If there’s one thing I’ve learned from living in Northern California and spending a lot of time in San Francisco, it’s that you never have to look too far to find something fun to do. I’ve spent plenty of weekends (and honestly, weekdays) exploring the city’s concerts, art markets, cultural celebrations and more. Some of my favorite experiences haven’t even cost me a dime!
I’m AJ Juat Campos, and I’m sharing a few San Francisco events that I think are worth adding to your calendar, especially if you’re looking for fun ways to explore the city on a budget.
Stern Grove Festival (Free to attend)
Free concerts on sunny afternoons are a pretty good combination. Stern Grove Festival has brough live music to San Francisco since 1938, with artists from genres ranging from indie and hip-hop to soul, pop and classical music performing in an outdoor amphitheater amidst eucalyptus trees. Best of all, admission to the shows is free and there are shows all throughout the summer!
Outside Lands ($)
Every August, Golden Gate Park transforms into one of the country’s biggest music festival destinations. Outside Lands brings major artists across multiple stages alongside local food, art and other experiences throughout the park. This three-day festival is one of the city’s biggest events of the summer and is open to all ages. While three-day and single day passes can be pricey, there are opportunities to register for volunteer positions and be able to go to the festival. (Bonus tip: You can put these volunteer experiences on your resume for internships and on-campus employment while gaining free entry to the festival!)
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (Free to attend)
Don’t let the name fool you! There is a lot more than bluegrass on the lineup. Each fall, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass brings multiple stages of free live music to Golden Gate Park for three days. The festival has been a San Francisco tradition since 2001 and features performers spanning folk, rock, country, roots and other genres.
Bhangra & Beats Night Market (Free to attend)
Dance the night away, eat and explore at this free, all-ages night market celebrating South Asian culture. Bhangra & Beats brings DJs, live performances, food vendors, local businesses, artisans and plenty of dancing to downtown San Francisco. Select events also coincide with the city’s Diwali celebration and are hosted a few times throughout the year.
Downtown First Thursdays (Free to attend)
Who says you have to wait until the weekend to have some fun? On the first Thursday of every month, downtown San Francisco transforms into a massive street party with live music, DJs, drag performances, dancing, food vendors and local artists. Downtown First Thursdays is free and open to all ages, making it an easy way to experience the city’s creative energy without needing to spend a fortune.
San Francisco Pride (Free to attend)
Celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, history and culture at one of San Francisco’s most recognizable annual events. Hosted each June, San Francisco Pride brings a massive parade through the heart of the city along with performances, community celebrations and events throughout Pride Month.
DoTheBay MORE ($7/month)
Looking to experience more of San Francisco on a budget? DoTheB\ay MORE is a ticket subscription service that helps you discover concerts, sporting events, comedy shows and other local experiences for just $7 a month. Members receive personalized ticket offers based on their interests, making it an affordable way to see live performances, discover new artists and explore events they might not have found otherwise. Whether you’re looking for your next favorite band or a spontaneous weekend adventure, this is an easy way to experience more of the Bay Area without breaking the bank.
West Coast Craft @ Fort Mason (Free to attend)
Discover your next favorite artist at West Coast Craft, a free to attend art and design fair at Fort Mason Center several times throughout the year. Browse through handmade jewelry, ceramics, prints, clothing and other unique finds from hundreds of independent makers. Whether you’re shopping for something special or just looking for a creative way to spend an afternoon with friends, there is a ton to explore here.