Join us for boutique luxury near Union Square, and your Tilden Hotel guest room or suite will provide the perfect base to dive into the one-of-a-kind character of the City by the Bay. Not long ago, we spotlighted 10 must-do San Francisco summer activities and events; today, we’re digging deeper with some local favorites, from street fairs to awesome neighborhood eateries.
Summer Street Festivals & Fairs in San Francisco
There’s no shortage of summer festivals around San Francisco, but here are just a few local-loved events to keep an eye out for during your stay.
The annual Stern Grove Festival brings free outdoor concerts to the Sigmund Stern Grove amphitheater each Sunday throughout the summer. It’s one of San Francisco’s longest-running and most beloved music traditions, featuring major acts across genres.
The Berkeley Kite Festival fills the skies above the Berkeley Marina with colorful kites and family-friendly fun. It’s the kind of cheerful weekend activity that’s great for kids—and just as mesmerizing for adults.
Head to the Japantown District for the Nihonmachi Street Fair, a vibrant celebration of Asian-Pacific American heritage that features live music, cultural performances, food vendors, and crafts along Post Street.
Love the blues? The Polk Street Blues Festival delivers a weekend of live music across multiple stages along Polk Street, complete with food trucks, beer and wine tastings, and local artisan booths.
And just across the Bay, the Eat Real Fest at Jack London Square in Oakland serves up locally sourced food, drinks, and demos from passionate chefs and creators—all with a focus on sustainability and community.
Miscellaneous “Live Like a Local” Hotspots Near the Tilden Hotel
If you’re staying with us on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, don’t miss the nearby Ferry Plaza Farmers Market in the Embarcadero District. It draws thousands each week and showcases top local farms, bakeries, and chefs. It’s a fantastic way to get a taste of the Bay Area’s freshest flavors. (Pro tip: Saturday mornings are the biggest and best.)
After the market, grab a waterside table at The Slanted Door in the Ferry Building—a favorite for modern Vietnamese cuisine with gorgeous views of the bay.
If you’re feeling adventurous, hop over to the Mission District. Grab a morning bun from the iconic Tartine Bakery or test for yourself whether La Taqueria really does have the best burrito in the country. Locals will argue it does—and after one bite, you just might agree.
With Union Square just steps from your door, Tilden Hotel makes it easy to live like a local and explore San Francisco’s vibrant neighborhoods, food scene, and culture this summer—or any time of year.