San Francisco is awash in culture, so why not check out some interesting ethnic festivals. If you’re looking to have fun or simply immerse yourself in some festivals then read further. San Francisco is full of different culture, so check out these festivals that will dazzle you.
- Cinco de Mayo: Mission District in Dolores Park
Jayeeta/Flickr There is no better way than to experience true Mexican culture than Cinco De Mayo. This festival is a free all-day Mexican culture festival in Dolores Park on the closest Saturday to May 5.
- Carnaval: Harrison Street between 16th & 24th Streets
Thomas Hawk/Flickr The Carnaval celebration in San Francisco is one of California’s largest annual multicultural festivals. You’ll expect to celebrate both Latin-American and Caribbean culture and traditions with influences from Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, and Bolivia.
- Pistahan Festival: San Francisco Civic Center
Gary Stevens/Flickr Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Philippines islands without the travel costs, jet lag, and cultural gap. You’ll get to enjoy a display of Filipino culture and traditions along with greet food, colorful floats, marching bands, beautiful cultural dance, and more!
- San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival: Lake Merritt, Oakland
David Yu/Flickr The California Dragon Boat Association will have their 22nd Annual Northern California International Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Merritt, Oakland! Expect to see 40-foot dragon boats as they race to the beat of Chinese drums on Saturday & Sunday, September 23 & 24, 2017.
- San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival: War Memorial Opera House
Sf Ethnic Dance Festival Site This takes on July 6 - 8 this year. Celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the Bay Area. You’ll experience dance and music traditions and innovations from Brazil, Central Europe, China, Congo, Cuba, Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, Spain, Tahiti, West Africa, and Zimbabwe. Wow!
- Taiwanese American Cultural Festival: Union Square, San Francisco
Taiwanese American Cultural Festival Facebook Page Enjoy Taiwanese food, music, and other cultural activities. The festival will feature Taiwanese performances, arts and crafts, games, and food! This takes place on May 13 this year.
- Cesar Chavez Holiday Festival: 19th St & Guerrero Street, San Francisco, 94110
Kevin Y/Yelp This festival and parade showcases indigenous and ethnic dances in the Mission District, as well as food and artwork at the street fair. Also, this festival is held in honor of the labor and civil rights leader Cesar Chavez. Great food and culture with historical importance.
- Greek Festival-Taste of Greece: 245 Valencia Street, San Francisco,
San Francisco’s Only Greek Food Festival Facebook Page San Francisco’s only Greek festival, A Taste of Greece, offers aromas of freshly made spanakopita, mousaka, kotopoulo, gyros and other Greek specialties. This happens September 22-24. Come for the food alone!
- The Himalayan Fair: Cal Berkeley Campus, Berkeley.
Himalayan Fair site The annual outdoor celebration offers a wide variety of award winning stage performers everyone. Expect authentic Nepalese and Indian foods. The Himalayan Fair offers a rare occasion to experience a unique Himalayan festival without leaving the Bay Area. This takes place May 20 and May 21.
- Berkeley World Music Festival: People’s Park, Berkeley
Berkeley World Music Festival Facebook Celebrate the multi-cultural diversity of the Bay in song, dance and craft. You’ll see plenty of styles here alongside local folks running colorful community and artisan booths.
Have you been to any of these festivals? Let us know if you have and leave a comment. Share this story too! If you’re curious about cool things in the city, check out This Rooftop Restaurant In San Francisco That’s Beyond Gorgeous.
Jayeeta/Flickr
There is no better way than to experience true Mexican culture than Cinco De Mayo. This festival is a free all-day Mexican culture festival in Dolores Park on the closest Saturday to May 5.
Thomas Hawk/Flickr
The Carnaval celebration in San Francisco is one of California’s largest annual multicultural festivals. You’ll expect to celebrate both Latin-American and Caribbean culture and traditions with influences from Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, and Bolivia.
Gary Stevens/Flickr
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Philippines islands without the travel costs, jet lag, and cultural gap. You’ll get to enjoy a display of Filipino culture and traditions along with greet food, colorful floats, marching bands, beautiful cultural dance, and more!
David Yu/Flickr
The California Dragon Boat Association will have their 22nd Annual Northern California International Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Merritt, Oakland! Expect to see 40-foot dragon boats as they race to the beat of Chinese drums on Saturday & Sunday, September 23 & 24, 2017.
Sf Ethnic Dance Festival Site
This takes on July 6 - 8 this year. Celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the Bay Area. You’ll experience dance and music traditions and innovations from Brazil, Central Europe, China, Congo, Cuba, Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, Spain, Tahiti, West Africa, and Zimbabwe. Wow!
Taiwanese American Cultural Festival Facebook Page
Enjoy Taiwanese food, music, and other cultural activities. The festival will feature Taiwanese performances, arts and crafts, games, and food! This takes place on May 13 this year.
Kevin Y/Yelp
This festival and parade showcases indigenous and ethnic dances in the Mission District, as well as food and artwork at the street fair. Also, this festival is held in honor of the labor and civil rights leader Cesar Chavez. Great food and culture with historical importance.
San Francisco’s Only Greek Food Festival Facebook Page
San Francisco’s only Greek festival, A Taste of Greece, offers aromas of freshly made spanakopita, mousaka, kotopoulo, gyros and other Greek specialties. This happens September 22-24. Come for the food alone!
Himalayan Fair site
The annual outdoor celebration offers a wide variety of award winning stage performers everyone. Expect authentic Nepalese and Indian foods. The Himalayan Fair offers a rare occasion to experience a unique Himalayan festival without leaving the Bay Area. This takes place May 20 and May 21.
Berkeley World Music Festival Facebook
Celebrate the multi-cultural diversity of the Bay in song, dance and craft. You’ll see plenty of styles here alongside local folks running colorful community and artisan booths.
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