The Best San Francisco Events in January

As the new year begins, San Francisco offers a wealth of events and activities for friends and family to enjoy. From celebrating the Lunar New Year to exploring new art exhibitions, January is a fantastic month to experience the diverse attractions the City by the Bay has to offer. So bundle up and get ready to start the year with a bang!

Get ready to experience the San Francisco Bay Area like never before with CrawlSF. This comprehensive Event Calendar is your gateway to an incredible array of concerts, pub crawls, wine events, festivals, and all kinds of fun activities.

Lunar New Year Celebrations
January often marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year, and San Francisco hosts numerous events to celebrate this vibrant occasion. The city’s large Asian community comes together to showcase their rich cultural heritage through traditional performances, mouthwatering food, and colorful parades. The annual Chinese New Year Parade, with its dazzling floats and spectacular dragon dance, is a must-see for all ages.

SF Sketchfest
SF Sketchfest, the San Francisco Comedy Festival, is a three-week-long celebration of comedy held annually in January. The event features an impressive lineup of comedians, improv troupes, and sketch comedy groups, as well as panel discussions, live podcasts, and tributes to comedy legends. With a wide variety of shows taking place in venues throughout the city, there’s something to make everyone laugh.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day March and Celebration
Honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by participating in the annual MLK Day march and celebration. The event typically begins with a commemorative march across the city, followed by a day of performances, speeches, and community activities. This important day serves as an opportunity for friends and family to come together and reflect on the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality.

San Francisco Restaurant Week
Foodies, rejoice! San Francisco Restaurant Week takes place in January and offers the perfect chance to sample the city’s diverse culinary scene. Participating restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus at discounted prices, allowing diners to indulge in delicious cuisine without breaking the bank. It’s a fantastic way to explore new eateries or revisit old favorites with friends and family.

Free Museum Days
January is a great month to visit some of San Francisco’s world-class museums, as many of them offer free admission on specific days. Take advantage of this opportunity to explore the city’s rich art, history, and science offerings with friends and family. Popular museums such as the de Young Museum, the Contemporary Jewish Museum, and the Asian Art Museum all participate in this program.

Whale Watching Excursions
January is prime time for whale watching in the waters around San Francisco. Several species of whales, including gray whales, can be spotted as they migrate along the coast. Book a guided boat tour with friends and family for an unforgettable experience, or head to scenic spots like Land’s End or the Golden Gate Bridge for a chance to spot these majestic creatures from the shore.

January in San Francisco is a month filled with unique events and activities for friends and family to enjoy. From cultural celebrations to comedy shows and fine dining, there’s no shortage of fun to be had in the City by the Bay. Embrace the new year with open arms and make the most of January in San Francisco!

New Year’s Day (January 1st) – New Year’s Day is a federal holiday that marks the beginning of the new calendar year. It is celebrated on January 1st and is often observed with fireworks, parties, and other festivities. Many people also take this opportunity to make resolutions for self-improvement and positive change in the coming year.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday of January) – Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January each year. It celebrates the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an influential civil rights leader who played a key role in the American civil rights movement. The holiday serves as a reminder of his fight for racial equality and social justice. Many people observe the day by participating in community service projects or attending events that honor Dr. King’s legacy.

Inauguration Day (January 20th, every four years) – Inauguration Day is a federal holiday that occurs every four years on January 20th. It marks the beginning of a new presidential term and involves the swearing-in of the President and Vice President of the United States. The day is marked by various events, including the inaugural address, parades, and inaugural balls. If January 20th falls on a Sunday, a private swearing-in ceremony takes place, followed by a public ceremony the next day.

While there are only a few national holidays in January, people also celebrate various events and traditions during this month, such as Epiphany (January 6th) and Lunar New Year (date varies, typically in January or February).