San Francisco hosts some of the most exciting art fairs in the country. From the prestigious FOG Design+Art Fair to community-driven open studios, here are the top 10 art fairs in San Francisco.
Top 10 Art Fairs in San Francisco
San Francisco's art scene extends far beyond its galleries. The city hosts numerous art fairs throughout the year, from prestigious international events to community-driven open studios. Here are the top 10 art fairs in San Francisco that showcase the city's vibrant and diverse art community.
Location: Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture Website: fogfair.com When: January (annually) Type: International design and art fair
Why it's top: FOG Design+Art Fair is one of the most prestigious art and design events on the West Coast. The 2025 edition featured leading international galleries and design dealers, along with public programming including FOG Talks—a series of discussions exploring current trends in art and design.
What to expect: Over 60 leading galleries from around the world, contemporary design, fine art, and the most expansive presentation of FOG FOCUS to date. The fair also features FOG MRKT at Pier 3, a curated installation highlighting artisanal products and crafts with an emphasis on the San Francisco Bay Area.
Best for: Serious collectors, design enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of art and design.
2026 dates: January 21–25, 2026
Location: Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, Festival Pavilion Website: sanfranciscoartfair.com When: April (annually) Type: Premier contemporary and modern art fair
Why it's top: Formerly known as Art Market San Francisco, the San Francisco Art Fair is the Bay Area's premier contemporary and modern art event. The 2025 edition featured approximately 90 local, national, and international galleries, making it one of the largest art fairs in the region.
What to expect: Leading galleries from around the world, dynamic public programming, and a diverse range of contemporary and modern art. Participating galleries have included notable local institutions such as Anglim/Trimble, Jack Fischer Gallery, Municipal Bonds, Marrow Gallery, Electric Works, and many others.
Best for: Contemporary art collectors, gallery enthusiasts, and those seeking a comprehensive view of the current art market.
2026 dates: April 16–19, 2026
Location: Throughout San Francisco neighborhoods Website: artspan.org When: September–October (annually) Type: City-wide open studios event
Why it's top: ArtSpan's San Francisco Open Studios (SFOS) is one of the longest-running and most beloved art events in the city. Since 1975, SFOS has been connecting local artists with the public, celebrating its 51st year in 2025. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse neighborhoods and engage directly with creators in their studios.
What to expect:
Best for: Art lovers who want to meet artists, see where art is made, and discover new talent. Perfect for those who enjoy exploring different neighborhoods and supporting local artists.
2025 dates: September 19–October 19, 2025
Location: Hunters Point Shipyard, Bayview neighborhood Website: shipyardartists.com When: Spring and Fall (annually) Type: Open studios at the largest artist collective in the U.S.
Why it's top: The Hunters Point Shipyard Artists (HPSA) community is the largest artist collective in the United States, comprising nearly 300 artists working in studios within the historic former U.S. Naval Shipyard. The Shipyard SFOS events offer a unique opportunity to visit this historic location and engage with a massive community of working artists.
What to expect: Over 100 artists across multiple buildings, live music, food trucks, and the chance to purchase artwork directly from artists. The Fall 2025 Open Studios took place October 18–19, featuring artists working in various media. The Shipyard Trust for the Arts (STAR) supports these artists and maintains affordable studio spaces.
Best for: Those interested in seeing a large-scale artist community, visiting historic shipyard buildings, and discovering diverse artistic practices. Perfect for art lovers who want to experience art-making in an industrial setting.
Special features: Private studio visits can be arranged by appointment outside of open studio events.
Location: Gateway Pavilion, Fort Mason Center Website: thesuperfair.com When: March (annually) Type: Contemporary art fair with live performances
Why it's top: Superfine Art Fair brings a fresh, accessible approach to art fairs, featuring over 150 artists and including live performances and interactive installations. The 2025 edition took place March 6–9, offering a more approachable and engaging art fair experience.
What to expect: Diverse contemporary art, live performances, interactive installations, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes art accessible to everyone, not just serious collectors.
Best for: Art enthusiasts who want a more casual, interactive art fair experience. Great for discovering emerging artists and experiencing art in a dynamic setting.
Location: Dogpatch neighborhood Website: sfartbookfair.com When: July (annually) Type: Free event celebrating print culture
Why it's top: The San Francisco Art Book Fair celebrates print culture with works from independent artists, authors, and publishers. This free event has become a beloved part of San Francisco's art calendar, returning to the Dogpatch neighborhood in 2025.
What to expect: Independent artists' books, zines, prints, and publications from around the world. The fair celebrates the DIY and independent publishing scene, offering a unique perspective on art and print culture.
Best for: Book lovers, print enthusiasts, zine collectors, and those interested in independent publishing and artist books.
Location: Fort Mason Festival Pavilion Website: sffallshow.org When: October (annually) Type: Fine art, antiques, and design fair
Why it's top: The San Francisco Fall Show is a prestigious event featuring fine art, antiques, and design. The 2025 edition took place October 15–19, including an Opening Night Gala. This fair attracts serious collectors and design enthusiasts.
What to expect: High-quality fine art, antiques, decorative arts, and design objects from leading dealers. The fair combines art, antiques, and design in a sophisticated setting.
Best for: Collectors of fine art and antiques, design enthusiasts, and those interested in historical and decorative arts.
Location: Multiple venues, including Mission District Website: sfiaf.org When: Late April to early May (annually) Type: Multi-disciplinary arts festival
Why it's top: SFIAF showcases over 100 performances, including dance, music, theater, and visual arts, across multiple venues. While primarily a performing arts festival, it includes significant visual arts components and transforms the Mission District into a vibrant arts hub.
What to expect: Diverse performances, visual art exhibitions, and installations across multiple venues. The festival celebrates international and local artists working in various disciplines.
Best for: Those interested in the intersection of visual and performing arts, international art, and multi-disciplinary experiences.
Location: Mission District (24th Street) Website: paseoartistico.org When: October (annually) Type: Free, bilingual art walk
Why it's top: Paseo ArtĂstico is a free, bilingual art walk presented by AcciĂłn Latina, featuring visual art, live music, poetry, dance, and film across multiple venues on 24th Street. The October 2025 edition focused on the theme "History Matters in the Mission 2010 - 2020."
What to expect: Visual art exhibitions, live music, poetry readings, dance performances, and film screenings. The event celebrates the Mission District's rich cultural heritage and Latinx arts community.
Best for: Those interested in Latinx art and culture, community-based art events, and exploring the Mission District's vibrant arts scene.
Location: Mission District (various venues) Website: mappsf.com When: First Saturday every two months (bi-monthly) Type: Multi-venue arts event
Why it's top: MAPP transforms various venues and public spaces in the Mission into hubs of free live music, spoken word, performance art, and film screenings. While primarily performance-focused, it includes visual art components and creates a unique community arts experience.
What to expect: Free live music, spoken word, performance art, film screenings, and visual art across multiple Mission District venues. The event happens bi-monthly, making it a regular part of San Francisco's arts calendar.
Best for: Those interested in community arts, performance art, and experiencing art in non-traditional venues throughout the Mission District.
January: FOG Design+Art Fair (prestigious, international) March: Superfine Art Fair (accessible, interactive) April: San Francisco Art Fair (premier contemporary art) Late April–Early May: San Francisco International Arts Festival (multi-disciplinary) July: San Francisco Art Book Fair (print culture, free) September–October: ArtSpan SFOS (city-wide open studios) October: San Francisco Fall Show (fine art and antiques), Paseo ArtĂstico (Mission District) Spring & Fall: The Shipyard SFOS (Hunters Point Shipyard) Bi-monthly: Mission Arts Performance Project (Mission District)
Tickets: Some fairs require advance tickets (especially opening nights), while others are free. Check websites for pricing and availability.
Timing: Opening nights often feature special events and are more crowded. Mid-fair visits can be more relaxed.
Comfort: Wear comfortable shoes—many fairs are large, and open studios require walking between locations.
Budget: Have a budget in mind if you're interested in purchasing. Prices vary widely from affordable prints to high-end works.
Research: Check websites and social media for participating artists/galleries and plan which booths or studios you want to visit.
Networking: Art fairs are great places to meet artists, gallery owners, and fellow art enthusiasts. Don't be shy about asking questions.
San Francisco's art fairs offer something for everyone—from prestigious international events like FOG Design+Art Fair to community-driven open studios like ArtSpan SFOS and The Shipyard SFOS. Whether you're a serious collector, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about the local art scene, these top 10 art fairs provide diverse and exciting opportunities to experience art in San Francisco.
From the historic Hunters Point Shipyard to the elegant Fort Mason Center, San Francisco's art fairs reflect the city's commitment to art, culture, and creative expression. Plan your visits throughout the year to experience the full spectrum of what San Francisco's art community has to offer.
Your San Francisco art fair journey, your discoveries, your cultural calendar.
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