GeoStats:

Nicknames: Fog City, The City by the Bay (just don't call it Frisco)

Population: 815,358

Languages: English, Spanish and Chinese are the most common, though many others are spoken

Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time, 8 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-8 GMT)

Telephone Codes: 415, for San Francisco and Marin County; 707, for Napa and Sonoma Counties, 510, for the East Bay; 650, for the Peninsula; 408, for the South Bay; 831, for Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur

Destination:

San Francisco and the Bay Area


Events

topSan Francisco

NOIR CITY Film Festival
Late January

Held at the historic, Art-Deco Castro Theater, this festival offers 10 days of noir classics and rare gems, with proceeds going towards film preservation.

Chinese New Year
February

A San Francisco tradition since the mid-1800s, and the largest celebration of Asian culture outside of Asia, this nighttime parade features dozens of colorful floats, dragon and lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, and vivid costumes.

California International Antiquarian Book Fair
February, odd years (held in Pasadena even years)

The world’s largest rare book fair, with more than 230 vendors from 25 states and 12 countries.

San Francisco International Film Festival (SFIFF)
Late April-Early May

The longest-running film festival in the Americas, featuring some 150 films and live events.

Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival (Japantown)
April

The second largest cherry blossom festival in the U.S., outside of Washington, D.C. Food booths, cultural performances, martial arts, live bands and more.

Bay to Breakers
Third Sunday in May

First held in 1912 as a way to build community spirit after the 1906 quake, this cross-city, 12k footrace is a San Francisco institution. Many serious runners participate, but the vast majority do it for fun, often in elaborate and imaginative costumes (and a few in nothing at all).

Summer & the Symphony
June-August

San Francisco's renowned symphony puts on this annual series of special, family-friendly events, including fireworks, Pixar in Concert, circus performances accompanied by the symphony, and free outdoor concerts.

San Francisco Jazz Festival
August-November

Now in its 30th year, the Jazz Festival presents 10 weekends of concerts from a global range of artists.

The Nutcracker
December

The SF Ballet's production of this Christmas classic, under the skilled guidance of Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson, is one of the best anywhere, and a holiday tradition for families around the Bay Area.

Street Fairs

Nearly every neighborhood holds a weekend street fair at some point during the year, featuring art and crafts vendors, street food and entertainment. Some of the best include:

Union Street Festival
Early June
One of the city’s largest annual free events, the fair has recently evolved into an eco-urban festival promoting sustainability and green thinking.

North Beach Festival
Mid-June
Unique for its Italian street painting and the blessing of the animals at the St. Francis of Assisi Shrine.

Fillmore Jazz Festival
Early July
More music-focused than most of the street fairs, offering jazz, culture and cuisine up and down Fillmore street.

topEast Bay

Oakland Art Murmur
First Friday of every month

A popular monthly Art Walk centered around Oakland’s Uptown neighborhood, with galleries and mixed-use venues holding receptions 6-9pm. Food trucks and street musicians gather, and the district becomes an open-air party. The Saturday Stroll, held every Saturday 1-5pm, is quieter and more family-friendly.

Berkeley Wine Festival
March-April

A two-month series of special dinners, receptions and seminars, presented by the Claremont Hotel’s Executive Chef Josh Thomsen.

Art and Soul Oakland
Early August

Two art- and music-packed days featuring acclaimed musicians of every variety, art and multi-media installations, artisan booths, global cuisine and carnival rides.

Women of Taste (Downtown Oakland)
Late September

Over 60 restaurants, wineries and other culinary purveyors participate in this annual event supporting Girls Inc. of Alameda County.

topNorth Bay

A Taste of Yountville
Mid-March

An all-Yountville showcase, with samplings of gourmet restaurant fare, wines, olive oils, vinegars, mustards and micro-brews, accompanied by live entertainment.

Sonoma International Film Festival
April

Now in its 15th year, this ambitious festival offers productions from more than 30 countries, screened at seven venues on or near the town’s historic plaza.

Vineyard to Vintner Festival (Napa)
Mid-April

The Stag Leap’s District’s annual neighborhood block party features vintner-hosted dinners and Sunday brunch, seminars, and exclusive winery open houses.

Napa Valley Festival del Sole
Mid-July

World-class music, dance and theater, paired with local wines and epicurean delights.

Catalan Festival (Sonoma)
Mid-July

Hosted by Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyards, this event features Spanish food and wine, flamenco dancing, classical guitar, wine seminars and a wine stomp.

Fort Ross Bicentennial Weekend
July 28-29, 2012

Every year, Fort Ross hosts a Living History Day on the last weekend in July, recreating a typical day at the fort in 1836. This year, the fort commemorates its 200th anniversary with a major celebration, featuring the usual historic recreations plus a range of artists and performers, including Moscow’s Pyatnitsky Russian Folk Choir.

Sand Sculpture Contest, Pt. Reyes
Labor Day Weekend

Free community event at Drakes Beach. Prizes will be awarded in these categories: Children (14 and under), Families, Adult Individuals, and Adult Groups.

Napa River Wine and Crafts Fair
Mid-September

Enjoy micro-brewed beer, local wine, food and live music as you browse the original artwork and crafts of 150 juried artists.

Silver Pass Weekend (Silverado Trail)
Early November

Current release and library release tastings, barrel sampling and food pairings at participating wineries. Guests can re-use their pass for current release tastings throughout November.

Napa Valley Film Festival
Mid-November

This new festival celebrates the best independent films and emerging filmmakers from around the world, along with the food, wine and beauty of the Napa Valley.