May 2026 Events in San Francisco and Marin County

With spring in full swing and summer right around the corner! May is packed with reasons to get out and explore San Francisco and Marin, from wine-fueled strolls and iconic city races to open art studios, vintage treasures, and classic car culture. 🌿☀️ See what's happening near you!

SAN FRANCISCO

7th Annual Wine Walk at Embarcadero Center  May 13, 2026

It's time to sip, shop, and savor! Enjoy wine tastings from local wineries and explore unique finds from Bay Area businesses.

Sample hand selected wines from the world renowned Sonoma County, Napa Valley, and Livermore regions, indulge in savory bites, explore exclusive offerings from local shops, and groove to a live DJ. It’s the perfect midweek escape—bring a friend, grab a coworker, and treat yourself to an evening of sipping and strolling.

All ticket sales will benefit Sonoma County Fire Relief, supporting fire recovery efforts. 

Bay to Breakers  May 17, 2026

San Francisco's wildest 12K & 15K—where costumes, chaos, and cardio collide. Bay to Breakers starts in the Embarcadero neighborhood by the San Francisco Bay, and takes you through nine of the city’s most notable neighborhoods—all the way to the Great Highway, where the breakers crash into Ocean Beach.

SFMOMA Free Community Day  May 24, 2026

Combined with a wide range of immersive activities and performances inspired by the latest SFMOMA exhibition, these Free Community Days highlight the extraordinary creativity of local artists and community organizations. Enjoy a unique opportunity to learn, create, and connect with fellow community members!

See the world through the eyes of the collector at this special free community day in celebration of the opening of Matisse’s Femme au chapeau: A Modern Scandal and our newly reimagined Fisher Collection galleries.

MARIN

Marin Open Studios  May 2-3 & 9-10, 2026

Returning for its 33rd year is the annual Marin Open Studios (MOS) in various locations throughout Marin County.

For two weekends, art lovers from across the Bay Area are invited to visit art studios all over Marin County for a self-guided tour to meet the artists, enjoy their portfolio of artwork up close, and purchase work directly from the artists.

Over 250 artists of every stripe including sculptors, pottery, abstract and figurative painters, photographers, textile, and jewelers to name a few are participating in the 2026 Marin Open Studios.

May Madness Car Show May 9, 2026

A high-octane trip back in time that transforms downtown San Rafael into a vibrant scene straight out of American Graffiti. As Northern California’s longest-running car show, it fills Fourth Street with over 200 gleaming hot rods, custom "lead sleds," and meticulously restored classics. The air buzzes with the rumble of V8 engines and the upbeat sounds of live 1950s rock-and-roll, creating a nostalgic, family-friendly street party. The energy peaks during the late-afternoon parade, when the stationary show comes to life and these historic beauties cruise through the heart of the city.

The French Market Marin  May 10, 2026

​Experience the ambiance of the French markets in Paris right here in Marin. The market brings together over 140 booths of vintage and antique treasures. 

Enjoy a Sunday stroll through aisles of home and garden décor, vintage and estate jewelry, collectibles, books, vintage shabby chic, farmhouse style, art, pottery, silver rugs and a host of other items. Listen to live French music, grab a tasty crepe, greet your favorite exhibitor with "Bonjour" and come home with a treasure or two.