Festivals
and Special Events
February 2003 - December 2003
The following events are
held on an annual basis and are updated throughout the year. All dates and locations
are subject to change and should be confirmed with event sponsors before making
travel plans.
1/9 - 1/15/03 Berlin and Beyond Film Festival
Castro Theater, 415-263-8760
www.goethe.de/sanfrancisco
This unique German language film festival provides highlights of recent European
cinema.
1/11/03 East-West Shrine Game
Pacific Bell Park, 925-762-2277 (tickets)
650-372-9300 (info)
www.shrinegame.com
The East-West Shrine Game is America's oldest and most prestigious college all-star
game showcasing the talents of the country's top college senior players. The Shrine
Game is played for the benefit of Shriners Hospitals for Children throughout North
America.
1/11 - 1/31/03 San Francisco's Dine-About-Town
Various venues, 415-391-2000
www.sfdineaboutown.com
Featuring more than 150 restaurants offering great prix fixe lunch for $19.95
and dinner for $29.95 menus.
1/16 - 1/20/03
San Francisco International Art Expo
Fort Mason Center, Festival Pavilion, 877-734-2399
www.sfiae.com
More than 100 prestigious international galleries present the work of over 2000
modern and contemporary artists at this annual exposition.
1/17 - 1/26/03
San Francisco Sports and Boat Show
Cow Palace, 415-931-2500
www.sfboatshow.com
One of the West's biggest expos features boats, fishing tackle, camping gear,
hunting equipment, Vacationland Hall and much more. 11am-8pm.
1/19/03 13th Anniversary of the
Sea Lion's Arrival at Pier 39
Pier 39, 415-705-5500
www.pier39.com
Pier 39 commemorates the sea lion's arrival for the delight of spectators to see,
hear and enjoy hundreds of sea lions in close proximity.
1/20/03
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday Celebration
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium and Yerba Buena Gardens, 510-268-3777.
San Francisco honors the civil rights leader with a host of festivities.
1/25/03 AMA Supercross Series
Pacific Bell Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza
415-478-2277 (tickets), 415-972-1800 (info)
www.pacesupercross.com
Motor sport racing competition featuring top supercross riders in the world.
1/25 - 2/16/03
Chinese New Year Parade And Celebration
Chinatown, 415-982-3000
www.chineseparade.com
The Year of the Ram (4701 on the Lunar Calendar) entices with Chinese New Year
Flower Fair (Jan. 25-26), the Miss Chinatown USA Pageant (Feb. 8), Miss Chinatown
Coronation Ball (Feb. 14), and the Chinatown Community Street Fair (Feb. 15-16).
It's all built around a fantastic parade from Market and Second Streets to Columbus
Avenue beginning at 5:30 pm on Saturday, Feb. 15.
1/26/03
Home Depot San Francisco Half Marathon & 5K
Golden Gate Park, 415-333-4780
www.pamakids.org
One of the nicest half marathons ever, features a course travel throughout Golden
Gate Park and along the Pacific Ocean with both starts and finishes together in
the park. Starts at 8am.
1/29/03 San Francisco Ballet Gala Opening
War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Avenue at Grove Street, 415-865-2000
www.sfballet.org
The opening programme of America's oldest ballet company with full-length, classical
and contemporary ballet performances.
1/31
The 14th Annual Bon Appétit Wine & Spirit Focus
Fort Mason, Festival Pavilion, 888-343-6287
This annual gala features crab dishes from San Francisco's top restaurants, paired
with wines from the region's best wineries and live entertainment.
2/1 - 2/2/03 Crab & Wine Marketplace
Fort Mason, Festival Pavilion, 415-391-2000, www.sfvisitor.org,
www.fortmason.org
This two-day marketplace includes cooking demonstrations and competitions, food
and wine tastings, children's activities, educational programs and culinary-related
shopping including fresh seafood and wines by the case.
2/6 - 2/9/03
Historic Fisherman's Wharf Classic Car Exhibit
Pier 45, Shed A, Taylor St. on Fisherman's Wharf
415-647-7078
www.modela.aldeberan.com
The festival features cooking exhibitions, wine tasting, art, children's activities
and a parade of historic vehicles led by San Francisco's Mayor, the Honorable
Willie Brown.
2/6 - 2/9/03
San Francisco Arts of Pacific Asia Show
Fort Mason Center, Festival Pavilion, 310-455-2886
www.caskeylees.com
All periods of exceptional Asian art and artifacts of the People of the Pacific
and Mainland Asian Region, benefiting the education programs of the Asian Art
Museum of San Francisco.
2/6 - 2/16/03
San Francisco Independent Film Festival
Various Locations, 415-820-3907 or 415-421-TIXS
www.sfindie.com
Annual film festival screens the best of independent films and videos from the
Bay Area and beyond.
2/7 - 2/9/03 California Antiquarian Book Fair
Concourse Exhibition Center, 415-551-5190
www.californiabookfair.com
The world's largest rare book faire features rare and antiquarian books, manuscripts
and related materials, including early printed books, illustrated books, fine
bindings, early American literature, children's books, maps and much more.
2/8/03 Miss Chinatown USA Pageant
Palace of Fine Arts, 415-397-8988 or 415- 982-3000
www.chineseparade.com
A pageant to select Ms. Chinatown 2003.
2/13 - 2/16/03
San Francisco Tribal, Folk & Textiles Arts Show
Fort Mason Center, Festival Pavilion, 310-455-2886
www.caskeylees.com
Over 80 folk and ethnic art dealers exhibiting tribal arts, pottery, textiles
and jewelry from around the world.
2/15/03 Chinese New Year Parade
Chinatown, 415-391-9680
www.chineseparade.com
Parade begins at 5:30 pm to bring in the Year of the Ram on 2nd and Market streets.
2/20 - 2/23/03 Pacific Orchid Exposition
Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, 415-665-2468
www.orchidsanfrancisco.com
The 51st annual edition of the San Francisco Orchid Society's show dazzles with
dozens of breathtaking floral collections with this year's theme "Gems of
Nature."
2/22 - 2/23/03
The Great San Francisco Crystal Fair
Fort Mason Center, 415-383-7837
www.crystalfair.com
Magical mix of crystals, minerals, gem and jewelry display by over 30 vendors
from around the world.
2/22 - 3/2/03 Tulipmania Festival
Pier 39, 415-705-5500
www.pier39.com
More than 39,000 brilliantly colored tulips from all over the world coupled with
free-guided tours.
3/6 - 3/16/03 NAATA'S San Francisco
International Asian American Fair Festival
Castro and Kabuki Theatres, 415-255-4299
www.naatanet.org
The biggest event in North America dedicated to the exhibition of Asian American
and Asian cinema.
3/8 - 3/9/03 Contemporary Crafts Market
Fort Mason Center, Festival Pavilion, 415-995-4925
www.craftsource.org
Over 250 artists will come together to display and sell expertly handcrafted decorative,
functional, and wearable arts such as home furnishings, ceramics, jewelry, glassware,
and much more.
3/8 - 3/22/03 Jewish Music Festival
Various locations throughout San Francisco and East Bay
510-848-0237
www.brjcc.org
Two-week celebration of Jewish music showcasing local and international performers.
Popular and rarely heard sacred and secular programs including klezmer, Yiddish,
Sephardic, classical, jazz and world music.
3/10 - 3/14/03 Bouquets to Arts
California Place of the Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park
415-750-3504
www.famsf.org
Works by 100 floral designers, lectures by horticulture experts, luncheons and
tea service.
3/14 - 3/20/03 Tiburon International Film Festival
Location TBA in Tiburon, 415-381-4123
www.tiburonfilmfestival.com
The festival features top quality films from around the world and present cultural
enrichment and awareness with the understanding through films.
3/16/03 St. Patrick's Day Parade
Second and Market to Civic Center, 415-675-9885.
One of San Francisco's largest annual parades and one of the longest-running parades
in the U.S. will be celebrated with live music, dance, beverages and traditional
Irish cuisine. Parade starts at noon.
3/19 - 3/23/03
San Francisco Flower & Garden Show
Cow Palace, 415-771-6909, 800-829-9751
www.gardenshow.com
Fourth largest spring show in the country and the largest in California, the San
Francisco Flower and Garden Show display gardens, spring planting, gardening accessories,
decorations and many more.
3/20/03 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco
Re-opening Celebration
Civic Center, 200 Larkin Street
415-379-8800, 415-752-2635
www.asianart.org
The Asian Art Museum celebrates its grand opening day at its new and expanded
home at the city's Civic Center with special guest, Mayor Willie Brown. Starts
10 am.
3/21 - 6/15/03 SFJAZZ Spring Season 2003
Various venues
415-788-7353, 800-850-7353 (Outside CA)
www.sfjazz.org
A series of concerts, films and family matinees featuring jazz legends and the
rising stars they have influenced.
3/23/03 Across The Bay 12K Race
Sausalito to Fisherman's Wharf, 415-759-2690
www.rhodyco.com
The largest run ever to cross the Golden Gate Bridge ends with a world-class post-race
party at Fisherman's Wharf. 9am-12pm.
TBA Street Performer's Festival
Pier 39, 415-705-5500
www.pier39.com
Comedians, jugglers, unicyclists, slack ropewalkers and many more perform on two
stages.
4/4/03 Bustamante Antiques Show And Sale
Fort Mason Center, Festival Pavilion, 209-358-3134
www.bustamante-shows.com
Featuring more than 140 prestigious dealers and a variety of fine art, furniture,
jewelry, vintage timepieces, bronze, silver, crystal, folk art and more from every
era and all around the world.
4/7/03 Opening Day - San Francisco Giants
Pacific Bell Park, 800-5GIANTS (800-544-2687-tickets), 415-972-2000 (info)
www.sfgiants.com
The San Francisco Giants open their season at Pacific Bell Park.
4/12 - 4/20/03 Cherry Blossom Festival
Civic Center and Japantown, 415-563-2313
www.nccbs.org
Two consecutive weekends of performances, crafts, food, martial arts and exhibitions.
A colorful parade will be held on April 20th at the Civic Center at noon.
4/17 - 5/1/03
San Francisco International Film Festival
Castro Theater, AMC Kabuki Theatres and other venues, 415-561-5000 or 415-931-FILM
www.sffs.org
More than 100 films and videos from over 45 countries will be showcased during
this annual festival.
4/27/03 Opening Day on the Bay
Pier 39, 415-823-6633
www.picya.org
Kick off the sailing season on the San Francisco Bay with a festive boat parade
and the blessing of the fleet, sponsored by Boat U.S. and 97 Yacht Clubs in Northern
California.
TBA Min-Sok Festival
Intercultural Institute of California, Korean Center, Inc. 415-441-1881
www.koreannet.org
Annual festival celebrating Korean culture with art, food and a forum of Korean
Studies Scholars. Art exhibits include traditional fan painting and calligraphy
demonstrations.
5/4 - 10/12/03 Golden Gate Park Band
Music Concourse, Golden Gate Park, 415-831-5500
www.parks.sfgov.org
Since 1882, the Golden Gate Park Band has performed regularly in the park. Pack
a picnic and enjoy this perennial pleasure. Sundays 1-4pm.
5/5/03 Cinco de Mayo
Parade on Mission Street, Festival in Civic Center Plaza, 415-256-3005.
A parade and festival featuring Mexican and Central American art, culture and
entertainment.
5/10 - 5/18/03 San Francisco Youth Arts Festival
Zeum and Yerba Buena Gardens, 415-759-2916
www.youtharts.org
An annual exhibition and celebration showcasing the visual and performing arts
by San Francisco students in grades K-12.
5/17/03 Urban Kidz Film Festival
762 Fulton St., 415-392-4400, 800-965-4827
www.ukff.org
Films by and about kids ages 5-12 years old, including hands-on filmmaking workshops.
5/17 - 11/8/03 Chinatown Night Market Fair
Portsmouth Square, 415-397-8000.
Experience Chinese culture at the Night Market Fair every Saturday evening from
6-11 pm with traditional lion dancing, Chinese opera, musical performances, Chinese
painting and fortunetellers. Free.
5/18/03 San Francisco Bay to Breakers Footrace
The Embarcadero to the Great Highway, 415-359-2800
www.baytobreakers.com
The world's largest footrace unfolds as more than 70,000 costume-clad runners
push off at 8 am.
5/22 - 5/31/03 DIVAfest
Exit Theatre, 156 Eddy St., 415-931-1094
www.divafest.org
A theatre festival with a "female persuasion" celebrating womanhood
from mink to matriarch and virgin to vamp for two weeks of plays, solos, cabaret
and comedy.
5/24 - 5/25/03 Carnaval 2003
Harrison Street, between 16th and 22nd Streets
415-920-0125
www.carnavalsf.com
San Francisco's version of Mardi Gras, and one of its largest annual public events,
featuring exotic carnaval dancers with a mixture of latino, jazz, samba, Caribbean,
and more.
5/31/03 Black & White Ball 2003
Civic Center and other venues, 415-864-6000
www.bwball.com
Join thousands of other Bay Area residents for the glamour and enchantment of
San Francisco's biggest black-tie block party with acclaimed headliners and musical
groups at various venues throughout seven blocks.
TBA Ethnic Dance Festival
Fort Mason Center, Building D, 415-474-3914
www.fortmason.org
One of the largest events of its kind in the country featuring real people, real
dances and real music of Northern California communities.
TBA Haight Street Fair
Haight Street, 415-661-8025
www.haightstreetfair.org
One of San Francisco's most famous neighborhoods celebrates its creative roots
with arts, crafts and entertainment.
6/5 - 6/8/03 Home Entertainment 2003
Westin St. Francis Hotel, 335 Powell Street, 212-886-368
www.HomeEntertainment-EXPO.com
A four day event showcasing exclusive home theater, home audio and video of all
levels with live music performances from popular jazz, contemporary blues and
classical recording artists.
6/7 - 6/8/03 27th Annual Union Street Festival
Union Street between Gough & Steiner streets
800-310-6563
A festival featuring works of over 200 arts and crafts vendors featuring a variety
of specialty food and live music from two stages or the Kiddie Area.
6/7 - 6/8/03 The Great San Francisco Crystal Fair
Fort Mason Center, 415-383-7837
www.crystalfair.com
Magical mix of crystals, minerals, gem and jewelry display by over 30 vendors
from around the world.
6/11 - 6/15/03 San Francisco Black Film Festival
Delancey Street Theater and other venues
415-771-9271, 415-346-0199
www.sfbff.org
Showcases diverse collection of films from emerging and established filmmakers
about the African and African American experience.
6/12 - 6/29/03 San Francisco International
Lesbian and Gay Film Festival
Castro Theatre and other venues, 415-703-8650
www.frameline.org
More than 250 films from around the globe are showcased in this 26th annual flick
festival, the largest and oldest event of its kind in the world.
6/14 - 6/15/03 Fiesta Filipina 2003
Civic Center Plaza, 650-871-6647
www.fiestafilipina.com
Largest Bay Area Filipino Festival featuring Filipino cuisine, entertainment,
folk dancing, arts, crafts and carnival rides.
6/14 - 6/15 Juneteenth Celebration (TENTATIVE)
Golden Gate Park, Kimball Park and Fillmore Street
415-447-1330.
A celebration of African American culture.
6/14 - 6/15/03 North Beach Festival
Grant Avenue and Green Street, 415-989-2220
www.sfnorthbeach.com
San Francisco's oldest Italian street fair delights with arts and crafts, live
entertainment, pizza toss and other surprises.
6/15/03 See Alice Run
Golden Gate Park, 415-759-2690
www.rhodyco.com
A 5 mile run and walk through Golden Gate Park with major post race party and
concerts.
6/22 - 8/24/03 Stern Grove
Midsummer Music Festival
Stern Grove, 19th Ave. and Sloat Blvd., 415-252-6252
www.sterngrove.org
Free Sunday concerts featuring renowned music and dance groups set in a beautiful
outdoor amphitheater in the heart of San Francisco.
6/28 - 6/29/03 San Francisco
Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender
Pride Celebration Parade
Embarcadero to Civic Center, Market Street
415-864-FREE
www.sfpride.org
San Francisco's annual celebration of lesbian and gay pride culminates with a
festive parade from the Embarcadero to the Civic Center on June 29 at 10:30 am.
TBA Golden Gateway to Gems
Herbst Pavilion, Fort Mason, 415-564-4230
www.fortmason.org
Annual show sponsored by San Francisco Gem and Mineral Society sparkles with minerals,
crystals and jewelry from all over the world.
TBA San Francisco Aloha Festival
Parade Grounds, San Francisco Presidio, 415-281-0221
www.pica-org.org
Two day arts festival celebrating Pacific Islanders' culture, Polynesian dance,
islander food, music, ethnic arts and crafts, educational workshops and activities.
7/4/03 Fourth of July Waterfront Festival
Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf, 415-705-5500
www.pier39.com
Dazzling fireworks, live entertainment, food, arts and crafts ignite this annual
waterfront party. Fireworks begin around 9pm. Dress warmly.
7/5 - 7/6/03 Fillmore Street Jazz Festival
Fillmore Street, Between Jackson and Eddy streets
510-232-5030, 800-731-0003
www.hartmannstudios.com
Three stages of continuous Jazz performances, over 300 artists booths and international
food courts. Free admission. 10am-6pm.
7/17/03 Cable Car Bell-Ringing Competition
Union Square Plaza, 415-923-6217
www.sfmuni.com
Muni cable car operators clang out melodies on a cable car bell during this annual
competition for top bell-ringer.
7/17 - 7/24/03 San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
Castro Theater and other venues around the Bay Area
925-866-9559 (tickets), 415-621-0556 (info)
www.sfjff.org
Films from American and international filmmakers showcase the diversity and vitality
of Jewish culture.
7/24 - 8/10/03 Midsummer Mozart Festival
California Palace of the Legion of Honor, 415-292-9620
www.midsummermozart.org
A Mozart musical festival featuring world-renowned artist and a first class local
orchestra led by George Cleve. All concerts are at 8pm.
TBA AfroSolo Arts Festival
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and other venues
415-771-AFRO
www.afrosolo.org
The Afro Solo Arts Festival 2002 features celebrity and emerging African American
artists in various performances such as theater, dance, music, spoken world and
visual arts. Most shows begin at 8 pm.
TBA Nihonmachi Street Fair
Japantown and Japan Center, 415-771-9861
www.nihonmachistreetfair.org
This Japanese festival features lion dancers, taiko drummers, Japanese arts and
crafts musical entertainment, food and children's events.
TBA San Francisco Shakespeare Festival
Near the Conservatory of Flowers, Golden Gate Park, 415-865-4434
www.sfshakes.org
Relax in a tranquil environment and enjoy Shakespeare's classics, every Saturday
and Sunday through the month of September. Shows begin at 1:30 pm. Free.
8/6 - 8/10/03 North Beach Jazz Festival
North Beach venues, 415-771-2061
www.nbjazzfest.org
One of San Francisco's favorite neighborhood-wide celebration features variety
of the Bay Area's best local jazz talent performing in bars, cafes, restaurants
and other venues throughout North Beach district.
8/8 - 8/10/03 ACC Craft Show
Fort Mason Center, 800-836-3470 or 415-896-5060
www.craftcouncil.org
Largest juried craft fair on the West Coast showcasing jewelry, stoneware bowls,
glassware, silk scarves, patterned quilts and much more.
8/17/03 San Francisco Comedy Day Celebration
Golden Gate Park, Sharon Meadow, 415-339-8050
www.comedyday.com
Comedy Day is a free comedy "concert" featuring 30 of Northern California's
top comedians. 12-4pm. Visit website for more information.
8/27 - 9/1/03 Ringling Brothers
and Barnum and Bailey Circus
Cow Palace, 415-478-BASS (tickets)
www.cowpalace.com
Barnum and Bailey and the Ringling Brother once again present the "greatest
show on earth."
8/30 - 9/1/03 A La Carte, A La Park
Golden Gate Park, Sharon Meadow, 415-458-1988 (info), 415-478-BASS (tickets)
www.eventswestca.com
Featuring over 30 of San Francisco's most highly regarded restaurants and chefs,
a delightful selection of wines and music. A La Carte, A La Park is one of the
Bay Area's most popular Labor Day weekend events.
8/30 - 9/1/03 Sausalito Art Festival
Sausalito, 415-332-3555
www.sausalitoartfest.org
Top-rated fine arts festival on the west coast featuring more than 20,000 original
works of art, music and food.
9/3 - 9/14/03 San Francisco Fringe Festival
Exit Theatre and other downtown venues
415-931-1094 (info), 800-965-4827 (tickets)
www.sffringe.org
A marathon of 260 performances over 12 days with low price tickets and a wide
variety of alternative, classical, comedy, cabaret and new theater open to all
performers on a non-curated basis.
9/6 - 9/7/03 Autumn Moon Festival
Grant Avenue between California and Pacific streets
415-982-6306
www.moonfestival.org
This event features multicultural entertainment, traditional lion and dragon dances,
arts and crafts, lantern village moon cakes and children's activities from 11am-6pm.
9/6 - 9/7/03 Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival
Ghirardelli Square, 415-775-5500
www.ghirardellisq.com
Delectable chocolate desserts for attendees to sample various chocolate treats
including chocolate ice cream, sundae eating contest and children's festivities.
Proceeds benefit Project Open Hand.
9/7/03 San Francisco Opera Concert in the Park
Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park, 415-777-7120
www.chronicleevents.com
Free admittance to an afternoon opera concerts featuring aria and ensembles.
9/13 - 9/14/03 Vivas Las Americas!
Pier 39, 415-705-5500
www.pier39.com
Hispanic Heritage is the focus of this event, featuring music and dance performances
commemorating the artistry of Mexico and Central and South America.
9/14/03 Champion Run For Children/Jamba Juice 5K Banana Man Chase
Golden Gate Park and Kezar Stadium Track
415-759-2690
www.rhodyco.com
Three different races including the 5K run for everyone at the Golden Gate Park,
1 mile invitational for elites and young champions for kids all begin and end
at the stadium. Starts at 9am.
9/14/03 San Francisco Grand Prix Cycling Event
Various locations, 610-676-0390, 415-705-6000
www.procyclingtour.com,
www.sfgrandprix.com
San Francisco Grand Prix presented by BMC Software features 4-time Tour de France
winner, Lance Armstrong, and top international professional cyclists through the
streets of San Francisco. Start and finish at Embarcadero at Pier 1. Race begins
at 9am sharp.
9/15/03 Latino Summer Fiesta (Tenative)
Mission District and Civic Center Plaza, 415-256-3005.
A Latin American food and arts festival celebrating Latin American independence
days.
9/21 - 12/13/03 Sea Music Concert Series
Hyde Street Pier, 415-561-6662 ext. 18
www.maritime.org
Once a month concerts held aboard the historic sailing vessel, Balclutha. Sept.
21, Oct. 19, Nov. 16 and Dec. 13.
9/27 - 9/28/03 San Francisco Blues Festival
Great Meadow at Fort Mason, 415-979-5588
www.sfblues.com
The oldest blues festival in America presents some of the best blues musicians
and concerts in the world every September.
9/28/03 Folsom Street Fair
Folsom Street between 7th and 12th streets
415-861-3247
www.folsomstreetfair.com
San Francisco's largest street fair celebrating alternative lifestyles and the
leather community through music, food and activities. All proceeds benefit local
charities. Recommended for adults only.
TBA Bridge to Bridge Run
Golden Gate Bridge to Bay Bridge, 415-995-6868
www.bridgetobridge.com
This span to span trek combines a 12K sanctioned race with a 7K run and 5K walk.
Runners and walkers start together at 9am in front of the Ferry Building in Embarcadero
Center.
TBA International Vintage Poster Fair
Fort Mason Center, 650-548-6700
www.posterfair.com
The oldest and largest vintage poster fair in the world features American and
European posters from the 1890s to the 1980s.
10/1/03 Castro Street Fair
Castro Street, 415-841-1824
www.castrostreetfair.org
This festival will feature food, arts, crafts and a variety of retail items from
10am-6pm.
10/4 - 10/5/03
The Great San Francisco Crystal Fair
Fort Mason Center, 415-383-7837
www.crystalfair.com
Magical mix of crystals, minerals, gem and jewelry display by over 30 vendors
from around the world.
10/4
- 10/5/03 Reggae In the Park
Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park, 415-458-1988
www.eventswestca.com
San Francisco's largest reggae and music festival featuring a multicultural world-beat
music, arts, crafts and international food.
10/4 - 10/26/03 ArtSpan/San Francisco
Open Studios (Weekends Only)
Various locations, 415-861-9838
www.sfopenstudios.com
The public will have access to over 850 artists' studios every weekend in October.
Visitors can browse paintings, sculpture, mixed media, ceramics, printmaking,
furniture, glass, jewelry and photography.
10/11 - 10/13/03 Fleet Week
Embarcadero and Fisherman's Wharf, 415-621-2325
www.airshownetwork.com
Paying tribute to the men and women of our nation's marine services. View dynamic
aerial performances by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
10/13/03 San Francisco Italian Heritage
Parade and Festival
Fisherman's Wharf and North Beach, 415-986-4036
www.sfcolumbusday.org
The City celebrates its Italian heritage with a lively parade through North Beach
with food, music, entertainment and celebrities, beginning at 1:30 pm.
10/18/03 Exotic Erotic Ball
Cow Palace, 1-888-EXOTIC6, 415-404-4111
www.exoticeroticball.com
An evening of entertainment and dancing, with revelers wearing outrageous costumes.
Recommended for adults only.
10/17 - 10/19/03 Oktoberfest By The Bay
Fort Mason Center, Festival Pavilion, 510-553-9001
www.oktoberfestbythebay.com
San Francisco's annual event featuring nonstop German music, beer and wine, traditional
folk dancing, historical exhibits and culinary delights.
10/23 - 11/10/03 San Francisco Jazz Festival
Various locations
415-788-7353, 800-850-7353 (Outside CA)
www.sfjazz.org
One of San Francisco's biggest and best musical festivals features local, national
and international jazz artist performances at locations throughout San Francisco.
10/24 - 11/2/03
Grand National Rodeo, Horse and Stock Show
Cow Palace, 415-404-4111
www.grandnationalrodeo.com
Enjoy concerts, art, food, livestock and rodeo competitions at this year's Grand
Nationals.
10/30 - 11/2/03 San Francisco Fall Antiques Show
Fort Mason Center, 415-546-6661
www.fortmason.org
Over 65 distinguished antique dealers from America and Europe sell a broad range
of antique merchandise.
TBA ACGA's San Francisco Clay and Glass Festival
Fort Mason Center, Herbst Pavilion, 415-281-5888
www.fortmason.org
The Festival showcases the work of more than 160 clay and glass artists, all members
of the Association of Clay and Glass Artists, for show and sale.
TBA Pier 39 Tree Lighting Ceremony
Pier 39, 415-705-5500
www.pier39.com
A day of entertainment for the family, including activities such as face painting,
street performers and magic tricks. The event culminates in the lighting of the
65-foot tree with 2,500 shimmering lights at 5:30 pm.
11/6 - 11/13/03 American Indian Film Festival
Palace of Fine Arts Theater, 415-554-0525
www.aifisf.com
Showcasing the best in Native American and First Nation Films, this annual awards
ceremony brings together Native music and comedy while celebrating the best films
of the festival.
11/8 - 11/11/03 Film Arts Festival of
Independent Cinema
Various venues, 415-552-3456
www.filmarts.org
More then 300 films by local artists showcasing the richness and diversity of
San Francisco and Northern California as a major hub in the independent film world.
11/15 - 11/17/03 Harvest Festival
and Christmas Crafts Market
Concourse Exhibition Center, 707-778-6300
www.harvestfestival.com
Hand made arts and crafts fair offering wonderful gifts and other ideas for the
holiday season.
11/21/03 Embarcadero Center Lighting
Ceremony and Celebration
Embarcadero Center, 415-772-0754
Annual holiday lighting ceremony featuring entertainment, food and various activities,
including ice skating performances. At approximately 6pm, thousands of lights
will illuminate the Embarcadero Center's office buildings.
11/22 - 11/30/03 Celebration of Craftswomen
Fort Mason Center, 415-383-3470
www.miramarevents.com
San Francisco's largest fine quality arts and crafts fair take place on two weekends.
11/22 - 11/30/03 San Francisco International
Automobile Show
Moscone Center, 415-331-4406
www.moscone.com
The latest and greatest automobiles in the world add a sleek and shiny ambiance
to this annual show.
11/28/03 Ghirardelli Square
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Ghirardelli Square, 415-775-5500
www.ghirardellisq.com
Ghirardelli Square lights up the waterfront with a 50-foot Christmas tree. The
lighting is slated for 5:30 pm and includes holiday entertainment, caroling, dancing
and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
11/29 - 11/30/03 The Great San Francisco
Crystal Fair
Fort Mason Center, 415-383-7837
www.crystalfair.com
Magical mix of crystals, minerals, gem and jewelry display by over 30 vendors
from around the world.
11/29-12/21/03 Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Cow Palace, Exhibition Hall, 415-392-4400
www.dickensfair.com
Costumed entertainers, along with attendees, dress up as characters from Charles
Dickens novels. Visitors can also enjoy an assortment of Christmas delicacies.
11/30/03 Run to the Far Side
Golden Gate Park, 415-759-2690
www.rhodyco.com or www.calacademy.org
5K and 10K footraces through scenic Golden Gate Park with costume contest and
free admission to the California Academy of Sciences. The first race begins at
8:30 am.
12/15/03 Christmas at Sea
Hyde Street Pier, 415-561-6662
www.maritime.org
Family holiday event aboard the historic Balclutha on Hyde Street Pier includes
crafts, storytelling and a visit with Santa.
12/5 - 12/7/03 San Francisco Black
Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender Film Festival
San Francisco Gay And Lesbian Community Center Rainbow Room, 1800 Market St.,
415-346-0199
www.blacklgbtff.org
Celebrating the diversity in the Black Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
Community on films.
12/10 - 12/29/03 San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker
War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Avenue
415-865-2000
www.sfballet.org
America's oldest ballet company, regarded as one of its finest, presents a spectacular
and classic production every December.
12/31/03 San Francisco Bowl
Pacific Bell Park, 4 Willie Mays Plaza, 415-947-BOWL
www.sfbowl.com
Come to PacBell Park and watch two distinguished college football teams compete
in the first ever NCAA Bowl Game held in San Francisco this holiday. Call for
schedules and more information.
In
its 30th year the San Francisco Blues Festival is the oldest blues festival in
America and continues to present some of the best blues musicians in the world.
One of San Francisco's
biggest and best musical festivals features local, national and international
jazz artists performing at Two Embarcadero Center and Levi's Park Plaza Music
Series for an outdoor summer concert throughout San Francisco. The line-up includes
many renowned musicians. All events are free to the public. All shows 12-1:30
pm. Aug. 1 - Oct. 9
Ancient
and European art from 2500 B.C. through the 20th
century is showcased. Highlights include new underground galleries surrounding
a sky-lit courtyard and a cafe.
The largest
museum in the western world devoted exclusively to Asian art houses permanent
collections showcasing the arts and cultures of over 40 Asian countries. NOTE:
The museum is closed and is scheduled to open in its new, expanded facility at
San Francisco's Civic Center in early 2003.
The Exploratorium,
San Francisco's internationally acclaimed museum of science, art and human perception,
features over 650 hands-on exhibits, as well as changing temporary exhibitions.
Tony Award-winning
company presents its 34rd season with works by Bertolt Brecht, Tom Stoppard, Christopher
Marlowe . . .
San Francisco's
most celebrated seafood restaurant, located adjacent to our Kensington Park Hotel.
Chef Mark Franz's contemporary coastal cuisine is showcased in an underwater fantasy.
Ron Siegel,
the american that bested on the 'Iron Chef', creates masterful dishes served with
military precision.
