Things to Do in San Francisco in August 2024

San Francisco in August is a bustling metropolis with various events, festivals, and activities perfect for all interests. Whether you love music, enjoy good food, or are looking for unique things to do, this city offers the perfect summer getaway for you.
Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your visit in August:
- Stern Grove Festival
The Stern Grove Festival has been offering free summer concerts for 87 years. Its stages have seen Grammy winners and rising stars, including Mitski, The Doobie Brothers, Carlos Santana, Pink Martini, and Janelle Monáe. For 2024, the lineup features legendary performers like Chaka Khan & Tegan and Sara. This festival is every Sunday from June 23 to August 18, 2024.
- Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
The Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, which has featured more than 42,000 emerging artists, is dedicated to celebrating and preserving San Francisco’s rich cultural heritage and supporting local artists. This festival aims to uplift low-income communities of color, many of whom were displaced during the city’s redevelopment in the 1970s and 1980s. Enjoy 6 months of admission-free performances from June to November 2024.
- Nihonmachi Street Fair
The Nihonmachi Street Fair, held annually in San Francisco’s Japantown, is one of the vibrant weekend-long August events celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. During this fair, you can sample traditional food, enjoy live entertainment, and participate in fun activities for kids.
- Museum Exhibits
Explore various traveling exhibits at San Francisco’s top museums. At the Asian Art Museum, check out “Into View: New Voices, New Stories,” which highlights contemporary perspectives. The Legion of Honor features “Nampeyo and the Sikyatki Revival,” showcasing the artistry of the famed Tewa-Hopi potter. Additionally, the Museum of the African Diaspora presents “Unruly Navigations,” a thought-provoking exhibit exploring complex narratives.
- Wicked Theatre Performance
Don’t miss “Wicked” at the Orpheum Theatre from August 28 to October 13. This beloved musical offers a fresh perspective on the events in Oz before Dorothy’s arrival, focusing on the story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. Tickets are available through TicketNetwork.
- Giants Race
For baseball enthusiasts, the Giants Race on August 17 and 18 is a great reason to visit the ballpark even though there’s no game on Sunday morning. This event features a half marathon, 10K, 5K, kids race, and family relay, all starting and ending at Oracle Park. It’s one of San Francisco’s most popular August events, so be sure to register today, as it sells out every year.
- Orchids in the Park
Mark your calendars for Orchids in the Park, an event taking place on August 10 and 11 at the San Francisco County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park. This annual extravaganza showcases thousands of stunning orchids available for purchase. From 10 am to 5 pm each day, enthusiasts can explore a kaleidoscope of colors and varieties.
Explore San Francisco with GoCar Tours
For a distinctive and informative way to discover San Francisco, renting a GoCar is the perfect choice. Our GPS-guided, talking cars offer a personalized tour experience, allowing you to leisurely explore iconic landmarks such as Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Lombard Street, and enjoy these exciting events in August.