Some people won’t want to hear this. But fall activities in San Francisco involve much more than boots, plaid and pumpkin spice lattes (or PSLs, if you will). And plenty of adult-worthy events abound, ranging from serious to shenanigans, to prove it.
So round up your favorite crew of friends to indulge in The Golden City’s swankiest gigs. Coerce your partner in crime into painting the town with you in wild, new ways. Explore iconic SF attractions from different perspectives. Get the babysitter on speed dial to get in the books before anyone else can. And prepare to make some magic happen this autumn.
You can probably even bring a PSL along for some of the adventures…
September 9-10: Craft Spirits Carnival
Raise a glass to this grand San Francisco event! Now in its fifth year running, enjoy over 100 of the globe’s ultra-premium spirits. With a motto like “come thirsty, leave happy,” you know you’ll love all of the unlimited libations and music in-between.
September 10-11: Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival
Tantalize your taste buds this fall with one of the tastiest activities in San Francisco around! Enjoy chocolate galore at Ghirardelli Square with the likes of classes, demonstrations, tastings, vendors, and ice cream eating contests. What makes this festival even sweeter? Proceeds benefit Project Open Hand, a local nonprofit which serves nutritious meals to seniors and critically ill neighbors.
September 9-24: Fringe Theatre Festival
Check out the Bay Area’s most impressive local talent at this shindig that embraces all things theatrical! From one-person shows on stage, to improv groups, abstract acts, moving performances, and as much wonderful weirdness you can handle—this experience will not disappoint.
September 17: Peace in the Park
Head to Golden Gate Park for a free afternoon of feelin’ g-o-o-d. You’ll encounter world music, dancing, seminars, peace exhibits, tai chi, yoga, meditation and much more! Alcohol-free and vegetarian refreshments are available for purchase at this extra-relaxing SF event.
September 18: Comedy Day
Let the belly laughs begin! If you like ‘free’ and you love to laugh, then this event is absolutely for you! Gather in Golden Gate Park’s Sharon Meadow with 40+ of the comedy world’s top performers. Grab some grub, sip some wine, and chuckle the day away to some hilarious PG-13 rated material.
September 23-25: Oktoberfest by the Bay
Located on Pier 48, this celebration features all the classics: cold beer, hearty eats like brats, live music, and tons of fun. Looking for a totally kid-free outing? Friday and Saturday feature an adults-only environment for this favorite fall activity in San Francisco. But steer clear of Sunday, because children are permitted on the grounds on September 25th.
September 24 – October 2: SF Fashion Week
Delight in all the thrills and frills of this trendy, top-notch event! Round up your favorite designer-obsessed posse to attend runway shows, tours, expos and parties. And perhaps even splurge on some hot, new threads for yourself.
October 8 – 31: Haunted Hornet
Hop over to Alameda Point and step aboard the retired USS Hornet… if you dare. While frightfully fascinating, this definitely is not a kid-friendly SF activity. Encounter history with a splash of horror as you wander through the nooks and crannies of this impressive ship. Are you brave enough to find your way through the vessel that once embarked on an eerie mission to the Bermuda Triangle? Here’s hoping you make it out unscathed.
October 15-16: Treasure Island Music Festival
Journey to a weekend paradise where music is king and everyone’s a dancing queen! With roaming performers, interactive art, and a line-up of 25 bands rocking out indie and EDM tunes, you’re bound to have a weekend worth remembering for long after this celebrated San Francisco event winds down.
October 22: SF BBQ Festival
Satisfy a hunger for the best BBQ fixins’ in the Bay Area! Enjoy a savory menu of smoked and sauced goodness. Not to mention a beer garden, live tunes, backyard games, competitions, and some of the coolest BBQ tools and tech around. Get ready to stain your shirt with a ton of fun and not a lick o’ guilt!
October 29: Titanic Masquerade Halloween Party Cruise
When it comes to fabulous fall activities in San Francisco exclusively for adults, this one is a must! Spend an evening on the picturesque Fume Blanc Commodore for a 4-hour cruise. Experience a hauntingly unforgettable outing on this three-deck ship, boasting open bars, two DJs, VIP options, and simply spook-tacular views of iconic SF attractions like Alcatraz, Treasure Island, Nob Hill, Golden Gate Bridge, and the dazzling city skyline. Costumes and a mask are required, so dress to impress in your best Halloween threads.
November 9-26: Napa Valley Film Festival
Take a day to escape to the hustle and bustle of the city, unwinding in wine country. Let endless entertainment wash over you thanks to 120 films, 300 filmmakers, 150 wineries, 50 chefs, parties, meet-n-greets, and more. Keep an eye on the schedule and plan your perfect day full of gourmet food and quality flicks. Cheers!
November 12: XPLORE San Francisco 5K Race
Lace up your running shoes, do some lunges and… put on your thinking cap?! This unique SF event for adults invites you to actively discover hidden gems of all kinds within downtown. Run through the parks and streets, complete dares and physical challenges, solve clues, and basically have the time of your life!
ONGOING ADULT-WORTHY ACTIVITIES
IN SAN FRANCISCO
Conveniently nestled against the west coast, San Francisco is one heck of a hot spot to enjoy fun offerings of the air, land and sea! So if you can’t make it to one of the above events with your S.O., guy/gal pals, or other form of P.I.C., plenty of other options are ready and waiting all autumn long, including (but definitely not limited to) these…
San Francisco Aerial Scenic Tour
Even if you’re a seasoned local in SF, nothing will compare to exploring the Bay Area from sky-high. Delight in unique perspectives of the most iconic San Francisco attractions, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island, Coit Tower, and the dazzling coastline. This SF activity is perfect for a daytime outing or romantic evening.
49ers Football Game
Nothing screams fall quite like a stadium of, well, screaming football fans. Sure it’s fun to kick back on your couch with game-day grub. But if you haven’t experienced the excitement of an NFL game first-hand, you better put it on your bucket list for this fall. Tailgate your belly out, then cheer your heart out! Even as a recurring gig, this San Francisco event is second to none for diehard fans and more casual supporters alike.
Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Take a spin on the Bay’s beautiful waters to admire the city skyline and crisp fall colors from the water. This H2O outing offers light hors d’oeuvres and 2 complimentary beverages (beer, wine or soda) to each guest. Snuggle up next to a special someone on the outdoor trampoline deck. Or enjoy a cozy corner in the protected viewing area as you admire colorful fall foliage, celebrated SF attractions, the warm glow of sunset, and twinkling city lights.
Gourmet Chocolate Tours
If you can’t make it to Ghirardelli’s annual extravaganza, a guided tour is a great alternative! Hands down some of the most fun activities in San Francisco, most tours will take you ambling through the city to learn all about chocolate—how to make it, health benefits, fun facts, tasty trends, and more! And of course, you’ll enjoy mouthwatering samples from different shops along the way.
