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San Francisco Festivals in May 2025: Carnaval, BottleRock, & More
Written by: Jill Loeffler • Published: February 22, 2017, 2011 • Updated: December 19, 2024
San Francisco festivals in May 2025 offer you the chance to celebrate the Latin culture, sample local wines, and enjoy independent films.
You can also listen to music, sample traditional Asian cuisines, and enjoy BottleRock in Napa.
Read on for details about this month's annual events.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Carnaval Festival & Parade
Dates: 5/24 & 5/25
One of the largest San Francisco festivals in May is the Carnaval celebration in the Mission District. The event lasts for two days over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
The colorful, lively Sunday morning parade brings Latin American and Caribbean traditional dances to the streets of SF's largely Latino neighborhood.
There is also a massive street fair spread out along eight city blocks, featuring food, more music and dance, and arts and crafts.
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
Dates: Several in May
The Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is an ongoing summer festival of free performances that opens this month.
From May to October, this cultural center provides five to seven shows a week—many on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, but also some on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the afternoons.
The performances include jazz, classical, and world music concerts, as well as traditional and contemporary dance.
This festival gives you lots of great excuses to take an hour or two out of your day and relax on the grass at these gardens in the SoMa District.
>> This year's schedule & event info
BottleRock in Napa
Dates: 5/23 - 5/25
One of the biggest music festivals in Napa is BottleRock. This three day event is the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend.
It's a great time to sample local wines, enjoy gourmet treats, and listen to some of the top international bands on stage.
This last year's performers included (I'll update this for 2025 once the new performers are announced):
- Friday, May 24, 2024: Stevie Nicks, Megan Thee Stallion, St. Vincent, Nelly, and 21 others
- Saturday, May 25, 2024: Pearl Jam, Mana, Kali Uchis, The Kid Laroi, and 22 others
- Sunday, May 26, 2024: Edward Sheeran, Queens of the Stone Age, Dominic Fike, Norah Jones, and 22 others
You can purchase tickets for one, two or all three days.
All performances are at the Napa Valley Expo which is near downtown Napa.
>> Find tickets for all three days
>> More fun things to do in Napa in May
More Tips for Your May Visit
- Full May Events Calendar
- Best Things to Do this Month
- Mother's Day Events & Activities
- Memorial Day Weekend Events & Activities
- Tips on What to Pack for May
Taiwanese American Cultural Festival
Date: TBD
The Taiwanese American Cultural Festival is another one of the San Francisco festivals in May that celebrates the traditions of a particular cultural group and proudly shares them with the broader community.
At this annual event in Union Square, you can taste delicious Taiwanese cuisine, admire the folkloric costumes and dances, and get involved at the interactive booths. Learn about the history and customs of this island nation and maybe even get your fortune read.
>> Visit their site for more details
CAAM Fest
Dates: TBD
The CAAM Fest is another one of the fantastic cultural San Francisco festivals in May, this one featuring art from the Asian American community. The festival offers more than 120 film screenings, several concerts, and great food.
The Opening Night Gala will take place at the Asian Art Museum, and every piece of art included in this festival sheds light on the complex cultures of Asia.
Hotel Discounts in SF
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