#1 Benefit
Some 1,300 tech and investment leaders attended the benefit for the poverty-fighting organization in 2015, and the gala raised $14.6 million. Held at Pier 70, the gala featured performances by Snoop Dogg, Girl Talk, Judith Hill, and DJ Ruckus. Next: Spring 2016
Photo: Drew Altizer Photography
#2 Benefit (new to the list)
In 2015, the auction raised $4.5 million for kids' education in Sonoma County. The food-centric function brings together 200 winemakers and top chefs over Labor Day weekend. Next: September 2-4, 2016
Photo: George Rose
#3 Benefit
In 2015, the event sold out of tickets for its pre-ballet dinner, performance, and after-party. The dinner drew nearly 1,000 guests; the performance saw more than 3,300; and the after-party had a crowd of more than 2,400. The gala raised a record-breaking $2.7 million. Next: January 21, 2016
Photo: Courtesy of San Francisco Ballet
#4 Benefit
Hosted by the Guardsmen since 1947, the auction provides resources for at-risk youth. The event features fine-wine tastings from 30 wineries with 400 attendees. There are also rare auction lots, dinner, dancing, and live entertainment. The approximately $2 million in proceeds annually sends 2,500 disadvantaged youth to outdoor programs and provides funds for 250 private school scholarships. Next: April 2016
Photo: Gustavo Fernández Photography
#5 Benefit
In 2015, the event honored Joni Mitchell. Though Mitchell could not attend for health reasons, the evening featured performances of her work from the likes of Burt Bacharach. It raised more than $1.5 million for music education programs. Next: Spring 2016
Photo: Drew Altizer Photography
#6 Benefit (new to the list)
Held at San Francisco's Ritz-Carlton Hotel, the glamorous benefit event raised more than $1.1 million for type 1 diabetes research. Next: May 21, 2016
Photo: Drew Altizer Photography
#7 Benefit
Known as the biggest rummage sale in Northern California, the event takes over a 96,000-square-foot warehouse. Some 1,000 volunteers staff the sale, which slings everything from vintage comics to boats. It raised $2.1 million for the museum in 2015, setting a new fund-raising record. Next: March 5-6, 2016
Photo: Courtesy of Oakland Museum's Women's Board
#8 Benefit (up from #10)
The fund-raiser, which benefits Lifehouse and supports individuals with developmental disabilities, raised more than $550,000 in 2015. Huey Lewis is an honorary chair; past musical guests have included Huey Lewis and the News, Tower of Power, and Foreverland. Next: April 16, 2016
Photo: Courtesy of Lifehouse
#9 Benefit (up from #11)
Held at the Academy of Sciences, the fund-raiser includes conversations with great thinkers, including University of California president Janet Napolitano. It also features dinner and an after-party with cocktails, desserts, and dancing. Next: April 2016
Photo: Drew Altizer Photography
#10 Benefit (up from #12)
Chef Charlie Palmer’s event draws food- and wine-loving philanthropists from across the country. In 2015, more than 60 winemakers donated pinot to help raise more than $600,000 for Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. Proceeds also went to local Sonoma County charities and scholarships. Next: March 18-19, 2016
Photo: Charlie Gisell
#11 Benefit (up from #13)
In 2015, the two-day function, which features an auction and a shopping marketplace, raised more than $370,000 to help improve the behavioral health of children, youth, and families. Held at the Golden Gate Club in the Presidio, the event also included a gala. Next: Spring 2016
Photo: Moanalani Jeffrey Photography
#12 Benefit (up from #15)
Benefitting Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland, the event features best-selling authors as well as actors and music groups on stage. At the 2015 event, more than 2,000 guests convened at the Paramount, and featured writers included David Brooks and Anna Quindlen. Next: Spring 2016
Photo: Alain McLaughlin Photography
#13 Benefit (up from #16)
Benefitting the Shanti Project, which provides emotional and practical support to those facing life-threatening illness, this year’s event will be hosted by actor Omar Sharif. Nordstrom is the presenting sponsor. Next: October 14, 2015
Photo: Tara Luz Stevens for Drew Altizer Photography
#14 Benefit
Benefitting Spur, the event offers cocktails and culinary creations from local chefs. In 2015 it was held at the One Kearny Club and featured dishes from chefs such as Adam Keough of the Absinthe Group and Justin Simoneaux of Boxing Room. Next: Spring 2016
Photo: Courtesy of Spur
#1 Fashion Industry Event
Industry icons such as Suzy Menkes turn out annually for this student fashion show, and star designers hand out scholarships. In recent years, participating design houses have included Missoni, BCBG, and Yigal Azrouel. Next: May 2016
Photo: Anthony Rogers of Neo Visualism Photography
#2 Fashion Industry Event
The school’s fashion design program presents this juried show each spring. The 2014 iteration showcased collections from 13 senior students, and industry professionals acted as judges. Clothes were also worn by professional models. Next: Spring 2016
Photo: Jim Norrena
#3 Fashion Industry Event
A vintage marketplace for home design, fashion, and accessories, the event takes place two times a year in San Francisco. Through a partnership with Dress for Success, it raises funds for disadvantaged women. This year's fall event took place at the Hall of Flowers. Next: Spring 2016
Photo: Vintage Exposition Inc.
#4 Fashion Industry Event (new to the list)
Hundreds of "Poshers," or users of the popular clothing reselling app Poshmark, come together at the San Francisco Design Center for the festival. The event includes panels, workshops, and parties; it teaches attendees how to increase Poshmark earnings. Next: November 7-8, 2015
Photo: Jorge Novoa
#1 Art & Design Event
Founded in San Francisco in 1986, Burning Man has since relocated to Black Rock Desert in Nevada. The event retains its loyal San Francisco fan base, however, and each year it attracts some 50,000 revelers. With no brand sponsorship—only giant art installations—the gathering engenders a sense of community among its guests (called “participants”) and forms a D.I.Y. pop-up village of sorts. The centerpiece of the event, and the act that inspires its name, is the ritualistic burning of a giant wooden effigy. After each event, no trace is left behind. Next: August 28-September 5, 2016
#2 Art & Design Event (up from #5)
The craft and design show has generated lots of buzz with its expertly curated group of artists, designers, and craftspeople whose work is inspired by the West Coast lifestyle. The event happens twice every year in the summer and winter. Last year, the winter show drew 175 vendors and 15,000 attendees. Next: November 14-15, 2015
Photo: Myleen Hollero
#3 Art & Design Event
The organizers of the event describe it as: “part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new.” Launched in 2006, the event draws some 86,000 attendees each year. It has spawned nearly 100 independently produced “Mini” and “Featured Maker” fairs around the world. Next: May 21-22, 2016
Photo: Becca Henry
#4 Art & Design Event
Hundreds of craft businesses have launched at the twice-annual fair, which draws 25,000 guests a year. Events also happen in other cities around the world including London, New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Next: November 21-22, 2015
Photo: Hollin Brodeur for Renegade Craft Fair
#5 Art & Design Event
Running since 1977, the showcase is regarded as one of the West Coast’s premier design events, and it highlights the work of top interior and landscape designers at local homes. The event raises funds for San Francisco University High School’s financial aid program and draws some 15,000 visitors each year. Next: Spring 2016
#6 Art & Design Event
Some 10,000 collectors attend the annual show, which features approximately 60 vendors from the United States and Europe. The oldest international arts and antiques show on the West Coast, it sells everything from furniture to paintings and jewelry. Next: October 22-25, 2015
Photo: Drew Altizer Photography
#7 Art & Design Event
The three-day event focuses on handmade objects. Held at the Fort Mason Center, the juried craft show offers jewelry, clothing, and more from 225 American artists. Next: Summer 2016
Photo: Courtesy of American Craft Council
#8 Art & Design Event (new to the list)
The event celebrates contemporary and modern art, design, and architecture through installations, exhibits, and special programs. Attendees include gallery owners, architects, and artists. Proceeds go to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, which is under construction and slated to reopen in 2016. Next: January 14-17, 2016
Photo: Drew Altizer Photography
#9 Art & Design Event
Known as the largest weekend holiday arts fair of its kind in Northern California, the event benefits listener-funded radio station KPFA 94.1. It offers handmade goods from more than 200 exhibitors. Next: December 19-20, 2015
Photo: Beppe Sabitini
#10 Art & Design Event
The leading art fair focused on art from the tribal cultures in the United States, the show has 80 participating galleries. The galleries represent the arts of Asian, Oceanic, African, Native American, and Latin American indigenous people. Next: February 19-21, 2016
Photo: Nora Stratton
#11 Art & Design Event
Launched in 2013, the event, run by Brit&Co, aims to unite the lifestyle and technology communities. In 2015, the event included one day of invite-only talks. A second day, open to the public, had hands-on D.I.Y. projects and handmade wares to shop. Next: Fall 2016
Photo: Courtesy of Brit&Co.
#1 Technology Industry Event
Hosted by Salesforce, the event is regarded as the world’s largest nonprofit technology conference. For 2015, speakers included Satya Nadella, Jessica Alba, Susan Wojcicki, Goldie Hawn, and Patricia Arquette; there were also performances by the Foo Fighters, the Killers, and Gary Clark Jr. Attendance exceeds 40,000 guests each year. Next: October 4-7, 2016
Photo: Jakub Mosur Photography
#2 Technology Industry Event
Targeting information technology professionals, the conference is hosted by the cloud-based software company Oracle. It draws more than 60,000 live attendees each year. Oracle estimates that some 2.1 million attendees join in online. Next: October 25-29, 2015
Photo: Courtesy of Oracle
#3 Technology Industry Event
Of the 300,000 people that apply for a ticket to the conference, only 5,000 are admitted. The competitive event draws a target crowd of software developers, and Apple uses it to showcase new software and technologies. Next: June 2016
#4 Technology Industry Event
Prospective attendees must win a lottery in order to purchase a ticket to Google’s largest conference. Geared toward software developers, the conference draws about 6,000 attendees a day, and millions tune in virtually. Nearly 600 “I/O Extended” events also take place on six continents, and sessions and local developer demos are live-streamed. Next: June 2016
Photo: Courtesy of Google
#5 Technology Industry Event (up from #6)
The conference is the world’s largest and longest-running professionals-only gaming-industry gathering. It draws more than 23,000 attendees and offers an expo. Also on its lineup: 400 lectures, tutorials, and panel and roundtable discussions. Next: March 14-18, 2016
Photo: UBM Tech Game Network
#6 Technology Industry Event (up from #7)
The world’s largest conference for Java programmers, with more than 60,000 attendees, is hosted by Oracle and held concurrently with Oracle OpenWorld. Last year’s event, located primarily at local hotels, offered 400 sessions ranging from hands-on labs to keynote speeches. Next: October 25-29, 2015
Photo: Hartmann Studios
#7 Technology Industry Event (up from #9)
Intel’s massive forum draws 60,000 attendees and targets a broad range of technology-industry pros. This year’s function offered a tech showcase and keynote speeches from Intel executives, experts, and developers. There were also hands-on lab demos. Next: Summer 2016
Photo: Courtesy of Intel Corporation
#8 Technology Industry Event (up from #10)
Y Combinator provides seed funds for start-ups, and twice a year it hosts a showcase that lets roughly 80 start-ups deliver presentations to investors. Approximately 450 investors fly in from around the globe for the prestigious event. The demo day has funded more than 800 companies that now have valuations of more than $30 billion. Next: March 2016
Photo: Garry Tan
#9 Technology Industry Event (up from #11)
The suspenseful event sees 26 start-up companies vying for a $50,000 investment. This year's speakers included tech entrepreneur Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, Snoop Dogg, angel investor Ron Conway, and Golden Gate Warriors shooting guard Andre Iguodala. Sponsors include Walmart Labs and Microsoft Ventures. Next: September 2016
Photo: Max Morse for TechCrunch
#10 Technology Industry Event (new to the list)
Technology meets mindfulness at this conference. Speakers, who have included Alanis Morissette, the C.E.O. of LinkedIn, and designer Eileen Fisher, cover topics including wisdom, technology, business, and society. Next year will be the seventh annual event. Next: February 20-22, 2016
Photo: © BZM Studio Photography
#1 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair
Regarded as the second-largest pride celebration in the world (Sao Paolo hosts the largest), the rainbow-decked celebration drew a record one million-plus people in 2015. It includes a celebration at City Hall, a parade with 200 contingents, and main stage performances from the likes of Lady Gaga. In 2015, the headliner was Shiny Toy Guns. Next: June 25-26, 2016
Photo: Courtesy of the San Francisco Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Pride Celebration Committee
#2 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair
With an average attendance of 1.2 million guests, the grandiose event includes a parade of navy ships passing under the Golden Gate Bridge and an air show featuring stunts from the United States Navy Blue Angels. Sponsors include Bank of America and United Airlines. Next: October 5-12, 2015
Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan A. Colon
#3 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair
Presented by Southwest Airlines, the gathering is billed as the largest Chinese New Year celebration outside of China. The festive event—a tradition since the 1860s—draws more than 400,000 attendees each year. Next: February 20, 2016
Photo: Knight Lights Photography
#4 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair
Billed as “the largest multicultural celebration on the West Coast,” the event celebrates Latin American and Caribbean culture. It draws 400,000 guests and includes a grand parade with 52 marching and dancing contingents and floats. Next: May 2016
Photo: David Yu Photography
#5 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair
The event takes place before the Chinese New Year and allows families to purchase plants, flowers, candies, and fruits for the celebration. It draws more than 400,000 attendees. There’s also a mini procession with lion dancers, puppets, stilt walkers, drummers, and dancers. Next: January 30-31, 2016
Photo: Knight Lights Photography
#6 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair
“The biggest little parade in San Francisco,” includes a popular Easter bonnet contest, fare from Union Street restaurants, and kid-friendly activities such as a petting zoo. Annual attendance averages at 20,000. Next: March 27, 2016
Photo: SRES Inc.
#7 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair
Now 62 years old, the event is considered one of the country’s first outdoor festivals. It has Italian street painting, live music, a kids' chalk area, and more than 150 booths with arts, crafts, and more. There’s also a blessing of the animals. Next: June 11-12, 2016
Photo: SRES Inc.
#8 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair
The quintessentially San Francisco fair will mark its 39th anniversary in 2016. Celebrating the hippie culture that the street is known for, the event includes arts and crafts, live music, food booths, and a family-friendly area known as “Child’s Alley.” Next: June 12, 2016
Photo: David Yu Photography
#9 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair (new to the list)
With 350,000 participants and spectators, the event is known as the largest ritual procession of its kind in the United States. Each year the buzz and popularity increase, and festivities include music, performances, and large-scale community altar installations. Next: November 2, 2016
#10 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair
With an annual attendance of around 400,000, the event is known as the world’s largest leather event (in fact, many guests identify as "fetish enthusiasts"). Spread out over 13 blocks, the fair features 200 exhibitor booths, a live music stage, and an “erotic artists area.” Next: September 27, 2015
#11 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair
The colorful event outgrew its original home in Dolores Park and moved to Golden Gate Park in 2013. The unusual celebration includes an Easter bonnet contest alongside burlesque performances. Also popular: the “Hunky Jesus” and “Foxy Mary” contests. Next: March 27, 2016
Photo: Gareth Gooch
#12 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair
Some 200,000 guests attend the two-weekend-long celebration of Japanese-American culture each year. Known as the second-largest celebration of its kind in the United States (the largest is in Washington, D.C.), the event includes martial arts, a queen program, and a grand parade. There’s also a kids’ corner that has educational offerings for tots. Next: April 9-10 and April 16-17, 2016
Photo: Courtesy of 2015 NCCBF Photo Pool
#13 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair
Held in Half Moon Bay, which is called “the world pumpkin capital,” the event is 45 years old. It displays gigantic pumpkins, three stages of live entertainment, and a multitude of pumpkin-theme eats. Last year, a highlight was the world’s largest mosaic pumpkin sculpture, which was created by artist Peter Hazel and weighed 100,000 pounds. Next: October 17-18, 2015
Photo: Miramar Events
#14 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair
Every winter for the past 36 years, a neighborhood in Marin County transforms into a scene from the North Pole thanks to 40 tons of imported snow. A big draw is free sledding. Other highlights include arts and crafts, live entertainment, children’s activities, a tree lighting ceremony, and the Parade of Lights complete with Santa and his friends—one of the largest parades in the Bay Area. Next: November 27, 2015
Photo: Courtesy of San Rafael Parade of Lights
#1 Sports Event
Bay to Breakers was founded in 1912, making it the world's longest consecutively run footrace. The 12K starts near the San Francisco Bay and finishes at the Great Highway near the ocean. It draws 50,000 participants (most in outrageous costumes, some naked) and 100,000 spectators each year. Next: May 15, 2016
Photo: David Yu Photography
#2 Sports Event
One of the world’s largest big-wave surfing competitions, the invitational draws surfers and surf fans from across the globe. Known for its dangerous and huge waves, the event happens two miles from shore in Pillar Point Harbor, just north of Half Moon Bay. The water is flat much of the year, and 24 invitees are given 24 hours’ notice before the competition begins. Next: November 1, 2015-March 31, 2016
#3 Sports Event (up from #4)
The race offers one of the most gorgeous views available while running 26.2 miles. Runner’s World magazine named the event one of the top three marathons in the country. Route 1 is entirely blocked off during the race, which wends through mountain and ocean-filled terrains. Next: April 24, 2016
Photo: Sharon Garber
#4 Sports Event (up from #5)
Some 25,000 runners raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as part of the 13.1-mile race. Nike Plus members have access to registration, training, and race-day experiences; there’s also a dedicated app for the marathon. Next: October 18, 2015
Photo: Courtesy of Nike
#5 Sports Event
Managed by a team that formerly produced Bay to Breakers, the urban road race takes runners on a tour of San Francisco’s iconic sites—it even crosses the Golden Gate Bridge. The race draws 250,000 runners and has strong local support. Sixty percent of the runners are from the Bay Area, and 80 percent are from California. Next: July 31, 2016
Photo: Myles Smythe/Michigan Bluff Photography
#6 Sports Event
First played 123 years ago, the "Big Game" between the California Golden Bears of Berkeley and the Cardinals of Stanford is the oldest college football rivalry in the west. The week leading up the game is filled with rallies and other spirited festivities including sailing and water polo competitions. Next: November 21, 2015
Photo: StanfordPhoto.com
#7 Sports Event
San Francisco Giants fans hit the field at AT&T Park to play catch and mingle with players. Other activities include face painting in the “Fan Lot,” a Fan Fest fashion show, and Q&A and autograph sessions with the players. Estimated attendance is 35,000. Next: February 2016
Photo: Pat Johnson Photography
#8 Sports Event
More than 600 free dance events, including open rehearsals, classes, performances, and lecture demonstrations, kick off each year with One Dance, featuring 700 dancers performing the same routine together in Union Square. Attendance is more than 20,000 annually; 2016 will be its 18th year. Next: April 22-May 1, 2016
Photo: Kegan Marling
#9 Sports Event
Nearly 2,500 riders participate in the fund-raiser for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. The two-day bike ride follows a path that offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific Ocean, and Sonoma County’s wine vineyards. Perks for riders include meals, stocked rest stops, camping, and a wine and beer garden. Next: Fall 2016
Photo: National MS Society
#10 Sports Event (new to the list)
Since its inception 25 years ago, the 5K race has raised significant money for breast cancer research. Organizers call it "the world’s largest and most successful education and fund-raising event for breast cancer ever created." Next: Fall 2016
Photo: Apollo Fotografie/Courtesy of Susan G. Komen
#1 Music Event (up from #2)
As other festivals in the Bay Area have become overcrowded and less manageable, the free fest in Golden Gate Park has remained a smooth operation while still drawing a large number of attendees. It offers more than 100 musical acts on seven stages, and this year performers will include Conor Oberst, M. Ward, Punch Brothers, and Jessica Pratt. Last year, attendance exceeded half a million guests. Next: October 2-4 2015
#2 Music Event
The music festival features more than 100 artists on five stages across Golden Gate Park and draws an annual attendance of more than 200,000. The 2015 lineup included Elton John, Mumford & Sons, the Black Keys, and Kendrick Lamar. The event also offers various food and art vendors as well as comedy performances. Next: August 2016
Photo: Jeff Kravitz for FilmMagic
#3 Music Event (up from #6)
With a lineup that this year includes Deadmau5, the National, FKA Twigs, and Azalea Banks, the festival is growing in popularity. The event sells out each year and has a typical attendance of 15,000 per day. Next: October 17-18, 2015
Photo: Josh Withers
#4 Music Event
The largest free jazz festival on the West Coast, the event fills 12 city blocks with vendor booths and three stages. Held over July 4th weekend, it typically attracts more than 100,000 visitors. This year, acts included the California Jazz Conservatory Ensemble led by Dillon Vado. Next: July 2-3, 2016
Photo: SRES Inc.
#5 Music Event
With five stages and 40 acts, the lineup focuses on alternative acts. This year’s bands included Modest Mouse, Of Monsters and Men, and Atlas Genius. The affordable festival drew more than 20,000 guests in 2015. Next: June 2016
Photo: Courtesy of Live 105
#6 Music Event
Imagine Dragons, No Doubt, and Robert Plant played at the three-day food, wine, and music festival this year. More than 100,000 guests attended the event, which had sponsors such as Intel, Coors Light, and Williams Sonoma. Next: May 27-29, 2016
Photo: Courtesy BottleRock Napa Valley
#7 Music Event
Neil Young founded the benefit for the Bridge School, which assists people with speech and physical impairments. Held at the Shoreline Amphitheatre, the event features performances from big-name acts. In 2015, Sheryl Crow, St. Vincent, Spoon, and Ryan Adams will perform. Next: October 24-25, 2015
#8 Music Event
The 10-week concert series takes place in a grove in the Sunset district every summer. The event offers free performances, and last season’s talent included Talib Kweli, Morris Day and the Time, the San Francisco Ballet, and Tune-Yards. Attendance in 2015 was nearly 100,000 people. Next year will mark the festival’s 79th season. Next: June 19-August 21, 2016
Photo: Scott Wall
#9 Music Event
For 23 years, the 12-day event has celebrated indie music, film, and arts. It features intimate live performances, film screenings, and special events at more than 20 venues throughout the city. This year’s acts included the New Pornographers, Ben Gibbard, and Best Coast. Next: February 19-27, 2016
Photo: Bailey Greenwood
#10 Music Event
Described by The Los Angeles Times as “the preeminent event of its kind in the United States,” the jazzy festival will mark its 34th year in 2016. Held in the new San Francisco Jazz Center, the event offers 44 performances over 12 days. Next: June 2016
Photo: Jay Blakesberg, courtesy of SFJazz
#11 Music Event (up from #14)
More than 3,000 guests flock to the black-tie gala each year. Dubbed “Moonlight and Music,” this year’s function marked the opening of the opera's 93rd season and included a performance of Verdi's Luisa Miller. Afterwards, patrons headed to City Hall for a banquet feast. Next: September 2016
Photo: Drew Altizer Photography
#12 Music Event
This year, the black-tie event included a pre-concert sparkling wine hour and three separate dinners. Kelsey Grammer was the featured guest artist; vocalists Alexandra Silber and Nathan Gunn also performed with the San Francisco Symphony. A glamorous after-party welcomed all 2,700 concertgoers. Next: September 2016
Photo: Courtesy of the San Francisco Symphony
#13 Music Event (new to the list)
Held over seven weekends in the fall, the festival presents world and jazz music, dance, and theater for the whole family with a focus on diversity. It also includes a Thursday lunchtime series. Next: October 1, 2015
Photo: YBGF
#1 Film & Media Event
Founded in 1977, the festival spans 11 days and is known internationally. It has screened such films as Slumdog Millionaire and Argo, and it draws participation from 200 filmmakers representing 50 countries. This year, actors in attendance will include Sarah Silverman, Carey Mulligan, and Brie Larson. Next: October 8-18, 2015
Photo: Drew Altizer Photography
#2 Film & Media Event
The longest-running film festival in the Americas celebrates global cinema. It offers screenings of approximately 200 films from 50 countries, and many of the featured films have not yet secured United States distribution. The festival will mark its 59th year in 2016. Next: Spring 2016
Photo: Tommy Lau, courtesy of San Francisco Film Society
#3 Film & Media Event
The largest Asian-American film festival in North America screens 130 works at venues in Chinatown, Oakland, and Berkley. The 2015 even drew 27,000 attendees and more than 250 filmmakers and industry guests from around the world. Next: March 10-20, 2016
#4 Film & Media Event
The world’s first and largest Jewish film festival draws more than 30,000 attendees each year. Held over the course of three weeks, the event screens Jewish films from around the world in four Bay Area venues. Next: Summer 2016
Photo: Barak Shrama
#5 Film & Media Event
The festival, which showcases independent, alternative, and subversive films, celebrated its 17th anniversary in 2015. Attendance is about 21,000 guests each year. Next: February 11-26, 2016
Photo: Jeff Ross
#6 Film & Media Event
Founded in 1996, the festival is the largest independent annual showcase of Arab films and filmmakers in the country. It is also held in Los Angeles and San Diego. Next: October 16-25 2015
Photo: Elqare Photography
#7 Film & Media Event
Presented by San Francisco IndieFest, the festival aims to engage a young audience with documentary cinema. Its films cover topics ranging from social media to music. Next: June 2016
#8 Film & Media Event
Featuring more than 800 authors in nine days, the event attracts some 15,000 guests each year. It features readings, youth programs, classroom visits, and book giveaways; it has also spawned localized “Lit Crawl” events, held in such markets as Miami and Los Angeles. Sponsors include Bloomberg Philanthropies and CraigConnects. Next: October 9-17, 2015
Photo: Shelley Eades, courtesy of LitQuake
#9 Film & Media Event
The 100-minute program unfolds like a magazine, with short reviews and dispatches at its start; it concludes with drinks. Billed as the world’s first live magazine, the event features writers, documentary filmmakers, photographers, illustrators, and radio producers. It has spread to Los Angeles, Portland, Oregon, Seattle, Chicago, and New York. Next: October 8, 2015
#10 Film & Media Event
Celebrating its 21st anniversary in 2016, the festival educates the public about silent film. Annual attendance is approximately 18,000 guests, and the event offers some 17 programs over four days. Next: June 2-5, 2016
Photo: Pamela Gentile
#11 Film & Media Event (new to the list)
The event will mark its 15th year in 2016. For most of January, top and up-and-coming comedians perform throughout the city. Previous acts have included Aziz Ansari, Candice Bergen, and Fred Armisen. Next: January 7-24, 2016
Photo: Jakub Mosur
#12 Film & Media Event
The 35-year-old festival invites John Steinbeck fans to explore the author’s hometown of Salinas, California. Celebrating Steinbeck’s life and work, the weekend-long event features speakers, tours, authors, artists, and musicians. Next: May 4-6, 2016
Photo: Dylan John Western
#1 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
The two-weekend-long event invites guests to chat with winemakers and sample wines right out of the barrel. Unlike other events of its kind, the event offers no food pairings, and is strictly about the wine (for which the area is celebrated). It draws participation from some 140 wineries. Next: March 4-6 and March 11-13, 2016
Photo: Wine Road
#2 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
In 2015, the event drew more than 95,000 guests (up from its 2014 attendance of 80,000). Held in Gilroy’s Christmas Hill Park, the festival offers foods including garlic ice cream, along with live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and cooking demonstrations. Its revenue this year was approximately $2.1 million. Next: July 29-31, 2016
Photo: Bill Strange
#3 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
The event offers snacks from local restaurants, along with beer, wine, cocktails, and music. Inspired by 7x7 magazine’s list of “100 Things to Eat in San Francisco Before You Die,” it takes place at AT&T Park. Next: Summer 2016
#4 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
Supporting the Food Craft Institute, the festival offers dishes prepared with local ingredients. Held in Jack London Square, it also has artisan beers, local wines, and food. More than 500,000 guests have attended the event since it launched in 2009. In 2015, the specialty was drought-friendly fare. Next: Fall 2016
Photo: Scout Hebinck
#5 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
More than 30 vendors donate desserts to the festival, which benefits Project Open Hand. Other highlights include a chocolate and wine pavilion, an ice-cream-eating contest, chef demonstrations, and a silent auction. Some 40,000 guests attend each year. Next: September 2016
Photo: Kevin Trexler- Source Photography
#6 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
Restaurants, wineries, and epicurean artisans participate in the day, which includes wine and food tastings, a barbecue grill-off, and chef demonstrations. The event is hosted by San Francisco magazine. Next: October 10, 2015
Photo: Robert Lugtu
#7 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event
The benefit for Daniel Webster Elementary School has been an annual sellout since it launched in 2011. It draws 800 guests to Pier 70 each year and offers samples from 30 local restaurants and bars. Next: Spring 2016
Photo: Courtesy of Taste of Potrero
#8 Food, Wine & Restaurant Industry Event (new to the list)
The annual beer fest has taken place aboard the S.S. Jeremiah O'Brien for the past 12 years. More than 20 local breweries serve up specialty beers, accompanied by food and music. Next: October 24, 2015
#1 Trade Show & Convention
The massive auto show turns 58 this year and features more than 800 vehicles from 37 manufacturers. The event fills 1.2 million square feet of the Moscone Center. Next: November 21-29, 2015
Photo: Courtesy of the San Francisco International Auto Show
#2 Trade Show & Convention
The West Coast's largest specialty food and beverage show features more than 80,000 products, which range from confections to cheese and coffee. The show packs in some 1,400 exhibitors and will mark its 41st year in 2016. Next: January 17-19, 2016
Photo: Courtesy of Specialty Foods
#3 Trade Show & Convention
The event attracts more than 75 elite wedding professionals and takes place at the Four Seasons Hotel. Guests sip chilled champagne while checking out cakes from top chefs, calligraphy, honeymoon destinations, and more. Next: January 2016
#4 Trade Show & Convention
Going into its 11th year, the convention draws top artists from the tattoo trade. This year, it takes place at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport and will offer seminars, Ed Hardy-sponsored opening and closing parties, and limited-edition T-shirts and posters. Next: October 30-November 1, 2015
Photo: Courtesy of the Bay Area Convention of the Tattoo Arts
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