San Francisco
Festivals and Events in November

There's a lot to be thankful for in November. Here are the top festivals and events to attend in San Francisco.

All dates and locations are subject to change and should be confirmed with sponsors before making travel plans.

Downtown First Thursdays

Second Street (between Market and Howard streets)

DFT is a free monthly street party hosted in Downtown San Francisco, taking place every first Thursday of the month from 5 to 10 p.m. Get ready for disco in the streets, DJs, live music, drag, martial arts, fashion, street performances, and many other surprises! The fun takes place on Second Street (between Market and Howard streets) and along neighboring alleyways ready for you to explore. The event will also feature two 21+ outdoor bars on Minna and Natoma.

Day of the Dead Procession

Mission District

Day of the Dead processions and the Festival of Altars are annual community events celebrating the traditions of Dia de los Muertos in the Mission District.

San Francisco Hip-Hop Dance Festival

Palace of Fine Arts

The San Francisco Hip-Hop Dance Festival will feature excellent professional dance companies from around the world. In addition, master classes taught by some of the visiting artists will be offered, along with a VIP/Performer party to celebrate the convergence of artists with the public.

Bhangra and Beats Night Market

Clay St. & Battery St.

Experience the diverse culture of San Francisco at Bhangra & Beats, where you can groove to the beats of Bhangra music and other popular Bay Area music genres. This free event takes place over four Fridays in 2024, transforming downtown into a lively marketplace. Enjoy food, cocktails, and shopping and celebrate SF's vibrant cultural scene. November 15, 5 - 10 p.m.

Golden Gate Trail Classic by Spartan

Marin to San Francisco

The Golden Gate Trail Classic by Spartan is a two-day running event featuring four distances covering some of Marin County's most iconic trails. Runners can choose between a 10K, Half Marathon, 50K, or 100K race, all of which finish by crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Sign up today and participate in this iconic event, Nov. 18-19.

FAN EXPO San Francisco 2024

Moscone Center West

The largest pop culture convention in Northern California, FAN EXPO Northern California is a three-day event that brings together 35,000 comic, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming and cosplay fans to celebrate the things they love the most. Past celebrity guests include Mark Hamill, William Shatner, Henry Winkler, and more!

Embarcadero Center Building Lighting Ceremony

Embarcadero Plaza

Bring the family to stroll through a holiday fair, enjoy live entertainment and witness the lighting of the Embarcadero Center’s dramatic office towers, which brighten the San Francisco skyline with 17,000 lights throughout the holiday season.

Turkey Trail Trot

Golden Gate Park

The Turkey Trail Trot is an invigorating fun run (or walk) and has become a popular Thanksgiving Day tradition.

Illuminate SF Festival of Light

Citywide

More than 60 permanent and temporary eco-friendly light art installations transform San Francisco nights into a citywide gallery of light. Tours and events based around these public art installations invite visitors to “embrace the power of light.”

Union Square Tree Lighting Ceremony

Union Square

View the annual illumination of Macy’s Great Tree, decorated with more than 1,500 ornaments.

Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting Ceremony

Ghirardelli Square

Ghirardelli’s magical square comes alive with colorful performers, music, children’s activities and a 50-foot Christmas tree lighting up the night.

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Cow Palace

The Dickens Christmas Fair revives the tradition of an old English Victorian Christmas with theaters, a music hall, dance parties, taverns, shops, stalls, food, street vendors and period costumes.