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Nihonmachi Street Fair 2024
by Jill Loeffler •
The 50th Annual Nihonmachi Street Fair is on August 3 & 4, 2024.
This annual two-day festival in the heart of San Francisco's Japantown District. The festival runs from 11 am to 6 pm both days.
This well loved festival celebrates the diversity of the Asian-Pacific American cultures.
This is always a fantastic festival every year. I always try to arrive on the first day before the West Coast Lion Dance. My other favorite annual performance at this festival is by San Francisco Taiko Dojo.
In addition to this entertainment, you will also find an amazing variety of food from Korean fried chicken to sushi nachos. The Beer Fest is also a hit with some great local beers and popular picks from around the world.
They also have some great booths with everything from unique Japanese art to colorful jewelry.
It's one of the largest festivals each year with around 30,000 attendees!
Taiko Dojo performing on the main stage at the annual Nihonmachi Street Fair in San Francisco's Japantown. Their performances are full of energy and one of my favorites to watch every year.Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Live Entertainment
I always arrive early to watch the West Coast Lion Dancers perform to kick off the Nihonmachi Festival. They don't perform on stage, but instead through the middle of the street fair.All performances will be on their main stage, which is the Webster Street Summer of Love Stage. Usually this stage is in the Peace Plaza, but that is under construction until early 2026, so the 2024 and 2025 performances will be in this new location.
You will find entertainment from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
They will feature local entertainment with each performer on stage for about an hour.
The final performance on Saturday starts at 5 p.m. The final performance on Sunday starts at 5 p.m.
Other Festival Details
The following are some of the most popular events during the annual Nihonmachi Street Fair.
Children's World
A peek inside the Children's World area at the festival. This is where they can enjoy hands-on arts and crafts.This area is the perfect place to introduce your children to the culture and heritage of the communities celebrated at this year's Nihonmachi Street Fair.
They learn through participating in Asian inspired crafts and games.
Doggie World
San Francisco is a dog friendly city, so why not bring your four-legged friend along with you so they can also enjoy the Nihonmachi Street Fair!
The best part is that there is a special area just for them.
In Doggie World, you can get pet health advice, learn more about adoption, and find some great apparel.
Food & Beer World
Just a sample of some of the food items for sale during the festival. This place is famous for its sushi nachos!These two areas are popular. You can grab food and a beer as you enjoy the festival.
Much of the food is Asian inspired such as Korean fried chicken, fried rice, sushi bowls, etc. You will also find other options such as burgers, tatortots, and sandwiches.
The selection of beers at the Beer Fest tables. It looks like there were a dozen different options on tap.In the Beer World, there are usually about 15 to 20 different beers. I usually see some from local breweries and common international beers such as Stella, Aces Cider and Busch Ultra.
Asian Artisans
One of my favorite parts of this festival is the Asian Artisans Area.
This is where you will find hundreds of Asian inspired pieces from artists from all around the area.
You will find everything from photography to jewelry.
You will also find some great kids toys as well as colorful traditional apparel.
Sounds of Thunder Car Show
If you love muscle or vintage cars, get ready for this year's Car Show.
Based on last year's participation, they expect more than 20 cars again this year.
This year, the Sounds of Thunder Car Show is two days. On Saturday, you will find classic imports (Japanese and European). On Sunday, this event features classic American muscle cars and hot rods.
Info Booths
This area includes information booths for both non-profit and for profit organizations.
They range from donor programs to newspaper agencies. It's fun to stop by to ask questions and learn more about each organization.
More Japantown Information
How to Get Here
It's easy to get to Japantown from everywhere in SF and the Bay Area.
The 2, 3, 21, 38, and 38L all drop off within a few blocks of the festival.
Places to Stay Nearby
If you plan on attending both days, you can also stay in the neighborhood.
Right in Japantown, you will find both the Hotel Emblem (3 star) and the Hotel Kabuki (3.5 star).
Both start at around $250 to $300 a night this time of year.
Hotel Emblem San Francisco, a Viceroy Urban Retreat:
- Address: 562 Sutter Street
- Room rates range from around $150 to $250 a night
- 4 Stars
>> Find about reviews, rooms and rates for your stay at Hotel Emblem.
Hotel Kabuki, part of JdV by Hyatt:
- Address: 1625 Post Street
- Room rates range from around $200 to $450
- 3 Stars
>> Read guest reviews, find rooms, and find the best deals for the Hotel Kabuki.
Just two blocks away, you will also find the Queen Anne Hotel. This is my favorite of the three as its an historic hotel with a lot of character. The price is better too as it starts at around $200 a night this time of year.
>> Find rooms and rates for the classic Queen Anne Hotel.
Book Your Japantown Hotel: Head out here read recent guest reviews and find some great deals on your hotel in the Japantown District. Click here to learn more and to find a great place for your stay today!
Other Events in August
Stern Grove Festival: Every Sunday during the summer months, Stern Grove invites music lovers to their free concerts in the park. All shows are on Sunday afternoon, start at 2pm, and last from mid-June to mid-August. Click here for this year's detailed schedule.
Outside Lands Festival: One of the largest music festivals in SF each summer is the Outside Lands Festival. For three days, both locals and visitors enjoy live music in Golden Gate Park. It's a popular event that sells out every year. Click here for this year's line-up and ticketing details.
Theater Performances: The SF Theater calendar is full of award winning musicals, dramas, and more each month in SF. Click here for details and the full SF Theater schedule by month.
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
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