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San Francisco Events in November 2024
Written by: Jill Loeffler • Published: Feb 26, 2016 • Updated: Nov 25, 2024
Enjoy the best San Francisco events in November 2024. This month, you will find dozens of fun activities from free walking tours to holiday lights celebrations.
Other highlights this month include festivals, SF 49ers games, and Thanksgiving Day and Weekend activities.
You can also enjoy a night out at the theater, opera, or symphony. Read on for my top recommendations for November in SF.
In addition, you will find special ice skating rinks in the city this time of the year.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Thanksgiving Day and Weekend Activities
Date(s): Thanksgiving Day is November 28; Weekend is November 29 - December 1
You will find dozens of fun events this Thanksgiving in San Francisco. Use my planning guide to find the best places for a traditional or not-so-traditional holiday meal.
You will also find many other fun things to do on Thanksgiving Day from riding a bike over the Golden Gate Bridge to cruising around the SF Bay on boat. Many of our top attractions are open also including the California Academy of Sciences, the Palace of Fine Arts, Botanical Gardens and others.
The holiday weekend is also full of fun activities and most attractions, tours and activities offer a regular schedule all weekend long.
>> Find out what to do on Thanksgiving Day & Weekend
Holiday Tree Lighting & Other Holiday Events
Tree Lighting Ceremonies
This November make sure to check out one of the tree lighting ceremonies and/or holiday celebrations in San Francisco and beyond. The tree lighting ceremonies typically begin the weekend before Thanksgiving.
You will also find several large celebrations the weekend of Thanksgiving. There are also lighting ceremonies throughout November and December.
See the entire schedule of events this year.
Ice Skating Rinks
Though it doesn't snow in San Francisco, the city has ways of bringing wintry fun right to the heart of downtown. People of all ages love the holiday ice rinks all around SF and the Bay Area.
These 60 to 90-minute sessions are refreshing and a great break from all the hustle and bustle of this part of town.
One of the most popular rinks is in the center of the action in Union Square. There is usually at least one other rink in SF every year.
In addition, you will find several great options around the SF Bay in San Jose, Santa Rosa, and Walnut Creek.
Find a list of the 12 top rinks in the SF Bay Area.
Great Dickens Fair
This is one of the performances at the Great Dickens Fair which is at the Cow Palace every holiday season.Dates: Five weekends from 11/23 - 12/22 + Friday, 11/29
Celebrate the holiday season at this unique festival. The Great Dickens Fair is a recreation of Victorian London and includes costumed characters, lively entertainment, and food and drink.
It's a great place to also pick up some interesting holiday gifts for those on your list. The event is held at the Cow Palace and runs from 10 am to 6 pm.
You can either pick up tickets from their website in advance or buy them at the door when you arrive.
Visit their site for more event details.
Santa Claus in SF
Santa Claus is coming to town! He will be making his way all around San Francisco in both November and December.
Some of his most popular stops are at the at Macy's on Union Square and Stonestown Galleria. You can also see him at tree lightning ceremonies around town.
Don't miss your chance to let Santa know if you've been naughty or nice!
Uncover a list of places Santa plans to stop this year.
Golden State Warriors Basketball
Dates: 11/12, 11/15, 11/20, 11/25, and 11/27
Tickets: Ticketmaster | StubHub
Some of the best San Francisco events in November also include games at the Chase Center.
The Warriors play just five games at home this month.
To make it easy, I've added links to tickets for each game below.
- Monday, 11/25: Brooklyn Nets at 7 pm
- Wednesday, 11/27: Oklahoma City Thunder at 7pm
All games are played in the Chase Center in San Francisco.
It's an easy train ride from Union Square or bus ride from other locations throughout the city. Your ticket to the game doubles as a free ride on public transportation to the game.
Head over to cheer on (or against!) the Warriors.
>> Read more about attending a Golden State Warriors game
49ers Football
Dates: 11/17
Location: Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara
Tickets: Ticketmaster | TicketNetwork
Head south to Levi's Stadium to watch the San Francisco 49ers play their regular season games in Santa Clara.
The stadium is about an hour south of SF and is easy to get to by both public transit and by car.
This month, the 49ers will be taking on the Seattle Seahawks at 1:05 pm on November 17.
>> Click here for the full schedule and links to tickets
San Jose Sharks Hockey
Dates: 11/2, 11/5, 11/7, 11/18, 11/23, 11/25, 11/27, and 11/29
Tickets: Ticketmaster | StubHub
The San Jose Sharks hockey games are another one of the more popular SF Bay Area events in November. This month they take the ice at home for eight home games.
Here is where you can find tickets to each game.
- Monday, 11/25: Los Angeles Kings at 7:30 pm
- Wednesday, 11/27: Ottawa Senators at 7:30 pm
- Friday, 11/29: Seattle Kraken at 12:30 pm
>> Full schedule and more details to attend a game in San Jose
Broadway Shows & Theater Productions
You will find two popular Broadway shows on stage this month - Kimberly Akimbo and Hamilton.
Hamilton
Dates: 11/27 - 12/28
Tickets: Ticketmaster | StubHub
Toward the end of the month, you can also catch Hamilton on stage at the Orpheum Theater.
Catch a performance of this award winning musical from November 27 through the end of December.
It's the real story of one of our founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton.
Learn more about his life, his contributions to the US, and what really happened during his duel with Aaron Burr.
>> Find additional theater performances this month in SF
Kimberly Akimbo
Dates: 11/5 - 12/1
Tickets: Ticketmaster | StubHub
This year, you get the chance to check out a brand new musical, Kimberley Akimbo. It's the winner of 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical!
It's the story of a teen whose life is changed forever when her family decides to move to a new suburb in New Jersey.
At 16, she also has to figure out her role in family drama, with her first crush, and a rare genetic disorder.
Did I mention the possible felony charges?
Things are difficult for Kimberly, but see how she survives and thrives in her new world.
All shows are at the Curran Theater this November in San Francisco.
San Francisco Events in November: Concerts
Dates: Nightly in SF
Every night of the week, you will find a variety of great concerts all around San Francisco.
Top performances are at venues such as the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, the Nob Hill Masonic Center, and the Fillmore. Additional top venues include the the Independent and the Great American Music Hall.
Below are just a few of the top shows with where to buy tickets for each show.
- 11/2: The Psychedelic Furs & The Jesus and Mary Chain at The Masonic at 7 pm
- 11/6 & 11/7: Sting at The Masonic at 8 pm both nights
- 11/9: Sabrina Carpenter at the Chase Center at 7 pm
- 11/11: Manchester Orchestra & Thrice at the Warfield at 7 pm
- 11/22: Honne at The Masonic at 8 pm
- 11/26: Cyndi Lauper at the Chase Center at 8 pm, find tickets
Make sure to visit the November concert page for a full list of performances this month.
>> Full November concert calendar
Museums: Free Days & Exhibits for November
Free Museum Admission Days in November
This is your chance to visit some of SF's top museums for free! Toward the beginning of the month museums such as the Asian Art Museum, the de Young, and the Conservatory of Flowers invite you to visit their exhibits for free.
On free days, they open their permanent collection to all visitors.
You can spend just an hour cruising around or all day long. Some of their temporary exhibits do require a paid ticket even on free days.
Discover the schedule of San Francisco free museum days for November.
Museum Exhibits
Take advantage of SF's world-class museums, each offering unique exhibits throughout the year. These are a few of the top exhibits scheduled for display this month.
- Contemporary Jewish Museum: Leah Rosenberg, When One Sees a Rainbow
- de Young Fine Arts Museum: Tamara de Lempicka
- Museum of Modern Art: Yayoi Kusama: Dreaming of Earth's Sphericity, I Would Offer My Love, find tickets for the SF MoMa
This is just a small sample of the exhibits this month.
Visit my up-to-date calendar for a full view of everything on display in November.
Tickets to Top SF Museums
SF Comedy Shows
Dates: Several
San Francisco has a fantastic comedy scene. You can enjoy live performances of improv or stand-up nearly every night of the week.
This month, you can catch both international and local comedians on stage at SF's biggest comedy clubs.
Our comedy shows are some of the best San Francisco events in November.
11/1: Nick Swardson at the Palace of Fine Arts at 7:30 pm
11/14 & 11/15: Tommy Tiernan at the Palace of Fine Arts at 8 pm both nights
11/17: Foil Arms & Hog at the Warfield at 8 pm
11/21: Dane Cook at The Masonic at 7:30 pm
11/23: Iliza Shlesinger at The Masonic at 7 pm
>> See the full calendar of upcoming shows
Additional Festivals in SF in November
Eat Drink SF
Dates: 11/8 - 11/17
This year's event is a 10-day foodies dream. It will include prix-fixe menus at restaurants all around San Francisco.
There are also specific dining events as well as neighborhood nights.
Visit their site to learn more.
San Francisco International Tea Festival
Date: 11/2 & 11/3
This year's International Tea Festival is scheduled for November at the Ferry Building. At this event, you will get the chance to sample and/or buy a variety of teas from around the world.
You will also receive your own teacup to sample during the event.
>> Visit their site for ticketing details
SF Coffee Festival
Dates: 11/9 & 11/10
This is the perfect festival for those that are in love with coffee! Sample unique flavors from a large variety of exhibitors.
You can also listen to live music as you savor your coffee samples. The event is at the Fort Mason Center and runs from 9 am to 4:30 pm both days.
Renegade Craft Fair
Dates: 11/2 & 11/3
This year's holiday Renegade Craft Fair is on November 2 and 3 at the Fort Mason Center. More than 300 artists will be on hand showing and selling their handmade goods.
The event is free to enter and lasts from 11 am to 6 pm both days.
Find out more about this November's event.
SF International Hip Hop Dancefest
Dates: 11/9 - 11/10
This year marks the 26th annual SF International Hip Hop Dancefest, the first festival of its kind to honor the artistry of hip hop in a non-competitive environment.
The festival features performances by professional dance companies from all over the world.
This all-ages event takes place at the Palace of Fine Arts Theater over the course of three days.
Check out the festival website for details.
Transgender Film Festival
Dates: 11/13 - 11/16
Each day of this annual film festival offers a different program that includes four to seven films selected from independent filmmakers internationally.
These works of art showcase and raise awareness about the transgender community.
>> Find additional film festivals each year in SF
Additional San Francisco Events in November
Golden Gate Half Marathon
Date: 11/3
The Golden Gate Half Marathon is an annual event that takes runners over the Golden Gate Bridge during the race. Your run starts near Fisherman's Wharf at the Municipal Pier.
You will then run along the waterfront, up and over the Golden Gate Bridge, and return back to San Francisco. The race ends in the beautiful Presidio.
Click here to visit their site and to register today
San Francisco International Auto Show
Dates: No show in 2024, will return in 2025
This is the 63rd year for the San Francisco Chronicle International Auto Show. It will once again be held at the Moscone Center in SF's SOMA District. For five straight days, check out the latest vehicles on display throughout the showroom.
See up and coming models from Chevy, Ford and BMW. You will also get the chance to see unique cars all weekend long.
It's a fun way to spend some time this Thanksgiving Day Weekend and one of the most highly anticipated San Francisco events in November.
Visit their site for the full schedule of events and ticketing info
SF Symphony
Date: Several performances all month long
Spend an evening at the elegant Davies Symphony Hall, steps away from City Hall, for a performance of the world renowned San Francisco Symphony.
Here are some top shows this month with ticketing details.
- 11/1: Coco - Film with Live Orchestra
- 11/10: Itzhak Perlman
- 11/26: SF Symphony, Top Gun Maverick Live
- 11/29: Amadeus, Film with Live Music
- 11/30: Amadeus, Film with Live Music
See the complete schedule of performances.
SF Opera
Date: Several dates from 11/1 - 11/29
This November, you will find two performances by the SF Opera. The first is Tristan and Isolde with two performances this month.
The second is Carmen with seven performances this month.
All shows are at the War Memorial Opera House in the Civic Center District.
Visit the SF Opera page for more information.
Day of the Dead
Date: 11/2
SF's Mission District has been celebrating Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) since the 1970s. Every year, the community sets up a festival of altars in Potrero Del Sol Park from Noon - 11 pm with performances starting at 5 pm.
If you want to see what this Latin American tradition is all about, head over to check out the art and alters. If you want to honor a deceased loved one yourself, feel free to bring flowers, mementos, and candles.
Read more about the SF celebration.
SF Bay Cruises
Some of the top San Francisco events in November are our daily cruises. You can head out on the SF Bay for an hour or two and enjoy the amazing views all around you.
Many of these cruises leave from Fisherman's Wharf and return to the same place they started. Almost all of them cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge, along the San Francisco shoreline, and make their way near or around Alcatraz Island.
Some of the cruises also offer dinner, dancing or a few drinks along with your ticket. The sunset or evening cruises are also popular.
Here are my top picks for this month.
Sunset Sailing Cruise by Luxury Catamaran
Tickets: Find tickets for all dates in November
This 90-minute sunset tour is a fun way to relax and unwind during your stay in November.
This month, it runs several days each week. It leaves at 5 pm through November 5. This cruise then leaves at 3:30 pm for the rest of the month.
Also included with your ticket, you will get a ticket for one complimentary beverage. Additional beverages and light snacks are available for sale on board.
Find availability for the Sunset Sailing Cruise.
60-Minute Bay Cruise
Tickets: Find tickets for all dates in November
The most popular cruise all year long is the 60-minute Bay Cruise. This one provides you with a great highlight of the bay. It takes you under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz.
It starts and ends in Fisherman's Wharf.
It leaves several times every day of the year.
Additional Fun Cruise for November
Bus & City Tours
Our bus and city tours are also very popular San Francisco events in November. You will find a variety of options that take you all around town to learn more about our top attractions.
The Hop On Hop Off buses are great for those visiting for the first time. In one or two days, you will get a great lay of the land and be able to easily get from one attraction to the next.
Our city tours are also popular. In just a few hours, you will drive past and learn all about places such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf and others. Many of them offer photo stops along the way.
Here are a few more details and some of my recommendations.
Big Bus Tours Hop On Hop Off
Tickets: Find tickets for all dates in November
Big Bus Tours is one of my top picks for hop on hop off bus tours. They offer 1- and 2-day tickets which will give you plenty of time to get around SF.
They include more than 20 stops and the entire round trip tour is just over 2 hours.
Find out more about their options.
SF Movie Sights Tour
Tickets: Find tickets for all tours in November
If you love movies, you are going to really enjoy this fun movie tour around San Francisco.
You will drive past and learn more about spots around town that were featured in movies and shows such as Mrs. Doubtfire, The Princess Diaries, Full House, and Interview with the Vampire.
More SF Bay Area Events in November
Big Sur Food & Wine Festival
Dates: 10/31 - 11/2
The Big Sur Food & Wine Festival is known is without question one of the premier festivals in Northern California. If you are looking for great views, food, wine, and music, this is definitely the place for you.
Not only are there 3 days of wine and food, but there are also special tours, trips and the always amazing, "Wine and Swine at the Henry Miller Library" where you will have a special celebrity chef dinner, with over 20 different wine makers and bands all night long.
Visit their site for more details.
More events in the Monterey Bay Area this month.
Calistoga Food & Wine Festival
Date: 11/16
The Calistoga Food & Wine Festival is another one of the fun and delicious SF Bay Area events in November.
The Grand Tasting on Saturday will feature live music, samplings from 30 Calistoga wineries, and small bites and live cooking stations from top chefs of the area's best restaurants.
>> Find out more on the Auberge Resorts site
Additional Things to Do in SF in November
More Things to Do in SF in November
In addition to all of our fun San Francisco events in November, you will also find a variety of other fun things to do. These include cruises, tours, and free activities.
You can also head out on a day trip, visit one of our top museums, and shop at some in some of our most popular districts.
Find 50+ fun things to do this month
What to Wear in November
Do you need some advice on what to wear in November? To make sure you are prepared for these San Francisco events in November, you will want to bring along a jacket and some great walking shoes.
What else should you bring?
Check out my insider's guide on what to expect from the weather and some tips on what to pack for your stay.
Tips on what to pack and wear in SF.
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group!
It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!
