Mark your calendar with the biggest festivals in San Francisco in 2023

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The huge, albeit crude, Saturday Chinese New Year parade not only kicked off the year of the Rabbit, it kicked off the city’s 2023 public holiday calendar.

And after a few odd years of Covid-fueled cancellations or caution, 2023 is shaping up to be a full return to normal, with many of the year’s biggest parties already planned.

Mark your calendar for the rest of the San Francisco festivals and street fairs not to be missed in 2023 listed below. (Events not yet confirmed for 2023 are not included in the list.)

Market Street March 11, 2023

The 2023 St. Patrick’s Day Parade will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Second and Market Streets. The route passes through the market towards the Civic Center. The parade route ends at the festival at the Civic Center Plaza.

Japantown April 8-9 & 15-16, 2023

The 56th annual Cherry Blossom Festival, the largest of its kind on the West Coast, will take place April 8-16 in the heart of Japantown. Return to the list of events. Celebrating the rich Japanese culture, this annual festival celebrates Japanese traditions and the diversity of Japanese Americans.

Mission, May 27-28, 2023

Scheduled for May 27-28, the 45th annual Carnival is the West Coast’s largest two-day multicultural event that aims to educate others by celebrating and showcasing the diaspora traditions of Hispanic, Caribbean and African communities. The Grand Parade will take place on May 28.

Civic Center, June 24-25, 2023

Launched by the Gay Liberation March in 1970, the San Francisco celebration and pride parade was the largest of its kind in the nation, supporting the LGBT+ community and their allies for 53 years. The parade will take place on June 25, 2023. The route runs along Market Street. from the Embarcadero to the celebration at the Civic Center.

Pacific Heights, July 1-2, 2023

The largest free jazz festival on the West Coast has a full 12 blocks of fine arts and crafts for you to browse while filling your ears with the sweet, soulful tunes of live jazz.

SoMa, July 29, 2023

This leather and kink Up Your Alley party takes place on Door Alley between Folsom and Howard streets. It is known as the “broth” of the Folsom Street Fair.

Soma, September 24, 2023

An annual celebration of support, community and sexual liberation, Folsom Street Fair promises to return to the streets again this year, providing a safe, inclusive space and equality for BIPOC and LGBTQ2+ people. The adults-only event celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2023.

Golden Gate Park, September 29 – October. 1

Head to Hellman Hollow in Golden Gate Park (near the polo field) for live music and food from over 50 gourmet food and drink vendors. The event is free. Collecting picnic items is encouraged and remember that alcohol will not be sold at this event. Be sure to check the park rules for more information on alcoholic beverages.

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