San Francisco Events
One of the most exciting cities in the world is San Francisco. Tourists can time a vacation there to coincide with some of the annual events in San Francisco's calendar. There is something for everyone with cultural, historic, and sporting events against the backdrop of the city's magnificent landmarks.
The city has one of the largest Chinese communities in the United States and Chinese New Year in January is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Activities to welcome the New Year include a parade, Flower Fair, and Community Street Fair. The Fisherman's Wharf is the location for February's Classic Car Exhibition. In addition to the parade of historic cars, there are wine tasting sessions, cooking exhibitions and art exhibitions.
March means the St. Patrick's Day Parade, one of the best supported of the San Francisco events. Irish culture and traditional food is on show with live music and dancing. April is a special time in Japantown, where the Japanese community invite everyone to celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival with a street fair, parades, vendors, Japanese food and origami. In May, the energetic can take part in the San Francisco Bay to Breakers Footrace. This San Francisco event is the largest footrace in the world with over 70,000 runners and all in costume!
The San Carlos Fine Arts and Crafts Festival is a 3-day colorful display of sculpture, paintings, hand made jewelry, and photography from over 70 artists. Jazz fans flock to the Fillmore Street Jazz Festival in July to watch more than 300 performers on three stages. Along with the terrific music are vendors and an International Food Court. It's time for laughter in August at the Comedy Celebration Day at Golden Gate Park, when local comics entertain the crowd. Free food is available.
Chocoholics don't need an excuse to go to the Chocolate Festival in September, a celebration of all things chocolate flavored. The prize for winning a sundae eating competition is the winner's weight in chocolate! October is the month for the Fall Antiques Show, a San Francisco event that donates proceeds to local High Schools. Over 70 dealers come from across America and Europe to set up stalls of various collectibles.
November is the time for preparing for the festive season. The Tree Lighting Ceremony at Ghirardelli Square draws big crowds. The 50-foot Christmas tree is decorated and lit, carols are sung and Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus meet the people. The year of annual San Francisco events ends in December and one of the highlights is the Great Dickens Christmas Fair. As a tribute to the old Victorian Christmas traditions in England, Cow Palace is transformed into old fashioned theatres, music halls, shops and drinking taverns. There is lots of dancing and dressing up in costume and food and other items for sale in shops and on stalls as old London is brought to 21st century San Francisco.
Summary
San Francisco events for visitors include several activites over the year which should not be missed. The Classic Car Exhibition is in February, St Patricks Day in March, Cherry Blossom Festival, San Carlos Fine Arts and Crafts as well as a Chocolate Festival in September.
