Things to do in San Francisco in September 2026

Portola has quickly become the city’s most unpredictable weekend for electronic music obsessives, and this year’s lineup is a reminder that the organizers know exactly what they’re doing. Pier 80’s industrial sprawl is the rare spot where you can lose yourself in a warehouse set, then step outside for a view that reminds you you’re still in San Francisco. The programming leans into discovery, so even if you’re coming for a headliner, you’ll probably leave with a new favorite. The crowd is refreshingly mixed—serious fans, casual dancers, and plenty of people who just want to see what all the fuss is about. Logistics are smoother than you’d expect for a festival of this scale, and the sound is dialed in. If you’re tired of the same old festival circuit, Portola’s blend of grit, ambition, and genuine surprises is worth your weekend.

Trixie and Katya’s live podcast tapings are the kind of event that makes you grateful to live in a city where drag icons can riff about everything from pop culture to personal disasters in front of a room full of diehard fans. The Bald and the Beautiful isn’t just a podcast recording—it’s a full-on spectacle of unscripted chaos, inside jokes, and the kind of off-the-cuff comedy that never quite makes it to the edited version. If you’ve ever watched their YouTube antics and wondered what happens when there’s no one to cut for time, this is your chance to find out. The crowd is always in on the joke, and the duo’s chemistry is even sharper in person. Don’t expect a polished show—expect to laugh until you cry at whatever wild tangent they decide to chase next.

The All-SF Concert is a chance to hear the San Francisco Symphony in a program that puts local talent at the center, rather than building the evening around a visiting soloist or blockbuster repertoire. The orchestra's 2026-27 season uses this concert to spotlight musicians and composers connected to the Bay Area, making it a particularly fitting choice for anyone interested in what is happening within the city's classical music community. The program also gives the Symphony room to show off the range of its own players, something that can get lost when the focus is on a single star performer. For regular Davies Symphony Hall attendees, that local emphasis makes this feel distinct from the season's more conventional offerings. It is a good pick when you want classical music that feels connected to the place where you are hearing it, rather than simply passing through.

Lionel Richie doesn’t just play the hits—he turns them into communal rituals. If you’ve ever caught yourself humming “All Night Long” in the grocery store, imagine belting it out with thousands of neighbors who know every word. Richie’s shows are a rare chance to hear songs that have quietly soundtracked decades of city life, from late-night diners to wedding dance floors. There’s a warmth to his live performances that feels less like a nostalgia trip and more like a reminder of how good it feels to sing along with strangers. The setlists are generous, the banter is easy, and the crowd always skews multigenerational in the best way. If you’re overdue for a night that’s equal parts singalong and soul-soothing, this is the one to circle on your calendar. Just don’t be surprised if you leave with a few new friends.

Fog Fest is the kind of weekend that reminds you why Pacifica locals never want to leave. The main drag transforms into a lively sprawl of over 200 arts and crafts booths, but it’s the mix of small-town charm and coastal weirdness that makes this festival feel like a true neighborhood ritual. You’ll find yourself wandering from a surf rock set to a ukulele jam, then suddenly caught up in a parade that’s equal parts earnest and tongue-in-cheek. The food scene leans into local flavor—think chowder, tacos, and plenty of craft beer—while the contests and family activities keep things playful without feeling forced. It’s easy to lose track of time chatting with artists or running into old friends. Fog Fest isn’t about spectacle; it’s about celebrating the quirks and creativity that make Pacifica its own world.

King of the Streets gives the Mission a spectacular reason to slow down and look around. On September 19, more than 300 lowriders will line Mission Street for a car show, while a parade rolls between Cesar Chavez and 17th Street from 1 to 3pm. The main event for anyone curious about the cars' hydraulic artistry comes afterward, when the King of the Streets hopping competition takes over 24th and Mission, with a $10,000 cash purse at stake. But the appeal goes beyond the mechanics. The San Francisco Lowrider Council frames the day as a celebration of Latino culture, community pride and the neighborhood's local businesses and artists. Everything is free and open to the public, so you can wander between the parade and car show before settling in for the competition. It is a distinctly Mission kind of spectacle, rooted in a car culture with deep local history.

Chance the Rapper’s “Coloring Book” turns ten this year, and he’s marking the occasion with a live show that’s more than just a nostalgia trip. If you remember the first time you heard “Same Drugs” or “Angels” and felt like someone had cracked open a window in hip-hop, this is your chance to revisit that feeling in real time. Chance’s blend of gospel, soul and Chicago grit still feels fresh, and he’s never been one to coast on old hits—expect deep cuts, spontaneous moments and a crowd that knows every word. The anniversary tour is a rare opportunity to see an album that changed the game performed with the kind of energy and gratitude that only Chance brings. If you want to remember why “Coloring Book” mattered, or just want to hear “No Problem” with a thousand other fans, this is the night.

Weeknight plans do not have to mean squeezing into a crowded bar. This early Tuesday roller disco is an easy excuse to lace up, get moving, and spend 90 minutes circling one of the city's most distinctive skating floors. The all-ages session keeps the focus on skating itself, making it just as welcoming for families and first-timers as regulars working on footwork between songs. Skate rentals are available if you do not have your own pair, so there is little standing between you and the rink. What makes this session especially appealing is its timing. You can get your fill of music and movement, then still have the rest of the evening ahead of you. Sometimes the best midweek reset is the simplest one: a few laps, a good playlist, and a reason to leave your phone in your pocket for a while.