Things To Do in San Francisco This Week (November 3–9)

November warms up the city with creative events and seasonal rituals, and this week’s lineup shows off a little bit of everything. If your calendar feels a little dull, it’s time to give it a boost. Get set for festivals, local markets, bold flavors, and music from every corner. Here’s a road map to keep your week interesting from start to finish, whether you’re catching up with friends or just looking for ways to keep things lively.

Things To Do in San Francisco This Week (November 3–9)

Day of the Dead Procession & Festival of Altars

The Mission takes on new color for Día de los Muertos, with families and neighbors coming together to create candle-lit altars and join a moving procession. People honor loved ones in a public space, blending tradition with live music and dance.

• Where: Bryant & 22nd St, altars at Garfield Park
• Date: Nov 2 (some events roll into Nov 3)
• Website: dayofthedeadsf.org
• Free admission, open to all ages, local music and dance

San Francisco Coffee Festival

Caffeine fans and curious sippers can sample coffee from over 100 roasters and exhibitors, each offering beans, brews, and flavor profiles to compare. Live music, industry talks, and workshops add to the upbeat atmosphere at Fort Mason’s Festival Pavilion.

• Where: Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Blvd
• Dates: November 8–9
• Website: sfcoffeefestival.com
• Tastings, music, limited tickets, workshops with roasters

Eat Drink SF

The city’s food scene gets a spotlight thanks to restaurant pop-ups, chef demos, and tasting menus at spots all over town. Sample new dishes, chat with chefs, or take a food workshop—it’s a good way to try something you wouldn’t usually order.

• Location: Venues around San Francisco
• Dates: Nov 1–9
• Website: eatdrink-sf.com
• Prix-fixe specials, neighborhood tastings

Downtown First Thursdays

Second Street comes alive with open-air music, drag performances, art installations, and crowds lining up for after-work drinks. The party is spread across several blocks—walk, mingle, and see what each corner has lined up.

• Where: Second St (Market to Howard)
• Date: Nov 6, 5–10 PM
• Website: https://www.dftsf.com/
• Free entry, street shows, outdoor bars

Sarah Shepard Gallery “Until We Meet Again” Art Reception

The Sarah Shepard Gallery hosts an opening reception for Jocelyn Fine’s new show, including a conversation with the artist about her process and themes. It’s a relaxed setting for art lovers to meet the artist, mingle, and chat.

• Where: Sarah Shepard Gallery
• Date: November 6, 6–8 p.m.
• Website: sarahshepardgallery.com
• Artist Q&A, light refreshments, collaboration with 3walls

Ice Skating Downtown

City rinks at Union Square and Embarcadero open for the cold season, welcoming families, friends, and anyone wanting to try a spin. With city lights as your backdrop, ice skating makes a classic hangout or date.

• Locations: Union Square, Embarcadero Center
• Starting: Early November
• Website: unionsquareicerink.com
• Rental skates, holiday setup

Hip-Hop Dance Festival

Dance crews, soloists, and international names take over the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre for this high-energy festival. Tickets include access to standout shows as well as post-show Q&As and open workshops.

• Where: Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
• Dates: Nov 8–10
• Website: sfhiphopdancefest.com
• Workshops, live performances

“In Praise of Shadows” Pop-Up Art Exhibit

Cura Contemporary organizes an immersive event for all ages with shadow puppets, video projections, and live music. Attendees get up-close with the artists and can even participate in making their own shadow puppets.

• Where: Cura Contemporary
• Dates: November 8, 6–8 p.m. (Pop-up exhibit); November 9, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. (Workshop)
• Website: curacontemporary.com
• Hands-on workshop, live performance, family friendly

Local Theater Shows

Stages big and small launch November runs of comedies, dramas, and musicals, so there’s something for every style. Reserve ahead for the best seats—popular shows and weekends fill up fast.

• Venues: Orpheum Theatre, A.C.T., Mission venues
• Throughout November
• Website: broadwaysf.com, act-sf.org
• Advance booking, check showtimes

Live Music at Legendary Venues

The Fillmore, The Warfield, and August Hall put on concerts every week, featuring everything from indie acts to well-known headliners. Lineups shift quickly, so check venue websites for the most up-to-date schedule.

• Where: The Fillmore, The Warfield, August Hall
• Dates: Check venue calendars
• Website: thefillmore.com, thewarfieldtheatre.com
• Advance tickets, different genres nightly

More…

• https://www.overheresf.com/best-things-to-do-in-san-francisco-this-november/
• https://www.sftravel.com/article/san-francisco-festivals-events-november
• https://www.hellotickets.ca/us/san-francisco/san-francisco-in-november/sc-7-3302