San Francisco Local Guide
Our guide to the city’s best annual events & local attractions.
As long-time locals of the City by the Bay, Argonaut Hotel and our thoughtful team have compiled a list of some of the city’s top events and attractions. Discover the best things to do in San Francisco and contact our concierge for assistance with planning your adventure.
Outside Lands
The Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival is a music festival held annually in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Enjoy an eclectic lineup of indie & alternative rock, hip hop, and electronic music, as well as food, art, and wine.
Location: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA
More info: Visit Outside Lands Website
San Francisco Pride
The Annual San Francisco Pride Celebration & Parade is held every year in late June. With over 200 parade contingents and exhibitors, and more than 20 community-run stages and venues, SF Pride is the largest gathering of the LGBT community and allies in the nation.
Location: San Francisco Civic Center Plaza
Parade Route: Beale Street to 8th Street
More info: Visit San Francisco Pride Website
San Francisco Marathon
A series of USATF certified road running events held each summer; includes a full marathon, two half marathons, an ultramarathon, and a 5K.
Marathon
The Marathon is a loop course. Starting at the world-famous Ferry Building, runners pass through Fisherman’s Wharf, the Marina, up and back across the Golden Gate Bridge, and down through the Presidio, along the Pacific Ocean and more. The course is USATF certified and is a Boston Marathon qualifying race.
Half Marathon
Choose between the first half marathon of the course or the second half marathon – both are USATF certified.
5K race
The 5K is flat, fast, and runs a loop on the Embarcadero along the beautiful San Francisco Bay.
More info: Visit San Francisco Marathon Website
Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon
The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon attracts World Champions, Olympic Medalists, and the best amateur triathletes from 50 states and over 40 countries. They will put their endurance to the ultimate test as they take on San Francisco’s legendary Bay, steep hills, and rugged terrain.
The annual Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon features a 1.5-mile swim from Alcatraz Island to the shores of the St. Francis Yacht Club, an 18-mile bike ride, and an 8-mile run through the trails of the Golden Gate Recreational Area.
A Fitness Festival and Expo are featured on Saturday and Sunday at Marina Green in San Francisco. This two-day fest offers the opportunity for sampling, product giveaways, product displays, sweepstakes, and more. Enjoy food courts, beer garden, and experiential vendor displays.
Bay Area Brews Festival
The Annual Bay Area Brew Festival features a bevy of international and domestic beers (over 200 beers and 70 breweries!) plus San Francisco’s best food trucks. It’s a favorite among SF’s foodie-centric locals. Proceeds benefit Coppers Dream Animal Rescue, whose aim is to rescue dogs from shelters and find permanent homes for rescued pets.
21+ only.
Location: Fort Mason Center
More info: Visit Bay Area Brews Festival Website
SF Annual Fleet Week Celebration
San Francisco Fleet Week is an annual public event that honors the contributions of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Taking place every October over Italian Heritage Weekend, SF Fleet Week’s air show, parade of ships, and many community events have become a significant part of our city’s local culture. As the largest and most significant event of its kind in the nation, SFFW features a unique training and education program that brings together civilian and military forces to develop and share best practices in humanitarian assistance and emergency disaster response.
More info: Visit San Francisco Fleet Week Website
Wharf Fest
Every fall, Fisherman’s Wharf gets festive for Wharf Fest, a daylong community celebration with beer and wine tasting, free street fair activities, and benefit concerts. Don’t forget their famous chowder competition – our restaurant, Pescatore, took home the first place prize for 2019!
Location: Fisherman’s Wharf
More info: Visit Wharf Fest Website
Off the Grid Fort Mason
Head to the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture to experience an extravaganza of food trucks, music, outdoor activities, and more! Enjoy outdoor dining spaces and a wide array of tempting food trucks from March-October. Admission is free, and guests can purchase $25 tickets good for 4 tasting items.
Location: Fort Mason Center
More info: Visit Off The Grid Fort Mason Website
Fort Mason Farmer’s Market
Year-round Sundays from 9:30am-1:30pm, the Fort Mason Farmers’ Market is bustling with over 35 vendors selling produce, flowers, handmade goods, and more. Visit to soak in the amazing views and stock up on picnic supplies – you’ll see why the Bay Area offers one of the best natural bounties to be found!
Location: Fort Mason Center
More info: Visit Fort Mason Farmer’s Market Website
Eat Drink SF
Eat Drink SF is San Francisco’s premier food and drink festival, held every summer. One ticket grants you access to a tasting smorgasbord of Bay Area wine, spirits, and cuisine. Plus chef meet and greets, demos, networking, and more!
Location: TBD
More info: Visit Eat Drink SF Website
North Beach Festival
One of the largest street fairs in San Francisco, North Beach Festival features arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, live music stages, chalk art, and all kinds of fun for the entire family. This free SF tradition is not to be missed
Location: North Beach District
More info: Visit North Beach Festival Website
Italian Heritage Parade
A celebration of Italian-American heritage, this parade is held every fall and features music, floats, performances, and more. Admission to the parade is free.
Route location: Fisherman’s Wharf to Washington Square
More info: Visit Italian Heritage Parade Website
Chinese New Year Parade
The largest event of its kind (in the whole world!), the San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival and Parade aims to both educate and entertain its wide audience. Enjoy a colorful celebration of Chinese culture and heritage. Get there early to grab a seat along the 1.3 mile parade route.
Location: Chinatown
More info: Visit Chinese New Year Parade Website
Chase Center Events
Home of the Golden State Warriors, Chase Center also hosts a wide array of A-list live concerts, collegiate sports, and more. All live music lovers and sports aficionados should be sure to check out their upcoming calendar of events when planning a trip to San Francisco.
Location: Mission Bay
More info: Visit Chase Center Events Website
City Lights, Quiet Nights
Despite our lively waterfront location, our guests always comment on how quiet our rooms are. The comfy beds and stunning views come up often, too.
City Lights, Quiet Nights
Despite our lively waterfront location, our guests always comment on how quiet our rooms are. The comfy beds and stunning views come up often, too.
PACKAGES & OFFERS
Park on the Water
Parking in San Francisco is expensive, but not when you stay with us. Let us focus on your car so you can focus on discovering our city.
Breakfast by the Bay
Begin your day in the city by the Bay with an included scrumptious continental breakfast for two from Blue Mermaid.
ADDRESS
Argonaut Hotel
495 Jefferson Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
HOTEL DIRECT
415-563-0800ROOM RESERVATIONS
800-790-1415AWARDS & PRESS
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