10/3
AFROPOLITAN BALL
The Museum of African Diaspora’s annual benefit, the Afropolitan Ball at the Ferry Building, celebrates the artists, thinkers and cultural forces shaping contemporary art today. moadsf.org
10/4
CASTRO STREET FAIR
Founded in 1974 by Harvey Milk, the Castro Street Fair turns 52 on Oct. 4. Browse crafts and artwork from local vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and learn about LGBTQ organizations at this colorful event. castrostreetfair.org
10/4-12
FLEET WEEK
The Blue Angels fly into town for the annual air show known as Fleet Week. Enjoy the parade of ships, free concerts and the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels choreography from Friday to Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., weather permitting. fleetweeksf.org
10/9-18
FRENCH KISS
Smuin Contemporary Ballet kicks off its 2026-27 season with French Kiss at the Cowell Theater at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture. The show includes My’Kal Stromile’s world premiere I-SCRIT-AH-SCREE-TAHSKRATT, an exploration of the mind’s ever-shifting landscape and two other pieces. 2 Marina Blvd., smuinballet.org
10/9
OFF THE VINE
Off the Vine is a recurring dinner series at The Post Room, the signature restaurant at the Beacon Grand hotel. The event, held six times a year, includes a chef-curated meal and pairings from distinct wineries. The October dinner will feature Williams Selyem Winery and Flambeaux Wine. 450 Powell St., 415.392.7755, beacongrand.com
The Fall Show’s chair, Suzanne Tucker, poses with honorary co-chairs Tommy and Dee Hilfiger at the 2025 opening night gala. This year’s event takes place from Oct. 14-18 with Zac Posen and Stellene Volandes serving as honorary co-chairs.
10/14-18
FALL SHOW
The 44th annual art, antiques and design fair, known as the Fall Show, begins with a glamorous opening night gala on Wednesday, Oct. 14. Métallique Chic is this year’s theme, and beloved local wine bar Cultivar is running the fair’s refreshment stand. 2 Marina Blvd., sffallshow.org
10/15
HUMAN NEEDS PROJECT BENEFIT
Join actor Connie Nielsen at Terra Gallery to support her nonprofit, Human Needs Project. The organization helps expand access to clean water, education and opportunity in Kibera, Africa’s largest slum. humanneedsproject.org
10/16-12/3
WE CAME HERE TO SEE
Nelson Duni presents Paul Madonna’s first gallery solo exhibition in over 15 years. Featuring his signature draftsmanship and literary narrative, the show explores new personal depths, revealing how creative practice aided his recovery from a near-fatal injury. 35 Bartlett St., nelsonduni.com
10/18
FOODWISE SUNDAY SUPPER
Foodwise’s annual gala, which supports farmers markets, food access and education, brings together more than 30 of San Francisco’s most celebrated restaurants for a four-course feast at the Ferry Building. foodwise.org
10/22-11/15
BETRAYAL
Celebrated director Carey Perloff returns to Marin Theatre to helm a star cast in Harold Pinter’s thought-provoking drama. The play is a scintillating, sexy exploration of an illicit seven-year affair, told backward and forward in time. 397 Miller Ave., Mill Valley, marintheatre.org
10/24
ALWAYS DREAM GALA
Join Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi at the Always Dream Annual Gala at the Palace Hotel. Expect an elegant evening celebrating the importance of reading. alwaysdream.org/events
10/29
ASIAN ART MUSEUM GALA
The Asian Art Museum’s annual gala is a bold and chic affair that includes a cocktail reception, a sit-down dinner and a lively afterparty. 200 Larkin St., 415.581.3500, asianart.org