There are so many activities in San Francisco you could head to one every day and still not make the rounds to everything. If you have more ideas, let me know.

San Francisco Baking Institute (Food) For all of you bakers and baker wannabes, this place offers a medley of baking classes.

Dandelion Chocolate (Food) For the chocolate lover in you head here for a tour of the factory and their classes and events.

Let’s Glow SF (Art, Music) This laser light show is held each winter. Each laser light projection onto classic SF buildings is paired with a soundtrack playing from PA speakers, typically light electronic beats under classical motifs. 

San Francisco Opera (Opera) I love the family opera performances here. They are so accessible, inexpensive and explain the opera during the performance. No need to be a family to attend 🙂

Pocket Opera (Opera) Performing operas in English at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts and the SF Legion of Honor. 

San Francisco Ballet (Dance) The Nutcracker is always a great annual tradition. Better yet, order some bubbly in advance of the show and have it waiting for you at intermission on the 2nd level.

San Francisco Symphony (Music) Of course this is where classical music livers will want to be on a regular basis. But a friend said the Chase real gem is the Music for Families. You don’t need to bring your family but head here is you want a shorter program and the music explained to you. There are also some fun events here such as “A Charlie Brown Christmas” performance in 2023.

Bimbos 365 (Music)

Masonic Auditorium (Music)

Great American Music Hall (Music)

Castro Theatre (Music/Movies/Comedy)

The Regency Ballroom (Music) This stunning room features blonde hardwood floors, a horseshoe-shaped balcony and a built-in stage. Noted as a fine example of Scottish Rite architecture, which includes neoclassic and beaux arts styles, the Regency Building was built in 1909.

Brick and Mortar Music Hall (Music) showcases an eclectic calendar of talent across all genres from indie, funk, soul, jazz, rock, hip-hop

The Warfield (Music) Bill Graham had his heyday here in the 1960s but there is still great music to be had here, mainly rock concerts.

Bottom of the Hill (Music)

Chase Center (Music, Sports)

A.C.T. (Theaters) This theater’s “A Christmas Carol” is an annual SF favorite but there is good theater here year round.

San Francisco Playhouse (Theater) located on Post St right near Union Square, this is one of my favorite small theaters in SF

42nd Street Moon (Theater, Classes) Musical Theater training and shows for all ages

Magic Theater (Theater) Located at Fort Mason this theater company was stablished in 1967 to cultivate bold new plays and playwrights.

Z Space (Theater) This is a multifaceted performance space in the Mission District They host such theater companies as WeatherVane and San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Company.

Theatre Rhinoceros (Theater) Playing unique, small shows

New Conservatory Theatre Center (Theater) partners with various theater companies such as Golden Threads Productions

BroadwaySF (Theater) Bringing the latest Broadway musicals and plays to SF this is a way to see a great show without trekking to NYC. For the bargain of the century, buy a ticket right before the show. We have done this and bought excellent orchestra tixkets at a fraction of the retail price.

San Francisco Mime Troupe (Performing Arts)

SF Sketchfest (Comedy) This is SF’s Premier comedy festival

HellaSecet Speakesy Comedy Night (Comedy) Wednesdays at Mayes Oyster House in the Marina

Heck of Funny Asians (Comedy) Saturdays at Neck Of The Woods

Palace of Fine Arts (Misc) This is a great place for a lovely stroll or a show at their theater.

Civic Center (Misc) There is a lot to do in and around the civic center from free concerts to chess classes to book sales at the library and a farmer’s market.

Omnivore Books (Unique Shopping, Food) This is a fun place to browse for the hottest new cookbook and vintage ones alike. For a fun time, attend one of their cookbook author live events.

Alemany Flea Market, Farmers Market (Unique Shopping)

Vintage Paper Fair (Unique Shopping) Held in the fall, this is there you buy (or sell) vintage paper and postcards. Truly a unique place to shop.

Renegade Craft Fair (Unique Shopping) Held each spring and winter this fair held at Fort Mason is a terrific venue to shop for unique crafts.

Golden Gate Park (Art, Outdoor, Sports)

Golden Gate Park (Dance, Music, etc) There are events a plenty in the park from weekly Lindy in the Park Ballroom Dancing to adult nights at the Academy of Sciences to live concerts.

Bay Area Maker Faire (Misc) Experience the ultimate showcase of creativity, innovation, and endless possibilities.

Lighted Boat Parade (Holiday) Boat owners at Fisherman’s Wharf decorate their boats for one night in December.

12 Days of Chocolate (Holiday) Enjoy a prix fixe dinner at Dandelion Chocolate with every course having a secret ingredient, chocolate!

Gingerbread House at the Fairmont (Holiday)

Ice Skating and Christmas Tree (Holiday) Get in the spirit at the tree lighting in Union Square. And enjoy the ice skating too. I like to get a coffee at the cafe on the square and watch the skaters. It’s also fun to attend the tree lighting at the beginning of the season.

Dickets Fair (Holiday)

Fireworks New Year’s Eve (Holiday) Fireworks are back for New Years in SF. Watch them from the Ferry Building or from a boat in the bay.