Twenty-three things worth leaving the house for over the next three weeks. The World Cup arrives, Stern Grove kicks off its 89th free concert season, Belle and Sebastian play two full albums at The Masonic, and the Fillmore District throws the party of the summer. Here's everything that matters.
Weekend Picks
The absolute best things to do on Saturday and Sunday over the next three weeks.
Weekend Pick
Union Street Festival
Jun 6–7 (Sat–Sun)Union Street, Cow HollowFree
One of SF's largest and longest-running street festivals. Two days of live music, food trucks, craft cocktails, local artists, and the legendary Waiter Relay Race. Free admission. The Cow Hollow vibes are immaculate. This is the unofficial start of SF summer.
Stern Grove Festival Opening: Peter Cat Recording Co.
Jun 14 (Sun) · 2:00 PMSigmund Stern GroveFree (lottery)
The 89th season of America's longest-running free outdoor concert series kicks off with Delhi's Peter Cat Recording Co. -- dreamy, cinematic rock that sounds like Bollywood filtered through Tame Impala. The lineup this summer includes Al Green, Public Enemy, and Japanese Breakfast. Tickets via lottery.
Eight blocks of the Fillmore transform into a massive free party with unlimited carnival rides, a classic car show, six themed districts, free wine tastings, and live music. This is the real SF -- neighborhood pride, incredible energy, and zero admission fee.
The most joyful comedian working today. Funches has this rare ability to be genuinely funny without punching down -- his sets feel like getting a hug from your funniest friend. Great date night energy. Saturday show is $58 but worth every dollar.
Fourth annual beer festival in one of the most beautiful park settings in America. Local breweries pouring in the Presidio with views of the Golden Gate -- this is the kind of Saturday afternoon that makes you forget SF rent exists. Family-friendly, too.
May 30 (Sat) · 8:00 AMThrive City (Chase Center)Varies
Doors at 8am, kickoff at 9am. Splash Sports Bar hosts the biggest soccer watch party in SF for the UCL Final. Full day of soccer, music, and an atmosphere that makes you feel like you're in a European pub. Early-morning energy is unmatched.
The Cubs series always draws a big crowd and the Saturday night atmosphere at Oracle Park is peak SF baseball. Sunday's 12:10pm day game is perfect for families. This is one of the pricier home series -- Saturday tickets from $61, plan ahead.
Two nights, two full albums: Night 1 is Tigermilk, Night 2 is If You're Feeling Sinister, both with a set of classics. This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing -- they rarely perform full albums. If you care about 90s indie pop at all, this is the show of the month.
Trinidad's biggest soca export brings carnival energy to The Fillmore. If you've never experienced a Kes show, prepare for two hours of non-stop movement. The man turns any room into a fete. Wednesday night will feel like Saturday in Port of Spain.
Three bands that defined 90s alt-rock on one bill. Toadies still play Possum Kingdom like their lives depend on it, Local H still sounds like two people shouldn't be able to make that much noise, and Sparta brings the post-hardcore intensity. Essential Friday night.
Jun 12 (Fri) · 8:00 PMSwedish American Hall$30–$50
The British vocalist who pivoted from orchestral soul to 80s synth-pop and made it work beautifully. Her voice is a force of nature in a 400-person room. Swedish American Hall's intimate vibe is perfect for this. One of the most underrated live performers touring right now.
The Adam Friedland Show host brings his deadpan absurdist energy to North Beach. If you've been listening to the pod, you know this guy commits to the bit harder than anyone in comedy right now. Two-drink minimum, worth every sip.
Rising TikTok-to-stage comedian who's been selling out rooms everywhere. His crowd work is genuinely quick -- not the scripted stuff. If you missed his last SF run, this one's your shot before ticket prices climb with the next special.
The D-backs just took yesterday's game 6-2, so the Giants are hungry. Tuesday night ball at Oracle Park is the sweet spot -- smaller crowd, better food lines, and the waterfront views hit different at sunset. Tickets from $13.
The World Cup comes to the Bay Area. Qatar vs Switzerland is the first of six matches at Levi's Stadium this summer. Even if you can't get tickets, 30+ Fan Zones pop up across SF at Thrive City, Pier 39, and China Basin Park. The city will be electric.
Free neighborhood night market with live music, local food vendors, and retail pop-ups. It's the cozy, low-key Tuesday evening out that Noe Valley does better than anywhere else in the city. Monthly through fall.
Monthly street party that's turning Folsom into SoMa's own night market. Local food, pop-up vendors, art, and live music from 5-9pm. The fourth Thursday energy is real -- way more neighborhood-authentic than most SF events.
Downtown First Thursdays feat. Janelle Monae DJ Set
Jun 4 (Thu) · 5:00 PM2nd Street / Natoma CabanaFree
Janelle Monae doing a free DJ set on the Art Car Stage to kick off Pride Month. Over 175 vendors, live performances, drag, food trucks -- this is SF's best monthly block party drawing thousands. Happy hour 5-7pm. Go early or don't bother finding a spot.
The Legion of Honor after dark with drinks, DJs, Off the Grid food trucks, and a VIP wine tasting room. This edition celebrates The Etruscans exhibition. Museum access included. The views of the Golden Gate at sunset from the courtyard are absolutely unreal.
Free outdoor movie night returns to Dolores Park with a perfect film pick. Arrive by 6:30pm to claim your spot, movie starts after sundown around 8:30pm. Bring a blanket, grab takeout from the Mission, and experience what makes SF summer evenings magical.
Free admission for up to four adults accompanying anyone 18 and under, plus art-making activities for all ages. SFMOMA's collection is world-class and normally $25 a head. This is the best free culture deal of the month, hands down.
Breathtaking acrobatics, poetry, and music woven into a love letter to the city's history -- from the Gold Rush to now. This immersive show has been one of SF's best-kept secrets and it's still running strong. If you haven't seen it yet, stop making excuses.