As anyone who’s spent time in San Francisco knows, there’s never a dearth of fun to be had. That’s especially true when it comes to eating and drinking. Whether it’s sipping co*cktails at one of SF’s Best Bars, grabbing fancy coffee with a friend, hitting up one of the city’s breweries, or taking advantage of a rooftop bar on a sunny day (or, if waiting for the weather to cooperate seems untenable, just bundling up in a puffy jacket and sitting next to a heat lamp).
And though “getting outside” via a rooftop bar definitely counts as getting fresh air, SF also makes it easy to enjoy the great outdoors in a billion other ways. Whether going on a beautiful hike, cozying up on a cliffside beach, or simply strolling around our famous hills (your calves and thighs may object to the word “strolling” depending on which hill you pick), SF is as much about playing outdoors and chilling inside.
Romance in the air? SF has so many amazing date options for all kinds of budgets, all of which double as things any local or tourist would be happy to also enjoy. Still looking for fun? You can start by trying to accomplish everything on this SF bucket list, or keep reading to see our monthly events guide, which will help keep your calendar full with a variety of fun things to do in June 2024. Come back next month because, as we noted earlier, there’s always something entertaining going down in our City by the Bay.
Monday, June 3–Wednesday, June 12
Various locations, $25 and up
Get inspired at the largest design festival on the West Coast. This year’s guiding theme is “attention,” and dozens of designers, entrepreneurs, technologists, artists, activists, and strategists will be trying to get yours via city-wide workshops, open studios, thought-provoking talks, and more.
Wednesday, June 5–Saturday, June 29
Mid-Market, $55–$148
If you get excited by musicals, love, or co*cktails, you don’t want to miss this Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim’s and George Furth’s COMPANY, winner of five 2022 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revival. It’s a tale as old as, well, old maids, as Bobbie turns 35, and everyone wonders why she can’t find a man, settle down, and start a family. Only now, the 1970 production has been given a modern-day makeover and brought into the 21st century. COMPANY has received rave reviews and is in SF on a limited run, so don’t wait to get your tix.
Wednesday, June 5–Sunday, June 16
Various locations, Prices vary
During the 41st annual San Francisco Jazz Festival, 40 concerts will be held over 12 days at four venues, with performances from Shabaka Hutchings, Gary Bartz NTU Troop with Ambrose Akinmusire, Kenny Garrett, Jane Monheit, GoGo Penguin, Cory Henry, La Doña, Monty Alexander, Lakecia Benjamin, and more.
Fridays through September 13, 6:30–8 pm
Sausalito, Free
You can hear live music every Friday at Sausalito’s summer music festival. Sit on the lawn of Gabrielson Park (on the waterfront in downtown Sausalito) and buy food and beverages (including alcohol) from a local community group (or bring your own) while listening to an array of bands.
Saturday, June 8, noon to 7 pm
Golden Gate Park, $51 and up
You already know about Outside Lands and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, but is All Day I Dream, the only dedicated house music event in Golden Gate Park, on your radar? Well, if not, it is now. Dance in the sunshine to a lineup that includes Lee Burridge (the event's founder), Roy Rosenfeld, and Lost Desert, plus enjoy food trucks, yoga, and vendors selling Playa-worthy clothing, jewelry, art, and more.
Saturday, June 8, noon to 6 pm
Mission, Free (but donations are appreciated)
Stroll around the Mission on Saturday afternoon to hear all kinds of live music played on porches, parklets, and stoops.
Saturday, June 8–Sunday, June 9
Fort Mason, Free
West Coast Craft is taking over the Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason for a weekend full of amazing art and design. Look at (and shop) the work of over 275 of the best artists, designers, and craftspeople (while stopping for snacks and drinks along the way).
Saturday, June 8–Sunday, June 9
Golden Gate, Free to watch
This race attracts some of the best professional and amateur triathletes from across the world, so don’t feel bad if you’re not in good enough shape to participate in this triathlon that begins with a 1.5-mile swim from Alcatraz, followed by an 8-mile bike ride and a demanding 8-mile run through the trails of the Golden Gate Recreational Area. The good news is anyone can still cheer on those who are. There’s also a Fitness Festival and Expo on the Marina Green on Saturday and Sunday with a food court, beer garden, and experiential vendor display (including lots of free samples).
Through Sunday, June 23
Union Square, $25 to $137
Watch the story unfold about the saga of the Lehman Brothers and the bankruptcy that triggered the largest financial crisis in history from a cast of three playing the Lehman brothers, their sons, and grandsons. It all starts on a New York dock in 1844 and ends 163 years later, well… you know. And if for some reason you don’t, who doesn’t love a surprise?
Wednesday, June 12–Sunday, June 16
All over California, Free
Discover something new (for free!) in one of the Golden State’s 280 state parks this weekend. Each day has a different theme with corresponding events (support climate resilience, celebrate community and culture, care for our shared lands, etc). From cleanups to trail hikes to forest bathing, you can easily find an event that speaks to you–just search on the map.
Wednesdays–Sundays from June 14–July 7
Pleasanton, $18 and up
Nothing says summer in America quite like a county fair, and Alameda County goes all out with more than three weeks of carnival rides, beer and wine tastings, hot dogs and funnel cake, a petting zoo, a livestock pavilion, nightly drone shows, and concerts from E-40, The Fray, Exposé, and tons of cover bands.
Saturday, June 15–Sunday, June 16
North Beach, Free
Nothing says “summer in SF” quite like the North Beach Festival. Taste delicious food from dozens of gourmet vendors, including local restaurants. Hang out in one of the four beer gardens to enjoy refreshing adult beverages. Shop the stalls of over 140 vendors and makers. Bring your pet to the Blessing of the Animals on Sunday. And listen to live music on multiple stages all weekend long.
Saturday, June 15, 10 am to 1 pm
Mission Bay, Free and $45
Daybreaker, the roaming early morning dance party comes to Thrive City at the Chase Center for a morning of outdoor yoga and dancing in the sunshine. The dancing is free; if you want to add on yoga, it’s $45. Rainbow florals and sparkle attire encouraged.
Wednesday, June 19–Sunday, June 23
Union Square, $46–$144
You can turn back time at this brand-new production of the Tony Award-winning
musical The Cher Show, a dazzling production that covers six decades of Cher’s stardom and includes 35 hits. Don’t “Believe” us? You’re “Strong Enough” to find out for yourself, so if Cher’s music has ever put a smile on your face, you don’t want to miss this very limited engagement (five days).
Fridays from June 19–August 9
Santa Cruz
Head down to Santa Cruz to catch Friday night flicks on a big screen at the beach. First up on June 14: the ultimate Santa Cruz vampire classic, The Lost Boys followed by The Book of Life (June 21) and Barbie (June 28). It’s the perfect excuse to spend a day eating funnel cake and going on rides. Don’t feel like driving home after? Book a room at the Dream Inn and make a weekend of it.
Cost: Free.
Wednesday, June 19–Saturday, June 29
Various locations, $19.50 and up
Frameline48, the San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, the oldest and longest-running LGBTQ+ film festival in the world, returns with 11 days of queer cinema. There will be over 120 screenings spanning narratives, documentaries, and shorts representing countries all over the world. A few of this year’s highlights include a conversation with Lena Waithe, a performance by Linda Perry, and screenings of Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner “In the Summers.”
Friday, June 21–Sunday, June 23
Mission, $15 and up
Head to Z Space to see Bay Area trans, queer, and gender non-conforming artists performing dance, theater, comedy, live music, and more. There are multiple performances over the weekend, and artists will be performing all over the building during each one, so you get a taste of everything.
Sundays, June 23–August 25
Outer Sunset, Free, but reservations are required
The Stern Grove Festival returns this summer with some amazing shows. The festival is sticking with the post-COVID system, so you can’t just show up—you have to snag the free tickets ahead of time. (Reservations open one MONTH before the show at 2 pm. If you can’t snag one, check back because new tickets will be released throughout the month. And if that doesn’t work, you can always listen to the music from the side lawn, you just won’t be able to see the stage.) Performers this summer include The Commodores, SF Symphony, Masego, Franc Moody, Alex G, Herbie Hanco*ck, Lucinda Williams, and more.
Saturday, June 29–Sunday, June 30,
Embarcadero to Civic Center, Free
You’ll find a bunch of ways to celebrate Pride this weekend, but if you’re looking for the biggest celebrations, head to Civic Center on Saturday and Sunday for music and performances. That part is free, but if you want, there’s also an “enhanced experience” with access to an exclusive area by the main stage with a bar, bathroom, and lounge ($75). Or, if you prefer your Pride with an open bar and three rooms of entertainment, you can also get tickets to the Pride Party at City Hall (starting at $100). And don’t miss the Parade on Sunday morning. It starts at 10:30 a.m. with over 200 contingents marching and floating down Market Street from the Embarcadero.
Daisy Barringer is a San Francisco-based freelance writer with over 15 years of professional experience as a copywriter and editorial journalist. Her areas of expertise include hamburgers, road trips, the 49ers, and anything and everything NorCal. She grew up in San Francisco and has a BFA in Dramatic Writing from New York University and an MFA in Creative Writing from UNC Wilmington, the latter of which she commonly refers to as “the time she spent three years at creative writing summer camp.” Follow her on Instagram @daisysf, where you’re guaranteed cute pics of her 160-pound Saint Bernard named Monkey.
