Happy Friday, San Francisco! Below are some of our favorite things to do in the San Francisco Bay Area this weekend. We gather SF weekend plans weekly, so you’ll always have something to do on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you’re looking for seasonal inspiration, check out our winter bucket lists and our guide of [trackLink link_url="https://secretsanfrancisco.com/things-to-do-in-january/"]events this January.
1. Explore FOG Design+Art Fair at Fort Mason Center
FOG, an annual art and design fair, is returning for another year in SF this weekend. The fair has 59 exhibitors in its expansive exposition, along with talks about art and design and even a marketplace that is making its debut this year. The fair starts this Thursday, January 23, and runs through the rest of the weekend.
2. Shop a pop-up vintage market at an art collective
On Sunday, January 26, Lonely Hearts Vintage is hosting a pop-up at Wave Collective in the Lower Haight. The pop-up includes clothes spanning from the 60s to the 2000s, including accessories. The market is at Wave Collective, an artist collective that regularly hosts community events, art shows, and more. You can check it out from 9 am to 6 pm on Sunday.
3. Explore a massive flower market
In Celebration of the Lunar New Year, Chinatown is hosting a massive flower market fair this weekend. The fair sells fresh flowers, fruits, candies, decorations, and more and always draws a large crowd to the festive event. The market runs Saturday and Sunday this weekend on Grant Ave between Clay and Broadway.
4. Check out this beautiful lighted art festival
The annual Napa Lighted Art parade is back for another year of beautiful displays right in Downtown Napa. The festival includes over a dozen large-scale light installations throughout the town, and visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the town to see the art.
5. Watch a show at SF Sketchfest
SF Sketchfest is in full swing, featuring major headliners such as Kathryn Hahn and Bill Murray. The festival includes sketch comedy, standup, talks, and more until February 2nd. Tickets go fast, so we recommend checking out the schedule now for shows in venues across the city.
6. Celebrate Lunar New Year with Calligraphy and Mahjong
The Ferry Building is hosting two events this weekend in honor of the Lunar New Year. You can watch a special calligraphy demonstration from 11 am to 3 pm on Sunday, January 26. From 12 to 3 pm on the same day, you can also check out a Mahjong meetup. Sets are provided, and players of all levels are welcome.
7. Relax at this new SF spa
If you’re still tired after New Year’s Eve (we’ve all been there), we recommend checking out this new spa in San Francisco, complete with cold plunges and a massive sauna. Alchemy Springs offers yoga classes, memberships, or passes for their social spa.
8. Explore an amazing museum exhibition
San Francisco is lucky to be home to so many excellent museums, including the de Young, SFMOMA, Asian Art Museum, MoAD, and more. There are plenty of fantastic exhibitions to see right now, many of which are temporary. We highly recommend checking out the exhibits happening right now, and many will end in January, so now’s the perfect time.
9. Check out this hidden park with an amazing view
Jack Early Park may be tiny, but it delivers a grand view of the bay. The hidden little park in North Beach is up a small staircase leading to a small perch with a beautiful view of San Francisco. The park is perfect for enjoying a sunny afternoon, and it’s worth checking out if you’re in the neighborhood.
10. Indulge in fresh Dungeness crab
It’s finally Dungeness crab season here in SF, which means we can have delicious crab fresh from the boats at Fisherman’s Wharf. Many restaurants will also include the local specialty in their menu if you prefer to dine out instead of cooking one yourself.
11. Take an unforgettable winter 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.
12. Book a table at one of SF’s best restaurants
We’re lucky to have many amazing restaurants in SF, and the weekend is the perfect time to try one. From award-winning pizza places to fine dining, there’s something for everyone. Check out our full list, suggested by locals, for the perfect dinner plans this weekend.