As always, there’s lots to do with the kids this month around San Francisco. Here are our top picks. Know of something else fun going on around town? Let us know!
May 2
Free Museum Admission Day: The following museums have free admission all day. Conservatory of Flowers, Contemporary Jewish Museum, de Young Museum of Fine Arts, Legion of Honor, Museum of Craft & Design, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
May 3
Free Museum Admission Day: GLBT History Museum has free admission all day.
May 5
St. Gabriel School Carnival, 2550 41st Ave: Bring the kids to this carnival for rides, games, food, entertainment, wine & beer, raffle, silent auction, and bingo, 4:00 – 10:00 PM
May 6
Preschool 101, DayOne Baby, 3548 Sacramento: Join Winnie for an overview of the preschool scene in SF. They’ll have FREE childcare at the event provided by Trusted. Spaces are very limited, so RSVP here. 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
ARIA Festival: Voices for Change, Wilsey Center for Opera, 301 Van Ness: Join the San Francisco Opera Education Department throughout the day for this free community open house event. Enjoy original student works created by partner Opera ARIA (Arts Resources in Action) K–12 SFUSD classes, performances and workshops by community partners plus crafts and performing arts activities for all ages.
SF Cinco de Mayo Festival, Mission, Valencia St between 21st – 24th St: The Mission Neighborhood Centers hosts the 13th annual Cinco de Mayo, a family friendly celebration, showcasing the very best of Mexican and Latin American cultures with a diverse array of Mexican and Latino foods, music, dance and artistry for the entire family to enjoy. 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
St. Gabriel School Carnival, 2550 41st Ave: Bring the kids to this carnival for rides, games, food, entertainment, wine & beer, raffle, silent auction, and bingo. 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM & 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
May 7
San Francisco Mom’s Blog BLOOM Event, 3698 California St: Join us in person at CPMC’s Newborn Connections for an intimate event catering to new and expecting moms. Come meet new friends, learn about amazing new products and services, speak with our Panel of Experts, get a mini mommy massage, and enjoy snacks, swag bags, and giveaways! We will also have a toddler arts and crafts table for older children! 1:00 – 4:00 PM.
May 8 – 14
SF Made Week: Celebrate local manufacturers, their products, and their people with pop-up shops, factory tours, classes, and tastings throughout the week. Check out the full schedule.
May 9
Free Museum Admission Day: Botanical Gardens, Golden Gate Park, has free admission all day.
May 13
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival : Enjoy a free performance by Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble, 1:00 – 2:30 PM.
Taiwanese American Culture Festival, Union Square: The 25th annual festival celebrates the vibrancy of Taiwanese culture with delicious food and live performances, 10:00 AM
Listen to Your Mother, 3200 California St.: Leave the kids at home for this one, and come enjoy authors sharing humorous and touching short stories about a topic we all can relate to: motherhood, 7:00 PM.
May 14
Free Museum Admission Day: The Exploratorium has free admission all day.
Mother’s Day Run, Little Marina Green: Enjoy a scenic run or walk through Crissy Field and Marina Green for all ages, plus a half-mile kids’ run. 9:00 AM, Kids’ Run, 9:45 AM. Strollers are allowed, but discouraged.
Inner Sunset Flea Market & Merchant Hop, Irving St. @ 9th-10th: The first event of the season (held on the second Sunday of every month through October) is full of family fun, food, and finds. 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
May 18
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival: Enjoy two free performances today. CMC Older Adult Choirs, 12:30 – 1:30 PM and Changui Majadero, 6:00 – 7:30 PM.
May 20
Common Grounds Arts Festival, San Francisco Chronicle Parking Lot, 5th St & Natoma: Enjoy Family Day of this 2 week festival. There will be children’s art and music workshops, face painting, music by the Alphabet Rockers, and artisan market stalls, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Free.
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival: Enjoy a free concert by the Brass Convergence II: Protest Brass, 1pm – 3pm
Bay Area Children’s Theatre production of Fly Guy, Children’s Creativity Museum Theatre, 221 4th St: Bring the kids to the San Francisco opening of this rollicking musical recommended for age 4 and up. (Children under 2 do not require tickets.) Runs through June 11.
May 21
Bay to Breakers Run, Start at Main St. & Howard St.: This quintessential San Francisco experience has run since 1912 and is a true reflection and celebration of life between the breakers and the Bay. Don’t forget your costumes. Ages 3 – 17 (Children 2 and under are free), child registrants receive a 50% discount off the adult price. 8:00 AM start. Race ends in Ocean Beach Parking Lot.
May 25
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival: Enjoy a free performance by The Anita Lofton Project, 12:30 – 1:30 PM.
May 27
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival: Enjoy a free performance by Richard Howell & Sudden Changes, 1:00 – 2:30 PM
Carnaval Festival, Harrison St, 16th – 24th St: Bring the family to this 2 day festival to revel in global cuisine, international music, dance, arts & crafts, and other fun activities.
May 28
Carnaval Festival, Harrison St, 16th – 24th St: Watch the Grand Parade today. The brilliant procession of contingents and beautifully adorned floats depict rich multicultural themes and feature performers who engage and entertain the crowds. 9:30 AM
May 29
Memorial Day Ceremony, National Cemetery, Presidio: Honor our fallen military and service men and women at this annual event. This year’s parade through the Presidio starts at 10:30 AM, beginning at the Main Post (on Anza between Sheridan and Lincoln Boulevard) and ends at the National Cemetery. The formal program begins around 11:00 AM.
Every Sunday
Off the Grid – Presidio Picnic, Main Parade Ground: Bring your picnic blanket and hang out. With so many delicious food trucks to choose from, you’ll want to spend time sampling them all. 11:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Every Friday
Off the Grid – Fort Mason, 2 Marina Blvd: Come for an early dinner with the kids. They’ll love the music and lively setting. You’ll love the good food and drinks. 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
