Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at the Yerba Buena Gardens.

San Francisco
Festivals and Events in January

January in San Francisco. There are always things to do. Check out our top picks for events and festivals in the City.

All dates and locations are subject to change and should be confirmed with sponsors before making travel plans.

Downtown First Thursdays

Second Street (between Market and Howard Streets)

DFT is a free monthly street party hosted in Downtown San Francisco, taking place every first Thursday of the month from 5 to 10 p.m. Get ready for disco in the streets, DJs, live music, drag, martial arts, fashion, street performances, and many other surprises! The fun takes place on Second Street (between Market and Howard Street) and along neighboring alleyways ready for you to explore. The event will also feature two 21+ outdoor bars on Minna and Natoma.

San Francisco Sketchfest

Various Locations

SF Sketchefest is a nationally recognized comedy festival that mixes national headliners, local favorites and the best up-and-coming groups from throughout North America for a month of sketch, improv, stand-up and alternative comedy. From January 16 to February 2

FOG Design+Art

Fort Mason

FOG Design+Art celebrates modern art, architecture, technology and design this fair offers dynamic exhibits, custom installations, pop-up galleries, presentations and discussions. Check it out at Fort Mason from January 23 to 26.

San Francisco Art Week

Various Locations

San Francisco’s neighborhoods come alive during SF Art Week to celebrate the City’s creativity, artistic spirit, and individuals who shape and inspire the vibrant art scene. This year, participating SF Art Week artists have shared their favorite restaurants and cafés across the City, offering a unique perspective on the best local dining spots.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

Yerba Buena Gardens

San Francisco honors the civil rights leader at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Yerba Buena Gardens. January 20.

Noir City Film Festival

Oakland

Dedicated to noir philosophy, attitude and style in films, books, art and music, the Noir City Film Festival is the largest of its kind in the U.S. and promises “ultra rare films and very special guests.” Hosted January 24 to February 2.

Simone Caporale x Empress by Boon

838 Grant Ave

From January 22 to 24, 2025, Empress by Boon teams up with Simone Caporale, co-founder of SIPS Barcelona—the world’s #1 bar, according to 50 Best in 2023—for an unforgettable experience in Chinatown.

Caporale will bring his award-winning mixology expertise to pair perfectly with Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon’s modern Cantonese creations. Guests can enjoy exclusive prix fixe menus with innovative cocktail pairings, attend masterclasses, and witness a groundbreaking collaboration in one of SF’s most iconic settings. Reserve now.