We’re almost halfway through the year if you can believe it. May is a wonderful time in San Francisco, there is so much going on and it’s always so beautiful this time of year with everything in bloom. If you’re looking for events in San Francisco this May, be sure to check out all of the activities listed below. From Cinco de Mayo to Mother’s Day, there are fun events for the whole family.
Events in San Francisco this May
Cinco de Mayo
When: May 5th, 2018
Where: Valencia Street between 21stand 24thstreets
San Francisco, CA
The San Francisco Cinco de Mayo celebration which is produced by Mission Neighborhood Centers will take place in the Mission District on Valencia Street on Saturday, May 5, 2018. This 14th annual Cinco de Mayo, a family friendly celebration, is being planned on one of the Mission’s new trendy, main thoroughfares, occupying Valencia Street between 21st and 24th Streets. The celebration will showcase the very best of Mexican and Latin American cultures with a diverse array of Mexican and Latino foods, music, dance and artistry for the entire family to enjoy. Attendees will enjoy rich cultural experiences and activities focused on retaining cultural traditions in its community.
A la Carte & Art
When: May 5th– 6th, 2018
Where: Castro Street
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley’s the epicenter as the San Francisco Bay Area’s popular outdoor festival season officially springs into action on May 5-6 in downtown Mountain View where cool, bustling, stroll-friendly Castro Street is transformed into a wonderfully resplendent sea of feel-good people and colorful tents for the 22nd A La Carte & Art. Large crowds are expected to gather in for downtown Mountain View’s beloved springtime festival of the arts. Expect two days of world-class fun in the sun.
How Weird Street Faire
When: May 6th, 2018
Where: Howard and 2nd
San Francisco, CA
The city of San Francisco has officially made May 6, 2018 “How Weird Day”so we’re having a How Weird Day Parade to celebrate.
The How Weird Day Parade will start at 2:22 pm at Howard & 1st Streets,and stop at the Green Alley stage for a reading of the San Francisco Proclamation. Emperor Norton I will be leading the parade.
And Mission Delirium will be performing throughout the parade.
Come join us in your finest weird attire!
SFMade Week
When: May 7th– 13th, 2018
Where: Various locations in San Francisco
A celebration of local manufacturers, their products and their people, SFMade Week is back for its seventh year! The events run May 7th through 13th, and feature factory tours, demos, parties and pop-up shopping events. Join us for SFMade Week to support and engage with your local manufacturers and see how they make it in San Francisco. Beyond the brand, SFMade is a nonprofit economic development organization that helps manufacturers to start, grow and stay in San Francisco, create jobs, and transform our city.
Downtown Alameda Spring Festival
When: May 12thand 13th, 2018
Where: Park Street
Downtown Alameda, CA
Bring your mom and the whole family to Alameda’s celebration of spring during Mother’s Day weekend. Take a stroll through Downtown Alameda’s Historic Park Street District and check out the terrific variety of food and beverages, arts and crafts booths, live music, as well as a play area for kids.
The Downtown Alameda Spring Festival is located on historic Park Street, between Encinal Ave and Lincoln Ave. Getting Here
For sponsorship opportunities and other information, call (510) 523-1392 or email events@downtownalameda.com.
77thAnnual Mother’s Day Rose Show
When: May 11th, 2018
Where: Hall of Flowers
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA
Hosted by The San Francisco Rose Society, featuring gorgeous and unique garden roses grown by our members. The Mother’s Day Show will be held on May 13, 2018. Hall of Flowers, County Fair Building, 1199 9th Avenue at Lincoln Way in Golden Gate Park. Open to the public from 12:30 pm until 4:00 pm. Show roses available after 4:00 pm.
Mother’s Day Marina Green 5k & Kids Run
When: May 13th, 2018
Where: Little Marina Green
Yacht Harbor Parking Lot
START/FINISH: Yacht Harbor Parking Lot (Little Marina Green)
STARTING TIME: Runners at 9:00 AM. Walkers are encouraged to start early
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Run through parking lot, exit right along diagonal dirt path and left onto Marina Blvd. Run eastbound on Marina Blvd, and complete Marina Green rectangle (left at Webster Street par course, left onto Marina Green Drive, left on Scott Street and right onto Marina Blvd). Return same way to start. Run west along Crissy Field/GG Promenade; turn around at orange cone and return same way back to Little Marina Green.
*Kids Run (1/2 mile) begins at 9:45 AM – Same Start/Finish location as adult race.
Luther Burbank Rose Parade and Festival
When: May 19th, 2018
Where: Downtown Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa, CA
As you know, our entire community has been impacted in one way or another by the devastating fire storms of 2017, which will become another historical moment in Santa Rosa’s 150-year timeline. As we think about this year’s Luther Burbank Rose Parade and the City of Santa Rosa’s 150th Celebration, we determined that our theme should be Together We Rose.
Together, we will rise and we will work to keep our community strong.
Alaska Airlines Bay to Breakers
When: May 20th, 2018
Where: San Francisco Bay
San Francisco, CA
A quintessential San Francisco experience since 1912, the race is interwoven into the fabric of the city and is a true reflection and celebration of life between the breakers and the Bay.
As participants progress throughout the course, they will pass through nine neighborhoods, each with distinctive personalities, geography and landmarks. The course is designed to deepen your love and appreciation for the city.
Start point at San Francisco Bay, blocks from The Embarcadero, running west through the city. Finishing at the Great Highway where breakers crash onto the Pacific Coast’s Ocean Beach.
San Francisco International Art Festival
When: May 24th– June 3rd, 2018
Where: Fort Mason Center
2 Marina Blvd
San Francisco, CA
SFIAF has been celebrating the arts by bringing together a global community of artists and audiences since 2003. The 2018 Festival is dedicated to 50 years of Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy.
This year 40 artists from the Bay Area and 7 other countries will share their work on the Festival’s stages. Do not miss the opportunity to join the Festival family and get involved!
Carnaval San Francisco
When: May 26thand 27th, 2018
Where: Harrison Street between 16thand 24thstreets
San Francisco, CA
Come celebrate with us at the 40th annual Carnaval San Francisco! The 2018 Grand Parade will be held on May 27th at 9:30am. Watch a brilliant procession of contingents, most of which will feature beautifully adorned floats depicting rich multicultural themes and featuring performers who engage and entertain the crowds. The 2–day festival will be held May 26th and May 27th on Harrison Street between 16th and 24th Streets. Experience global cuisine, international music, dance, arts & crafts, and other fun activities and entertainment on every street corner for the entire family to enjoy.
150 Anniversary Memorial Day Commemoration
When: May 28th, 2018
Where: Presidio Officers’ Club
50 Moraga Avenue
San Francisco, CA
The Presidio Trust, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the City of San Francisco invite you to be part of the official City and County of San Francisco Memorial Day Observance. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Presidio’s participation in the city’s annual ceremony, dating back to the establishment of this national day of remembrance in 1868. The ceremony will honor the one million Americans killed while serving in the U.S. armed forces and will connect the public to the commitment and sacrifices made by military personnel, veterans, and their families.