Festivals and Fairs of San Francisco
April 21, 2011The culture of San Francisco is rich and diverse, offering an liberal mix of art and music from many different cultures. There are hundreds of festivals, fairs and exhibitions in the San Francisco area each year, more than any one person could hope to attend. Here we will highlight some of the most interesting and entertaining events, the ones you should make an effort to participate in!
Stern Grove Festival The Stern Grove Festival is the longest running free outdoor music festival in the US. It was established in 1938 and begins each year on Father’s Day. Every Sunday afternoon in the Sigmund Stern Recreation Park (two miles south of Golden Gate Park), concerts in the performing arts take place. Music and dance including many genres, such as symphony, jazz, Latin and pop.
San Francisco Silent Film Festival Founded in 1992, the SFSFF takes place every July at the Castro Theater and is the largest silent film festival in the US. The festival focuses on film preservation, and as such includes a free program in which film archivists screen and discuss newly restored silent films. The festival has grown over its history, and garnered much attention among actors from the silent film era. Some have even made appearances, such as Fay Wray and Sydney Chaplin.
San Francisco Jazz Festival The San Francisco Jazz Festival occurs annually for a three week period during October and November. The festival had its first exhibition of music in 1983 and has since become a large event featuring over 30 concerts per season. Just a few of the notable performers over the years have included: Canadian Jazz Singer Diana Krall, Bobby McFerrin, Etta James, John Lee Hooker, Herbie Hancock, Mary Stallings and Poncho Sanchez.
San Francisco International Film Festival The SFIFF is the oldest continuously running film festival in North and South America. The festival usually takes place in April or May and runs for two weeks, presenting over 150 films from all over the globe. The SFIFF began in 1957 with a view to exposing the public to cinema as a form of art, not just rowdy entertainment. It is because of the SFIFF that North Americans began to view and appreciate foreign film.
San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival and Parade Most people know that San Francisco is home to the oldest Chinatown in North America, so it is easy to understand how the Chinese New Year celebrations might be an incredible sight to see. The festival and parade were first held in 1858 and are always about two weeks after the actual Chinese New Year, and incorporate elements of a traditional Chinese Lantern festival and an American parade. The San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival and Parade is widely regarded as the oldest and largest event of its kind in the world.
San Francisco Blues Festival The San Francisco Blues Festival was established in 1973 and is reported to be the longest running blues festival in the US. The festival was originally founded with the purpose of bringing awareness to the public of blues music and its origins. It runs in conjunction with the San Francisco Jazz Festival, in late October and November. Some notable musicians that have performed at the festival include: B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, Etta James, Percy Sledge, Huey Lewis, Johnny Otis, Little Richard and Carlos Santana.
San Francisco Gay Pride Parade and Festival The events take place in June each year and are for the purpose of celebrating the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender groups and their supporters. In 2010 the festival and parade celebrated its 40th anniversary, garnering the largest attendance in the event’s history. The parade typically takes place on the Sunday morning of the festival and follows a route along the infamous Market Street. The two day festival is an event that evolved around the parade, and includes booths, dance stages and street vendors.
These are only a handful of the hundreds of festivals and fairs taking place in San Francisco. There are so many more that would appeal to just about every taste. Techno-music festivals are popping up throughout the year. The Jewish Film Festival is very popular, as is the Asian Film Festival. Explore the events taking place in San Francisco, and select a few to attend. You will not be disappointed!
If you’re looking for fun in San Francisco enjoy our unique san francisco tours! You’ll see historic san francisco chinatown and savor a whole host of wonderful foods, treats and freshly roasted coffee! For more information, please visit us at Local Tastes Of The City Tours!
Leave a Reply