San Francisco Festivals - A top 10 List

Top 10 San Francisco Festivals
With all of the great festivals and street fairs and all out craziness that goes on here in San Francisco on a yearly basis, I thought it would be good to make a "quick reference" guide to some great events that don't always show up on venue calendars or email lists. These are events that should not be missed and most of them draw in crowds in the multiple 10's of thousands. All of them are uniquely San Francisco events and a guaranteed great time.
See the list below...

Noise Pop Feb 27-March 4, 2007
Noise Pop began 15 years ago as a small gathering of 5 bands, put together by Kevin Arnold (later joined by Jordan Kurland). Today, it's grown into 100 bands, playing all over SF for a week. The bands are predominately Bay Area bands, coming up in the indie rock scene, and representing established groups as well. Lyrics Born, the Dandy Warhols, Cake, HoneyCut and many more are scheduled for the week. Of course, the smaller bands are where the real gems are found, but a good vibe is pervasive throughout the week. Make it your week to go see some live music. Note: Check out our MW interview with Kevin in our articles section of MetroWize.

How Weird May 6, 2007

Although this will be the last year in it's traditional 11th and Howard location, How Weird is a street fair that represents the creative culture of San Francisco. It's an awesome freaky, DJ centric event, with sounds blasting from seven stages and people dancing in the streets all day. This party brings it and this year, there is a How Weird benefit party at 1015 Folsom on March 23rd. There's sure to be some of the best local DJ talent and a friendly crowd.

Kaboom May 13, 2007

This is more of a family friendly event, but there are still good acts like Los Loney Boys, Keller Williams, and other big KFOG style bands. It's free fun, just take BART down to the Embarcadero stop and get yer stroll on, eat some food, listen to some music, watch the fireworks.

Bay to Breakers May 20, 2007

I know some people run this "race" but that's a difficult prospect when you're pushing a couch down Market street and drinking by 8AM. B2B is a moving frat party for most people, but add in naked old men, tortilla tossing, live bands, and a really long walk through the city (from Bay to Breakers, get it?). Important tips are; bring plenty of party accoutrement, dress up with a group of people, and accommodate comfortable shoes into your costume (I had a novice friend wear his scuba gear with fins once). This is the friendliest party of the year, with everybody getting in on photo ops and partying along the way. There's a shared kinship with the thousands who've made the journey. Hit the party at the Polo fields afterwards for some much needed grub and chillin' out.


Gay Pride Festival June 23-24th, 2007

The Pride Parade (and the parties surrounding it) is not just the biggest event in SF, it's also a political statement. Gay or straight, it's about living life the way you want appreciating other lifestyles and choices as well. It's part of what defines the city, part of what makes people proud and part of what makes some people stay away. To each their own I say, I'm just happy when people are having a good time. After the parade, there is a big convergence around city hall and people by the hundreds of thousands. It's worth checking out, and it's a great party.

Power to the Peaceful September 8, 2007

This is one of the cool free festivals, held each year in Golden Gate Park. It brings together music, art, and social justice. Last year there were over 50,000 people in attendance. The event is the brainchild of Michael Franti and has featured big name acts in hip hop, jam bands and the DJ scene. There's yoga, twig's n' berries, the whole nine yards. Even if you don't live the life of the activist, don't know who Mumia is or why we should free him, or don't eat tofu, you should still make the trip down to Speedway Meadow for the event. There's lots of good music, good causes, and ample patchouli oil.

Love Fest September 29th, 2007

This party is blowing up and it didn't take long. A few years after its inception and it has become the biggest DJ weekend next to WMC in Miami. True to San Francisco style, there are no velvet ropes, no dress codes, just partying. First you follow the parade, then all the floats circle the civic center square and create a sound mash up explosion for 6 hours. Go grab a bite and head back out. One tip, save your energy for the weekend parties, where you have the difficult decision of who to go see. This festival is made for San Francisco. If you like beats, you love it here.

Comedy Day September 30th 2007

Here's a sleeper event you should catch, Comedy Day in the Park. Between The Purple Onion, Punchline, Cobbs and the smaller clubs, San Francisco actually has a lot of places to see stand up. Who doesn't like laughing? There are over 30 local and national comedians including hometown favorite Robin Williams jammed onto 1 stage over the course of 5 really funny hours. This event is at Sharon Meadows in Golden Gate Park, it's free and usually a beautiful day. Bring a blanket or lawn chair.

Folsom Street Fair September 30th, 2007

You know the album Nothing's Shocking? Well, Jane's Addiction hadn't been to the Folsom Street Fair when they made that album title. Seriously people, wtf is with this event? It takes place every year on Folsom & Dore, down near 8th Street. On the surface the leather, bondage festival is shocking, then, you hear some stories from friends and you think, "no, not possible what he just said". But it's true, all true. This party is not for the faint of heart (the faint of heart should attend Comedy Day, same day). If you like ball gags and leather though, this is your party. Crack that whip and enjoy.

Castro Street Halloween October 31st, 2007

There was a time when this was a really big event. It is uniquely San Francisco and a lot of fun, but there have been problems in the past (there was a shooting last year that injured 10 people). Despite that, if you haven't been, you'll have a good time, at least for the first few years. Usually, it's a good pre-party before heading out on the town. I feel like Halloween is year round in San Francisco, and I mean that as a compliment. Check the web link closer to the date and head down to Market and Castro for some eye candy.

Finally, a note to our visitors; If you plan on partying in San Francisco, there's about an 80% chance that your event of choice will be encouraging some kind of costume. Feel free to wear your loin cloth, Burning Man gear, whatever you wore for last Halloween or even go naked if the mood suits you. Come to think of it, you can pretty much wear that stuff any day around here, we're a do-what-you-feel kinda city, gotta love it.

"See you at the party Richter". Ten points for calling out my obscure movie reference. Hope the list helps. Don't forget to check out the MetroWize, Top 10 California Festivals, 2007 for a little road trip partying. Enjoy.




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