FAQs
Festival FAQs
Where is Carnaval San Francisco?
Our free, two–day Festival covers 17 blocks in the Mission District in San Francisco on Harrison Street between 17th Street & 24th Street.
What are the dates of the festival?
The festival is on May 23 & May 24, 2026.
What are the festival hours?
The festival opens at 11 AM and closes at 6 PM.
What kind of vendors will be at the festival?
You will experience 250 exhibitors, 50 food vendors, and 5 pavilions offering international cuisine, artisan goods, and community arts workshops and services.
What activities are at the festival?
Enjoy entertainment at our four DJ Block Parties, five stages, Kids Zone, Drum Pavilion, and Skate Jam skateboarding area.
We will also offer a lowrider car show, MWH/Webcor Job Fair, and the Kaiser Health & Wellness Pavilion, and much more.
Is there food at the festival?
Yes. 50 vendors will line the streets with international cuisine from Mexico, Central & South America, the Caribbean, and much more.
Is alcohol allowed at the festival?
No, however, there are designated alcohol gardens throughout the festival serving beer, wine, tequila, and other drinks.
Where can I see your live performances?
Enjoy international music on our five stages and four DJ block parties. Full festival lineup here!
How do I find my favorite food truck or craft artisan?
You can find your favorite vendors on our festival map.
Where is the info booth?
Our Info Booth is on Harrison at 19th Street.
Where is the first aid station?
The First Aid station is on 19th Street between Harrison and Treat Street.
Are pets Allowed?
Yes, pets are allowed at the event, including service animals assisting people with accessibility needs. All pets should be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, and all owners are responsible for cleaning up after them. Leashes should not extend beyond six feet in length. However, we strongly recommend leaving pets at home since both the Parade and Festival are noisy, crowded, and hot. Pets can sometimes be very startled by the crowds and sounds of Carnaval San Francisco. In busy areas, it may be difficult to navigate with pets who will be walking on the ground given the high number of people in attendance.
Is there a festival map?
Festival map coming soon!
Parade FAQs
Where is the Grand Parade?
The Grand Parade covers 20 blocks in San Francisco’s historic Latino Cultural District in the Mission, beginning at the corner of 24th and Bryant streets, proceeding west to Mission Street, heading north on Mission to 15th Street, turning east on 15th and concluding at South Van Ness Avenue.
When is the Grand Parade?
The Grand Parade is on Sunday, May 24, 2026 and runs from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Is Grand Parade seating available?
Yes!
Where is the Grandstand Seating?
The Grand Stand seating area will be located outside, in front of the Gray Area Theatre (2665 Mission St, SF) as well as in front of La Corneta Taqueria ( 2731 Mission St, SF).
Is Grandstand seating wheelchair accessibility available?
Yes. Wheelchair accessibility is available at the grandstand seating area.
Is reserved seating available?
Tickets are for general admission–no reserve seating available.
Who is in the Grand Parade?
Parade lineup coming soon!
Where will the Grand Parade be broadcast?
The Grand Parade will be broadcast live on KPIX/CBS 5. Stay tuned for a link to the live broadcast on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 10 AM.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, pets are allowed at the event, including service animals assisting people with accessibility needs. All pets should be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, and all owners are responsible for cleaning up after them. Leashes should not extend beyond six feet in length. However, we strongly recommend leaving pets at home since both the Parade and Festival are noisy, crowded, and hot. Pets can sometimes be very startled by the crowds and sounds of Carnaval San Francisco. In busy areas, it may be difficult to navigate with pets who will be walking on the ground given the high number of people in attendance.
Is there a Parade Map?
Parade map coming soon!
Travel & Lodging
Can I get there via BART?
Getting to Carnaval in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District is easy with BART!
Entrances are at 16th & Harrison and 24th & Harrison.
To get to the Carnaval festivities in the Mission, you can take the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and get off at either the 16th Street or 24th Street station. From there, it’s just a short walk East to the heart of the event.
Driving and parking are highly discouraged during the event due to street closures and high attendance.
Can I get there via MUNI?
Getting to Carnaval in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District is easy with Muni!
Entrances are at 16th & Harrison and 24th & Harrison.
You can take various Muni lines into the Mission District and walk to the entrances at 16th & Harrison and 24th & Harrison.
Reroutes: 12, 14, 12R, 22, 27, 33, 48, 49, 55, 67
Take a look at Muni’s reroute page.
Driving and parking are highly discouraged during the event due to street closures and high attendance.
Is there lodging nearby?
Yes. Carnaval San Francisco’s official hotel is BEI Hotel, located at 50 8th St, San Francisco, CA 94103.
They will take your inquiries 24/7 at 415-626-6103.
Parking & Traffic
Festival Parking Notice
Carnaval San Francisco Festival is May 23 & 24, 2026 from 11 A.M. – 6 P.M.
Festival site will be towed of all vehicles starting on Friday, May 22, 2026 AT 7:00 P.M.
Please note: there will be no parking Friday, May 22, 2026 at 4:00 P.M. through Monday, May 25 at 2:00 A.M. on:
- Harrison between 16th and 17th
- 21st between Alabama & Harrison
- Harrison between 21st & 22nd
(This is in order to set up the music stages).
No parking will be allowed on the following streets:
- Harrison St. from 24th St. to 16th St..
- Treat St. from 16th St. to 18th St. to Mistral st
- 17th St. from Alabama St. to Folsom St.
- 18th St. from Alabama St. to Folsom St.
- 19th St. from Alabama St. to Folsom St.
- 20th St. from Alabama St. to Treat St.
- 21st St. from Alabama St. to Treat St.
- 22nd St. from Alabama St. to Treat St.
- 23rd St. from Alabama St. to Treat St.
- Mistral St. between Harrison St. and Treat ave.
No parking on these streets will be in effect until Monday May 25, 2026 2:00 A.M.
Grand Parade Parking Notice
Carnaval San Francisco Grand Parade is Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 9:30 A.M.
The parade starts at 24th St. & Bryant St.
The parade route will be towed of all vehicles starting Sunday May 24 AT 3:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
*Note exception: Grandstand area will be towed of all vehicles starting Thursday, May 21 at 10:00 P.M. – Sunday, May 24 at 6:00 P.M. from 2731 Mission St. to 2601 Mission St. (east side only).
No parking will be allowed on the following streets:
- Bryant St. from 17th St. to Cesar Chavez St.
- 24th St. from York St. to Mission St.
- Mission St. from 24th St. to 15th St.
- 15th St. from Mission St. to Harrison St.
- 15th St. from Harrison St. to Alabama St.
- Alameda St. to Alabama St.
- Harrison St. from 14th St. to 16th St.
- Alabama St. from 16th St. to Bryant St.
- Treat St. to division St.
- Alameda St. between Harrison and Treat St.
Parking Questions or Concerns
If you have questions or concerns prior to or during the event, contact us.
Festival Logistics Coordinator
Rosine Garcia
650–333–7628
rosine@carnavalsf.org
Parade Director
Arturo Carrillo
415–715–7330
arturo@carnavalsf.org