opening night of the Exploratorium’s popular GLOW light art exhibition.
30. San FranDISCO roller rink at SF Civic Center
Attention roller skaters of San Francisco: There’s a new outdoor rink in town! San FranDISCO is an exciting new 5,000-square-foot roller rink at Fulton Plaza in SF’s Civic Center. Skaters can enjoy disco lights, music from local DJs, and more at the outdoor covered rink. The pop-up rink is on a 3-month pilot program with the possibility of extension after the end of the year.
31. Promenade Play Days at JFK Promenade
SF Rec & Parks is bringing the party with Promenade Play Days, a series of exciting events and public art along JFK Promenade during the fall months. The activations are part of an effort to capitalize on the promenade’s newly car-free state in a safe and equitable way. Attractions include ping-pong, extra lounge seating, massive ground murals and public art, Doggie Diner heads, and more.
32. November events at Fort Mason Center
When’s the last time you paid a visit to San Francisco’s amazing Fort Mason Center? The popular art center hosts numerous exhibitions and events throughout the year.
- Nov. 4, 11: Last 2 Fridays of Off The Grid: Fort Mason Center
- Nov. 5-6: Renegade Craft Festival
- Nov. 11-13: SF Open Studios
- Nov. 12-13: SF Coffee Festival
- Nov. 19-20: West Coast Craft
- And more
33. November events at the Ferry Building
San Francisco’s Ferry Building is one of the city’s most iconic buildings, serving as a hotspot for tourists and locals alike. It’s a center for events, pop-ups, a farmers’ market, and countless excellent merchants who sell their wares daily in the building’s many stalls.
- Nov. 5-6: SF International Tea Festival
- Nov. 6: Head West Makers Market
- Nov. 9: Cookie decorating with Painted Ladies Pastry
- Nov. 26 – Dec. 18: Creativity Explored Holiday Pop-Up
- Nov. 27: Holiday Craft Making – “Beary Merry Holidays”
- Nov. 30: Holiday Open House
- Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays: Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market
34. Scout some local fall foliage
Fall foliage is truly a sight to behold. Familiar shades of green give way to red, orange, yellow, and brown during an incredible seasonal display. We might not have the vast color-changing forests that the East Coast loves to brag about, but here are a few excellent local spots to enjoy this seasonal show.
- SF Botanical Garden in San Francisco
- Tilden Regional Park Botanic Garden in Berkeley
- Rancho San Antonio County Park & Open Space Preserve in Cupertino
- And more
35. Sip on these fall-themed coffee drinks
Cafes and cocktail bars across SF are drawing inspiration from the season to craft some truly delicious drinks. These caffeinated creations are perfect for this season of cool weather and cozy vibes.
- Espresso Mule at The Coffee Movement
- Candied Yam Latte at Red Bay Coffee
- Black Cardamom Latte at Blue Bottle Coffee
- And more
36. Find the best gourmet hot chocolate in SF
You don’t have to be a kid to know that hot chocolate is one of the most underrated drinks on any cafe’s menu. As we head into the fall and winter seasons, it’s a great time to compile some spots to visit next time you’re craving this delicious drink.
37. Stock up at SF’s best bakeries
San Franciscans with a sweet tooth have it easy in this glorious city, because SF bakeries absolutely do not mess around. We wanted to get to the bottom of where San Franciscans get their baked goods, so we posted an Instagram poll asking for recommendations. Read on for a running list of spots recommended by locals, in no particular order.
38. Try a new ramen spot
A steaming bowl of ramen is perhaps the most comforting and filling food we can think of! San Francisco, with its plethora of delicious and authentic Asian food, is one of the best places to enjoy this amazing dish. We decided to see where San Franciscans get their ramen fix, so we polled our Instagram followers for recommendations.
39. Get cozy at a local wine bar
San Francisco is a wine lover’s paradise. Between our proximity to wine country and a world-renowned restaurant scene, it’s no surprise that you can find amazing vino in nearly every corner of the city. Our wine bars range from chic and sophisticated to wine-fueled dance parties and everything in between.
40. Take a day trip to Capitola
One of California’s most iconic hidden gems is the tiny beach town of Capitola in Santa Cruz County. It’s best known for Capitola Village, a quaint neighborhood of multicolored homes, hole-in-the-wall shops and fun restaurants right on the water — but you can’t go wrong with a stroll slightly out-of-bounds at Pleasure Point to watch the surfers or some window shopping on 41st Avenue.
41. Snap a pic at these Instagrammable cafes
It’s not so hard to inject a dose of luxury into your coffee routine! These cafes around the Bay Area are great for delicious drinks and breakfast/brunch fare, but they especially stand out for their unique, eye-catching design elements. Whether you want an over-the-top garden oasis or an upscale minimalist space, these cafes around the Bay are not to be missed.
42. Browse a neighborhood bookstore
Many a San Franciscan loves to curl up with a good book and sip on a cup o’ joe from one of SF’s legendary coffee shops. Not sure where to find your next good read? These famous bookstores around the city, listed in no particular order, are musts for any local bookworm.