San Francisco Guide

Ever since gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in 1848, visitors from all over the world have flocked to San Francisco. Today, it's still possible to find gold in the "City on the Bay" in its numerous restaurants, beautiful neighborhoods, and world-class cultural attractions. San Francisco hosts a number of national landmarks, from the famous Telegraph Hill and old-fashioned trolley cars to the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, that help make any trip special.

San Francisco Bay was the source of the city's livelihood for a very long time, and it remains the key to the city to this day. The Golden Gate Bridge, a San Francisco icon, is 1.7 miles long and frames the Bay. Located around the Bay are several remarkable beaches and parks. Golden Gate Park contains several museums, gardens, and open spaces. The Presidio, a 200 year old Spanish Fort, is also a well-known Bay Area attraction. Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 are national landmarks, offering breathtaking views, fine restaurants and great shopping. Steinhart Aquarium is the oldest municipal aquarium in America, featuring a wide selection of creatures from both the Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Of course, no tour of the Bay would be complete without mentioning Alcatraz, America's most famous prison, and now San Francisco's number one tourist attraction.

Moving away from the Bay, San Francisco only gets better. The city's famous steep hills and trolley cars run back and forth between museums like the Museum of the Legion of Honor and attractions like the San Francisco Zoo, which houses over 1000 animals on 65 acres. The world-famous San Francisco Opera is also a perennial favorite among visitors, as are the city's numerous restaurants. In fact, inhabitants of San Francisco spend more on dining out per person than any city in America.

For a few lucky miners, San Francisco in the 19th century was the gateway to an unforgettable experience. Today's visitors to the Bay Area feel the same way.

Population:
740,000 in the city and 6.5 million if the surrounding Bay area is included.

Location:
at the northern end of a hilly peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay in northern California.

Elevation:
Built on 43 hills; so elevation varies from close to sea level to 929 feet.

Area:
46 square miles

Languages:
Less than half the population was born in the US, and over 100 languages are spoken. Newspapers and magazines are published in 31 different languages.

Time Zone:
San Francisco is in the Pacific standard time zone, which is 8 hours behind Greenwich mean time and 3 hours behind eastern time. For accurate time, tel. 415-767-8900.

You can visit San Francisco comfortably any time of year; the climate is moderate, except for the occasional chill that accompanies the rolling in of the fog. The temperature seldom drops below 40°F, nor rises to 80°F.

It is advisable to pack sweaters, jackets, and clothes for layering because of year round variations in temperature. Include shorts or cool cottons for summer and a bathing suit, as most hotels have a pool. The city can be chilly at any time of the year, especially in summer, when the fog descends and stays for longer periods. Rainfall amount is low year round, but humidity is often high due to the fog.

Although casual dress is the norm in California, men will need a jacket and tie for many good restaurants in the evening, and women will be more comfortable in something somewhat dressy.

Earthquakes:
Earthquakes are part of life in California. Most of which cause little tremors too small to notice. In case of a noticeable earthquake: seek cover; do not run outside. Stand under a doorway or against a wall and stay away from windows. If you exit a building after an earthquake, use stairs, not elevators. If you are in your car, pull over to the side of the road and stop, but not until you are away from bridges, overpasses, telephone poles, and power lines. Stay in your car. If you're out walking, stay outside and away from trees, power lines, and the sides of buildings. If you're in an area with tall buildings, find a doorway in which to stand.

Electricity:
The U.S. electrical standard is 110 volts-60 cycles AC. Foreign visitors traveling with dual-voltage appliances will not need a converter, but they will need a plug adapter. The standard U.S. electrical outlet takes a plug of two flat pins set parallel to one another. Accessibility More Info

Telephones:
The country code for the United States is 1. The 415 area code is used in San Francisco and Marin County. The area code south of San Francisco on the Peninsula is 650. San Jose and other South Bay cities use 408. Oakland and Berkeley use 510, and a new 925 area code covers the area east of the Oakland Hills, from Walnut Creek to Concord to Moraga. The area code in the Wine Country is 707.
For assistance from an operator, dial "0".

International Calls:
International calls can be direct-dialed from most phones; dial 011, followed by the country code and then the local number the front pages of many local telephone directories include a list of overseas country codes. To have an operator assist you, dial "0" and ask for the overseas operator.

Long-Distance Calls:
Competitive long-distance carriers make calling within the United States relatively convenient and let you avoid hotel surcharges. By dialing an 800 number, you can get connected to the long-distance company of your choice. For details, contact AT&T 800-225-5288, MCI 800-888-8000, or Sprint 800-366-2255.

Public Phones:
Telephone-card phones, so popular elsewhere in the world, are becoming increasingly common. Grocery stores, newsstands, and other establishments sell the disposable phone cards, available in varying amounts from $5 and up. To activate the card, dial the code number and follow the instructions printed on the card.

Tipping:
At restaurants, a 15% tip is standard for waiters; up to 20% may be expected at more expensive establishments. The same goes for taxi drivers, bartenders, and hairdressers.

Area Code:
The area code for San Francisco is 415; for Oakland, Berkeley, and much of the East Bay, 510; for the peninsula, 650. Business Hours Most banks are open Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm. Several stay open until about 5pm at least 1 day a week. Many banks also have ATMs for 24-hour banking
Most stores are open Monday to Saturday from 10 or 11am to at least 6pm, with shorter hours on Sunday. But there are exceptions: Stores in Chinatown, Ghirardelli Square, and Pier 39 stay open much later during the tourist season, and large department stores, including Macy's and Nordstrom, keep late hours. Most restaurants serve lunch from about 11:30am to 2:30pm and dinner from 5:30 to 10pm. They sometimes serve later on weekends. Nightclubs and bars are usually open daily until 2am.

Emergencies:
Dial tel. 911 for police, an ambulance, or the fire department; no coins are needed from a public phone

Post Office
There are many post offices around the city. The closest to Union Square is inside Macy's department store, 170 O'Farrell St. tel. 800-275-8777.

Crime-Prevention Information:
For crime-prevention information, phone San Francisco SAFE tel. 415-553-1984. Smoking Each year smoking laws become stricter. As of January 1, 1998, smoking was prohibited in restaurants and bars. Hotels are also offering more nonsmoking rooms

Taxes:
An 8.5% sales tax is added at the register for all goods and services purchased in San Francisco. The city hotel tax is 14%. There is no airport tax.

Transit Information:
The San Francisco Municipal Railway, or Muni, operates the city's cable cars, buses, and Metro streetcars. For customer service, call 415-673-6864 weekdays 7am to 5pm, weekends 9am to 5pm.

Weather:
831-656-1725
Winter road condition information: 415-557-3755

San Francisco International Airport:
415-761-0800, just south of the city, off U.S. 101. Several domestic airlines serve the Oakland Airport tel. 415-577-4000, which is across the bay but not much farther away from downtown San Francisco via I-880 and I-80, although traffic on the Bay Bridge may at times make travel time longer. Flying times: 6 hours from New York, 4 hours from Chicago, and 1 hour from Los Angeles.
New SFO International Terminal;
Highlights of the new 2.5 million square foot terminal include: 24 additional gates with expanded U.S. Customs facilities to have passengers on their way in 45 minutes.
Faster baggage handling, with ten more baggage carousels than at the current International Terminal.
Twice the amount of ticket counter space as in the previous International Terminal to reduce lines.
18 new restaurants serving a wide variety of international cuisine.
37 new retail stores.
A $10 million permanent art collection.
An 11,000 square-foot Aviation Library and Museum.
3,200 new parking spaces.

A taxi ride from SFO to downtown costs about $30. Airport shuttles are inexpensive and efficient. The SFO Airporter $10 picks up passengers at baggage claim lower level and serves selected downtown hotels. SuperShuttle stops at the upper-level traffic islands and takes you from the airport to anywhere within the city limits of San Francisco. It costs from $11 to $13 depending on your destination. Inexpensive shuttles to the East Bay among them Bayporter Express also depart from SFO's upper-level traffic islands; expect to pay around $20. To drive to downtown San Francisco from the airport, take U.S. 101 north to the Civic Center 9th Street, 7th Street, or 4th Street exit. If you're headed to the Embarcadero or Fisherman's Wharf, take I-280 north the exit is to the right, just past 3Com Park and get off at the 4th Street-King Street exit. King Street becomes the Embarcadero a few blocks east of the exit. The Embarcadero winds around the waterfront to Fisherman's Wharf.

By Train:
Amtrak: 800-872-7245 trains-the Zephyr, from Chicago via Denver, and the Coast Starlight, traveling between Los Angeles and Seattle-stop in Emeryville 5885 Landregan St. and Oakland 245 2nd St. in Jack London Sq.. Shuttle buses connect the Emeryville station and San Francisco's Ferry Building 30 Embarcadero at the foot of Market St.

Driving a Car in the City:
Driving in San Francisco can be a challenge because of the hills, the one-way streets, and the traffic. Remember to curb your wheels when parking on hills.
Exploring the city involves navigating a maze of one-way streets and restricted parking zones. Cable cars, buses, and trolleys can take you to or near most attractions. If you plan to visit distant outlying areas which are not accessible by subway, it is best to ret a car for the length of such trips, and plan to walk or use public transportation in the city of San Francisco and environs.

Subway:
BART, or Bay Area Rapid Transit ( 650-992-2278) provides efficient transportation to Oakland, Berkeley, Concord, Richmond, Fremont, Colma, and Martinez and other points. Trains also travel south from San Francisco as far as Daly City and Colma. Fares are low.

Taxi:
Whenever possible, avoid using taxis. Rates are high, and it is almost impossible to hail a passing cab, especially on weekends. If you must use one, either phone or use the nearest hotel taxi stand.

MUNI:
The Citywide public transportation agency is the San Francisco Municipal Railway, better known as Muni. It operates the world-famous cable cars, buses, trolley buses, a metro system, and historic streetcars trams.

Cable Cars:
There are three cable car routes in San Francisco. Two of these routes, the Powell-Hyde and the Powell-Mason, begin at the corner of Powell and Market Streets, and run north-south to and from Nob Hill and Fisherman's Wharf. At Fisherman's Wharf, you can board the Powell-Hyde line at Hyde and Beach Streets and the Powell-Mason line at Bay and Taylor Streets. The third line is the California line running east-west on California Street between Market Street and Van Ness Avenue, serving the Financial District, Chinatown and Nob Hill. This line tends to be the least crowded. The transfer point for all three lines is at Powell and California Streets. Cable cars can be boarded at any designated stop along the route. However, during the busy summer months, it is a good idea to wait at the terminal, as the cable cars usually fill up at the beginning of the line. There may be a 45- to 60-minute wait during the summer.

Buses-Trolley Buses:
Muni's buses and trolley buses run all over The City in frequent intervals usually every five to 20 minutes. Each route has a number and a name, i.e. 5-Fulton, 24-Divisadero, 42-Downtown Loop, which are prominently displayed on the front and side of the bus, along with the route's destination. Some routes, such as 38L-Geary Limited or 14L-Mission Limited, make only limited stops along their routes. Others, such as 9X-San Bruno Express or 31AX-Balboa "A" Express, operate nonstop from downtown to the outer regions of The City. For more clarity on Muni service, purchase a Muni map.

Metro:
Beginning downtown at Embarcadero Station, the Muni Metro's five underground streetcar lines J-Church, K-Ingleside, L-Taraval, M-Ocean View and N-Judah take you under Market Street to various points of interest in the western and southwestern regions of The City. The J and N lines branch off after Van Ness station and operate on the surface, and the K, L and M continue underground to West Portal Station before splitting into their own separate surface lines. In the subway section of the system, J and N cars are often coupled together, as are K, L and M cars.

Because of ongoing repairs, the Metro currently closes every evening at 10 pm. Shuttle bus service is available until 12:30 am on the K, L, M and N lines, and the F-Market historic streetcar service is extended during this time to cover the J line. Board F-Market streetcars and shuttle buses at the island stops on Market Street.
Call for current fare schedule.
Please have the exact fare ready when you board; Metro fare gates do not accept any dollar bills.

Transfers: A two-part transfer slip is provided when you pay your fare on buses, streetcars and Metro lines. This transfer allows you to transfer two more times to any bus, streetcar or Metro line. No transfers are given or accepted on cable cars; single fares must be paid each time you board.

Hours Of Operation:
Monday-Friday 5:30 am-12:30 am
Saturday 6 am-12:30 am
Sunday 7:30 am-12:30 am
Limited late night service is also offered on some lines.
Muni offers three discount transit passes, subject to availability. All can be purchased at the Visitor Information Center at 900 Market Street, downstairs from the Powell-Market cable car terminal. Just walk to Powell and Market. The banners hanging above the cable car terminal will point you to the Center.

The Muni:
Passports include the cable cars, Muni buses, Muni Metro and the F-Market streetcars. You can travel anywhere within San Francisco with the Passport. In addition, you will receive savings on your entrance fees at most city museums and many of our city's attractions when you show your Muni Passport. One, three and seven day passports available.

January:
MacWorld Expo
Moscone Center, 974-4000.
The latest and greatest computer products displayed on Macintosh computers.

San Francisco Independent Film Festival
Various locations, 931-3456.
Annual film festival screens the best of independent films and videos from the Bay Area and beyond.

San Francisco Sports and Boat Show
Cow Palace, Daly City, 931-2500.
Boats, fishing tackle, camping gear, hunting equipment, Vacationland Hall; one of the West's biggest expositions.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday Celebration
Yerba Buena Gardens, 510 268-3777, contact Jackie Keys-Guidry.
San Francisco honors the great civil rights leader with a host of festivities including the Youth Candlelight Vigil on January 15 and "Making The Dream Real" March and Rally on January 15.

Grand National Roadster Show
San Mateo County Exposition Center, 503 236-0632.
The show contains one of the biggest gatherings of roadsters anywhere, complemented by a NASCAR virtual reality ride and vintage hot rods.

Berlin and Beyond Festival
Castro Theater, 263-8760.
This unique German language film festival provides highlights of recent European cinema.

Chinese New Year Festival & Parade
Chinatown, 391-9680.
San Francisco's largest festival, highlighted by the New Year Flower Market on January 20 and 21, a fantastic parade on February 3, at 5:30 p.m. from Market and Second Streets to Columbus Avenue and a community street fair on February 3 and 4.

San Francisco Ballet Gala Opening
War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Avenue at Grove Street, 865-2000  More Info
America's oldest ballet company performs its 68th repertory season featuring two full-length, neo-classical and contemporary ballets, Giselle and Romeo and Juliet, along with other performances. $25-350. Gala Opening Night: January 25 at 8:00 p.m.

The Human Rights Watch International Film Festival
Yerba Buena Center For The Arts, 923-0222.
A film festival representing personal points of view on threats against political and individual freedom.

The Shrine East-West All-Star Football Classic
America's oldest all-star sports event, takes place in the Stanford University Stadium 1651 19th Ave., 94122, tel. 415-661-0291 in Palo Alto, some 25 miles south of San Francisco.

January-April:
Whale-watching can be enjoyed throughout the winter, when hundreds of gray whales migrate along the Pacific coast. Contact the California Office of Tourism 801 K St., Suite 1600, Sacramento 95814, tel. 800-862-2543.

February:
San Francisco Arts of Pacific Asia Show
Fort Mason, 310 455-2886.
Seventy-five exhibitors from around the world offer antiques and fine art from the Pacific Asian regions.

San Francisco Tribal, Folk & Textile Arts Show
Fort Mason, 310 455-2886.
Over 80 folk and ethnic art dealers sell North American pottery, basketry, textiles and jewelry.

Ms. Chinatown USA Pageant
A pageant to select Ms. Chinatown for the current year.

Chinese New Year Celebration
Bay Area Discovery Museum, 487-4398  More Info
The celebration continues with arts and crafts, food and spectacular lion dancers from the Marin Chinese Cultural Group. Highlighting this event, the Red Panda Acrobats will perform near impossible acts of balance and dexterity.

Pacific Orchid Exposition
Fort Mason Center, 546-9608.
The annual edition of the San Francisco Orchid Society's show dazzles with dozens of breathtaking floral collections.

California International Antiquarian Book Fair
Concourse Exhibition Center, 551-5190.
The world's largest book fair features rare and antiquarian books, manuscripts and related materials, including early printed books, illustrated books, fine bindings, early American literature, children's books, maps and much more.

Tulip Mania
PIER 39, 705-5500  More info
More than 39,000 brilliantly colored tulips from all over the world coupled with free guided tours.

March:
San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival
AMC Kabuki Theaters, 863-0814.
The biggest event in North America dedicated to the exhibition of Asian American and Asian cinema.

St. Patrick's Day Parade
Second and Market to the Civic Center, 731-0924.
One of San Francisco's largest annual parades and one of the longest-running parades in the U.S. Begins at 12:45 p.m. at Second and Market Streets and concludes at City Hall.

Bouquets to Art
California Palace of the Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park, 750-3504 More Info
Works by 100 floral designers, lectures by horticulture experts, luncheons and tea service.

San Francisco Flower and Garden Show
Cow Palace, 800 829-9751
Cutting-edge landscape design and high-quality exhibits of plants and superior gardening products.

Whole Life Expo
Concourse Exhibition Center, 800 551-EXPO.
The nation's premier event for nutrition, personal growth, alternative healing methods and environmental issues.

Houlihan's to Houlihan's 12K Race
Sausalito to Fisherman's Wharf, 759-2690.
The largest run ever to cross the Golden Gate Bridge ends with a world-class post-race party at Fisherman's Wharf 9:00 a.m. - noon.

Opening Day - San Francisco Giants
Pacific Bell Ball Park, 800 5GIANTS 800-544-2687  More Info

Street Performers Festival
PIER 39, 705-5500  More Info
Comedians, jugglers, unicyclists, slack ropewalkers and many more perform on two stages.

Golden Gate Park Band
Music Concourse, Golden Gate Park, 831-2783. Free.
Since 1882, the Golden Gate Park Band has performed regularly in the park. Pack a picnic and enjoy this perennial pleasure. Sundays 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Cherry Blossom Festival
Contact the Japan Center 1520 Webster St., 94115, tel. 415-922-6776.
an elaborate presentation of Japanese culture and customs, winds up with a colorful parade through San Francisco's Japantown.

San Francisco International Film Festival
AMC Kabuki, Castro Theater and other venues, 931-FILM.
More than 100 films and videos from 30 countries will be showcased during this annual festival.

Opening Day on the Bay
Pier 39, 705-5500  More Info
Kick off the sailing season on the San Francisco Bay with a festive boat parade and the blessing of the fleet.

San Francisco Decorator Showcase
Pacific Heights neighborhood, 447-3117.
Top Bay Area decorators gather at a luxurious San Francisco home to display the latest home design innovations.

A Fair to Remember
Golden Gate Park, 750-8340.
A fair featuring crafts, food and entertainment, culminating with an auction held to raise funds for the AIDS National Grove endowment.

Wells Fargo Spring Cup Annual Regatta
PIER 39, 705-5500  More Info
The Spring Cup Regatta is part of the longest running professional 11-meter sailboat races in the Bay Area. Features America Cup participants, Olympic veterans, and former World Champions in two days of exciting fleet-style racing.

Cinco de Mayo
Parade on Mission Street, Festival in Civic Center Plaza, 826-1401 More Info
A parade and festival featuring Mexican and Central American art and entertainment. Also included is a classic low rider and bomb car show with over 80 cars on display. There will also be a children's area. 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

San Francisco Youth Arts Festival
Golden Gate Park, 759-2916.
An annual exhibition and celebration showcasing the visual and performing arts by San Francisco students in grades K-12.

San Francisco Examiner Bay to Breakers Footrace
The Embarcadero to The Great Highway, 808-5000, ext. 2222.
The world's largest footrace unfolds as more than 70,000 costume-clad runners push off.

Carnaval
Harrison Street, between 16th and 22nd, 826-1401  More Info
San Francisco's version of mardi gras, and one of its largest annual public events, featuring exotic carnaval dancers with a mixture of latino, jazz, samba Caribbean, and more.

June:
Fiesta Filipina
Largest Bay Area Filipino Festival featuring Filipino cuisine, entertainment, arts and crafts and carnival rides.

Ms. Juneteenth "Inner Beauty" Scholarship Pageant
346-0199.
Contestants compete for scholarships based on their talent, poise and communication skills during this annual pageant.

Union Street Spring Festival Arts & Crafts, Waiters Fair
Union Street, 441-7055.
Arts and crafts, wine, food, a waiters' race, tea dancing, a fashion show, street performers and a swing dance contest comprise the fun.

Ethnic Dance Festival
Palace of Fine Arts Theater, 474-3914.
Three weekends of performances showcasing the best in world dance and music, representing cultures from around the globe. Tickets at City Box Office, 392-4400.

Haight Street Fair
Haight Street, 661-8025.
One of San Francisco's most famous neighborhoods celebrates its creative roots with arts, crafts and entertainment.

San Francisco Black Film Festival
346-0199 More Info
Showcases films that celebrate black independent film and filmmakers.

Juneteenth Celebration
Kimball Park, located at Geary and Steiner Streets, 229-1220
A celebration of African American culture.

North Beach Festival
Grant Avenue and Green Street, 989-6426.
San Francisco's oldest street fair delights with arts and crafts, live entertainment and other surprises.

Stern Grove Midsummer Music Festival
Stern Grove, 252-6253 More Info
Admission-free performances by the world's finest artists in a wide variety of genres.

Make A Circus
Outdoors in parks throughout the Bay Area, 242-1414  More Info
Summer Festival Days feature a three-part event, including a professional musical circus theater show, a circus skills workshop, and a performance by workshop participants. Shows start at 12:00 p.m. and last approximately three hours. Opening Day in Golden Gate Park.

Jewish Film Festival
Castro Theater and other venues around the Bay Area, 621-0556  More Info
Films from American and international filmmakers showcase the diversity and vitality of the Jewish culture.

The North Beach Festival
Every Father's Day weekend, the North Beach Festival transforms Washington Square Park and Grant Avenue into an Italian marketplace, with food, music, and entertainment.

July:
Fourth of July celebration, at Crissy Field in the Presidio, features family festivities beginning in mid-afternoon and a fireworks display at 9 PM.

Fourth of July Waterfront Festival
Fisherman's Wharf, 705-5500 More Info
A day long event featuring the West Coast's largest display of fireworks, live entertainment, food, arts and crafts at this annual waterfront party. Fireworks begin around 9:00 p.m.

Cable Car Bell-Ringing Competition
Union Square, 923-6217.
Muni cable car operators clang out melodies on a cable car bell during this annual competition for top bell-ringer.

Books by the Bay
Pier 32, The Embarcadero, 927-3937.
Dozens of bookstore booths, author readings and signings, live music and a children's activity area.

August:
Afro Solo Arts Festival 2001
Yerba Center of the Arts & other locations, 771-AFRO.
The Afro Solo Arts Festival features celebrity and emerging African American artists in various performances such as theater, dance, music, spoken word and visual arts. Most shows begin at 8:00 p.m.

Golden Gateway to Gems
San Francisco County Fair Building, 564-4230.
This annual show sparkles with minerals, crystals and jewelry from all over the world. Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Nihonmachi Street Fair
Japantown and Japan Center, 771-9861  More Info This Japanese festival features lion dancers, taiko drummers, Japanese arts and crafts, musical entertainment, food and children's events.

ACC Craft Fair
Fort Mason Center,800 836-3470.
This is the largest juried craft fair on the West Coast featuring necklaces, stoneware bowls and silk goods.

Comedy Celebration Day
Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park, 386-5035.
Laugh for four hours with Northern California's top comedians at this free funny bone frenzy featuring food, drink and souvenirs. Noon to 4:00 p.m.

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Cow Palace, for tickets, call 478-BASS or click here for More Info

Renaissance Pleasure Faire
Nut Tree, Vacaville, 800 523-2473.
Journey back to 16th century England with 1,500 brilliantly costumed performers, jousting knights, rare handmade crafts, theater, dance, food and drink. 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Weekends only.

September:
San Francisco Shakespeare Festival
Golden Gate Park, 422-2222.
Relax in a tranquil environment and enjoy Shakespeare's classics, beginning on Labor Day and running every Saturday and Sunday through September 30. Shows begin at 1:30 p.m. but locals arrive by noon for a seat. Free.

Absolut A La Carte, A La Park
Golden Gate Park, 458-1988. To purchase tickets, call 478-BASS or visit here for More Info
Featuring over 40 of San Francisco's most highly regarded restaurants and chefs, a delightful selection of wines and more than 20 craftbrews, Absolut A La Carte, A La Park has become one of the Bay Area's most popular Labor Day weekend events.

Sausalito Art Festival
Sausalito, 332-3555
Top-rated fine arts festival on the West Coast featuring more than 20,000 original artworks, music and food.

San Francisco Fringe Festival
Exit Theater and other downtown venues, for information call 931-1094, for tickets call 673-3847
A non-juried, non-censored marathon of 260 performances by 50 local, national and international theater companies in several locations in downtown San Francisco, with a broad spectrum of classic theater, performance art and outrageous comedy.

Festival of the Sea
Hyde Street Pier, 561-6662.
Re-live San Francisco's seafaring past with a tugboat rodeo, free boat rides, hands-on activities, a boat-building contest, hands-on crafts demonstrations and much more.

Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival
Ghirardelli Square, 775-5500 More Info
A chocolate lover's dream. Attendees sample various chocolate treats including chocolate covered strawberries, brownies, chocolate cheesecake and more. Proceeds benefit Project Open Hand.

Latino Summer Fiesta
Mission District, 826-1401.
A Latin American food and arts festival celebrating Latin American independence days.

Vivas Las Americas!
Pier 39, 705-5500  More Info
Hispanic Heritage is the focus of this event, featuring music and dance performances commemorating the artistry of Mexico and Central and South America.

San Francisco International Art Exposition
Fort Mason Center, Herbst and Festival Pavilion, 312 587-3300.
100 fine art galleries will exhibit, representing the work of 1500 artists, ranging from painting to drawing to sculpture to prints and video art. $10 general admission; $7 student & seniors.

Autumn Moon Festival
Grant Avenue between California and Pacific Streets, 982-6306  More Info
This event features multicultural entertainment, traditional lion and dragon dances, Chinese costumes and children's activities from 11: 00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

San Francisco Blues Festival
Great Meadow at Fort Mason, 979-5588
The oldest blues festival in America presents some of the best blues musicians in the world.

Festival of the Culinary Arts
Polk and Turk Streets, 249-4640.
Celebrating the food and wine of the world, this event features chef demonstrations from Bay Area chefs, wine tasting, cookbook authors, mini-seminars on food and wine and much more.

Wells Fargo Fall Cup Regatta
Pier 39, 705-5500 More Info
Watch America's Cup participants, Olympic veterans and former World Champions in two days of fleet-style racing on the San Francisco Bay. The public is invited to watch from noon to 5:00 p.m.

Folsom Street Fair
Folsom Street, 861-3247
San Francisco's funky, kinky leather event is held along Folsom Street between 7th and 12th Streets in the South of Market neighborhood. This event is intended for adults only.

Fleet Week
Embarcadero and Fisherman's Wharf, 705-5500
Pay tribute to the men and women of our nation's marine services. View dynamic aerial performances by the Blue Angels.

October:
Artspan Open Studios
Various locations, 861-9838.
The public will have free access to over 700 artist's studios every weekend. Visitors can browse paintings, sculpture, mixed media, ceramics, printmaking, furniture, glass, jewelry and photography.

Castro Street Fair
Castro Street, 467-3354  More Info
This festival will feature food, arts and crafts and a variety of retail items from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Italian Heritage Parade and Festival
tentative Fisherman's Wharf and North Beach, 989-2220.
The City celebrates its Italian heritage with a lively parade through North Beach, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

San Francisco Jazz Festival
Various locations, 788-7353 More Info
One of San Francisco's biggest and best musical festivals features local, national and international jazz artist performances at locations throughout San Francisco. The line-up includes many renowned musicians such as Abbey Lincoln, Jimmy Scott, John McLaughlin, and Zakir Jussain in Remember Shakti.

International Vintage Poster Fair
Fort Mason Center, 546-9608.
The oldest and largest vintage poster fair in the world features American and European posters from the 1890s to the 1980s.

Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off
location TBA, 249-4640.
Taking place during the Festival of the Culinary Arts, pumpkin growers from around the Bay Area will bring their largest pumpkins to compete for prizes.

October/November:
Grand National Rodeo, Horse and Stock Show
Cow Palace, 469-6057, for tickets, 469-6065  More Info
Enjoy concerts, art, food, livestock and rodeo competitions at the annual Grand National.

October:
Halloween San Francisco
Civic Center, 826-1401  More Info
Largest Halloween party in San Francisco featuring a laser show, a variety of music, dancing and food.

October/November:
San Francisco Fall Antiques Show
Fort Mason Center, 546-6661.
Over 65 distinguished antique dealers from America and Europe sell a broad range of antique merchandise.

November:
Cafe Arts Month
Various locations, fax: 282-2471.
Various art displays in cafes and coffee houses throughout The City.

Film Arts Festival of Independent Cinema
Castro and Roxie Theaters, 552-8760.
More than 300 films by local artists showcase the richness and diversity of San Francisco and Northern California as a major hub in the independent film world.

American Indian Film Festival
Palace of Fine Arts Theater, 554-0525.
Presenting documentaries and dramas by new and emerging Native American artists.

Harvest Festival and Christmas Crafts Market
Concourse Exhibition Center, 707 778-6300.
An arts and crafts fair offering wonderful gifts and other ideas for the holiday season. Weekends only.

Embarcadero Center Lighting Ceremony and Celebration
Embarcadero Center, 772-0753.
Ring in the holiday season at theannual holiday lights celebration with entertainment, food and various activities, including ice skating performances. Thousands of lights will illuminate the Embarcadero Center's office buildings.

San Francisco International Automobile Show
Moscone Center, 331-4406.
The latest and greatest automobiles in the world at this annual show.

Pier 39
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Pier 39, 705-5500,  More Info
Start the holiday season with a day of entertainment for the family. Festivities culminate in the lighting of the 65-foot tree with 2,500 shimmering lights.

Ghirardelli Square Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Ghirardelli Square, 775-5500.
Ghirardelli Square lights up the waterfront with a 35-foot Christmas tree. Includes holiday entertainment, caroling performances, along with a celebrity guest emcee, dancing, and a visit from Santa Claus.

Run to the Far Side
Golden Gate Park, 759-2690.
10K and 5K footraces through scenic Golden Gate Park begin and end at the California Academy of Sciences.

December:
Christmas at Sea
Hyde Street Pier, 561-6662.
Climb aboard a historic ship and enjoy caroling, storytelling, hot cider, cookies, kids' crafts and a visit from St. Nick.

San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker
War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Avenue, 865-2000.
America's oldest ballet company, regarded as one of its finest, presents Tchaikovsky's beloved family classic every December.

The Annual Sing-It-Yourself Messiah
Tel. 415-864-6000 takes place at Davies Symphony Hall on two nights during the first week of the month.

The New Pickle Circus
Tel. 415-544-9344, a particularly joyous group that started as a band of street performers during the early 1970s, performs annually during the holiday season at the Palace of Fine Arts Theater in the Marina District or at nearby Fort Mason.