Because San Francisco's spring months are usually cloudless and dry, visitors to the city can look forward to a deluge of festivals, outdoor cultural celebrations and other activities and events happening throughout the city during the month of May.
Art
May begins with Mural Awareness Month. For the entire month of May, the city and its residents recognize and pay tribute to the various murals that have become a part of the city's ever-changing landscape. Then the early part of May welcomes a 24-year-old celebration, the Young at Art Festival. This eight day festival is a celebration of student creativity in the areas of visual, literary, media and performing arts. Students, K-12, demonstrate their talents and love for the arts. The San Carlos Fine Arts and Crafts Festival welcomes artists of all ages. Browse three blocks of jewelry, photographs and art amid families and artists in downtown San Francisco near Laurel Street.
Cultural Celebrations
Learn about Asian culture during the Asian Heritage Celebration. A day-long event, the celebrations offers live entertainment, a variety of multi-lingual vendors and booths, and an abundance of diverse foods. Then during the latter part of May, the two-day celebration, San Fran Carnaval, takes place. Latin American and Caribbean cultures merge to create a parade and cultural mix of dancing, food, and live entertainment. And don't miss out on Dawn, a late night, cultural festival which recognizes Shavuot, a Jewish holiday.
Health and Wellness
In mid-May, approximately 32,000 registered runners and walkers gather at 8 a.m. to wind through the San Francisco streets amid cheers of on-lookers and passersby. This event, known as the ING Bay to Breakers Race, attracts the serious and not-so serious, as some participants come dressed in costumes. The 12k competition finishes along Ocean Beach and announces the costume contest winners, as well as, the participants with the best time. And if learning about good health seems more appealing than running, then the Anatriptic Arts Expo is just the thing for you. The expo is an annual convention geared towards educating the public about healing arts and sciences. Its held at the Herbst Pavilion the first week of May.
Business Minds
San Francisco dedicates one week in the month of May to business people. Neighborhood businesses, big and small, offer discounts and specials to patrons throughout the city. And when residents and visitors aren't taking advantage of the generous discounts, they can attend free workshops on information branding, marketing and other topics essential to small business.
Music
Every May San Francisco's Maritime National Historical Park presents the Sea Music Festival. The festival is comprised of local artists and performers whose main goal is to bring seafaring heritage alive. Held at the Hyde Street Pier, this festival takes place at the end of May.
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