ADVERTISEMENT

Skip to main content

The best events in SF this week, from costume contests to WNBA Finals watch parties

Plus, Día de Los Muertos happenings, an A24-themed drag show, Chowder Fest, a Halloween pub crawl, and more.

A large group of people and dogs, some in costumes, gather outdoors in front of a double-decker bus with Halloween decorations, including a large spider.
Howl-O-Ween dog fest | Source: Spark Social

Valkyries vs. Dream WNBA Finals watch parties (opens in new tab)

Catch Games 3 and 4 of the WNBA Finals in Atlanta, live on the big screen at Ballhalla.

Date and time
Wednesday, Oct. 21, and Saturday, Oct., 24

Madrone Art Bar 22nd birthday party (opens in new tab)

The Divisadero mainstay is throwing it back with jazz bands and 2004 drink prices, for one night only. 

A dimly lit bar with people socializing, walls covered in framed art, and a large disco ball hanging from the ceiling.
Madrone Art Bar is celebrating 22 years with 2004 drinks prices | Source: Madrone Art Bar
Date and time
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m. to midnight

SF Restaurant Week (opens in new tab)

From Burma Love to The Tailor’s Son, dozens of restaurants are offering meal deals — the prime opportunity to visit that spot you’ve been meaning to try.

Date and time
Wednesday, Oct. 21, to Sunday, Oct. 25

NightLife: Día de Los Muertos (opens in new tab)

Get traditional calavera face painting, catch a folklorico dance performance, and see the unveiling of a special alebrije sculpture in honor of Claude the alligator.

George Clanton (opens in new tab)

The electronic musician known for collaborations with TV Girl stops in SF.

Date and time
Thursday, Oct. 22, 8 p.m.

‘In Their Name: Día de Los Muertos’ opening reception (opens in new tab)

Catch a first look at SOMArts’ 27th annual Day of the Dead exhibition, curated around the theme of maternal figures and ancestral memory.

Source: Camille Cohen/The Standard
Date and time
Friday, Oct. 23, 6 to 9 p.m.

Zombie Prom (opens in new tab)

Grab a date and dress in your Hallow’s Eve finest for this undead ball complete with prom portraits, DJs, and costume contests.

Date and time
Friday, Oct. 23, 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Muttville Howloween party (opens in new tab)

Experience cuteness overload at this party featuring adoptable senior dogs in costume. Adoption fees are waived.

Date and time
Saturday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

‘We All Journey’ (opens in new tab)

Learn about the migratory patterns of monarchs and add your creations to an art installation in honor of Día de Los Muertos, which coincides with the butterflies’ seasonal arrival in Mexico. 

Date and time
Saturday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Fisherman’s Wharf Chowder Fest (opens in new tab)

Restaurants compete for the title of Best Clam Chowder, with live judging, music, and activities for the whole family.

Date and time
Saturday, Oct. 24, 12 to 5 p.m.

Supernatural (opens in new tab)

Spooky meets scientific at this family-friendly evening with a silent disco, trick-or-treat stations, a Halloween ride, and complimentary beer and wine for the older ghouls.

Date and time
Saturday, Oct. 24, 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Julia Jacklin (opens in new tab)

Feeling the pressure to party? Following a sold-out Friday show, the Australian singer-songwriter performs tracks off her new album for a second night.

Date and time
Saturday, Oct. 24, 8 p.m.

Slay24: An A24 Drag Experience (opens in new tab)

Cult-favorite films from the studio, including “Midsommar” and “Backrooms,” inspire drag performances that lean into the fierce and frightening.

Date and time
Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Halloween Pub Crawl (opens in new tab)

Engage in a night of devilish fun at this boozy crawl of 40 Polk Street establishments serving discounted drinks.

Three people in costumes and face paint are celebrating at night. One is in checkered attire, another in a striped blouse, and the third with glitter and a playful prop.
Source: Emily Steinberger/The Standard
Date and time
Saturday, Oct. 24; Friday, Oct. 30; and Saturday, Oct. 31

Bark at Spark Howl-O-Ween (opens in new tab)

Calling all dog-lovers: This Halloween paw-ty features a canine costume contest, pup cup race, and pack parade.

Date and time
Sunday, Oct. 25,  11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Daybreaker Boo-tiful Morning (opens in new tab)

Under the redwoods in the heart of San Francisco, take a spooky yoga class and dance to your favorite Halloween tunes.

Date and time
Sunday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Doja Cat (opens in new tab)

The chart-topping rapper and singer is joined by Latto for a stop on the “Tour Ma Vie.”

Date and time
Sunday, Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m.

Sold-out events

Looking ahead