Carnaval is back this weekend – learn how to join the fun. Photo by Jayasimha Nuggehalli.
Join us Saturday, May 23, 2026 and Sunday, May 24, 2026 for one of the city’s most vibrant cultural celebrations, Carnaval San Francisco.
This free, two-day event transforms Harrison Street between 16th and 24th streets into a lively showcase of music, dance, food, art and cultural pride.
We’re proud to sponsor Carnaval SF 2026. We’re here to share the details and how to get there with ease on Muni.
Festival highlights
Carnaval San Francisco is California’s largest and longest-running multicultural celebration. Photo courtesy of Daniel Beck.
Carnaval San Francisco, a two-day festival
- Dates: Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24
- Location: Harrison Street (16th–24th), Mission District
- Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Admission: Free
- Festival Map:
View the Carnaval SF 2026 Festival Map.
This 17-block festival features:
- Five live music stages
- Five DJ block parties
- 400+ vendors and food booths
- Family-friendly cultural programming
Our team will be there to answer questions and help you get around. Come by our booth on Harrison Street between 20th and 21st streets. See the 2026 Festival Map above.
Grand Parade: Sunday, May 24
The highlight of the event is the Grand Parade on Sunday.
- Parade Start Time: 10 a.m.
- Route: Begins at 24th and Bryant streets, moves along 24th toward Mission Street, continues down Mission Street to 15th Street
- Admission: Free
- Parade Map:
2026 Carnaval San Francisco Grand Parade Route Map.
The parade will feature over 5,500 performers across more than 60 cultural groups. It will span 20 blocks through the Mission's Latino Cultural District. Expect vibrant traditions from Brazil, Mexico, Bolivia, Cuba, Puerto Rico and many more. On Sunday, KPIX (CBS Bay Area) plans to stream the parade live online.
Muni is getting in on the parade fun, too! Look out for our famous motorized cable car and a decorated vintage Muni bus.
For the best view, you can purchase tickets for Grandstand Seating located in the official judging area. Learn more at Carnaval San Francisco’s official website.
The grand parade is the highlight of the event! Photo courtesy of Jayasimha Nuggehalli.
Take Muni to Carnaval
With street closures and limited parking, Muni is the easiest way to get there.
Routes serving the area include:
9 San Bruno, 12 Folsom/Pacific, 14 Mission, 14R Mission Rapid, 22 Fillmore, 27 Bryant, 33 Ashbury/18th, 48 Quintara/24th, 49 Mission/Van Ness, 55 Dogpatch and 67 Bernal Heights.
Heads up:
- Expect reroutes on several Muni lines
- Street closures run 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday
- Plan extra travel time
For full details, visit the SFMTA Carnaval travel page.
Throughout the weekend, our parking control officers will be in the event area to manage traffic and pedestrian flow. Teams across our agency are here to support your trips during the festival weekend whether you’re walking, taking Muni or driving.
Celebrate with us
Carnaval SF is a celebration of community, and beyond.
We encourage you to stop by our Muni Booth (Harrison & 20th streets) all weekend long to learn about:
- Accessibility programs
- Free & reduced fare options
- SFMTA’s budget and services
This year’s Carnaval theme is La Copa del Pueblo (“The People’s Cup”) It celebrates the spirit of fútbol —the community, passion and joy found in everyday play.
It also connects to the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, with matches coming to the Bay Area. Explore local events and updates at San Francisco's World Cup webpage and don’t miss the “Muni Goal Rush” scavenger hunt — learn more at the SFMTA’s Goal Rush event webpage (SFMTA.com/GoalRush).
For now, we hope you’ll join us in the Mission District for a weekend filled with rhythm, culture and connection. Remember: Muni’s the best way to get to Carnaval!
See Travel & Transit Updates: Carnaval Travel and Transit Impacts webpage (SFMTA.com/Carnaval)
Follow us on X for live travel updates: SFMTA X(Twitter) (@SFMTA_Muni)
Comments are for the English version of this page.