NOVEMBER 2
DAY OF THE DEAD (DIA DE LOS MUERTOS) – Day of the Dead includes a 7 pm procession starting at Bryant & 22nd St., plus candle-lit altars in Garfield Park (26th and Harrison, 4-11 pm) to honor the departed.
NOVEMBER 3-11
AMERICAN INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL – The world’s oldest festival dedicated to films by and about Native Americans. 415-554-0525
NOVEMBER 5 (FIRST SUNDAY)
FREE ADMISSION DAY— Asian Art Museum
“FALL BACK” 1 HOUR – Set your clocks back one hour in observance of daylight savings time.
NOVEMBER 7 (FIRST TUESDAY)
FREE ADMISSION DAY— Conservatory of Flowers, Contemporary Jewish Museum, DeYoung Museum, Legion of Honor Museum, Museum of Craft and Design, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
NOVEMBER 8-12
Napa Valley Film Festival – This celebration of film, food, and wine lights up the towns of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga. It features more than 125 new independent films and studio sneak previews screening in venues throughout four highly walkable towns.
Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga 707-226-7500
NOVEMBER 9-12 (SAN FRANCISCO)
NOVEMBER 18 (CUPERTINO)
3rd SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL: BOLLYWOOD AND BEYOND – Screening films from India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Selected films are shown at a later date in Cupertino.
Castro Theater, New People Cinema, and Blue Light Cinema (Cupertino) 415-835-4783
NOVEMBER 11-12
SAN FRANCISCO GREEN FESTIVAL – This joint project of Green America and Global Exchange brings individuals, businesses, and investors together to work on positive social and economic solutions for communities and the environment. This is one of the largest and most authentic sustainability events in the world.
Pier 35 800-584-7336.
NOVEMBER 11-12
THE RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR – The best makers of handmade goods from the Bay Area and beyond assemble for this free-to-attend marketplace for indie craft culture, featuring interactive workshops.
Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture
NOVEMBER 17
EMBARCADERO CENTER BUILDING LIGHTING CEREMONY – Stroll through a holiday fair, enjoy live entertainment, and witness the lighting of the Embarcadero Center’s dramatic office towers that illuminate the San Francisco skyline with 17,000 lights throughout the season.
Justin Herman Plaza, Embarcadero Center 800-733-6318
NOVEMBER 17-19
SAN FRANCISCO HIP-HOP DANCE FESTIVAL – This festival features excellent professional dance companies from around the world. In addition, master classes will be taught by some of the visiting artists, along with a VIP/performer party to celebrate the convergence of artists with the public.
Palace of Fine Arts Theater
NOVEMBER 18-DECEMBER 17 (FIVE WEEKENDS, INCLUDING THE FRIDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING)
THE GREAT DICKENS CHRISTMAS FAIR – This fair revives the traditions of an old English Victorian Christmas with theaters, a music hall, dance parties, taverns, shops, stalls, food, street vendors, and period costumes.
Cow Palace 415-897-4555
NOVEMBER 18-26
SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOBILE SHOW – Some of the world’s major manufacturers will be displaying model cars, SUV’s, trucks, and vans: almost 800 vehicles in all. Some test drives may be available.
Moscone Center 415-331-4406
NOVEMBER 23-JANUARY 1
ILLUMINATE SF – More than a dozen permanent as well as temporary eco-friendly light art installations transform San Francisco nights into a citywide gallery of light. Tours and events based on these public art installations invite visitors to “embrace the power of light.”
Citywide 415-391-2000
NOVEMBER 23
TURKEY TRAIL TROT, GOLDEN GATE PARK – This invigorating run or walk has become a popular Thanksgiving Day tradition for many.
NOVEMBER 24
TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION: UNION SQUARE – Expect crowds at Macy’s Union Square tree lighting, which begins with a ceremony and singers. Free. Entertainment starts at 6 pm. The tree will be adorned with more than 1500 ornaments and lit at 6:40 pm.
Powell and Geary Streets 415-781-7880
GHIRARDELLI SQUARE TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY – Ghirardelli’s famous square comes alive with colorful performers, music, and a 50-foot Christmas tree lighting up the night.
Ghirardelli Square 415-775-5500