Union Square / Downtown San Francisco Events

Union Square in San Francisco is a place for events and experiences all year long. From seasonal festivities to citywide celebrations, Union Square offers something for everyone.

Spring and Summer: Union Square in Bloom

Between March and August, Union Square comes alive with in Union Square in Bloom, a series of events that celebrate the season’s beauty. This floral extravaganza includes Tulip Bulb Day, where over 80,000 tulips transform the square into a colorful wonderland, inviting visitors to pick a bouquet to take home. Spring Fling offers free live music, floral cocktails, and flower giveaways. The season wraps up with the Bloomies Awards, honoring the best floral displays in the neighborhood.

Holiday Magic: November and December

Winter Walk turns Union Square into a festive pedestrian plaza with food trucks, bars, and Instagram-worthy holiday décor. The Ornament Trail invites visitors to explore Union Square’s streets, discovering stunning art pieces by local artists.

Don’t miss the Union Square Christmas Tree Lighting and the Bill Graham Menorah Lighting. And for a bit of holiday cheer with a playful twist, Santacon fills the area with thousands of Santas before they head out to bars all over the city.

Ongoing Events and Citywide Celebrations

Beyond the seasonal highlights, Union Square hosts a variety of smaller events throughout the year. From art shows and outdoor yoga classes to live music performances in the square, there’s always something to enjoy. Venues like August Hall and Feinstein’s at the Nikko regularly host concerts, comedy shows, and intimate performances.

Union Square also takes part in citywide events like SF Restaurant Week, SF Beer Week, and Fleet Week, bringing foodies, beer lovers, and aviation enthusiasts together in this iconic neighborhood.

With such a wide variety of events, Union Square offers endless opportunities to make memories. Check out the CrawlSF Events Calendar to stay updated on what’s happening next. Whether you’re picking tulips in the spring, sipping cocktails during Winter Walk, or enjoying a live concert, Union Square is the perfect place to experience the fun of San Francisco.

Year Round Events

Concerts

August Hall (420 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94102)

Biscuits And Blues (401 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94102)

Feinstein’s at the Nikko (222 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94102)

The Warfield (982 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102)

Great American Music Hall (859 O’Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94109)

Nightclub Events

Hawthorn SF Nightclub and Lounge (46 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94108)

Shows

The Curran Theatre (445 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102)

Shelton Theater (533 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94102)

Comedy

The Punch Line (444 Battery St, San Francisco, CA 94111)

Union Square Events By Month

February

SF Beer Week (2/12 – 3/2)

SF Beer Week is a citywide celebration of craft beer, but Union Square gets in on the action too. Local bars and restaurants often host special tastings, beer-pairing menus, and brewery events. It’s a great way to sip on local brews while exploring the neighborhood.

March

Union Square in Bloom (March to August)

From March through August, Union Square celebrates its floral heritage with Union Square in Bloom. Floral displays, floral-inspired cocktails & community events make this months-long celebration a feast for the senses.

Flower Bulb Day

Union Square bursts into color on Flower Bulb Day, when over 80,000 tulips transform the plaza into a floral paradise. Visitors are invited to pick their own bouquet.

Spring Fling in Union Square

Kick off spring at Spring Fling, a free outdoor concert in Union Square Plaza featuring live music, floral giveaways, and delicious food and drinks.

April

SF Restaurant Week (4/3 – 4/14)

Union Square is a must-visit during SF Restaurant Week, a citywide event showcasing the best of San Francisco’s dining scene. Participating Union Square restaurants offer prix-fixe menus that let you try their food at special prices.

May

Mother’s Day

Union Square celebrates Mother’s Day in style with special brunches and events. It’s a wonderful way to treat mom to a day of beauty, music, and delicious food in a picturesque setting.

August

Bloomies Awards

Union Square in Bloom ends with the Bloomies Awards, which honor the best floral displays and participants.

October

Fleet Week Shows in Union Square Plaza

While Fleet Week’s air shows draw the biggest crowds, Union Square Plaza offers its own lineup of events, including live music performances.

November

Union Square Christmas Tree Lighting

A cherished holiday tradition, the Christmas Tree Lighting transforms Union Square into a festive wonderland. Join the community to watch the towering tree light up, accompanied by live music and seasonal cheer.

Black Friday in Union Square

Union Square is the epicenter of Black Friday shopping in San Francisco. From luxury boutiques to flagship stores, the neighborhood offers unbeatable deals and festive window displays.

Ice Skating in Union Square

The Holiday Ice Rink at Union Square is a magical winter experience. Skate under the city lights surrounded by the bustling holiday atmosphere, and don’t forget to snap a photo with the Christmas tree as your backdrop.

December

Winter Walk

Union Square transforms into a pedestrian plaza during Winter Walk. With festive decorations, food trucks, live music, and pop-up bars, it’s the perfect spot to soak up holiday vibes while exploring the city.

Ornament Trail

Follow the Ornament Trail through Union Square’s streets to discover larger-than-life holiday ornaments created by local artists.

Santacon

Union Square plays host to the merry madness of Santacon, where hundreds of people dressed as Santa gather for a day of holiday-themed pub crawling.

Bill Graham Union Square Menorah Lighting

Celebrate Hanukkah with the Menorah Lighting Ceremony in Union Square. This community event honors the Festival of Lights with music, prayers, and cultural celebrations, bringing warmth and light to the holiday season.

Holiday Window Displays

Union Square’s iconic stores, like Macy’s and Gump’s, dazzle visitors with their Holiday Window Displays. From whimsical themes to elegant designs, these displays add a touch of magic to your shopping experience.