Things to do this Month in San Francisco

Updated: February 28, 2026

Your Monthly Guide to Events and Things to do in San Francisco

March 2026

San Francisco is a city where there is always something to do. Each month, the city offers a lots of events & experiences.

From concerts and pub crawls to festivals and sporting events, San Francisco’s event calendar is packed with fun stuff. Experience some uniquely San Francisco events such as the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, the blooming of the cherry blossom or the Chinese New Year Parade. We will update this Monthly events and activities guide every month with a long list of things to do in the city. Make sure to check out all of the March 2026 Holidays as well.

March in San Francisco

March in San Francisco is when things start happening after a usually slow January and February. It’s a great month for exploring the city and checking out some events. The city’s calendar fills up with concerts, parades, holiday events, festivals and more.

Major Events and Holidays

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations: San Francisco hosts one of the most awesome St. Patrick’s Day parades on the West Coast complete with lively floats, traditional Irish dancers & bands. You can also go to the St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Civic Center, The St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl and lots of other fun holiday parties.

Cherry Blossom Festival: Though the main festival occurs in April, the precursor to this beautiful event starts in March with cherry blossoms beginning to bloom around the city, especially in Japantown.

Chinese New Year Parade
Chinese New Year Parade

Chinese New Year Parade: This event takes place in either February or March, depending on the Lunar New Year. This year, the parade and festival will take place on March 7.

Nightlife Events: The California Academy of Sciences and the Exploratorium offer adults-only evenings every Thursday, combining science with cocktails and entertainment.

Sporting Events: The NBA Season is in full swing so it’s the perfect time to check out a Golden State Warriors home game. An, of course, it’s March Madness! Get your brackets ready for an exciting NCAA Basketball Tournament in 2026 and head out to some local sports bars to catch the action.

Concerts: Living in a major city is a blessing for people who love to see live music. San Francisco has a lot of great music venues and attracts some of the best bands, DJs and more from all over the world each year.

Events and Things to do in March

Here are some of the best things to do in the city during March 2026.

Rogue Wave at Swedish American

March 1, 2026

Kick off March with an intimate evening of indie rock as Rogue Wave brings their thoughtful lyrics and lush melodies to the historic Swedish American Hall in San Francisco. They will be playing an early show and late show for the last night of the Noise Pop Festival in SF. For the early show, they will be playing Out of the Shadow with Meric Long and the late show will be Descended Like Vultures with Caleb Nichols.

A Conversation with Kamala Harris

March 3, 2026

Join a compelling conversation with former Vice President Kamala Harris as she discusses themes of leadership, resilience & civic engagement as part of her national book tour. This insightful event offers a unique chance to hear her perspectives in a live Q&A format. As a potential Presidential candidate for 2028, this is a great chance to see her in person.

Downtown First Thursdays

March 5, 2026

Celebrate the First Thursday of the month with Downtown First Thursdays, San Francisco’s free street party. Each month is a little different, but you can expect live music, dance, live performances, art, food vendors and more.

Brandi Carlile – The Human Tour at Chase Center

March 6, 2026

Grammy winning singer Brandi Carlile returns to the Bay Area with her Human Tour at Chase Center stage. The singer’s most recent performance in the Bay Area was at The Super Bowl, where she performed America the Beautiful before the game.

Dreamstate San Francisco 2026

March 6-7, 2026

San Francisco’s amazing trance and electronic music festival at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, Dreamstate takes place over 2 nights with an amazing lineup.

Chinese New Year Parade

March 7, 2026

The Chinese New Year Parade is late this year, taking place in early March. This awesome annual event features a parade and a festival with floats, dances and lot of fun stuff.

Game Developers Conference (GDC)

March 9-13, 2026

The Game Developers Conference returns to San Francisco, bringing together the brightest minds in the gaming industry. This week-long event is the world’s largest professional game industry event, offering lectures, panels, tutorials, and round-table discussions on a wide range of topics. GDC covers all aspects of game development, from programming and design to marketing and community management. It’s an essential event for anyone involved in the game development process, offering unparalleled networking opportunities, insights, and inspiration.

Craig Robinson at Cobb’s Comedy Club

March 13, 2026

Laugh out loud with actor and comedian Craig Robinson as he takes the stage at Cobb’s Comedy Club. Craig is a very talented comedian who has been in a huge amount of comedy shows and movies like The Office, Pineapple Express, This is the End and one of my favorite movies, Hot Tub Time Machine. I have been to a few of his shows and he is really good live. Highly Recommended.

St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl
St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl

St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl

March 13, 2026

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in true San Francisco style with a city-wide bar crawl. Wear your best green attire & embark on a festive journey through the city’s best pubs. With exclusive drink specials, Djs and lots of fun, this event is the perfect way to experience St. Patrick’s Day. Gather your friends and join the fun as San Francisco turns green for the day.

Giants Fan Fest

March 14, 2026

Baseball season is kicking off with the Giants Fan Fest at Oracle Park! This annual event is fun for fans of all ages, offering a chance to meet favorite players, tour the dugouts and clubhouse & enjoy live entertainment. Whether you’re a lifelong Giants supporter or new to the game, Fan Fest is the perfect way to celebrate the upcoming season and show your team spirit.

St. Paddy's San Francisco

Lepracon St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl

March 14, 2024

Join the best St. Patrick’s Day celebration in San Francisco with the Lepracon Pub Crawl! This event is the biggest St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl in the Nation, so get ready for a wild ride. Expect a day filled with drink specials, party buses, Djs and even a Fidn the Gnome Contest.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 14, 2026

Don’t miss San Francisco’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, an event celebrating Irish culture. The parade features floats, marching bands, Irish dancers and some other fun things. Starting on Market Street, the parade winds its way to Civic Center Plaza.

Brides of March Pub Crawl

March 15, 2026

Get ready for one of the most unique and hilarious events of the year – the Brides of March Pub Crawl! Participants are encouraged (well, technically required) to wear wedding dresses (yes, grooms too!) and join a roaming party through San Francisco’s bars and pubs. It’s a perfect opportunity for those looking to celebrate their inner bride or bachelorette party style, or just have a great time with friends.

Nine Inch Nails – Peel It Back Tour 2026 at Chase Center

March 15, 2026

Rock legends Nine Inch Nails bring their Peel It Back Tour to the Chase Center for an awesome night of music.

St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl San Francisco

St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl

March 17, 2026

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Official pub crawl in San Francisco. This annual event promises a day filled with Irish whiskey, stout, and plenty of green. Wander from pub to pub, enjoying drink specials and the company of fellow St. Patrick’s Day enthusiasts. It’s a fantastic way to experience the city’s lively bar scene while commemorating Ireland’s most famous holiday.

Ashnikko at The Warfield

March 21, 2026

Pop-punk star Ashnikko brings her bold sound and fierce performance energy to The Warfield Theatre for a night of electrifying pop and rap-infused hits.

Tulips
Tulip Day San Francisco – Emily Marie Wilson/Shutterstock

Flower Bulb Day

March 21, 2026

Tulip Day at Union Square brings 80,000 blooming tulips to the plaza. Attendees can enjoy the floral spectacle and pick their own tulips. This event can get crowded, especially if it is a nice day, so I highly recommend getting there early as the lines can get long.

San Francisco Giants vs. Sultanes De Monterrey

March 23, 2026

Baseball fans can catch the San Francisco Giants hosting the Sultanes de Monterrey in a special exhibition matchup at Oracle Park. If you can’t wait for the 2026 Baseball season to start, this is a great way to enjoy a game before opening day on March 25.

Baseball on Field
Baseball – alfasatryapermana/Shutterstock

MLB Opening Night: Giants vs. Yankees

March 23, 2026

Ring in the MLB season as the San Francisco Giants host the New York Yankees for a rare home opener at Oracle Park. It seems like Opening Day always takes place in April after a a few away games, so this is a cool change for 2026.

Father John Misty at The Castro Theater

March 25, 2026

Indie folk favorite Father John Misty is taking the stage at the newly renovated Castro Theatre. If you are a huge fan, you can see him on either 3/24 or 3/25 and then again at Bottlerock in May.

San Francisco Salsa Fest

March 26-28, 2026

Experience the passion and rhythm of Latin dance at the San Francisco Salsa Fest! This electrifying four-day festival showcases some of the best salsa dancers, instructors, and live Latin bands. Attendees can participate in workshops suitable for all skill levels, enjoy spectacular dance performances, and dance the night away to live music. Whether you’re a seasoned salsa dancer or just looking to learn the basics, the San Francisco Salsa Fest is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the fun of salsa dancing.

Nick Lowe at The Castro Theater

March 31, 2026

Legendary singer-songwriter Nick Lowe closes out March with a performance at the Castro Theatre.

Cool Events coming in April

Bring Your Own Big Wheel Race

Bring Your Own Big Wheel Race

April 5, 2026

The Bring Your Own Big Wheel (BYOBW) Race is one of San Francisco’s most entertaining and unique events. Participants of all ages are invited to race down one of the city’s winding streets on plastic, child-sized Big Wheels. This hilariously chaotic event emphasizes fun and creativity, with many racers dressing in costumes and decorating their rides. It’s a fantastic way to experience the playful side of San Francisco while embracing the community’s spirit of whimsy and adventure.

Hunky Jesus Competition

April 5, 2026

The Hunky Jesus Competition is a San Francisco Easter tradition that combines humor, irreverence, and a whole lot of charisma. Held in Dolores Park, this light-hearted contest features contestants dressed as their interpretation of a “Hunky Jesus,” competing in categories such as creativity, originality, and crowd appeal. This event is part of the larger Easter in the Park celebration, known for its inclusivity, joy, and the celebration of San Francisco’s community.

Recurring Events in March

Golden State Warriors Home Games

March 2, 10, 13, 25 & 27

Catch the excitement of NBA basketball by attending one of the Golden State Warriors’ home games at the Chase Center. Witness some of the best athletes in the world compete at the highest level of basketball. Each game promises an electrifying atmosphere, filled with the energy of passionate fans cheering on their team.

Nightlife at the California Academy of Sciences

Every Thursday in March (5, 12, 19, 26)

Explore the wonders of the natural world at NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences, held every Thursday evening. This adults-only event combines science, music, and cocktails for a uniquely entertaining experience. Visitors can roam through the aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and more, all with a drink in hand. Each week features a different theme, offering fresh perspectives on the museum’s exhibits and the latest scientific discoveries.

Exploratorium After Dark

Every Thursday in March (6, 12, 19, 26)

Experience the Exploratorium like never before with Exploratorium After Dark, an evening event series for the 18+ crowd. Every Thursday, the museum transforms into an adult playground, featuring unique installations, hands-on exhibits, and special performances. Dive into topics ranging from art and science to perception and phenomena, all while enjoying a cocktail and the company of curious minds. It’s an unforgettable way to experience one of San Francisco’s most innovative museums.

Cherry Blossoms Begin to Bloom in San Francisco

Whole Month of March

March marks the beginning of cherry blossom season in San Francisco, transforming various parts of the city with beautiful pink and white blooms. The picturesque blossoms can be enjoyed in several locations, including the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park, one of the oldest public Japanese gardens in the United States. This natural spectacle offers a perfect backdrop for leisurely walks, photography, and experiencing the tranquil beauty of spring.

Fort Mason Farmers Market

Every Sunday in March (7, 14, 21, 28)

The Fort Mason Farmers Market is a weekly event that brings together local farmers, artisan producers, and the San Francisco community. Held every Sunday at Fort Mason, this market offers a wide range of fresh, seasonal produce, gourmet food, and artisanal goods. It’s a great opportunity to support local agriculture, discover new culinary delights, and enjoy the scenic views of the Marina. Whether you’re shopping for the week’s groceries or looking for a pleasant way to spend your Sunday, the Fort Mason Farmers Market has something for everyone.