Happy Friday! Below are some of our favorite things to do in the San Francisco Bay Area this weekend. We put out awesome new SF weekend plans for you every week, so you’ll always have something to do on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out the best current museum exhibitions in SF, our favorite free things to do in the Bay, and essential events for your 2024 calendar.
1. Attend a Taylor Swift-inspired bar crawl in honor of Tortured Poets Department
If you’re like us, you’ve probably been listening to Tortured Poets Department all day. Whether you’ve been trying not to cry the entire time (there’s no shame in it) or are already dissecting Swifts lyrics, it’s safe to say people are excited for her newest album. SF swifties get an extra way to celebrate the new music, a classic Marina bar crawl, inspired by Taylor and all her iconic music. The each bar has a different theme corresponding to an album, and organizers say participants can expect DJs, unique drinks, party favors, and more. The crawl is Saturday April 20, from 4:00 to 10:00 pm starting at Del Mar. Check out Crawl SF’s website for more information.
2. Check out these ways to celebrate 420 in San Francisco
While San Francisco’s infamous 420 event at Hippie Hill was cancelled, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate. Not only is there is SF Weed Week, but Volo will be hosting a field day in Hippie Hill as well. Plus, check out our list of dispensaries in SF to prepare for the big day.
3. Get a free screen print of an SF park
SF Park’s Alliance is back with its Heart Your Parks campaign, and you can once again get a free screen print of your favorite SF park. This is the second weekend of their series where they will give away the screen prints in an SF park. On Saturday, April 20, from 11 am to 4 pm, you can get your screen print at Crane Cove Park.
4. Check out the NorCal Cherry Blossom Festival
Spring is here, and what better way to celebrate then with a charming Cherry Blossom Festival. The festival occurs over two weekends, with this weekend being the first rendition. The festival will include live music, food, art, and even a parade in Japantown Peace Plaza.
5. Enjoy live music for free at the Golden Gate Park Bandshell
The beloved free concerts are back at the Bandshell in Golden Gate Park. The concert series includes over 100 free performances from various artists. Check out this week’s lineup:
- Wed 4/17 (4:00 to 7:00 pm) – Singer/Songwriter Wednesday
- 4:00 pm – Sony Holland
- 5:00 pm – Julietta Hay
- 6:00 pm – Peter Lindman and Roger Rocha
- Fri 4/19 (4:30 to 7:30 pm) – Bicycle Day with Live Performances by
Wiskerman and special guests - Sat 4/20 (12:00 to 4:00 pm) – Poetry and Strings in the Park (More info
TBA) - Sun 4/21 (10:00 to 2:00 pm) – Golden Gate Park Bandshell Kid’s Fest
2024- 10:30 am to 11:15 – Melita Doostan
- 11:30 – 1:30 pm – Charity and the JAMBand
- Sun 4/21 (4:30 to 7:30 pm) – Crucial Reggae Sundays “Earth Day Special
Event” with Irie Dole, DJ Guidance, and special guest Deuce Eclipse and
DJ El Kool Kyle, plus many special guests
6. Check out these ways to celebrate Earth Day
Earth Day is on April 22, and this weekend is packed with festivities to celebrate the day. You can attend the official Earth Day Celebration in SF on Sunday, which will include live music, speakers, art, and even a fashion show.
7. Have a wholesome bonfire on the beach
Now that the weather has finally started to feel like spring, it’s great for one of our favorite SF activities. Ocean Beach has designated firepits that are open to the public to build bonfires. You need to bring all your own supplies to start the fire, but it’s a great way to enjoy Ocean Beach while roasting some marshmallows. Be sure to check the regulations for using the pits before you go.
8. Check out Golden Gate Park’s glowing installation
Entwined: Elder Mother is a 30-foot-tall tree illuminated with LED lights that change colors. The stunning installation is on JFK Promenade, near the park entrance from the Panhandle. You can enjoy the glow of the tree from one of the many benches, and make sure to check out the small holes with hidden surprises on the tree.
9. Check out these spots to see wildflowers near SF
It’s almost spring, which means the first wildflowers are starting to bloom in California. There are plenty of places close to the Bay Area to see the blooms. Whether you just want to do a day trip or are planning a weekend getaway, check out our recommendations for where to go.
10. Check out these must-see museum exhibitions
San Francisco boasts many wonderful museum exhibitions, and you definitely want to visit these before they close. Check out these exhibitions that are closing soon:
- Fashioning San Francisco: A Century of Style
- Yayoi Kusama: Infinite Love
- Rituals of Care by Lee Mingwei
- Irving Penn at the de Young
11. Try SF locals’ favorite restaurants
The weekend is the perfect time to try a new place to eat, but it can be hard to know where to go. We asked our readers what their favorite restaurants are, and they had some pretty great suggestions. From fine dining to the best pizza in town, check out the full list here.
12. Check out these great free things to do in the city
SF is expensive, so it’s always nice to find fun, free activities when possible. From checking out one of the many beautiful public parks and beaches to the ICA, which offers free admission daily, there are still plenty of ways to have a great day in SF while staying within budget.
13. Watch the sunset at these beautiful spots
One of the best parts of living in SF is the amazing views and the many great lookouts for watching the sunset. There are many beautiful spots right here in the city, but if you want to venture out, we recommend checking out Mt. Tamalpais and Mori Point.
14. Check out this hidden, tiny park with beautiful views
Tucked away on a hillside in North Beach, there’s a hidden staircase that leads to a tiny park. Jack Early Park only has enough room for two small benches, where you can sit and admire the sprawling view of the bay. It’s perfect for having lunch and admiring the view or a nice destination for a walk.
15. Visit Filoli Estate and Gardens in full bloom
The Filoli Estate and Gardens are in full bloom for spring, and it’s the perfect day trip from San Francisco. Just a 30 minute drive from San Francisco, you can wander through the beautiful house and gardens. They’ve planted over 75 thousand flower bulbs this spring, so you definitely want to check it out.
16. Check out MoAD’s newest exhibitions
The Museum of the African Diaspora has 2 new wonderful exhibitions on view. One by renowned painter Rachel Jones, titled !!!!!, and Unruly Navigations curated by Key Jo Lee. The exhibitions feature captivating works of different mediums, and it’s a great way to spend a day taking in the incredible art.