Susan Breslow Sardone, About.com Guide to Honeymoons/Romantic Travel, notes that January is the least-expensive month for travelers who wish to visit San Francisco. This said (thanks, Susan!), what’s there to do when you get here? The answer: Lots!
Follow our guide to some key events and festivals happening in S.F., and don't forget about the city's museums and other permanent and popular attractions, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Fisherman's Wharf, the Ferry Building, etc., oftentimes too crowded to really enjoy and experience. In January though, this may very well not be the case. Perfect for sightseeing and photos.
Weather: There's a chance for rainfall, and the temps are definitely colder. Make sure to dress warmly for your tour of the city. See California for Visitors' terrific guide to weather and climate in San Francisco. Also, see our own summary.
Free Musueum Days: First Tuesday and Wednesday of the month, January 1 and 2. Now, onto the events.
Dine About Town
January 15-31
This year, Dine About Town will take place twice. Once in January and a second go-round in June. With Dine About Town, a special promotion presented by the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau (SFCVB) and Visa, diners can enjoy specially-prepared 3-course meals at some of the city's finest restaurants. All for a set price/person: $21.95 lunches, $31.95 dinners. The only condition is that you must pay with your Visa card. For a list of the more than 90 participating restaurants, visit here. Choose by cuisine, neighborhood, and lunch/dinner preference.
Macworld
January 14-18
Macworld, the conference and expo that promises the unexpected each and every year, arrives in mid-January. Mac users, both veterans and newbies, will get a preview of what’s to come and will be dazzled by what is now. The Exhibit Halls, which will feature 400 exhibitors will be open 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesday/Thursday, and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday. Passes are $45 and can be purchased through Jan. 18.
Seals at K-Dock
January 19, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
The beloved sea lions return to K-Dock at Pier 39 for another stay to the delight of visitors all. See them as they first arrive for a seasonal stay. The pier’s K-Dock is declared a "watchable wildlife" viewing area by the California Watchable Wildlife Project.
KNBR/Giants Winter FanFest moved to February 9.
Zinfandel Festival
January 23-26
"The Love of Zin". This annual tastings festival will once again feature premier varietals from an estimated 300 wineries. The schedule will be: Wednesday: Flights, Thursday: Good Eats & Zinfandel Pairing, Friday: Evening With the Winemakers, and Saturday: Zinfandel Testing. Over the four days, the festival expects over 10,000 attendees, and you can be one of them. Purchase tickets ($59-$130) online or by calling the Fort Mason Box Office, 415.345.7575. Public transportation is recommended. Location: City College Of S.F., Ocean Avenue Campus.
Noir City
Janurary 25-February 3
See 20 rare classics in 10 days at the historic Castro Theatre. Last year's edition was the most successful yet, with 11,000 film fans attending over the 1 1/2-week fest. Will 2008 break the box-office record of 2007? Double-feature admission is $12. For a Noir City passport, the cost is a bargain $100 or $5 per film.
What Else is On the Calendar?
- January 4-Februrary 3: Speed the Plow. American Conservatory Theatre. A 90-minute satire about showbiz from David Mamet. “A spellbinder of a play,” says The Daily Telegraph. $12-$55.
- January 5: Japanese New Year. Asian Art Museum. Starting with the bell-ringing ceremony on Dec. 30, the festivities continue on Jan. 5 with the mochi-pounding party. Make your own!
- January 6: "The Great Migration." California Academy of Sciences. A full day of farewell activities will send the Academy on its way, as it readies for the great migration from its temporary home on Howard Street to its new one in Golden Gate Park. (To open Fall 2008.)
- January 10-16: Berlin and Beyond Film Festival. Castro Theater. A film festival featuring German-language films and European cinema.
- January 23: San Francisco Ballet Gala Opening. War Memorial Opera House. This year marks the San Francisco Ballet’s 75th season and it will all begin with this gala. Get ready for a season of remarkable.
- January 23-26: Chinese Spectacular. Orpheum Theatre. Part of the Chinese New Year celebration, this “spectacular” takes a look at 5,000 years of civilization in one evening. 7 shows only. $28-$98.
- January 26: AMP’D Mobile World Supercross Series. AT&T Park. Since the baseball season ended, the ballpark has hosted skiing, snowboarding, and ice-skating. Now, it’s time for supercross.
- January 26-27: Golden Gate Kennel Club Dog Show. Cow Palace. The show will feature more than 2,000 dogs and 135 breeds, a “Best in Show,” dog agility demonstrations, and a lot of adorable fun.
