August activities in San Francisco, at the height of its tourist season, include lots of events to attract the city’s visitors, who come from all over the country and around the world come to enjoy the many summertime activities, festivities, and events in The Bay Area.

If you are a resident, even a temporary international student resident, there is both an upside and a downside to this: a San Francisco resident might find there are lots to do, but they will also encounter long lines and costs, such as hotel rates, hiked.  August is also known for its the low temperatures – yes, it’s summer but average temperatures are in the mid-60’s and the city experiences high winds and chilly damp fogs. August is sometimes referred to as ‘Fogust’.

August Activities in The Bay Area

August means activities galore:

The big event of the month is the annual 3-day Outside Lands Music and Art Festival at Golden Gate Park.

Nihonmachi Street Fair

Another enjoyable August event is the Asia-Pacific American street fair which sees huge attendance every year.  Nihonmachi Street Fair is favored by locals and boasts the most amazing street food that represents the huge diversity of cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands.  It’s about music, culture, community, and tradition and is great fun. The Fair will be held on the weekend of August 4 & 5 from 11am – 6pm this year.  It is located in San Francisco’s Japantown on Post Street between Laguna and Fillmore Streets. Don’t miss it!

Film Night in the Park is a free outdoor film series. Although this happens in the parks across the city of San Francisco throughout the summer, it’s a fun August thing to do. Go here to check the line-up of movies you can enjoy in a park near you.

The new Madame Tussauds Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf is a fun place to visit in August. Displaying amazing wax sculptures of local celebrities as well as world-famous artists, scientists, leaders, scoundrels and others, it’s a marvel of artisanship full of fascinating characters

Other thoughts for August – take in a San Francisco Giants Baseball game, go to the Origami Festival or try the Pistahan Parade and Festival.