🎉 May 2025 Events in the San Francisco Bay Area: Top 10 Things To Do

May is in full bloom, and so is the lineup of incredible events happening throughout the San Francisco Bay Area! Whether you’re into cultural festivals, live music, outdoor adventures, or family-friendly fun, there’s something for everyone this month across San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Santa Clara, and beyond.

Here’s a roundup of the top 10 can’t-miss events for May 2025—with dates, locations, and ticket info included!

Carnaval San Francisco 

📅 May 24–25, 2025
📍 Mission District, San Francisco
🎟 www.carnavalsanfrancisco.org

Celebrate the vibrant cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean at this  massive two-day festival. The Grand Parade, colorful costumes, incredible live music, and international food make this one of the most anticipated events of the year!

Cinco de Mayo Lowrider Car Show & Block Party 

📅 May 3, 2025
📍 Mission District, San Francisco
🎟 SF Chronicle Article

The Mission comes alive with classic lowriders, mariachi bands, folklórico dancers, and authentic street food. A fun and meaningful way to honor Mexican heritage in one of SF’s most historic neighborhoods.

Hayward’s 40th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival 

📅 May 3–4, 2025
📍 Downtown Hayward
🎟 SF Chronicle Article

This long-running community favorite features two days of family fun, including live performances, cultural demonstrations, and an open-air mercado with amazing local eats.

Bay to Breakers 

📅 May 18, 2025
📍 Main & Howard St. to Ocean Beach, San Francisco
🎟 www.baytobreakers.com

One of the most iconic events in San Francisco! Join tens of thousands of runners, walkers, and costumed characters for a wild and wonderful 12K journey across the city.

San Francisco Giants Home Games 

📅 All Month Long
📍 Oracle Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco
🎟 www.mlb.com/giants

Cheer on the Giants at beautiful Oracle Park with stunning Bay views, ballpark classics, and exciting matchups throughout the month of May.

Slavic Festival 2025 

📅 May 2–3, 2025
📍 2460 Sutter Street, San Francisco
🎟 SF Funcheap

Discover traditional Slavic culture with folk music, dancing, food, and crafts. This unique cultural celebration is a hidden gem worth checking out.

Chabot Space & Science Center – Star Wars Day 

📅 May 4, 2025
📍 10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland, CA
🎟 SF Chronicle Article

Celebrate “May the Fourth” with themed exhibits, movie screenings, and hands-on science fun for all ages—an epic day for Star Wars fans and space lovers alike.

Bayside 101 Music Festival 

📅 May 30–31, 2025
📍 San Mateo County Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Dr, San Mateo
🎟 www.thesanfranciscopeninsula.com

Get ready to rock with performances by Everclear, Hoobastank, and Better Than Ezra at this two-day Peninsula music fest—food, beer gardens, and good vibes guaranteed.

Union Square in Bloom

📅 All Month Long
📍 Union Square, San Francisco
🎟 www.sftravel.com

Spring takes center stage as Union Square transforms with oversized floral installations, pop-up gardens, and vibrant photo ops—perfect for a day out downtown.

Free Museum Days – May 2025 

📅 Various Dates
📍 Museums Across SF
🎟 www.sf.funcheap.com

Take advantage of free admission days at top museums like the de Young, SFMOMA, and the Asian Art Museum. Plan ahead for culture on a budget!

🌼 Whether you’re seeking live music, cultural parades, outdoor excitement, or family fun, May in the Bay Area has something for everyone. Be sure to bookmark your favorites, grab your tickets, and make the most of this action-packed month!