Happy Friday Everyone! You've worked hard all week, and now it's time to have fun! Getting out and enjoying the beautiful Bay Area, as well as enjoying the company of friends old and new, is great for your mental health. So check out some of our favorite events from around the Bay that you can attend this weekend!
Click on any of the event titles for a link to the event.
Friday, April 14th
CounterPulse, San Francisco
3 PM, Ages: All
Free
To celebrate our home, CounterPulse and SAFEhouse Arts have begun planning The Tenderloin Arts Festival which will match local artists with site specific locations including lobbies, landmarks, and performance spaces across the neighborhood in an effort to strengthen the creative and cultural intersections that makes the Tenderloin unique and to fortify stronger interdependent connections between artists, the Tenderloin community, its inhabitants as well as the organizations that exist within it.
This Festival is an opportunity to rejuvenate and celebrate the vibrant spirit and history that is the Tenderloin and it is our intention to highlight the many unique non-traditional spaces and people who should be celebrated in this neighborhood everyday.
Fort Mason, San Francisco
5 PM, Ages: All
Free (Food Separate)
California’s largest nighttime street food festival is back in San Francisco every Friday beginning March 24, 2023! Off the Grid: Fort Mason Center returns for its 13th season celebrating the variety, diversity and passion of the Bay Area food truck scene and beyond.
With over 50 food creators throughout the season, you can find your favorite treats while also discovering new and delicious dishes. Along with a diverse selection of food options, each Friday will also feature the Kivelstadt Cellars WineGarten, full cocktail bar, live music, and more!
Off the Grid: Fort Mason Friday Night Food Truck Party
March 24 – June 23, 2023
Every Friday | 5-10 pm – Rain or Shine
Fort Mason Center parking lot, 2 Marina Blvd., SF
FREE Admission
Please note that as of March 2023 Off the Grid has only announced dates through June 23rd but says “The 2023 season will be every Friday 5-10pm from March 24 – June 23 and then we will return in the fall for another round of special events.”
See the food truck lineup (25+ every week from a rotating list of 50 food trucks)
Special Events & Updates
Every 3rd Friday – Fido Fridays – 10% off bar for pet owners during “yappy” hour
Every 1st Friday – Family Fridays – 10% off bar for parents during happy hour
See offthegrid.com for updates
Saturday, April 15th
Civic Center Plaze, San Francisco
11 AM, Ages: All
Free
Welcome to the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, one of California’s most prominent celebrations of Asian traditions and the biggest on the West coast.
Since 1968, the Festival serves to cultivate the continued alliance between Japan and the United States using culture as its bridge. Each year, over 220,000 people attend this dazzling display showcasing the vibrant colors and grace of the Japanese culture and the diversity of the Japanese American Community in the festivities as San Francisco’s Japantown celebrates Japanese and Japanese-American culture. The celebration coincides with the blooming of the cherry blossoms.
2425 17th St. & 744 Alabama St, San Francisco
12 PM, Ages: All
Free
Art Explosion Studios, one of SF’s largest artist collectives is holding its annual Spring Open Studios April 14-16. Come and meet artists as they open their studios to exhibit their work. Painters, sculptures, photographers, fashion designers and jewelers will be showing so there will be something for every type of art connoisseur. The free opening reception gala will be on Friday from 7pm-10pm. Do not miss this opportunity to get a first look at all the incredible work that will be on display and enjoy a spectacular night out viewing art in San Francisco. In addition to artists opening their studios our galleries will be filled with art. On Sat & Sun we will have open studios from 12-5pm. Come and chat with the artists in their studios and get a personal showing of their art. As always this event is free.
Presented by Art Explosion Studios
Sunday, April 16th
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
1 PM, Ages: All
Free
There is a place in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park that is heaven for Bay Area inline skaters and roller skaters who like to boogie to the funky beat on wheels.
The Godfather of Skate brings his mobile DJ unit and plays groovy tunes for you to skate to. On most Sundays, there’s usually someone willing to teach you a few choreographed roller disco dance moves.
37th Avenue, San Francisco
9 AM, Ages: All
$49
A weekly market featuring farmers, ranchers, food artisans, live music, children’s activities, vendors, makers, merchants, artists, and local organizations. Explore all the amazing local businesses surrounding the farmers market at sunsetstrong.com.
You can find us every Sunday 9am-2pm year round on 37th avenue/Ortega and every Wednesday 3pm-7pm (June to August)
The Wednesday and Sunday Outer Sunset Farmers Market & Mercantile features ranchers, local farm fresh produce, unique artisan foods, delicious pop-up eateries, talented makers, local merchants, live music and an extensive Fun Zone for all ages.
Eat, drink, shop, play, connect and be local at our Wednesday and Sunday markets under the trees! www.sunsetmercantilesf.com for more details.