Carnaval San Francisco 2025

From the hypnotic beats of samba to the dazzling swirl of folkloric costumes, Carnaval San Francisco is an explosion of music, dance, and heritage you won't want to miss!

Carnaval San Francisco has been held annually since 1978. Today, it's the largest multicultural festival on the West Coast! This joyful event offers insight into the Latino, Caribbean, and African Diasporic traditions of the Mission District and the San Francisco Bay Area. It also highlights the cultural heritages of Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Guatemala, El Salvador, and more.

Each year, the event has a different theme. In 2024, the theme was ''Honor Indigenous Roots,'' while for 2025, it's ''AfroMundo: African Diaspora in the Americas.'' This theme highlights the deep influence of African heritage in Latin America and the Caribbean. It also celebrates the rhythms, dances, traditions, and artistic expressions that have shaped cultures from Brazil to Cuba and from the Dominican Republic to Mexico.

Join us on May 24 and 25 for the festival and for a tribute to resilience, cultural fusion, and the enduring spirit of the African diaspora in the Americas.

What to Expect When Attending Carnaval San Francisco 2025

The festival includes international food, dancing, sampling sites, and entertainment for people of all ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds. From traditional African drummers to Caribbean contingents performing their music and dance, you'll observe many eye and ear-catching demonstrations:

• Two-day festival: Taking place on Harrison St. (between 16th and 24th St), the festival features live music on five main stages (check the lineup), dance, and about 400 food vendors. You can taste everything from tacos and jerk chicken to sweet treats like churros and tres leches cake! You’ll also find artisans selling handmade crafts and a Kid’s Zone with family-friendly activities.
• Grand Parade (Sunday, May 25, 2025): The highlight of the event, the parade includes over 3,000 performers with samba dancers, folkloric groups, Caribbean steel bands, giant puppets, and elaborate floats. It starts at 9:30 AM at the corner of 24th and Bryant Streets, proceeds west to Mission Street, then goes north on Mission to 15th Street, and turns east on 15th before ending at South Van Ness Avenue.

You can enjoy this event for free!

Security Protocols

For a safe and enjoyable experience, Carnaval San Francisco has security measures in place, including bag checks, designated entry points, and visible event staff throughout the festival. Attendees are encouraged to stay aware of their belongings, report any suspicious activity to security, and follow crowd control guidelines.

How to Get To or From the Event

The festival takes place in the Mission District, mainly along Harrison Street between 16th and 24th Streets. Here’s how you can get there:

• BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit): Take BART to 16th St Mission or 24th St Mission stations—both are within walking distance of the festival. BART connects with the East Bay, Peninsula, and South Bay.
• Muni metro and buses: Metro line J-Church stops near the Mission District. Bus routes 14-Mission and 49-Van Ness/Mission run along Mission Street, close to the event. 22-Fillmore, 33-Ashbury/18th St, and 27-Bryant also serve nearby stops.
• Car: Parking in the Mission District is limited, and some streets will be closed for the event. If you drive, consider parking at a garage near Bartlett Garage (21st St and Bartlett) or using a rideshare app to avoid parking headaches.

Carnaval San Francisco 2025 Bag Policy

It's best to carry clear bags. Small, non-clear bags and backpacks are also good, but they will be searched at entry points.

Avoid bringing large bags, coolers, or oversized items as they're inconvenient at big events like this one.

It's always a good idea to check the official event website closer to the event for specific bag guidelines.

Carnaval San Francisco 2025 Bag Storage

Have a Hassle-Free Experience With Bounce

Store your luggage somewhere in San Francisco with Bounce, and enjoy your journey without worries!

Look for spots on our website or via the mobile app and book the one that suits you. We have numerous locations throughout the city, including near San Francisco Airport and Mission District.

The price is affordable - only $4.10 per day. Your booking includes up to $10,000 in bag protection, no cancellation fee, and 24/7 support from our team.

How to Stow Your Bag at Carnaval San Francisco 2025 With Bounce

• Choose a spot, book, and pay online.
• Show your payment confirmation to the store employee and drop off your luggage.
• Head to the event and make new memories!

How to Make the Most Out of Carnaval San Francisco 2025

• Dress for the vibe: Go bold with bright colors or wear a traditional outfit to blend in.
• Dance: Don’t just watch the performances. Jump into the rhythm and dance along!
• Taste everything you can: Explore every food stall; you never know what new favorite dish you’ll discover.
• Arrive early: Beat the crowds and catch the best spots for the parade and performances.
• Capture the moment: Bring your camera and take snapshots of the art, dancers, and street art.
• Store your bags with Bounce: Don't let your bags slow you down. Store them securely with us, and have fun!

Grab your friends, your dancing shoes, and your appetite! Carnaval San Francisco 2025 awaits with open arms, ready to show you the best of Afro-Latin and Caribbean culture in a whirlwind of music, food, and fun!