Best Things To Do in San Francisco This September
If you’re looking for the best things to do in San Francisco this September, the city has a full schedule of events lined up. From street fairs and art festivals to live music, food, and outdoor performances, there’s something happening almost every day. This guide breaks down the best of what’s happening and how you can take part.
Oktoberfest on Front
Oktoberfest on Front is a free block party in downtown San Francisco featuring outdoor drinks from local bars, street games, and live music. Attendees can join stein-holding contests and take part in axe throwing and other activities along Front Street.
• Website: https://downtownsf.org/things-to-do/oktoberfest-on-front
• Date: September 20, 2025
• Where: 240 Front St, San Francisco
• Price: Free
Autumn Moon Festival
The Annual Autumn Moon Festival takes place on Grant Avenue with food vendors, arts and crafts, live music, and lion dancing. Highlights include a parade, acrobatic Shaolin performances, a Dumpling Contest, and an appearance by the Monkey King celebrating Chinese folklore.
• Website: https://sf.funcheap.com/sfs-chinatown-autumn-moon-festival-2025-sept-27-28
• Date: September 27–28, 2025
• Where: Grant Avenue, San Francisco
• Price: Free
46th Annual Haight Ashbury Street Fair
Music, art, and local vendors take over the Haight for this community street fair. Expect multiple music stages and a wide mix of craft booths and food trucks.
• Website: https://www.haightashburystreetfair.org
• Date: September 7, 2025
• Where: Haight Street, San Francisco
• Price: Free
SUPER FLEX Contemporary Art Festival
San Francisco’s annual contemporary art festival transforms four Chinatown streets with art installations and performances. The event highlights Asian-American and BIPOC artists, using art to explore identity, resistance, and solidarity amid social challenges.
• Website: https://www.edgeonthesquare.org/super-flex
• Date: September 13, 2025
• Where: 800 Grant Avenue, San Francisco
• Price: Free
The Goo Goo Dolls and Dashboard Confessional
Two rock favorites team up for a co-headlining show under the stars. Expect hits from the ‘90s and early 2000s along with new material. A perfect night for fans of alternative and pop rock.
• Website: https://www.san-francisco-theater.com/shows/greek-theater-sf/goo-goo-dolls-and-dashboard-confessional
• Date: September 4, 2025
• Where: Greek Theatre, UC Berkeley
• Price: Tickets starting at $88
Movies at Mechanics’ Presents The Philadelphia Story
Catch a classic screwball comedy screening at the historic Mechanics’ Institute Library. The 1940 film features Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart. .
• Website: https://www.milibrary.org/cultural-programs/movies-at-mechanics
• Date: September 5, 2025
• Where: Mechanics’ Institute, 57 Post Street San Francisco
• Price: $12 (non-members)
Coffee Concerts: Bach Before Noon
Take Your Coffee Break Back to the Baroque offers complimentary pastries and live classical music performed by Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra members.
• Website: https://philharmonia.org/event/2025-coffee-concert-series-back-to-the-baroque-september-16
• Date: September 16, 2025
• Where: Conservatory at One Sansome
• Price: Free
Suicide Boys at The Shoreline Amphitheatre
The Grey Day Tour returns with a stacked lineup of underground and mainstream rap artists. Suicide Boys headline a night of heavy bass and moody tracks.
• Website: https://www.ticketmaster.com/uicideboy-present-grey-day-tour-2025-mountain-view-california-09-03-2025/event/1C006272DC4A38A5
• Date: September 3, 2025
• Where: Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View
• Price: Tickets starting at $35
Drunk on Drag
Drunk on Drag brings drag, drinks, and community together at Ginger’s SF every first Thursday of the month. Enjoy performances by local queens in one of downtown’s original gay bars.
• Website: https://www.instagram.com/gingerssf
• Date: September 4, 2025, Every first Thursday
• Where: Ginger’s SF LGBTQ Bar, 86 Hardie Pl, San Francisco
• Price: Free entry
Flower Piano 10th Anniversary
Flower Piano celebrates its 10th year with live performances across the SF Botanical Garden. Enjoy outdoor music, local food, and themed events including a fashion show and salsa night.
• Website: https://gggp.org/flowerpiano
• Date: September 12-21, 2025
• Where: San Francisco Botanical Garden, Golden Gate Park
• Price: Tickets $21.75
Portola Music Festival
A two-day 21+ waterfront festival packed with electronic and indie artists. Portola’s lineup brings global headliners and up-and-coming DJs to SF. Expect multiple stages, food stalls, and light installations.
• Website: https://portolamusicfestival.com
• Date: September 20–21, 2025
• Where: Pier 80, San Francisco
• Price: Tickets are $299+
Big Top Sundays featuring Acid Betty
Acid Betty from RuPaul’s Drag Race headlines this 21+ colorful drag cabaret. Expect wild costumes, crowd work, and high production value.
• Website: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/big-top-sundays-featuring-acid-betty-rupauls-drag-race-tickets-1502019393439?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
• Date: September 14, 2025
• Where: Beaux in the Castro
• Price: Tickets $12.51 or free entry before 8:30 PM
Jazz Nights @ Novela!
Jazz Nights at Novela brings live jazz and classic cocktails to this literary-themed lounge every Monday at 7PM. Enjoy smooth sets from Bay Area musicians.
• Website: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/jazz-nights-novela-tickets-1482072481689?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
• Date: Every Monday
• Where: Novela, 662 Mission St, San Francisco
• Price: Free
SF Sapphic Pride Block Party
A 21+ day party celebrating LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary folks with foodtrucks, drinks, performances and vendors. Hosted in an outdoor space to dance and connect.
• Website: https://www.instagram.com/sfsapphicpride
• Date: September 6, 2025
• Where: Harrison St. between 15th and 16th St
• Price: General admission $14.64
For more ways to enjoy your time in San Francisco, check out the top 10 Best Ways to Explore San Francisco on a Budget.
More…
- https://www.sftravel.com/article/san-francisco-festivals-events-september
- https://www.sftourismtips.com/san-francisco-events-in-september.html
- https://abc7news.com/post/san-francisco-sunset-district-poised-new-night-market-september-previous-ones-cancellation/17424664
