By Anne Schrager, Staff Writer June 14, 2026 - San Francisco Chronicle
One of San Francisco’s oldest street fairs celebrates a milestone this year as the North Beach Festival returns for its 70th edition over Father’s Day weekend.
The free festival takes over the city’s historic Italian neighborhood Saturday-Sunday, June 20-21, with more than 200 artisan vendors, an all-day lineup of live music on four stages, outdoor bars for attendees ages 21 and older, as well as family-friendly activities.
Highlights of the event include an Italian street painting promenade, where artists create large-scale chalk art on the pavement.
The festival also features the longstanding, popular Blessing of the Animals ceremony at 1 p.m. each day outside the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi.
Browse local makers, watch art demonstrations and enjoy hands-on activities in the Makers Block area. Visitors can also catch live DJ sets and concert performances throughout the North Beach footprint, or take a break to explore nearby San Francisco landmarks such as City Lights Bookstore, Café Vesuvio and Coit Tower.
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