Mark Your Calendar for These Annual SoMa Events

Living in San Francisco means there’s virtually always something to do just beyond your doorstep. The only hard part is trying to figure out how to spend your free time. With so many restaurants, festivals, and landmarks to enjoy while getting acquainted with the local culture, you want to make sure you don’t miss the really popular events. Well, if you live in the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood, a large district sprawling from the Embarcadero to 11th Street, you’ll want to take advantage of all that goes on in your backyard. We’ve put together a list of events and activities to take part in while living in South of Market, San Francisco.

How Weird Street Faire

Weirdness is embraced at the How Weird Street Faire, an annual event that celebrates diversity in its many unexpected forms. A mix of art, live music, food, and other types of fun, the How Weird Street Faire brings something for everyone, young and old, to SoMa in early May. See offbeat art by local talents in the Art Alley, catch area bands on the many music stages, or just chow down on some unique fare from a local eatery while you wander along the colorful street.

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival

Many people look for green spaces and parks when they’re considering moving to a new neighborhood. If you agree that these outdoor spaces are crucial to your quality of life, mark your calendar for the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival. The festival is held each year in support of the public spaces in San Francisco. The 2016 Festival will take place all during the summer, from May through the end of October, and will feature more than 70 live performances. Acts range from classical musicians to contemporary and traditional dancers. A full list of events can be found on the festival’s website.

Oktoberfest by the Bay

When fall officially rolls around, what’s the first thing most people want to do? Drink an authentic Oktoberfest beer. Well, if you live in SoMa or the surrounding area, you can get one step closer to the festivities in Germany when you attend Oktoberfest by the Bay on Pier 48. The annual festival will take place on September 23rd through the 25th this year, bringing the feel of autumn and taste of good beer to the people of San Francisco. The festival will feature music, dancing, and, of course, a ton of food and beer. Hours for the event are Friday from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. with a break between 5 and 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Make sure that you purchase your tickets ahead of time because they tend to sell out.

It’s clear to see that there is plenty to do to while you’re living in SoMa. We encourage you to check out these and other local events as you settle into your new home in San Francisco.