Expert recommendations of the top events—with tips on how to best experience these celebrations.
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Carnaval
Memorial Day Weekend. Annual event in Mission District celebrates Latin American and Caribbean culture. Samba dancing, live music, arts and crafts, food, and parade showcasing colorful costumes with feather headdresses. Tip: Purchase grandstand seat online before parade. Tel. +1 415 920 0122. www.carnavalsf.com
Cherry Blossom Festival
Mid- to late April. Annual Japanese cultural event in Japantown District. Traditional dancing, Asian food and cooking demonstrations, tea ceremonies, taiko drumming, parade, and crowning of Cherry Blossom Queen. Tel. +1 415 563 2313. www.nccbf.org
Chinese New Year Festival and Parade
January through March, depending on lunar calendar. Series of events honoring Chinese culture culminates with nighttime parade featuring 201-foot dancing dragon. Tip: Bird's-eye views of parade from windows of Macy's department store. Tel. +1 415 982 3071. www.chinesparade.com
Cinco de Mayo
First weekend in May. Yearly celebration in Mission District of 1862 Mexican victory over French forces. Mexican food, mariachi music, and dance performances in Dolores Park. Rowdier festivities in local bars. Tel. +1 707 644 4218. www.sfcincodemayo.com
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Celebration and Parade
Third weekend in June. Huge crowds gather in Castro District and Civic Center for annual event commemorating struggle for LGBT rights. Food, music performances, elaborate costumes, and big parade. Tip: Pick up free Inside Pride guide for full events calendar. Tel. +1 415 864 3733. www.sfpride.org
Precious Cheese North Beach Festival
Mid-June. Annual street festival celebrating district's Italian culture and Beat movement history. Pizza tossing, swing dancing, arts-and-crafts booths, poetry readings, street-chalk art, and Italian food booths. Tel. +1 415 989 2220. www.northbeachfestival.com
