Special Events in San Francisco

January
Grand National Roadster Show
San Mateo County Exposition Center, 503 236-0632.
The show contains one of the biggest gatherings of roadsters anywhere, complemented by a NASCAR virtual reality ride and vintage hot rods.

February
Tulip Mania
PIER 39, 705-5500
More than 39,000 brilliantly colored tulips from all over the world coupled with free guided tours.

March
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Second and Market to the Civic Center, 731-0924.
One of San Francisco's largest annual parades and one of the longest-running parades in the U.S. Begins at 12:45 p.m. at Second and Market Streets and concludes at City Hall.

April
Cherry Blossom Festival
Contact the Japan Center 1520 Webster St., 94115, tel. 415-922-6776.
An elaborate presentation of Japanese culture and customs, winds up with a colorful parade through San Francisco's Japantown.

May
Cinco de Mayo
Parade on Mission Street, Festival in Civic Center Plaza, 826-1401,
A parade and festival featuring Mexican and Central American art and entertainment. Also included is a classic low rider and bomb car show with over 80 cars on display. There will also be a children's area.

June
Jewish Film Festival
Castro Theater and other venues around the Bay Area, 621-0556.
Films from American and international filmmakers showcase the diversity and vitality of the Jewish culture.

July
Fourth of July Waterfront Festival
Fisherman's Wharf, 705-5500.
A day long event featuring the West Coast's largest display of fireworks, live entertainment, food, arts and crafts at this annual waterfront party. Fireworks begin around 9:00 p.m..

August
Nihonmachi Street Fair
Japantown and Japan Center, 771-9861.
This Japanese festival features lion dancers, taiko drummers, Japanese arts and crafts, musical entertainment, food and children's events.

September
San Francisco Shakespeare Festival
Golden Gate Park, 422-2222
Relax in a tranquil environment and enjoy Shakespeare's classics, beginning on Labor Day and running every Saturday and Sunday through September 30. Shows begin at 1:30 p.m. but locals arrive by noon for a seat. Free.

October
San Francisco Jazz Festival
Various locations, 788-7353.
One of San Francisco's biggest and best musical festivals features local, national and international jazz artist performances at locations throughout San Francisco. The line-up includes many renowned musicians such as Abbey Lincoln, Jimmy Scott, John McLaughlin, and Zakir Jussain in Remember Shakti.

November
San Francisco International Automobile Show
Moscone Center, 331-4406.
The latest and greatest automobiles in the world at this annual show.

December
Christmas at Sea
Hyde Street Pier, 561-6662.
Climb aboard a historic ship and enjoy caroling, storytelling, hot cider, cookies, kids' crafts and a visit from St. Nick.