Best Bay Area Events Of 2011
Bay Areans are lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Even better, we are home to an awesome and exciting line-up of events all year long. Check out our favorite annual events, and pull out a pen. You'll want to Save These Dates!
San Francisco Marathon
July 31
Ferry Building, Embarcadero
San Francisco Marathon
The San Francisco Marathon has begun to build a reputation attracting endurance athletes from around the country and the globe, who come to this event to share the same amazing aspects of the city that the residents love—to embrace and celebrate the challenge of running the country's toughest big city marathon—rewarding the nearly 25,000 runners' efforts with unparalleled breathtaking views and a Well Earned Finish to call their own. Run on a loop which includes crossing the Golden Gate Bridge twice, and a trip down Haight Street, the marathon starts and ends at the gorgeous Embarcadero, the perfect place to finish a race or watch the action.
Outside Lands
August 12-14
Golden Gate Park
Outside Lands
Home to food, wine and art, Outside Lands is popular for the music. This 3-day outdoor concert is one of the most popular events of the year, taking over Golden Gate Park's Polo Fields every year with a rocking line-up of awesome acts. The Shins, MGMT, Phish, Muse, The Roots, Lyrics Born, Arcade Fire and so much more. They will be joining EVERYONE IN TOWN at Outside Lands. Tickets cost $199 + (We know.)
Chocolate Festival
September 10-11
Ghirardelli Square
San Francisco, CA
Chocolate Festival
Sourdough, cioppino and Ghirardelli chocolate: some foods are just made for San Francisco. You won't want to miss this famous five-year old festival, show casing one of the city's sweetest spots. Indulge in chocolate delicacies, sip wine and enjoy chocolate-inspired family activities. The festival runs from noon-5pm, but arrive early as crowds clamor for candy. Proceeds benefit Project Open Hand. $20 gets you 15 samples.
Folsom Street Fair
Sunday, September 25
Folsom Street between 7th and 12th Streets
Folsom Street Fair
The Folsom Street Fair is a true San Francisco original. With over 400,000 people in attendance covering 13 city blocks, the Fair is the largest leather/fetish event in the world and the third largest, single-day outdoor event in California. Folsom Street Events is thrilled to celebrate the 28th Folsom Street Fair with style and a week's worth of truly outstanding events and programs over the course of San Francisco Leather Week. This event is Rated R. That's putting it mildly.
Oktoberfest By The Bay
September 30-October 2
Pier 48
San Francisco, CA
Oktoberfest By The Bay
Bust out your lederhosen this October for one of the most charming booze-fests this side of the Alps. Celebrating in the true tradition of Munich's famed festival, Oktoberfest by the Bay will include oompa music, singing, dancing and the very best in German food and drink. We're talking beer, folks. 4 days of beer. Headlining the main stage will be the world renowned, 21-piece Chico Bavarian Band! $25+ gets you in the door.
Treasure Island Music Festival
October 15-16
Treasure Island, San Francisco, CA
Treasure Island Music Festival
We don't know the line-up yet for the hipster heaven of local music festivals, but it's sure to involve lots of knit caps and skinny jeans. (We kid. We kid. Hipsters are people too.) With awesome drinks, eats and people-watching, Treasure Island is a music-lover's must, and cool moms like it too.
Half Moon Bay Pumpkin & Art Festival
October 15-16
Main Street
Half Moon Bay, CA
Half Moon Bay Pumpkin & Art Festival
The world-famous Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival is the season's signature event, drawing hordes of visitors to the "World Pumpkin Capital" for an epic festival on historic Main Street. The most popular event is the hilarious pumpkin weigh-off. And while pumpkin carving, eating and, yes, weighing are hot attractions, don't miss the fabulous gourmet food, rockin' musical acts and blocks of booths featuring local artisans.
