Assistant Director of Public Interest Programs
One of the best things about living in a city as diverse and fun-loving as San Francisco is that there is no shortage of free activities to enjoy. Now that you have a bit more time during your summer break, we hope you can take advantage of the various neighborhood events, live music and museums. If you have any other ideas, please let us know and we will update the blog with your suggestions.
Stern Grove Festival (www.sterngrove.org)
Established in 1938, the festival is the oldest admission-free summer performing arts festival of its kind in America. Concerts take place on Sundays at 2 pm.
Music In The Park-San Jose (www.sjdowntown.com/Music_in_the_Park.html)
The 22nd Season of Music in the Park begins on Thursday, June 3 and runs through August 26. Concerts are held on Thursday evenings, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez (Market Street between San Fernando and San Carlos streets)
Several SF museums are open for free; others offer free admission days, usually the first Tuesday or Wednesday of the month. Here are a few listings, but check this link for more information:
- Asian Art Museum (First Tuesday)
- M.H. de Young Memorial Museum (First Tuesday)
- Legion of Honor (First Tuesday)
- SF MOMA (First Tuesday)
- Cartoon Art Museum (First Tuesday)
- Exploratorium (First Wednesday)
- SF Zoo (First Wednesday)
- California Academy of Sciences (Every Third Wednesday)
- Cable Car Museum
- Chinese Culture Center
- San Francisco Fire Museum
- Museo Italo Americano
- National Maritime Museum
- Wells Fargo History Museum
Many Bay Area neighborhoods host street fairs and festivals over the summer. Click here for more info.
East Bay: Did you know that the East Bay has over 65 parks, encompassing 1,100 miles of hiking trails? (link)
Bay Trail: You might also consider hiking the Bay Trail. (link)
Free Tours
City Guides: offers daily tours at locations around the city. For a schedule of tours, go to the website or call 415 557-4266.
San Francisco Parks Trust: Free walking tours in Golden Gate Park
Fort Point National Historic Site
Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco Botanical Garden
Anchor Brewing Company on Potrero Hill: The 90-minute tour of Anchor Brewing Company's Potrero Hill plant begins with a lesson in ingredients, brewing methods for steam beer, porter, and ales, and the company's colorful history. Guests will enjoy the traditional sampling at the conclusion of the tour. Kids welcome. Free weekday tours. Need reservations. Book at least a month in advance
Seward Street slides: Take a thrilling ride down the curved concrete slides at the Seward Street Mini Park in Noe Valley. The side-by-side slides are fast and fun, and not for the faint of heart. Bring a piece of cardboard or burlap to get the most out of the run. Some users swear by plastic cafeteria trays. Located on Seward Street, near the corner of Douglass Street.
Sunday service at Glide Memorial United Methodist Church: The famously liberal church known for its diversity attracts movie stars and homeless people alike with its message of hope and the wall-shaking Glide Ensemble choir and band. "Celebrations" are held at 9 and 11 am, 330 Ellis St., at Taylor Street, in the Tenderloin.
SF.FunCheap.com. Weekly fun and cheap/free events around the city.
