✨ What’s Happening in San Francisco This Weekend: July 18–20, 2025
Summer in San Francisco is in full swing, and this weekend is bursting with culture, live music, street festivals, and culinary debuts. Whether you're in the mood for an epic concert, a cozy night market stroll, or family-friendly fun in the sun, the city has something magical waiting for you.
Here’s your curated guide to what’s on in SF this weekend:
🎤 Friday, July 18: Let the Weekend Begin
Katy Perry Live at Chase Center
Pop icon Katy Perry lights up the Chase Center with her Lifetimes Tour—a spectacle of sound, style, and showstopping visuals. Expect the hits, the glam, and a euphoric crowd.
Fridays on Front St. Block Party
📍 240 Front Street | ⏰ 4–9 PM | FREE
Kick off the weekend with food trucks, live DJs, giant games, and drinks under the city lights. It's everything you want in a city street party—fun, easy, and full of summer vibes.
Castro Night Market
📍 18th & Castro | ⏰ 5–10 PM | FREE
The Castro’s new evening market is back with local artisans, bites, live entertainment, and that signature Castro charm. Perfect for a Friday night wander.
Mint Plaza Night Market
📍 Downtown SF | ⏰ 5–9 PM | RSVP Free
An evening filled with community, music, art installations, and food. RSVP for entry and soak up the energy of this summer night experience.
Off the Grid: Fort Mason
📍 Fort Mason | ⏰ 4–9 PM
Foodies rejoice! Enjoy a waterfront spread of food trucks, cocktails, and live music—all with views of the Golden Gate.
🌞 Saturday, July 19: Fairs, Festivals & Fresh Vibes
114th Annual Hayes Valley Carnival
🎡 Classic carnival rides, live music, kids’ games, and gourmet food stalls—this charming street fair returns with old-school fun and modern flair.
SF Hip-Hop Festival at The Midway
🎶 Day 2 brings major legends like Tha Dogg Pound and Digable Planets. The festival’s also hosting panels on AI & music, plus a full spectrum of Bay Area talent.
Sonoma Hot Air Balloon Classic (Day 1)
🎈 Wake up early for tethered rides, photo ops, and breathtaking balloon launches. It’s a little road trip—but totally worth it.
Urban Youth Arts & Graffiti Festival
🎨 Support young talent as muralists, performers, and dancers transform the city with color and creativity. Live painting, open workshops, and music all day.
Glen Park Night Market (Debut!)
🛍️ Discover a brand-new local market featuring artisan vendors, food stands, and a cozy community vibe in Glen Park.
“Black Spaces: Reclaim & Remain” at Oakland Museum
🖼️ A moving exhibition exploring Black life and resistance in the East Bay—opening this weekend.
Eames: “Past as Prologue” Exhibition
📍 Transamerica Pyramid | FREE
Design lovers: don't miss this new retrospective on the legendary Ray and Charles Eames and their final decade of iconic work.
💃 Sunday, July 20: Move, Mingle, and Make the Most of It
Sunday Streets: Mission District
🚲 No cars, just joy. The Mission transforms into a pedestrian paradise filled with live music, community performances, art, and food trucks. Great for all ages!
Annual Dance Day @ Yerba Buena Gardens
💃 From salsa to hip-hop to flamenco, enjoy a day full of free outdoor dance performances and classes. Bring your rhythm—or just your appreciation.
Sonoma Hot Air Balloon Classic Continues
Catch the finale of this high-flying event with more balloon rides and dreamy morning skies.
🍽️ New Restaurant Radar: Where to Eat Between Events
Superprime Steakhouse just opened in SoMa—expect wagyu, uni toast, and craft cocktails in a sleek, moody setting.
Al Pastor Papi now in Union Square for street taco cravings.
Breadbelly brings cult bakery goods to Dogpatch.
Aiso (vegan, Castro) and La Mar (seafood, Embarcadero) are making buzz too.
🎯 Pro Tips
Wear layers—the fog might roll in even when the day starts hot.
Book in advance for any ticketed events (especially Katy Perry or the Hip-Hop Festival).
Support local vendors at night markets, pop-ups, and community fairs.
📸 Tag Your Weekend #LiveDeliciouslySF
Wherever you go, soak up the scene and share your city story. Whether you're dancing in the streets, sipping cocktails by the bay, or catching a balloon sunrise—SF is ready to dazzle.