San Francisco is full of lots of interesting yearly events and traditions. Let’s look at some crazy and fun annual traditions that will surely make you smile. You’ll never feel bored in the city while enjoying any of these wacky city traditions.
1. Bay to Breakers
The Bay to Breakers footrace started in 1912, and today this race has become a wildly popular festival. Thousands flock to San Francisco for the annual event which is part fundraiser for a variety of charities and part celebration of the San Francisco’s diversity.
2. Going to Mission Dolores Park
Mission Dolores Park is a pilgrimage for many locals and visitors alike. Why? The park offers great views, opportunities to celebrate, drink, party, and so much more. Take the time to enjoy the incredible view from the southwest corner where the city stretches out in front of you.
3. Folsom Street Fair
Folsom Street Fair is an annual BDSM and leather subculture street fair held in September. The event started in 1984 and is California's third-largest single-day, outdoor spectator event. This event may shock some and surprise others, but this is classic San Francisco.
4. Fleet Week
The city becomes an open theater to airplanes doing crazy acrobatics. Pier 39, at Beach St. and The Embarcadero, celebrate the Navy's birthday with live bands and an air show by the Blue Angels, during the second week in October.
5. San Francisco Pride
The San Francisco Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Celebration, usually known as San Francisco Pride, is a parade and festival held at the end of June each year in San Francisco. This festival gets very crazy because of all the hoopla, massive popularity, and more. This is classic San Francisco.
6. How Weird Street Faire
The How Weird Street Faire claims to be the longest-running electronic music street festival in North America, so it is popular and eclectic. The How Weird Street Faire occurs in late Spring, and it is considered by many to be the start of San Francisco's street fair season.
7. Going out for Brunch
San Franciscans are known for food especially brunch. If you're in San Francisco long enough you'll be asked to go out for brunch, and inevitably stand in line. The entire Bay area is known for great food, but San Francisco is the epicenter for foodies.
8. Dia De Los Muertos
A truly misunderstood tradition with a strong history to the Mission area of San Francisco. Expect festive celebrations at the beginning of November, Dia De Los Muertos celevrates the Mexican celebration of ancestral spirits, with a colorful parade of costumes and plenty of food.
9. Chinese New Year Parade
This is a big deal in San Francisco, so get ready to enjoy Chinese new year in style. The Chinese New Year Parade is the largest celebration of its kind outside of Asia. Also, many of the floats and specialty units will feature the theme of this year's Chinese zodiac sign.
10. Protesting
There are not many parts of the USA that have a protest tradition as strong as San Francisco. If you're caught in a traffic jam as a newbie in the city then be prepared for a delay too. San Francisco has always been a place of strong opinion and individualistic lifestyles historically.
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