Best Cultural Festivals in SF This Winter (2025-2026 Guide)

When the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, San Francisco’s streets and neighborhoods light up with events that feel like a warm welcome. From parades to pop-up markets, this winter’s lineup is a mix of tradition and new ideas, perfect for locals and visitors alike.

Best Cultural Festivals in San Francisco This Winter (2025-2026 Guide)

Chinese New Year Parade

The Chinese New Year Parade is a highlight of the season, with a parade route that winds through Chinatown and draws crowds from all over. Expect lion dances, colorful floats, and a giant dragon that’s carried by a team of martial artists.

• Where: Chinatown, starting at Second and Market
• Date: March 7, 2026
• Website: chineseparade.com
• Details: Free to attend, street fair on February 15-16, fireworks, and cultural performances

Annual Parol Lantern Festival and Parade

This Filipino-American event lights up San Francisco in December with handmade lanterns (“parols”), music, dancing, and street food. It’s a colorful, joyful showcase of Filipino heritage and community pride that stands out among winter events.

• Where: Jessie Square and Yerba Buena Lane (downtown SF)
• Date: December 13, 2025
• Website: https://www.parollanternfestival.com/
• Details: Free to attend, community parade, live performances, parol-making workshops, Filipino street food vendors

Dia de los Muertos Festival

This festival honors Mexican heritage with community altars, traditional music, and a procession led by Azteca dancers. The event is held in the Mission District and Sunset, with stops for ritual dances and cultural performances.

• Where: Mission District, Sunset
• Date: Early November
• Website: https://www.dayofthedeadsf.org/
• Details: Free to attend, family-friendly, educational

Noise Pop Festival

Noise Pop is a favorite for music lovers, featuring indie rock, hip-hop, and experimental acts at venues across the city. The festival also includes free happy hour concerts and artist meetups.

• Where: Grace Cathedral, Great American Music Hall, others
• Date: February 19 – March 1, 2026
• Website: noisepopfest.com
• Details: Ticketed events, free concerts, diverse lineup

San Francisco Beer Week

Craft beer fans can enjoy over 250 events citywide, from brewery trivia to specialty tastings. The week is a celebration of local brewers and their creative takes on beer.

• Where: Various breweries and bars
• Date: February 20 – March 1, 2026
• Website: https://sfbeerweek.org/
• Details: Many events are free, some are ticketed, includes comedy shows and brewery tours

Renegade Craft Fair

Fort Mason hosts this craft fair, featuring more than 250 artists and makers. The event is a go-to for unique gifts and handmade goods.

• Where: Fort Mason
• Date: November 1-2, 2025
• Website: https://www.renegadecraft.com/event/san-francisco-winter/
• Details: Pay-what-you-can entry, art installations, handmade goods

SF Street Food Festival

La Cocina’s festival brings together over 100 vendors offering food from around the world. The event also includes live music and family-friendly activities.

• Where: SoMa/Octavia Boulevard Plaza
• Date: November 8-9, 2025
• Website: lacocinasf.org
• Details: Global street food, live music, free entry

Winter Solstice Inner Sunset Art Walk

On Winter Solstice, the Inner Sunset neighborhood puts art in the spotlight. Galleries and local businesses open their doors for a seasonal art walk featuring music and community celebrations. Visitors can use a map to make their way to participating venues, enjoy special promotions, and listen to street musicians performing along the route.

• Where: Inner Sunset (starting at HUNT & GATHER, 1108 Irving Street)
• Date: December 19, 2025
• Website: https://huntandgathersf.com/seasonal-art-walks/
• Details: Evening event, pick up a map at any participating merchant, family-friendly

SFAC Art Vendor Holiday Market

For one day in December, the San Francisco Arts Commission hosts a holiday market where you can browse handmade art, crafts, and gifts from local artists. The event also features live music, making it a lively spot for holiday shopping and supporting the creative community.

• Where: War Memorial Veterans Building, 401 Van Ness Avenue
• Date: December 2, 2025, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Website: sf.gov/event-20251202-sfac-art-vendor-holiday-market
• Details: Free to attend, live music by Ukulenny, handmade gifts, local artists

San Francisco Coffee Festival

Coffee lovers gather for this festival, featuring local roasters, educational panels, and live music. The event is a celebration of the city’s coffee culture.

• Where: Fort Mason
• Date: November 8-9, 2025
• Website: https://www.sfcoffeefestival.com/
• Details: Artisan coffee, panels, music, exhibitors

San Francisco’s winter festivals are a mix of tradition and innovation, bringing people together through food, music, art, and celebration. Whether you’re looking for a parade, a pop-up market, or a night of live music, there’s something for everyone this season.

More…

• https://www.sftourismtips.com/san-francisco-festivals.html
• https://www.sftravel.com/article/cultural-festivals-events-san-francisco-you-must-experience
• https://www.overheresf.com/san-franciscos-top-free-festivals-you-can-enjoy-year-round/