Best Things To Do in San Francisco This August

August brings plenty of chances to enjoy San Francisco’s outdoor spaces, arts, and culture. The city offers a wide range of events and activities for every interest this month. If you want to find the best things to do in San Francisco this August, let this guide show you the top city events.

What to Do Around San Francisco in August

SOMA Nights Series, Dead Nights

DEAD NIGHT honors six decades of San Francisco’s music history with local bands, artists, food, and vendors creating a lively block party atmosphere.

Website: https://soma-nights.com
Date: Every 4th Thursday of the month
Where: 1145 Folsom Street, SF
Price: Free with RSVP

Cinema on the Square

Ejoy an outdoor movie at Union Square Plaza, featuring pre-show trivia, performances, and refreshments available for purchase.

Website: https://visitunionsquaresf.com/park-programs
Date: August 16, 2025
Where: Union Square Plaza, Downtown SF
Price: Free

Pizza Bagel and Beer Fest

Sample a wide range of pizzas, bagels, and craft beers from local vendors in North Beach. Enjoy food tasting and live entertainment at a casual gathering for food lovers.

Website: https://sfiacfoundation.org/san-francisco-pizza-festival
Date: August 16, 2025
Where: North Beach on Stockton and Filbert St.
Price: General admission $90

Ice Cream Socials on First Thursdays

First Thursdays Downtown start with free FK Frozen Custard bars and toppings at Mechanics Monument Plaza. Enjoy ping pong matches and music from local artists to set the mood for the evening.

Website: https://downtownsf.org/do/ice-cream-socials-on-first-thursdays
Date: August 7, 2025
Where: Mechanics Monument Plaza
Price: Free entry

Cartoon Art Museum Visit

See rotating exhibitions of comics, animation, and original cartoon art. A fun destination for all ages interested in the cartoons.

Website: https://www.cartoonart.org
Date: Daily
Where: Cartoon Art Museum, 781 Beach Street, Fl 1, SF
Price: Adult admission $10, kids admission $4

SF Fringe Festival

Two weeks of independent theatre, comedy, cabaret, and performance art at an affordable price.

Website: https://www.theexit.org/2025-sf-fringe-festival-schedule
Date: August 8–24, 2025
Where: Taylor Street Theatre
Price: Tickets are $15 or less

Downtown Lunch Party

Head to the Landing at Leidesdorff in the Financial District for midday tunes, outdoor games, and a free martini with lunch from Heartwood.

Website: https://downtownsf.org/do/downtown-lunch-party
Date: Every Tuesday in August
Where: 525 Commercial Street
Price: Free

Hungry Ghost Festival

Chinatown is hosting it’s annual Hungry Ghost Festival, offering an evening of performance, parade, art, and ritual. The event honors those forgotten and addresses current challenges, featuring a towering 16-foot Ghost King, youth activities, community altars, and more.

Website: https://www.ghost-festival.org
Date: August 23, 2025
Where: Various locations
Price: Free

Zach Bryan Concert w/ Kings of Leon

Catch Zach Bryan and Kings of Leon live in Golden Gate Park’s Polo Fields.

Website: https://goldengateparkconcerts.com/event/zach-bryan
Date: August 15, 2025
Where: Golden Gate Park, Polo Fields
Price: General admission $200

Downtown First Thursdays Street Party

DFT is back August 7 with a massive street party on 2nd Street featuring DJs, live entertainment, arts and crafts and more. Enjoy happy hour deals, music, and activities all night long.

Website: https://www.dftsf.com
Date: August 7, 2025
Where: Market Street & 2nd Street
Price: Free

Rock The Gates Summer Fleadh

Rock the Gates returns August 23 with four stages of live music, Irish dancing, tribute bands, and family-friendly activities. Highlights include U2 tribute band L.A.vation, face painting, a bounce house, Irish food and vendors, and a 50th Anniversary exhibition.

Website: https://irishcentersf.org/event/4th-annual-rock-the-gates-summer-fleadh-2
Date: August 23, 2025
Where: 2700 45th Avenue between Sloat and Wawona
Price: Adult tickets $25

Minted SF

Happening weekly from July 4 to September 19, 2025. Enjoy a free, all-ages celebration with top Bay Area DJs, food from local restaurants, and an outdoor dance floor lighting up historic Mint Plaza all summer long.

Website: https://www.mintedsf.com
Date: Every Friday until September 19
Where: Mint Plaza, SF
Price: Free entry

Manny’s Neighborhood Trash Clean Up

Join us for a neighborhood trash pickup and unlock exclusive same-day discounts. Get free fries, $1 PBRs, 2-for-1 empanadas, free yoga classes, and a post-cleanup brunch.

Website: https://sf.funcheap.com/event-series/mannys-neighborhood-trash-cleanup-1-margaritas-free-burritos-sf
Date: Every Sunday
Where: Manny’s, 3092 16th St, SF
Price: Free

Fridays on Front Street

Kick off your weekend at Fridays on Front St. San Francisco’s free afterwork block party with live music by local artists, open-street drinks, games, and big-screen sports.

Website: https://downtownsf.org/things-to-do/fridays-on-front-street
Date: August 22, 2025
Where: 240 Front Street, SF
Price: Free with RSVP

Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival

Three days of music with top artists including Tyler, the Creator, Hozier Doja Cat, and Docheii plus food vendors in Golden Gate Park.

Website: https://sfoutsidelands.com
Date: August 8–10, 2025
Where: Golden Gate Park
Price: Single day general admission $350

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival

Free weekday performances including dance, music, theater, and children’s activities in Yerba Buena Gardens

Website: https://ybgfestival.org
Date: All throughout August
Where: Yerba Buena Gardens
Price: Free

NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences

Experience NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences, where the museum transforms after dark with DJs, drinks, glowing lights, and 60,000 live animals. Explore dinosaurs, deep sea creatures, rainforest canopies, venomous species, coral reefs, along with food and drinks.

Website: https://www.calacademy.org/nightlife/nightlife-august-21
Date: August 21, 2025
Where: California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Dr, SF
Price: Tickets $25 (21+)

There are many ways to make the most of your August in San Francisco, with options for all kinds of visitors and locals. Keep this list handy to stay updated on what’s happening around the city. For the latest on the best things to do in San Francisco this summer, check out San Francisco’s Most Delicious Street Food Spots.

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Ashlyn L.