In the middle of May, Bay to Breakers sends thousands of runners, many in costume, across the city, and two weeks later Carnaval San Francisco fills the Mission with music and dancing over Memorial Day weekend. Rain is rare by now, though fog starts to drift in on some afternoons.
In this guide
This page is part of our San Francisco events calendar.
May 2027 at a glance
- May 2 Free First Sunday at the Asian Art Museum
- May 4 Free First Tuesday at the de Young and Legion of Honor
- May 16 Bay to Breakers 12K, Embarcadero to Ocean Beach
- May 29 to 30 Carnaval San Francisco, Mission District
- May 31 Memorial Day
- Weather Average high 64°F, low 51°F, about 0.7 inches of rain
Bay to Breakers, May 16
Bay to Breakers is a 12K race from near the Embarcadero to Ocean Beach, held in San Francisco for more than a century. It is famous for costumes, and the Hayes Street hill and the Panhandle are popular places to watch. The 2027 race is on Sunday morning, May 16. Expect street closures across the city that morning. Our Bay to Breakers guide has more.
Carnaval San Francisco, May 29 and 30
Carnaval San Francisco celebrates Latin American and Caribbean culture with a street festival and a Grand Parade through the Mission on May 29 and 30, 2027. Expect samba, salsa, drumming and plenty of food. BART to 16th Street or 24th Street is the easy way in.
Memorial Day weekend
Memorial Day is Monday, May 31. It is one of the busiest weekends of the year at Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz and Muir Woods, so book tours ahead. See the Alcatraz tour guide.
Every week in May
- Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: Tuesday and Thursday 10am to 2pm, Saturday 8am to 2pm.
- Free Saturdays at the de Young and Legion of Honor for Bay Area residents.
Coming up in June
San Francisco Pride is on June 26 and 27, 2027, and the free Stern Grove Festival concerts usually begin in June. See San Francisco events in June.
Official resources: Bay to Breakers, Carnaval San Francisco.
Frequently asked questions
When is Bay to Breakers 2027?
Sunday, May 16, 2027.
When is Carnaval San Francisco 2027?
May 29 and 30, 2027, in the Mission District.
What is the weather like in San Francisco in May?
Mild and mostly dry, with average highs around 64°F. Fog can roll in during the afternoon, especially near the ocean.
Photo credits
Featured image: Carnaval.com Studios from The Inner Mission San Francisco, Earth / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0; Bay to Breakers, May 16: Carnaval.com Studios / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.