SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco now has two major Chuseok celebrations on the calendar this September, six days apart and on opposite sides of the city.
The first is the previously announced free Korean cultural festival at the Ferry Building on Sunday, Sept. 20. The second is a free Bay Area Chuseok Festival at the Presidio on Saturday, Sept. 26. Both run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., but they are separate events with different organizers, programs and transportation plans.
When are the San Francisco Chuseok festivals?
| Date | Location | Hours | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, Sept. 20 | Ferry Building Back Plaza | 11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Free |
| Saturday, Sept. 26 | Presidio Main Parade Lawn | 11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Free |
Chuseok itself falls on Sept. 25 in 2026, placing one San Francisco festival before the holiday and the other the following day.
What is happening at the Ferry Building festival Sept. 20?
The Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles is presenting the Ferry Building celebration with MAUM Market. Organizer material describes traditional and K-pop performances, Korean food and hands-on cultural activities.
Program details include pungmul folk music, a K-pop Academy showcase, Random Play Dance, large-brush calligraphy, Hangeul activities and traditional games such as ddakji and gonggi.
Food programming is expected to include tastings of songpyeon, the rice cakes associated with Chuseok, and different kinds of jeon.
What is happening at the Presidio Chuseok Festival Sept. 26?
The Presidio's event calendar lists a separate Bay Area Chuseok Festival for 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Main Parade Lawn.
The Presidio describes the event as a major public celebration of Korean culture, with performances, food and cultural programming in the Main Post area. Admission is free.
Because the Presidio event is outdoors on a large lawn, visitors should check the organizer page close to Sept. 26 for any weather-related or program updates.
Which Chuseok festival should you go to?
The Ferry Building event is the easier choice for people arriving by BART, ferry or downtown Muni. It is about a block from Embarcadero BART, the F Market streetcar stops outside, and ferries arrive at the terminal.
The Presidio event offers a larger lawn setting and is best reached by Presidio GO, the 43 Masonic or another route connecting into the Main Post. Paid parking is available in the Presidio, but event-day demand can make transit more predictable.
Are both Chuseok festivals free?
Yes. The Korean Cultural Center describes the Sept. 20 Ferry Building celebration as free and open to the public, and the Presidio lists the Sept. 26 event as free.
Some organizers may offer optional RSVP pages. An RSVP should not be confused with a paid admission requirement unless the organizer changes its published terms.
Is this the same as Chinatown's Autumn Moon Festival?
No. San Francisco's Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival runs Sept. 19–20 and is a separate Chinese cultural event. The Chuseok festivals are Korean cultural celebrations tied to Korea's harvest holiday.