This is the largest Carnaval outside of Brazil and Miami, and the pageantry is worth the trip on its own: samba schools, sound systems, costumed contingents that have been rehearsing since February. Food vendors line up along the route, and the festival grounds stay open through 6pm both days.

Separate weekend: World Goth Night hits a TBA SoMa venue (check 48hills for the confirmed address as it circulates closer to the date) — this is a recurring club night, not a one-off, but the guest DJ lineup for this edition is the draw.

American Football plays an intimate run at The Fillmore — exact night TBD but likely Friday or Saturday. Tickets are through Ticketmaster; they moved fast the first time they went on sale. If you're on the fence, they play slow and precise, better in a room than a stadium.

The secret Hologram burger pop-up has no confirmed address by press time — follow their Instagram for a same-day drop.

If you've got two hours: Hit the Carnaval parade from 24th and Bryant at 10am, walk the festival grounds by noon, eat something from a vendor before the lines double. You'll be done and on BART by 1pm.