#1 Sports Event
One of the biggest, oldest, and funniest foot races in the world, the event draws some 50,000 participants and 100,000 spectators each year. Though it starts as a 7-mile run in the morning, it turns into a citywide costume party by noon. Next: May 21, 2017
#2 Sports Event (new to the list)
The world-renowned triathlon starts with a 1.5-mile swim from Alcatraz Island to the San Francisco shoreline, followed by a hilly 18-mile bike ride to Golden Gate Park and an 8-mile trail run to Baker Beach, ending with the infamous Sand Ladder. The 2,000 spots in the race fill up almost immediately. Next: June 2017
#3 Sports Event
Among the most scenic marathon routes in the world—with a photo op at the halfway point on the Bixby Bridge—the course runs from Big Sur to Carmel on scenic Highway 1, the nation's first nationally designated Scenic Highway. Entry is limited to 4,500 runners. Next: April 30, 2017
#4 Sports Event (up from #6)
The rivalry between the Bay Area’s biggest college football teams hits fever pitch each fall with the "Big Game." Now heading into its 119th meeting, the match-up caps off a week of events on both campuses and in San Francisco, including marching band and spirit squad face-offs, fireworks, bonfires, and mascot effigy ceremonies. Next: November 19, 2016
#5 Sports Event
The marquee surfing contest in North America—and one of the most hazardous events in the world—only happens if the waves are high enough. Twenty-four of the best surfers on the planet receive 24 hours’ notice to compete for the $120,000 price in Half Moon Bay. Next: 2017
#6 Sports Event
Summer may be too hot for running in most cities, but San Francisco’s famous fog and summer gloom offer perfect marathon conditions. More than 26,000 runners take to the streets in this Olympic Team Time Trials and Boston Marathon qualifier, starting at Mission and Embarcadero, running across the Golden Gate Bridge (twice) and finishing near the Bay Bridge. Next: July 31, 2016
#7 Sports Event
One of the only times mere mortals are invited to play ball on the field in AT&T Park, the event also offers fans a chance to visit autograph booths to meet the Giants, see the World Series trophies, or take a selfie in the dugouts. Next: February 2017
#8 Sports Event
More than 100 dance organizations and artists present events during Bay Area Dance Week, bringing together some 2,500 artists and 20,000 attendees for nearly 400 classes. Next: April 2017
#9 Sports Event
This picturesque, two-day ride from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Pacific Ocean and through Sonoma County vineyards and farmlands raises more than $2.5 million annually for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The race includes six meals, amenities, stocked rest stops every 12 to 15 miles, SAG vehicles, camping, festivities, and a wine and beer garden. Next: September 24-25, 2016
#10 Sports Event
Some 75 percent of the net income from San Francisco’s 5K race stays in the community to help fund local programs offering breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment, while 25 percent supports the Susan G. Komen grants program. Next: September 25, 2016
#11 Sports Event (new to the list)
The two-day fund-raising walk starts with a 26.2 mile trek from San Francisco to Marin. Participants then camp overnight at Basecamp 39 before continuing with another 13 mile trek on day two. More than 2,000 walkers participated in the 2015 walk, raising $4.6 million for the fight against breast cancer. Next July 23-24, 2016
