Going to the Bay City this Summer?
This is San Francisco in the summer time: agreeable weather, beautiful sights, and tons to do. If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco for this coming summer, it might be time to get out your pen and paper and start thinking about some activities to fill up your time there. Whether you want the most popular events for tourists and locals alike or a strictly local panorama of San Francisco’s unmistakable magic, you’re sure to find something that appeals to your senses. We’ve got a list of ways to make the most of your time in San Francisco.
But first things first—if this is your maiden voyage to San Francisco, you might not be entirely familiar with the nightmare that is Bay City traffic. Let us fill you in: San Francisco traffic is a nightmare. Parking is limited, congestion is bad, and it’s an illusion to think you can bring a vehicle into the city and expect not to spend a third of your time hunting for parking spots and sitting in traffic jams. The best way to deal with this issue to book chauffeured car service to pick you up and drop you off. You won’t have to worry about long hikes up those famous, nearly vertical streets like Filbert and Lombard just to get to your destination. And you won’t have to worry about trying to find your way through a new city. Chauffeured transportation in the Bay City is really a win for everyone.
So without further ado, here are the best events in San Francisco for your summer trip.
San Francisco International Film Festival
This festival runs from April 25 to May 9, is technically not a summer event. Even so, it’s one that simply can’t be missed for those who are looking for some of San Francisco’s trademark events. In addition to being North America’s oldest annual film festival (56 this year!), it’s also the platform for over 200 films and events and over 100 filmmakers. With an estimated 70,000 people in attendance, getting your tickets as soon as possible is a good idea.
Haight Street Fair
The Haight Street Fair is scheduled for Sunday, June 9 from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This 36-year-old event offers attendees the chance to sample different ethnic foods, enjoy live music, dance down Haight Street, and meet locals in a festive and dynamic atmosphere.
Union Street Festival
This festival is celebrating its 37th year this summer, is one of San Francisco’s most popular free annual events. Get up close and personal with over 150 boutique artists from both the San Francisco area and the rest of the country. Mingle with close to 100,000 other attendees in San Francisco’s historic Cow Hollow, and see an variety of paintings, sculptures, photography, arts and crafts, jewelry and pottery. The festival is scheduled for June 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
North Beach Festival
Considered one of the nation’s oldest outdoor festivals, the North Beach Festival takes place in the original home of the beatniks, what is now called “Little Italy” by locals. Experience the art and culture of one of San Francisco’s most treasured events, which features over 125 artist and craftmaker booths, two stages for live entertainment, children’s activities, and tons of gourmet food booths for when you get hungry.
The Stern Grove Festival
This festival runs nearly all summer long at a beautiful amphitheater in San Francisco’s Sigmund Stern Grove Park. Entering its 76th season, the Stern Grove Festival is among the oldest, free-admission outdoor festivals in the country, and it offers patrons a front row seat to some of the nation’s performing arts. Attendance is dense and parking is scarce, so you’ll be thankful for your chauffeured car when it comes time to experience this timeless San Francisco event.
Whichever events you mark on your San Francisco itinerary, remember to book car service and prepare to bring home at least one souvenir from the fabulous artwork and crafts you’ll see at these amazing festivals.
Photo Credit: samuiblue/freedigitalphotos.net
