Things To Do in San Francisco This October 2025

October in San Francisco is full of energy, with events that highlight the city’s culture, creativity, and community. The weather is crisp, the fog begins to ease, and the city buzzes with festivals, concerts, and seasonal celebrations. Whether you’re into art, music, theater, or Halloween thrills, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Here’s your guide to making the most of the month.

Things To Do in San Francisco This October 2025

Festivals, Fairs, and Shows

San Francisco in October is known for its wide range of fairs and festivals. From art and film to parades and light shows, there’s something for all interests.

Italian Heritage Festival & Parade

Celebrate Italian-American culture with a lively parade, traditional music, and delicious Italian food in North Beach. This annual event highlights the community’s rich history and vibrant traditions.

• When: October 12, 2025
• Where: Parade begins at Jefferson and Stockton Streets and ends in Washington Square Park.
• More Info: sfitalianheritage.org

Castro Street Fair

A colorful celebration of LGBTQ+ culture featuring live music, drag performances, food vendors, and local crafts. The fair is a must-attend event in the heart of the Castro District.

• When: October 5, 2025
• Where: Castro District, centered around Castro and Market Streets.
• More Info: castrostreetfair.org

Litquake: San Francisco Literary Festival

Dive into the world of literature with author readings, workshops, and discussions. This festival brings together book lovers and writers across San Francisco’s iconic neighborhoods.

• When: October 9–25, 2025
• Where: Venues across San Francisco (including the Mission District and SOMA).
• More Info: litquake.org

Mill Valley Film Festival

One of the country’s top film festivals, showcasing a mix of international and independent films. Enjoy Q&A sessions, red-carpet events, and premieres in nearby Marin County.

• When: October 2–12, 2025
• Where: Venues in Marin County, including the Sequoia Theater.
• More Info: mvff.com

Superfest Disability Film Festival

Explore thought-provoking films that celebrate disability culture and challenge societal stereotypes. This festival continues to lead the way in inclusive storytelling.

• When: October 16–19, 2025
• Where: The Freight & Salvage in Berkeley and online.
• More Info: superfestfilm.org

Potrero Hill Festival 2025

Celebrate the vibrant Potrero Hill community with live music, local food vendors, and family-friendly activities. This neighborhood festival offers a fun and welcoming atmosphere for all ages.

• When: October 18, 2025
• Where: 20th Street between Wisconsin and Missouri Streets.
• More Info: potrerofestival.com

The San Francisco Fall Show

Explore a world-class collection of art, antiques, and design from renowned international galleries. Held at Fort Mason, this prestigious event is a must-visit for art and design enthusiasts.

• When: October 15–19, 2025
• Where: Fort Mason Center for the Arts & Culture.
• More Info: sffallshow.org

2025 SF Open Studios

Meet talented local artists, tour their studios, and see art demonstrations citywide. This month-long event offers an inside look at San Francisco’s vibrant art scene.

• When: September 19 – October 19, 2025.
• Where: Rotating locations, including the Mission and Dogpatch.
• More Info: www.artspan.org/programs/visitsfopenstudios

Ferry Building Drone Light Show

Witness a breathtaking drone light show illuminating San Francisco’s waterfront and iconic landmarks. This one-of-a-kind event offers a magical evening by the Bay.

• When: October 8, 2025 (7 PM).
• Where: Embarcadero around the Ferry Building.
• More Info: partiful.com/e/ed5Se9LRafNFIpBdUPTJ

Fleet Week San Francisco

Experience the Blue Angels’ spectacular air shows, ship tours, and tributes to the U.S. Navy. This iconic event celebrates the city’s maritime history and military pride.

• When: October 5–13, 2025
• Where: Marines’ Memorial Theatre, Pier 30/32
• More Info: fleetweeksf.org

Halloween Events

Terror Vault: The Initiation

Step into a spine-chilling haunted house inside the historic San Francisco Mint. With immersive storytelling and eerie surprises, it’s perfect for thrill-seekers.

• When: Select nights in October.
• Where: 88 5th Street, San Francisco Mint.
• More Info: terrorvault.com

Halloween Mega International Ball

Experience San Francisco’s most glamorous Halloween costume party at the W Hotel. Featuring multiple rooms of DJs, live performers, and stunning themed decor, this event is a must for party enthusiasts.

• When: October 31 – November 1, 2025
• Where: W Hotel
• More Info: www.aykutevents.com/upcoming-events/halloween

San Francisco Halloween Bar Crawl

Hop between some of the city’s best bars with festive drink specials and costumed revelry. This event guarantees a night of fun and spooky vibes.

• When: October 25, 31, November 1, 2025
• Where: Comet Club, 3111 Fillmore Street San Francisco, CA 94123 United States
• More Info: pubcrawls.com/city/san-francisco-ca/#

San Francisco Ghosts: Gold and Ghouls Tour

Delve into San Francisco’s haunted history on this spooky walking tour. Discover eerie tales from the Gold Rush era while exploring the city’s historic streets near Union Square.

• When: Nightly in October.
• Where: Tours start near Union Square.
• More Info: sfghosts.com

Ghosts, Boos, and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

Combine ghost stories with craft cocktails on this haunted pub crawl through North Beach. Perfect for those seeking a mix of thrills and fun nightlife.

• When: Weekends in October.
• Where: North Beach neighborhood.
• More Info: sfghosts.com

Randall Museum Family Halloween Day

Enjoy a family-friendly Halloween event with pumpkin carving, costume contests, and educational activities. Located at the Randall Museum, it’s a perfect outing for kids and parents alike.

• When: October 18, 2025
• Where: Randall Museum, Corona Heights.
• More Info: randallmuseum.org/randall-museum-events

Halloween Hoopla at Yerba Buena Gardens

Celebrate Halloween with a free, family-friendly event featuring live performances, music, and a festive costume parade. A fun and inclusive celebration for all ages.

• When: November 1, 2025
• Where: Yerba Buena Gardens.
• More Info: ybgfestival.org/event/halloween-hoopla-2025

Clancy’s Pumpkin Patch

Pick your perfect pumpkin and enjoy hayrides and photo ops at this family-friendly spot. It’s a cherished tradition for locals near the SF Zoo.

• When: All of October.
• Where: 2101 Sloat Blvd, near the SF Zoo.
• More Info: www.clancystrees.com

Music & Concerts

San Francisco’s October music scene is as diverse as its culture.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

A free three-day festival in Golden Gate Park featuring top bluegrass, folk, and Americana artists. It’s one of San Francisco’s most beloved music events.

• When: October 3–5, 2025
• Where: Golden Gate Park.
• More Info: hardlystrictlybluegrass.com

Dua Lipa – Radical Optimism Tour

The global pop icon lights up Chase Center with her high-energy hits and dazzling visuals. A must-see for Dua Lipa fans in the Bay Area.

• When: October 12, 2025
• Where: Chase Center.
• More Info: chasecenter.com

Maroon 5: LOVE IS LIKE Tour

Catch Maroon 5 live as they perform their greatest hits and fan favorites during their latest tour. The concert promises an unforgettable night of music at Oracle Park.

• When: October 18, 2025
• Where: Oracle Park.
• More Info: www.ticketmaster.com/maroon-5-love-is-like-tour-san-francisco-california-10-18-2025/event/1C0062D1E1775CF7

Gimeno Conducts Tchaikovsky 5

Experience the beauty of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, expertly conducted by Gustavo Gimeno. This powerful performance will take place at the iconic Davies Symphony Hall.

• When: October 3-5, 2025
• Where: Davies Symphony Hall.
• More Info: www.sfsymphony.org/Buy-Tickets/2025-26/GIMENO-CONDUCTS-TCHAIKOVSKY-5

The Decemberists with the SF Symphony

Enjoy a unique collaboration between the indie rock band and the San Francisco Symphony. Expect a magical night of music at Davies Symphony Hall.

• When: October 10, 2025
• Where: Davies Symphony Hall.
• More Info: www.sfsymphony.org/Buy-Tickets/2025-26/Decemberists

Theater Performances

San Francisco’s theater scene is buzzing this October.

Les Miserables

Relive the epic story of love, loss, and redemption in this timeless Broadway masterpiece. The Orpheum Theatre brings this classic to life with stunning performances.

• When: September 24 – October 5, 2025
• Where: Orpheum Theatre.
• More Info: broadwaysf.com

Dear San Francisco

A breathtaking show blending acrobatics, storytelling, and circus arts, paying tribute to the city’s spirit. Held at the historic Club Fugazi, it’s a true spectacle.

• When: Ongoing in October.
• Where: Club Fugazi, North Beach.
• More Info: clubfugazisf.com

Others

SF Tech Week

Dive into a week of innovation and networking with events designed for tech professionals, startups, and investors. From panel discussions to workshops, SF Tech Week offers something for every tech enthusiast.

• When: October 6–12, 2025
• Where: Venues across SOMA and Mission Bay.
• More Info: www.tech-week.com

Sandcastle Classic

Join the fun at Ocean Beach for this creative sandcastle competition supporting arts education. Watch teams craft incredible sand sculptures while enjoying a day by the sea.

• When: October 25, 2025
• Where: Ocean Beach.
• More Info: leapsandcastleclassic.org

Bhangra & Beats Night Market

Celebrate Diwali with South Asian music, dance, food, and shopping at this vibrant night market. Enjoy a cultural evening in the heart of downtown San Francisco.

• When: October 24, 2025
• Where: Downtown SF, centered around Sacremento St. and Front St.
• More Info: www.bhangraandbeats.com

DFT

Celebrate Downtown First Thursdays with a unique food and drink festival featuring experimental bites. Enjoy live music, creative vendors, and a festive atmosphere at 2nd Street’s Downtown Hoedown.

• When: October 2, 2025
• Where: 2nd Street, Downtown Hoedown
• More Info: www.dftsf.com

2 Blocks of Art 2025: Site + Sound

Discover local art installations and live music along Market Street. This event highlights the creativity and diversity of the city’s artists and performers.

• When: October 11, 2025
• Where: Market Street, 5th-7th
• More Info: www.2blocksofart.org

Fridays on Front St

Kick off your weekend with a lively market showcasing local makers, delicious food trucks, and live performances. Held near the Embarcadero, this event is perfect for all ages.

• When: October 10, 2025
• Where: Front Street near Embarcadero.
• More Info: downtownsf.org/things-to-do/fridays-on-front-street

More…

• https://www.overheresf.com/best-things-to-do-in-san-francisco-this-october/
• https://www.sftravel.com/article/san-francisco-festivals-events-october
• https://sarowly.me/blog/san-francisco-fall-bucket-list