Yerba Buena Gardens Festival: A Month of Free Music, Dance & Culture

Looking for a reason to stay in San Francisco this September? You’ll find it at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival — a month-long celebration of live performance, diverse culture, and community connection held right in the heart of downtown SF.

This free, open-air event series offers something for everyone, from Afro-Latin jazz and blues to spoken word, contemporary dance, and international music. And it all unfolds just steps from Hotel Julian, making it the perfect home base for exploring the best of the city’s cultural scene.

What to Expect

Performances take place throughout the month at Yerba Buena Gardens, a beautifully landscaped public space surrounded by museums, cafes, and shops in the SoMa district.

• ???? Free shows from Grammy-winning artists and up-and-coming talent
• ???? Dance performances, poetry, family programming, and global music
• ???? Plenty of dining options nearby for a pre-show lunch or post-show dinner
• ???? Relax on the lawn, soak in the sunshine, and enjoy art in the open air

Last year, the festival welcomed more than 100,000 attendees over the season — and this year is shaping up to be just as vibrant and inspiring.

Stay Close to the Music at Hotel Julian

Hotel Julian sits just a few blocks from Yerba Buena Gardens, giving you front-row access to everything the festival has to offer — along with beautifully designed guest rooms, walkable dining options, and @carlottassf, our lobby cocktail and wine bar for late-night toasts after the show.