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The Bay Weekender

San Francisco & the Bay Area

Edition of September 14, 2026Covering Monday, September 14 to Sunday, October 18, 2026

Catch-up edition, published October 26, 2026.

At a Glance

Five weeks from the Moon Festival to the pumpkin fields

This edition runs five weeks, from the middle of September to the middle of October, and it is the busiest stretch of the Bay Area year. The first weekend alone has the Greek Festival, Oktoberfest on Front, the Autumn Moon Festival in Chinatown, the Haight Street Fair and Comedy Day, every one of them free to walk into.

The last weekend of September is the loudest. Portola fills Pier 80 on September 26 and 27, Folsom Street closes on the 27th, and the Giants play their final home series against the Dodgers. If you would rather be somewhere quieter, the Presidio hosts a free Chuseok harvest festival and Pleasanton hosts Corgi Con.

October opens with the best free weekend of the year. An all-star tribute to Steve Earle at the Masonic on October 1 leads into three days of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, and the Castro Street Fair follows on the Sunday. Fleet Week arrives on October 4, with the Blue Angels over the Marina from October 9 to 11.

Sport is everywhere. The Valkyries close the regular season with two home nights and head into the playoffs as one of the best teams in the league. The Warriors play three preseason games, and the Roots say goodbye to the Coliseum on October 10. 12 of the 40 listings are outside San Francisco, from Half Moon Bay to Lake Merritt.

Pick of the Month

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

Friday October 2 to Sunday October 4, 2026Hellman Hollow, Golden Gate Park, San FranciscoFree. No tickets, no wristbands.

It is the second edition running that Hardly Strictly has been our pick, and the reason has not changed: it is the largest free music festival in the country, it is in our own park, and it is free forever because Warren Hellman endowed it that way. This is its 26th year.

The 2026 bill is as strong as any in recent memory. My Morning Jacket, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Mavis Staples, Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss and Union Station, Los Lobos, Marty Stuart, Old Crow Medicine Show, Sierra Hull, Jesse Welles, Hiss Golden Messenger and Kathleen Edwards are all confirmed.

The night before, the Masonic hosts An Evening Honoring Steve Earle, with Earle himself, Emmylou Harris, Jackson Browne, Hot Tuna and Molly Tuttle, benefiting Sweetwater Spectrum. If you can get a ticket, do the pair.

Practical advice: do not drive. The N Judah, the 5 Fulton and the 7 all serve the park and all will be full. Walk in from the east, pick one stage and stay put for a few sets, and bring a layer for when the fog arrives around four.

Lineup and festival information

Where everything is

The Map

Every listing with a resolvable address, pinned and coloured by category. The category filters below the map control both this map and the calendar.

Show categories

Showing 40 of 40 events

Map tiles and data from OpenStreetMap contributors. Every listing in this edition has a pin.

Every listing, grouped

Music, Arts and Nightlife

Food, Drink and Festivals

Outdoors, Sports and Active

Five weeks at a glance

The Calendar

Multi-day runs hold their lane straight across. Use the filters in the map section above to hide a category here too.

Music, Arts and NightlifeFood, Drink and FestivalsOutdoors, Sports and Active

September 28 to October 4

Events for the week of September 28 to October 4
Mon28Tue29Wed30Thu1Fri2Sat3Sun4
   An Evening Honoring Steve EarleHardly Strictly Bluegrass
     USF Dons men vs San DiegoCastro Street Fair
      San Francisco Fleet Week and Air Show
Pillar one

Music, Arts and Nightlife

Concerts and festivals

San Francisco Symphony Opening Night Gala with Hilary HahnThu Sep 24TicketedHilary Hahn and conductor Giancarlo Guerrero open the Symphony's season at Davies Hall.

Opening night is the Symphony's grandest evening, and Hilary Hahn is one of the finest violinists working today. Concert-only tickets are sold alongside the gala packages, which add receptions from 5:30pm and a dinner afterwards. Dress up a notch.

When Thursday, September 24, 2026
Time 7:00pm concert
Where Davies Symphony Hall, Civic Center, SF
201 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102
Price Concert-only and gala tickets via SF Symphony

Season opener

Event and ticket details

Portola FestivalSat Sep 26 to Sun Sep 27TicketedRobyn and Dog Blood on Saturday, Swedish House Mafia and Four Tet on Sunday, all at Pier 80.

San Francisco's big electronic weekend returns to the waterfront warehouses of Pier 80. Saturday is headlined by Robyn and Dog Blood; Sunday brings Swedish House Mafia, Tiesto, Four Tet and Zara Larsson, with the Despacio sound system running both days. Getting out at the end of the night is the hard part, so plan your ride home before you go in.

When Saturday, September 26 to Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time Gates midday, both days
Where Pier 80, Dogpatch, SF
Cesar Chavez St at Illinois St, San Francisco, CA 94124
Price Two-day passes from $380, single days from $250 (launch prices)

Two daysCheck age policy

Event and ticket details

An Evening Honoring Steve EarleThu Oct 1TicketedEmmylou Harris, Jackson Browne and Gillian Welch salute Steve Earle the night before Hardly Strictly.

This is the official curtain-raiser for Hardly Strictly Bluegrass and a one-off benefit for Sweetwater Spectrum, which supports adults with autism. The bill is extraordinary: Steve Earle himself, Emmylou Harris, Jackson Browne, Hot Tuna, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Molly Tuttle, Elizabeth Cook and more, with Buddy Miller as musical director. It will not be repeated.

When Thursday, October 1, 2026
Time Evening; see ticket page for door time
Where The Masonic, Nob Hill, SF
1111 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Price Tickets via Ticketmaster

Benefit concert

Event and ticket details

Hardly Strictly BluegrassFri Oct 2 to Sun Oct 4FreeThree free days of roots music in Golden Gate Park. No tickets, no wristbands.

The 26th edition of the free festival Warren Hellman endowed. My Morning Jacket, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Mavis Staples, Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss and Union Station, Los Lobos, Marty Stuart and Old Crow Medicine Show lead a deep bill across several stages. See the Pick of the Month above for how to do it well.

When Friday, October 2 to Sunday, October 4, 2026
Time Daytime, all three days
Where Hellman Hollow, Golden Gate Park, SF
John F. Kennedy Dr at 30th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121
Price Free

FreeAll ages

Event and ticket details

Potrero Hill Rhythm and Blues FestivalSat Oct 17FreeThe 51st neighbourhood festival puts blues, soul and boogie-woogie on two stages along 20th Street.

Potrero Hill closes 20th Street for its long-running block festival, with Mitch Woods and His Rocket 88s, the JC Smith Blues Band, Josh Klipp and the Klipptones and Andre Cruz and Chris Lujan among the acts. There is a children's fun fair, food stalls and a beer and wine garden for over-21s. Proceeds go to two local elementary schools and the Neighborhood House.

When Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time 10:00am to 4:00pm
Where 20th Street, Potrero Hill, SF
20th St between Wisconsin St and Missouri St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Price Free

FreeAll ages

Event and ticket details

Stage, screen and the free outdoors

Flower PianoUntil Sun Sep 20Free for SF residentsTwelve pianos hidden in the Botanical Garden, and anyone is allowed to sit down and play.

The garden's best-loved event runs its final week. Twelve pianos are tucked around the San Francisco Botanical Garden for anyone to play, and scheduled performers fill the gaps. Weekday mornings are quietest; the closing weekend is busy.

When Already running; final day Sunday, September 20, 2026
Time Garden hours
Where San Francisco Botanical Garden, Golden Gate Park
1199 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122
Price Free for SF residents; garden admission for others

All agesFinal week

Event and ticket details

Free Shakespeare in the Park: Antony and CleopatraSat Sep 19 to Sun Sep 27, weekendsFreeThe SF Shakespeare Festival's free tour ends with two weekends of afternoon shows downtown.

Katja Rivera's Antony and Cleopatra finishes its Bay Area tour at Sue Bierman Park, opposite the Ferry Building. It runs about 90 minutes with no interval and needs no reservation. Bring a low chair or a blanket and a layer for when the shade moves.

When Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20, then September 26 and 27, 2026
Time 2:00pm
Where Sue Bierman Park, Embarcadero, SF
Washington St at Drumm St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Price Free

FreeAll ages

Event and ticket details

Comedy DaySun Sep 20FreeAn afternoon of free stand-up in the meadow named for Robin Williams.

The 45th Comedy Day brings Bay Area comics to a single outdoor stage, with Paula Poundstone, Will Durst, Marga Gomez, Brian Copeland and Scott Capurro on the posted lineup. Nobody pays to watch and the comics are not paid either. It closes with a curtain call of everyone.

When Sunday, September 20, 2026
Time About 11:45am to 5:00pm
Where Robin Williams Meadow, Golden Gate Park, SF
Bowling Green Dr at Kezar Dr, San Francisco, CA 94117
Price Free

FreeAll ages

Event and ticket details

Dolly DayFri Sep 25FreeA free lunchtime tribute to Dolly Parton in Union Square. Fringe and big hair encouraged.

A free celebration of Dolly Parton with live performances, tribute acts and DJs, produced by Gold Digger Records and MoreSF. Cowboy hats, sparkles and fringe are actively encouraged. It is a lunchtime event, so it suits anyone working downtown.

When Friday, September 25, 2026
Time Noon to 3:00pm
Where Union Square, SF
333 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Price Free

Free

Event and ticket details

Autumn Lights FestivalThu Oct 15 to Sat Oct 17TicketedSeventy-five illuminated art pieces fill the Gardens at Lake Merritt for three nights.

The 15th Autumn Lights turns the eight-acre Gardens at Lake Merritt into a walk-through of locally made light installations. There is live entertainment, an art market, a kids' zone and food trucks with beer and wine. It sells out most years, with Friday and Saturday going first.

When Thursday, October 15 to Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time 6:00pm to 11:00pm nightly
Where The Gardens at Lake Merritt, Oakland
666 Bellevue Ave, Oakland, CA 94610
Price $28.52 adults, $12.51 ages 6 to 17, under 6 free

Book aheadAll ages

Event and ticket details

Pillar two

Food, Drink and Festivals

Festivals and street fairs

Oktoberfest on FrontFri Sep 18FreeA free Bavarian block party in the Financial District, with 70 beers on tap.

Front Street turns into a beer hall for an afternoon and evening, with Ladyhosen playing polka before Pop Rocks take over. There are stein-holding and best-dressed contests, and German food from Schroeder's, Harrington's and the Royal Exchange. All ages are welcome; drinking is 21 and over with ID.

When Friday, September 18, 2026
Time 2:00pm to 10:00pm
Where Front Street, Financial District, SF
240 Front St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Price Free entry; food and drink extra

Free21+ to drink

Event and ticket details

San Francisco Greek FestivalFri Sep 18 to Sun Sep 20FreeThe 75th Greek Festival: moussaka, loukoumades and folk dancing at Annunciation Cathedral.

A three-day food festival run by the Greek Orthodox cathedral on Valencia Street. Expect gyros, moussaka, gemista and roast chicken, then loukoumades and Greek coffee, with live music and folk dancing. Parking is limited, so take Muni or BART to 16th Street.

When Friday, September 18 to Sunday, September 20, 2026
Time Fri and Sat 11:00am to 10:00pm; Sun 11:00am to 7:00pm
Where Annunciation Cathedral, Mission District, SF
245 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Price Free entry; food and drink extra

Free entryAll ages

Event and ticket details

Chinatown Autumn Moon FestivalSat Sep 19 to Sun Sep 20FreeGrant Avenue closes for mooncakes, lion dancing and a dumpling-eating contest.

Grant Avenue is closed from California Street to Broadway for two days of food stalls, stage performances and mooncakes. The weekend opens with a parade from California and Grant, and Sunday has the dragon parade. The main stage sits at Washington and Grant.

When Saturday, September 19 to Sunday, September 20, 2026
Time 11:00am to 5:00pm both days
Where Grant Avenue, Chinatown, SF
Grant Ave between California St and Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94108
Price Free

FreeAll ages

Event and ticket details

Haight Ashbury Street FairSun Sep 20FreeFive blocks of Haight Street, three music stages and the 47th edition of the fair.

Haight Street closes between Masonic and Stanyan for one of the city's oldest street fairs, with three music stages, a Children's Alley and a main-stage slot for a youth band. Admission is free thanks to sponsors. Muni lines in the area are rerouted all day, so walk in from the park.

When Sunday, September 20, 2026
Time 11:00am to 5:30pm
Where Haight Street, Haight-Ashbury, SF
Haight St between Masonic Ave and Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Price Free

FreeAll ages

Event and ticket details

Folsom Street FairSun Sep 27FreeThe world's best-known leather street fair takes over five blocks of SoMa.

Folsom Street closes between 8th and 13th Streets for the fair, which needs no introduction and is not for the easily startled. Entry is by suggested donation, which funds local charities. Adults only in spirit, if not by rule.

When Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time 11:00am to 6:00pm
Where Folsom Street, SoMa, SF
Folsom St between 8th St and 13th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Price Free; $10 to $20 donation suggested

Adults

Event and ticket details

Castro Street FairSun Oct 4FreeThe 52nd Castro Street Fair, with three stages, line dancing and a new family zone.

This year's theme is Where We Belong. Stages sit at Castro and Market, on the Queer AF stage and at Collingwood and 18th, and Sundance Saloon runs line dancing in the Castro Theatre lot. A donation at the gate gets you a sticker worth $1 off drinks at partner bars.

When Sunday, October 4, 2026
Time 11:00am to 6:00pm
Where The Castro, SF
Castro St at Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Price Free; donation encouraged

FreeAll ages

Event and ticket details

Italian Heritage ParadeSun Oct 11FreeNorth Beach's parade loops from Fisherman's Wharf to Washington Square on Fleet Week Sunday.

The oldest Italian American parade in the country winds from Powell and Beach through North Beach to Washington Square, with a car show on Union Street through the day. It shares the afternoon with the Fleet Week air show, so expect crowds and look up. Lunch in North Beach afterwards is the obvious move.

When Sunday, October 11, 2026
Time Parade from 12:30pm
Where North Beach, SF
Ends at Washington Square, 1531 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Price Free

FreeAll ages

Event and ticket details

Night markets and harvest weekends

Chuseok Korean Harvest FestivalSat Sep 26FreeKorean food, music and traditional games on the Presidio's main lawn for the harvest holiday.

A free celebration of Chuseok, the Korean harvest festival, with live music, cultural performances, Korean food vendors and maker stalls. There are traditional games for children. The organisers ask you to RSVP through Eventbrite, though entry is free.

When Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time 11:00am to 4:00pm
Where Presidio Main Post Lawn, SF
Graham St at Keyes Ave, the Presidio, San Francisco, CA 94129
Price Free; RSVP requested

FreeAll ages

Event and ticket details

626 Night MarketFri Oct 9 to Sun Oct 11TicketedMore than 200 food, shopping and game stalls under the lights in Pleasanton.

The Bay Area edition of the Southern California night market fills the fairgrounds with street food, merchandise and games across three evenings. Tickets are online only, there is no re-entry, and bags are checked at the gate. Parking is $15, so BART to Pleasanton is worth considering.

When Friday, October 9 to Sunday, October 11, 2026
Time 3:00pm to 11:00pm daily
Where Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton
2005 Valley Ave, Pleasanton, CA 94566
Price $8 online; under 6 free; parking $15

Book online

Event and ticket details

Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin FestivalSat Oct 17 to Sun Oct 18FreeRecord-chasing giant pumpkins, 250 artists and pie-eating contests on Main Street.

The 54th festival fills downtown Half Moon Bay with the giants from the weigh-off on October 12, more than 250 artists and makers, and four music stages. Saturday has a costume contest at 10am and the Great Pumpkin Parade at noon; both days have pie-eating at 2pm. Highway 92 jams badly, so leave early.

When Saturday, October 17 to Sunday, October 18, 2026
Time Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm; Sunday daytime
Where Downtown Half Moon Bay
Main St, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Price Free

FreeAll ages

Event and ticket details

Pillar three

Outdoors, Sports and Active

The home teams

Golden State Valkyries

The story of the window. Golden State have clinched a playoff berth with the league's second-best record and finish at home against Portland on September 18 and Seattle on September 19. The regular season ends September 24, the playoffs begin September 27, and the Valkyries are guaranteed to host their first playoff game at Chase Center.

San Francisco Giants

Out of contention at 62-88 coming into this week, and on the road until September 20. Then six home games close the season: the Twins from September 21 to 23 and the Dodgers from September 25 to 27. Sunday September 27 is the final baseball at Oracle Park until spring.

San Jose Earthquakes

Three home fixtures: LAFC at Levi's Stadium on September 19, Portland at PayPal Park on September 26 and Nashville on October 17. The playoff race is live.

Bay FC

Three home matches at PayPal Park, all on Sundays: Racing Louisville on September 20, Orlando Pride for the Latino Heritage Match on September 27, and Portland Thorns on October 18.

Oakland Roots SC

Two home dates at the Coliseum, against Phoenix Rising on September 26 and San Antonio FC on October 10. The club leaves the Coliseum after this season, so October 10 is a farewell.

USF Dons

Five home fixtures at Negoesco Stadium. The men host California on September 16 and San Diego on October 3. The women host Idaho on September 17, Portland on October 7 and Pacific on October 17.

Golden State Warriors

Three preseason games at Chase Center: the Lakers on October 6, the Kings on October 10 and the Trail Blazers on October 16. The regular-season home opener against Memphis on October 23 falls just past this window and is in On the Horizon.

SF City FC

Out of season, with nothing in this window. The NPSL season runs through the spring and early summer, and the club returns next year.

USF Dons men vs CaliforniaWed Sep 16TicketedThe Bay Area derby, and the best-attended night of the Dons' home season.

Cal make the trip across the Bay for the fixture USF circle first every year. Negoesco is small and close to the pitch, so a decent crowd sounds like a big one. Bring a layer; the fog arrives at kick-off.

When Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Time 7:00pm
Where Negoesco Stadium, Inner Richmond, SF
2130 Fulton St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Price Tickets via USF Athletics

All ages

Event and ticket details

USF Dons women vs IdahoThu Sep 17TicketedA Thursday evening non-conference match at Negoesco, a short walk from the Panhandle.

The women's side host Idaho in a non-conference match on a weeknight. It is cheap, close and over in under two hours.

When Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time 6:00pm
Where Negoesco Stadium, Inner Richmond, SF
2130 Fulton St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Price Tickets via USF Athletics

All ages

Event and ticket details

Golden State Valkyries vs Portland FireFri Sep 18TicketedThe Valkyries' second-to-last regular-season home game, with a free snapback for every fan.

Golden State have already clinched a playoff place and are chasing home-court advantage, which keeps these late games meaningful. Every fan in attendance gets a Valkyries snapback. Expansion Portland are in their first season.

When Friday, September 18, 2026
Time 7:00pm
Where Chase Center, Mission Bay, SF
1 Warriors Way, San Francisco, CA 94158
Price Tickets via the Valkyries

Giveaway

Event and ticket details

Golden State Valkyries vs Seattle StormSat Sep 19TicketedFan Appreciation Night closes the regular season at Chase Center.

The last regular-season home game, with a Valkyries shoulder bag for the first 10,000 through the doors. Doors open at 4:30pm and the giveaway queue forms well before that. The playoffs begin on September 27, and Golden State are guaranteed to host their first playoff game.

When Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time 6:00pm (doors 4:30pm)
Where Chase Center, Mission Bay, SF
1 Warriors Way, San Francisco, CA 94158
Price Tickets via the Valkyries

GiveawayArrive early

Event and ticket details

San Jose Earthquakes vs LAFC at Levi's StadiumSat Sep 19TicketedThe Quakes' annual move to the 49ers' stadium for the biggest crowd of their season.

Once a year the Earthquakes swap PayPal Park for Levi's Stadium, and LAFC are the right opponent for it. It doubles as Mexican Heritage Night. Take VTA light rail; the parking lots empty slowly.

When Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time 4:30pm
Where Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara
4900 Marie P DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara, CA 95054
Price From about $60

All agesBig crowd

Event and ticket details

Bay FC vs Racing LouisvilleSun Sep 20TicketedA Sunday afternoon NWSL match at PayPal Park.

Bay FC host Racing Louisville in the first of three home matches in this window. It has been a hard season, but the supporters' end at PayPal Park makes the afternoon. A good first match for children.

When Sunday, September 20, 2026
Time 4:00pm
Where PayPal Park, San Jose
1123 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA 95110
Price Tickets via Bay FC

All ages

Event and ticket details

Giants vs Minnesota TwinsMon Sep 21 to Wed Sep 23TicketedThree interleague games as the Giants come home for the last week of the season.

The Giants come off a long road trip for their final homestand, starting with three against the Twins. Weeknight crowds at Oracle are thin at this point of a losing season, which means good seats for little money. Garlic fries remain the point.

When Monday, September 21 to Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Time Evenings; see schedule for first pitch
Where Oracle Park, SoMa, SF
24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94107
Price Tickets via MLB

All ages

Event and ticket details

Giants vs Los Angeles DodgersFri Sep 25 to Sun Sep 27TicketedThe last baseball at Oracle Park until spring, against the old enemy.

The season ends at home against the Dodgers, and Sunday September 27 is the final home game of 2026. The rivalry fills the park whatever the standings say. Book early for the weekend.

When Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time See schedule for first pitch
Where Oracle Park, SoMa, SF
24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94107
Price Tickets via MLB

All agesSeason finale

Event and ticket details

Oakland Roots vs Phoenix RisingSat Sep 26TicketedOne of the Roots' last nights at the Coliseum before they leave after this season.

The Roots announced in July that 2026 is their final season at the Coliseum, so every home date now carries a little extra. Phoenix Rising visit in the USL Championship. It is still the best-value loud night out in the East Bay.

When Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time 7:00pm
Where Oakland Coliseum, Oakland
7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA 94621
Price Tickets via Oakland Roots

All ages

Event and ticket details

San Jose Earthquakes vs Portland TimbersSat Sep 26TicketedA Saturday night MLS match at PayPal Park with the playoff race tightening.

Back at their own ground, the Quakes host Portland in one of the Western Conference's oldest rivalries. PayPal Park's steep stands keep the noise in. Light rail to Race Street is a ten-minute walk.

When Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time 7:30pm
Where PayPal Park, San Jose
1123 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA 95110
Price From about $44

All ages

Event and ticket details

Bay FC vs Orlando PrideSun Sep 27TicketedBay FC's Latino Heritage Match against Orlando, live on ESPN.

Orlando are one of the league's marquee sides and Bay FC mark the match as their Latino Heritage night. It is the second of three home matches in this window. Kick-off is early afternoon.

When Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time 2:00pm
Where PayPal Park, San Jose
1123 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA 95110
Price Tickets via Bay FC

All agesTheme night

Event and ticket details

USF Dons men vs San DiegoSat Oct 3TicketedThe Dons host San Diego in West Coast Conference play on a Saturday night.

San Diego are one of the West Coast Conference's strongest programmes, which makes this a stiff home test. Saturday nights at Negoesco draw the best crowds outside the Cal game. It also clashes with Hardly Strictly, which is in the same park two miles west.

When Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time 7:00pm
Where Negoesco Stadium, Inner Richmond, SF
2130 Fulton St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Price Tickets via USF Athletics

All ages

Event and ticket details

Golden State Warriors preseason at Chase CenterTue Oct 6, Sat Oct 10, Fri Oct 16TicketedThree warm-up games: the Lakers, the Kings and the Trail Blazers.

The first Warriors basketball at Chase Center since spring. The Lakers visit on Tuesday October 6, the Kings on Saturday October 10 and the Trail Blazers on Friday October 16. Preseason tickets are the cheapest way into the building all year.

When Tuesday, October 6; Saturday, October 10; Friday, October 16, 2026
Time Oct 6 at 7:00pm; see the Warriors for other tip times
Where Chase Center, Mission Bay, SF
1 Warriors Way, San Francisco, CA 94158
Price Tickets via the Warriors

All agesPreseason

Event and ticket details

USF Dons women vs PortlandWed Oct 7TicketedConference play at Negoesco against Portland, on an easy after-work evening.

Portland are a West Coast Conference rival and this is one of the bigger nights of the women's home season. A Wednesday 6pm start makes it an easy after-work stop.

When Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Time 6:00pm
Where Negoesco Stadium, Inner Richmond, SF
2130 Fulton St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Price Tickets via USF Athletics

All ages

Event and ticket details

Oakland Roots vs San Antonio FCSat Oct 10TicketedThe Roots' last regular-season night at the Coliseum. Go and say goodbye properly.

With the club leaving the Coliseum after this season, this is the farewell home date at the old ground. San Antonio are the visitors. Expect the supporters to make a night of it.

When Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time 7:00pm
Where Oakland Coliseum, Oakland
7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA 94621
Price Tickets via Oakland Roots

All agesFarewell

Event and ticket details

San Jose Earthquakes vs Nashville SCSat Oct 17TicketedA late-season MLS night at PayPal Park with playoff places on the line.

Nashville are a hard, well-organised side and this match comes with the playoff picture still being settled. It is one of the Quakes' last regular-season home games.

When Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time 7:30pm
Where PayPal Park, San Jose
1123 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA 95110
Price Tickets via the Earthquakes

All ages

Event and ticket details

USF Dons women vs PacificSat Oct 17TicketedA Saturday evening conference match against Pacific to close this window.

The Dons host Pacific in West Coast Conference play. Pair it with the Potrero Hill festival in the afternoon or an early dinner on Clement Street.

When Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time 6:00pm
Where Negoesco Stadium, Inner Richmond, SF
2130 Fulton St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Price Tickets via USF Athletics

All ages

Event and ticket details

Bay FC vs Portland ThornsSun Oct 18TicketedBay FC host the Thorns, one of the NWSL's great old clubs, on a Sunday afternoon.

Portland bring a big travelling support and a long history, which makes this the pick of Bay FC's autumn home dates. Caltrain runs event service to San Jose for it.

When Sunday, October 18, 2026
Time 2:00pm
Where PayPal Park, San Jose
1123 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA 95110
Price Tickets via Bay FC

All ages

Event and ticket details

Out in the open

Corgi ConSat Sep 26TicketedThe self-styled largest corgi gathering in the world, with races, costumes and a ninja course.

Hundreds of very short dogs and their owners take over the fairgrounds for races, a costume contest, a Ninja Warrior course and a corgi market. Online tickets are discounted until September 25. Vendors are mostly card-only.

When Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time 10:00am to 5:00pm
Where Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton
2005 Valley Ave (Gates 8 and 12), Pleasanton, CA 94566
Price $13.44; children 6 and under free; parking $15

All ages

Event and ticket details

San Francisco Fleet Week and Air ShowSun Oct 4 to Mon Oct 12FreeFree ship tours all week, then the Blue Angels over the Marina from October 9 to 11.

Fleet Week opens on October 4, with free first-come ship tours at Piers 27 and 35 from October 6. The Parade of Ships comes under the Golden Gate Bridge on Friday October 9 from 11am, and the air show with the Blue Angels runs noon to 4pm on October 9, 10 and 11. Watching from Marina Green is free; reserved seating costs extra.

When Sunday, October 4 to Monday, October 12, 2026
Time Air show noon to 4:00pm, October 9 to 11
Where Marina Green and the Northern Waterfront, SF
500 Marina Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94123
Price Free; reserved air show seats extra

FreeAll ages

Event and ticket details

Beyond the window

On the Horizon

Past October 18, and worth putting in the diary now.

Thursday October 22 to Sunday November 1

Cine+Mas San Francisco Latino Film Festival

Venues across San Francisco

The 18th edition of the Latino film festival, with films from free to $15 and special events around $20.

Friday October 23

Warriors home opener vs Memphis Grizzlies

Chase Center, 1 Warriors Way, San Francisco

The first Warriors regular-season game at Chase Center, two nights after the season opener in Los Angeles.

Saturday October 31

Halloween in the Castro and the Mission

18th St between Diamond and Noe; 16th Street BART

A Castro block party and night market from 5pm, and the roving Dance-O-Ween costume party from 16th Street BART at 7:30pm.

Sunday November 1, 2:00pm

Bay FC vs San Diego Wave

PayPal Park, 1123 Coleman Ave, San Jose

Bay FC's Fan Appreciation match and the last home game of their regular season.

Saturday November 7 to Sunday November 8

San Francisco Coffee Festival

Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Blvd, San Francisco

The tenth coffee festival, with tickets from about $32.