SAN FRANCISCO — A free Korean cultural festival is coming to the Ferry Building on Sunday, Sept. 20, with K-pop, traditional performances, Korean holiday food and hands-on activities tied to Chuseok, one of Korea’s major holidays.
The 2026 Chuseok Korean Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ferry Building’s Back Plaza. The Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles is presenting the event with MAUM Market, and admission is free.
What is happening at the Chuseok festival?
The Korean Cultural Center’s English announcement describes traditional and K-pop performances, Korean food and cultural activities. A Korean government event page provides more detail, including pungmul folk music, a K-pop Academy showcase, Random Play Dance and a large-brush calligraphy performance.
Hands-on activities are expected to include Hangeul keychains and Korean-name writing, traditional games such as ddakji and gonggi, plus activities connected with hanbok and a traditional Chuseok table setting.
Will there be Korean food?
Yes. Organizer material lists scheduled tastings of songpyeon, the rice cakes strongly associated with Chuseok, and different kinds of jeon, or savory pan-fried dishes.
Because tasting quantities and timing can change during a public festival, visitors who are coming for a particular food should treat the organizer’s current event information as the final word on the day.
Is the San Francisco Chuseok festival free?
Yes. The Korean Cultural Center describes the Sept. 20 Ferry Building celebration as free and open to the public. MAUM Market’s event information asks visitors to RSVP even though admission is complimentary.
When is Chuseok in 2026?
The San Francisco festival takes place on Sept. 20. Chuseok itself falls on Sept. 25 in 2026, so the Ferry Building celebration is being held five days before the holiday.
San Francisco also has a separate Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival on Sept. 19–20, giving the same weekend two distinct harvest-season celebrations.
How do you get to the Ferry Building?
Transit is the straightforward option. The Ferry Building is about a block from Embarcadero BART, the F Market historic streetcar stops directly outside, and ferries arrive at the terminal itself.
Paid parking is available nearby, but a five-hour waterfront event can make driving both more expensive and less predictable than BART, Muni or ferry service.
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