Happy Friday, San Francisco! Below are some of our favorite things to do in San Francisco this weekend. We’re constantly on the lookout for SF weekend plans, so you’ll always have something to do on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you’re looking for seasonal inspiration, check out our spring bucket list and our list of things to do this April in San Francisco.
1. Snakehips at Downtown First Thursdays
Downtown First Thursdays is back with another exciting lineup this week featuring Snakehips. Fresh off their performance at Coachella, the DJs will perform a free show in SF this Thursday from 7:45 to 9 pm. The event will also have various merchants, local vendors, and businesses participating in the fun.
šĀ Location:Ā 2nd Street between Market and Howard
2. Hoedown on Front Street
Downtown First Thursdays is expanding, with a western-themed block party on Front Street. The entertainment zone will be filled with live music, line dancing, and even a disco bull. The event is in one of SF’s entertainment zones on Front Street in downtown, from 5 to 10 pm on May 1.
šĀ Location: 240 Front Street
3. SFMOMA free admission
SFMOMA will be free on Thursday, May 1, from 12 to 8 pm. The museum regularly offers free days to Bay Area residents, and this week is your chance to explore the expansive museum for free. You can reserve a ticket online in advance to explore the museum.
šĀ Location: 151 3rd St, San Francisco
4. Cinco de Mayo block party
Cinco de Mayo is quickly approaching, and this Saturday, the San Francisco Lowrider council is hosting a celebratory block party. The event will include over 30 vendors and a lowrider cruise on Saturday, May 3rd. You can check out the festivities at John Connell High School from 10 am to 4 pm.
šĀ Location: John Connell High School
5. Paul McCartney’s photographs at the de Young
This weekend in San Francisco, an exciting new exhibition will open at the de Young Museum. Guests are invited to an exhibitionĀ of Paul McCartney’s photographs during The Beatles’ first tour between November 1963 and February 1964. The photos allow viewers to see Beatlemania through the eyes of McCartney as the band traveled in Europe and the United States. The fascinating exhibition, titled Paul McCartney Photographs 1963ā64: Eyes of the Storm, opens on Saturday, March 1.
šĀ Location: de Young, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco
6. Free Concerts at the Golden Gate Park Bandshell
Golden Gate Park hosts weekly free concerts at the Bandshell starting in the spring and lasting all the way through the fall. The free music series kicked off last weekend and is officially in full swing. You can see free shows a couple of times a week, including on Sundays and Fridays. Check out this weekend’s schedule:
- Sun 4/27 (4:30 to 7:30 pm) ā Crucial Reggae Sundays
- Irie Dole, DJĀ Guidance, and special guest DJ Rolo
šĀ Location: Golden Gate Park Bandshell, Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco
7. Beautiful Candlelight Concerts
These uniquely intimate concerts deck out your favorite local venues in hundreds of flickering candles, creating the perfect setting to experience live classical music. This year, Candlelight presents us with an incomparable lineup of gorgeous concerts, from tributes to The Beatles and Adele to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Look for these brilliant shows at the Chan National Queer Arts Center, the International Art Museum of America, St. Ignatius Church, and more. You can see SF’s full upcoming Candlelight schedule here.
8. Listen to live music at one of these jazz clubs
San Francisco has a variety of wonderful clubs and bars with regular live jazz music, and it’s the perfect way to spend a Friday or Saturday night in the city. From swanky clubs with reserved seating to laid-back but lively ones, there’s something for everyone. Check out the full list of bars and clubs here.
9. Explore this blooming historic estate
Filoli Estate and Garden is officially blooming for spring. The beautifully manicured gardens feature thousands of flowers, including colorful tulips. You can explore the gardens at your own pace and take a self-guided tour of the historic home on the property.
šĀ Location: 86 CaƱada Rd, Woodside
10. Take an unforgettable day trip to one of these nearby destinations
Here in San Francisco, we’re well-located to enjoy some spectacular day trips around the Bay Area. Read our list for over 30 destinations, from Carmel to Muir Woods. Whether you want to explore local history or enjoy the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone at any time of year.
11. Try a new French bistro
CachƩ, a new French bistro, opened in the Sunset District earlier this month. The restaurant serves innovative takes on classic French and American cuisine and features a brunch menu on weekends. At the modern, stylish restaurant, you can try an octopus hot dog or buckwheat crepe rolls.
š Location: 1235 9th Ave, San Francisco
12. Visit this iconic Snoopy and Peanuts Museum
Not far from San Francisco, you can visit the Charles M. Schulz Museum, which features Peanuts and Snoopy exhibitions. The unique museum features original comic strips, a recreation of Schulz’s studio, and plenty of wonderful merch of the beloved characters. Entry is only $12 for adults, and it’s worth the trip to soak in the nostalgia of the iconic comics.
šĀ Location: Ā 2301 Hardies Ln, Santa Rosa
13. Go strawberry picking
If you want to escape the city for a day trip, there are plenty of beautiful strawberry farms in the area, perfect for picking your own fresh fruit. The fields are typically ready to be picked between April and August, so you have several more months to get fruit right from the local farms. Check out the full list of strawberry farms near SF.