Things to Do in the San Francisco Bay Area
April 2026
Curated by Thomas Henthorne
The 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade is March 14th in San Francisco
April 2026 has arrived with spring in full force across the San Francisco Bay Area, and the month ahead offers the kind of variety that defines life here—from neighborhood festivals and cultural celebrations to film events, food-and-wine gatherings, and outdoor community traditions.
While my daily work is rooted in the towns and neighborhoods of Marin County, I’ve always believed the Marin lifestyle is shaped not only by where we live, but by our easy access to the best of the broader Bay Area. One day might mean a spring event in San Francisco, another an afternoon in Oakland, Petaluma, Napa, or Yountville—and that range is part of what makes living here so special.
If you are looking to balance this month’s festivities with some fresh air, spring is also one of the best times to get outside in Marin. I often share more seasonal ideas on my Marin real estate and lifestyle blog, including my guide to the Best Marin Hikes, which is especially worth revisiting this time of year.
Whether you are planning a family outing, a day trip, or a weekend built around one memorable event, here are some of the standout things to do around the Bay this April.
I hope this guide helps you make the most of April. One of the great pleasures of living in Marin is having all of these experiences within easy reach, from waterfront towns and open space to the culture, food, and events of the greater Bay Area. If you are thinking about a move, you can explore more about living in Marin County, compare Marin towns and neighborhoods, or browse more local insight on my blog.
What’s Happening Around the Bay April 2026
Oakland First Fridays
April 3 Oakland’s monthly arts and culture street festival returns with April’s “Oakland Blooms” theme, bringing music, food, makers, and community energy to Telegraph Avenue. |
International House Festival of Cultures
April 25 This Berkeley favorite invites guests to experience music, dance, food, and traditions from around the world in one vibrant afternoon at International House. |
International Ocean Film Festival
April 10-12 This year’s festival includes a First Look screening in San Rafael before the full three-day program at Fort Mason, with films celebrating the beauty and urgency of the world’s oceans. |
Earth Day Marin
April 26 Held at the Mill Valley Community Center, Earth Day Marin features climate-focused exhibits, speakers, music, and family-friendly activities centered on sustainability and action. |
San Jose Day
April 8-12 San Jose Day expands into a multi-day celebration of local art, culture, music, fashion, and community, culminating in the main festival on April 11 at Creekside. |
Nikkei Matsuri
April 26 San Jose Japantown’s annual Nikkei Matsuri celebrates Japanese American culture with food, performances, exhibits, artisans, and activities throughout the day. |
Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
April 11-12 & 18-19 One of San Francisco’s best-loved spring traditions returns to Japantown for two weekends of cultural programs, food, performances, and the Grand Parade on April 19. |
SFFILM Festival
April 24 – May 4 The SFFILM Festival returns with 11 days of screenings, filmmaker conversations, and special events across San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. |
Butter & Egg Days Parade & Festival
April 18 Petaluma’s iconic Butter & Egg Days celebration fills downtown with a parade, music, costumes, vendors, kid zones, and a festive nod to the city’s agricultural roots. |
Napa Valley StreamFest
April 23-26 StreamFest brings live podcasts, series premieres, special guests, screenings, and high-energy events to Napa for a fresh take on modern entertainment culture. |
Passport to Dry Creek Valley
April 25-26 This spring weekend in Healdsburg invites guests to explore Dry Creek Valley wineries with tastings, food pairings, live music, and special experiences across the appellation. |
Taste of Yountville
April 26 This intimate Yountville tasting event highlights local wines, food, and community in a garden setting at Chandon, with participation from tasting rooms and wineries throughout town. |
Considering Moving to Marin?
I hope this guide helps you make the most of April around the Bay. If you are exploring Marin more deeply this spring, you may also enjoy my new San Anselmo lifestyle guide and my new Terra Linda neighborhood page, both of which offer a closer look at two very different but equally appealing Marin lifestyles.
If making a move to or within Marin County is on your horizon, please reach out at 415-847-5584. I am always happy to help you navigate both the market and the lifestyle.
About the Author
Thomas Henthorne is a consistently top-ranked Marin County real estate agent with Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty, known for thoughtful guidance, strong negotiation, and polished marketing. He is the publisher of a widely read Marin real estate blog covering local market insights, neighborhood spotlights, and the lifestyle that makes Marin such an exceptional place to live. Thomas also brings a design and branding background to every listing and client strategy, with an emphasis on presentation, positioning, and results.
You can learn more about Thomas here.
Call or text Thomas at 415-847-5584 to discuss your real estate goals.
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