Carnaval drummers participate in the Grand Parade.
Join us this weekend for one of the city’s most vibrant and beloved cultural events: Carnaval!
The free, two-day celebration transforms Harrison Street between 16th and 24th streets into a showcase of music, dance, food, art and cultural pride.
We are proud to be a sponsor of this year’s event, which runs Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25.
Learn all about the festival’s theme and what you can explore at Carnaval. We’ll also cover the best way to get there – Muni – and share where you can connect with us.
Festival highlights
Carnaval SF Festival
Dates: Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25, 2025
Location: Harrison Street between 16th and 24th streets, Mission District
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Carnaval is a 17-block outdoor festival! You can explore:
- Five live music stages
- Five DJ pavilions
- 400 vendors and food booths
- Family-friendly cultural programming
The theme for this year’s Carnaval is AfroMundo: African Diaspora in the Americas. It honors the global influence of African heritage across music, movement, spirituality and community.
AfroMundo recognizes the enduring resilience and cultural brilliance of the African diaspora. Its creative legacy continues to shape the Americas and inspire generations around the world.
Grand Parade: Sunday, May 25
Date: Sunday, May 25, 2025
Location: Harrison Street between 16th and 24th streets, Mission District
Parade start time: 10 a.m.
Route: Begins at 24th and Bryant streets, proceeding west toward Mission Street
Admission: Free
The parade features over 60 cultural contingents and more than 3,000 performers, representing traditions from across the Americas. KPIX will be streaming the parade online.
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.
2025 Carnaval SF Festival Grand Parade Route Map.
Take Muni to Carnaval
With street closures and limited parking in the area, Muni is the best way to get to the festival.
Routes serving the event
- 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, and 67 Bernal Heights
- Expect reroutes on the 12, 14, 14R, 27, 33, 48, 49, and 67.
Grand Parade Day travel impacts – Sunday, May 25
The Parade starts at 24th and Bryant streets, travels west on to Mission Street then north to 15th Street. Here’s what to expect as you travel there:
- Street Closures: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Mission, Harrison and several other streets in the Mission.
- For a full list of closures, see our Carnaval Grand Parade Travel & Transit webpage.
- Muni Reroutes: Impacted routes include the 12, 14, 14R, 22, 27, 33, 48, 49, 55, and 67.
- For more information, see the Service Change Details section of our Carnaval Grand Parade Travel & Transit webpage.
We're here to help you get to Carnaval San Francisco. Visit our Carnaval Travel and Transit Impacts webpage (SFMTA.com/Carnaval) for details on street closures and service updates. If you're new to Muni, take a listen to our "How to Muni" Taken with Transportation podcast episode for plenty of tips.
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.
Stop by our booth to chat
We’re tabling both days at Carnaval, and we welcome you to stop by and say hello!
You can find us at Booth 131 on the corner of Harrison and 18th streets.
Our staff are here to answer your questions about:
- The Potrero Yard Modernization Project
- You can also connect with our partners on this project from MEDA, Webcor and other community organizations.
- MuniSafe, our anti-harassment and public safety campaign
- Staff will share how to report incidents and cover steps we’re taking to make Muni even safer.
Celebrate with us
Carnaval San Francisco is a living expression of heritage, rhythm and resilience. Join us in the Mission District for a weekend that uplifts the cultural legacy of the African diaspora.
See Travel & Transit Updates: Carnaval Travel and Transit Impacts webpage (SFMTA.com/Carnaval)
Follow us on Twitter for live travel updates: SFMTA Twitter (@SFMTA_Muni)
Comments are for the English version of this page.