Participate

Carnaval San Francisco involves hundreds of local bay area artists and arts organizations, making it the largest multi-ethnic festival in California. The two–day event attracts renowned Carnaval ensembles from Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as internationally acclaimed headliners.

The festivities include a Grand Parade and festival, each drawing upon broad cultural pageantry and fostering a spirit of universal inclusiveness. With over 60 community arts comparsas, or contingents, participating annually in the parade, CSF has deep and nurturing relationships with local artists whose work is representative of a wide spectrum of world traditions.

2027 applications

Click in the drop–down menus below for details and application links.

King & Queen Dance Competition

Application coming soon.

Compete to be crowned the 2027 Carnaval SF King and Queen!

Competition winners will represent Carnaval San Francisco including promotional events and the Carnaval Parade and Festival 2027!

Exhibitors

Application coming soon.

Important Deadlines:

  • Holiday Pricing Ends: TBD
  • Early Bird Pricing Ends: TBD
  • Application Closes: TBD

For questions regarding your application please contact Rosine Garcia at 650–333–7628 or vendor@carnavalsf.org

Comparsa Stage Performer

2027 Comparsa Stage Application

This application is ONLY for comparsas and dance groups interested in performing on the Comparsa Stage.

Definition of a comparsa: A comparsa is an artistic, street theater performance group with its own theme, cast of dancers, musicians, other performers, with choreography, costumes, and props–– and in the case of the Grand Parade–– floats. A comparsa creates a new theme for each annual Carnaval San Francisco. To express this theme a comparsa choreographs new dances, performs new music, and sews/buys new costumes. A community organization, local business, company, government agency, or political entity is not a comparsa.

Photographers

Application coming soon.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Amanda Nelson at photography@carnavalsf.org

Comparsa Parade Participants

2027 Comparsa Parade Application

  • Date of Parade: Sunday, May 30, 2027
  • Early Bird Deadline: Monday, February 15, 2027 by 11:59 pm
  • Late Application Deadline: Monday, March 15, 2027 by 11:59 pm

Definition of a comparsa: A comparsa is an artistic, street theater performance group with its own theme, cast of dancers, musicians, other performers, with choreography, costumes, props, and floats. A comparsa creates a new theme for each annual Carnaval San Francisco. To express this theme a comparsa builds a new float, choreographs new dances, performs new music, and sews/buys new costumes. Comparsas must have at least 30 dance performers, not including volunteers. A community organization, local business, company, government agency, or political entity is not a comparsa.

Sponsor

Your sponsorship and support is the backbone of our existence. Help us continue to make this year’s Festival, now in its 49th year, the best one yet! Sponsorship brings added attractions to our exciting event, and helps fund floats, entertainment and awards. Your pledge will support Carnaval’s operations this year and into the future, thus cementing this beloved San Francisco tradition annually!

For sponsorship, contact Rodrigo Duran, Executive Director at (415) 691–1147 or via email at rodrigo@carnavalsf.org

Food Vendors

Application coming soon.

For questions regarding your application please contact Rosine Garcia at 650-333-7628 or vendor@carnavalsf.org

Festival Stage Performers

2027 Festival Stage Performer Application

This application is for artists performing on the Carnaval San Francisco Festival stages. For more information, please reach out to Alex Farrell at entertainment@carnavalsf.org