Spring Events: Making the Most of San Francisco Living
Spring is in the air—and San Francisco is so ready to celebrate!
At Academy of Art University, located in the heart of the city, campus life is city life. While earning your art degree might be your top priority, don’t forget to take advantage of San Francisco living. Check out these fun-filled events and activities to usher in the season of spring.
Art Market
Art Market San Francisco is one of the Bay Area’s biggest international art fairs. Running from April 25th to 28th, the fair takes place at Fort Mason Center. Feast your eyes on amazing artwork from seventy-five art galleries around the world!
Bay to Breakers
Races and marathons are common features of any cityscape, but not all are known for their zany costumes. Since 1912, the annual 12K footrace Bay to Breakers has taken runners and revelers through San Francisco, starting a few blocks from the Embarcadero. Whether you’re here for the cardio or just people-watching, this event on May 19th is sure to excite.
Carnaval
San Francisco’s 41st annual Carnaval kicks off on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, May 25th, in the Mission district. This two-day event features multicultural food, dance, and creative activities for visitors of all ages. Festivities wrap up on Sunday, May 26th, with a vibrant Grand Parade celebrating Latin American and Caribbean traditions.
Cesar Chavez Holiday Parade & Festival
The Cesar Chavez Holiday Parade & Festival honors the life and work of its namesake, the renowned civil rights and labor activist. Swing by on April 13th for not only the annual parade, but also food and dance in the Mission District.
Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
For 51 years, San Francisco has welcomed the coming of spring with the week-long Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival. Hosted in the city’s historic Japantown from April 13th to 21st, the festival celebrates Japanese traditions with a variety of activities, food booths, a Grand Parade, and more. No wonder it’s one of San Francisco’s biggest seasonal attractions, with over 220,000 visitors each year!
Opening Day on the Bay
If you haven’t gone sight-sea-ing yet, Opening Day on the Bay is the perfect chance for you to saunter down to the shoreline. Greeting the start of a new boating season, San Francisco’s community of sailors unleashes a fleet of colorful, decorated boats. So set aside some time on April 28th to enjoy this part of San Francisco living!
Peanuts-themed boat photo courtesy of Bay Crossings 
Giants-themed boat photo courtesy of San Francisco Chronicle 
Jaws-themed boat photo courtesy of San Francisco Chronicle 
Boats with flags photo courtesy of Bass Tub
San Francisco International Film Festival
While student film festivals are a beloved feature of Academy campus life, the San Francisco International Film Festival is also a major attraction for any movie buff. This annual two-week festival screens hundreds of films, some of which are difficult to find elsewhere. Showings begin April 10th and end April 23rd, so check out their 2019 line-up today!
Sunday in the Park with the Easter Bunny
San Francisco living means living it up, and Easter is no different. (Yes, the subheading is a Sondheim reference, for all of you theater nerds.) From April Fool’s Day to Easter Sunday, April 21st, multiple events will rock the city, including:
- Wag Hotels’ 10th Annual Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs on April 6th. If you want to combine fun with supporting local animal shelters and services, look no further. All proceeds from the egg hunt go toward the Humane Society Silicon Valley.
- Eggstravaganza on April 13th. As its name suggests, this celebration includes an egg hunt and Easter-themed entertainment galore.
- Union Street Spring Celebration and Easter Parade on Easter Sunday. Aside from the parade, you’ll find bouncy houses, egg hunts, petting zoos, great food, and more.
- Easter in the Park with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, also on Easter Sunday. This event features an egg hunt with the Easter bunny, drag queens wearing and looking their finest, an Easter bonnet and costumes contest, and so much more.
Union Street Spring Parade photo courtesy of Marina Times
Ready to Embrace San Francisco Living?
In a city like San Francisco, a list like this can hardly include everything. Likewise, for a San Francisco art school like the Academy, there’s more to campus life than first meets the eye. Find out more about the Academy experience by requesting information.
Bay to Breakers photos courtesy of Alaska Airlines Bay to Breakers.
Jaws-themed boat and Giants-themed boat photos courtesy of San Francisco Chronicle.
Peanuts-themed boat photo courtesy of Bay Crossings.
Boats with flags photo courtesy of Bass Tub.
Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs image courtesy of Wag Hotels.
Union Street Spring Parade photo courtesy of Marina Times.
