Nothing hails the end of winter better than raising a glass of beer to surviving those post-holiday months in January and February that seem to last forever. This festival at Pier 35 on March 24th offers international and domestic beers samples and all proceeds go to the Copper Dream Animal Rescue organization.

This giant gathering of all things mobile and delicious commenced once more in early March at Fort Mason Center. An offering of 30-plus of the Bay Area’s best food trucks, guest DJs, and a central beer garden promises plenty of nighttime fun. Just make sure to bring your down jacket, since that waterfront wind is no joke.

Whether you fancy weeding a garden on what was once San Francisco’s most dangerous prisoners island or help create hospitable environments for rare plant species in the Presidio, spring is the perfect time to go outside and get your hands dirty. A simple sign-up is all you need to become a volunteer.

Lose yourself in a floral wonderland, where the city’s iconic downtown Macy’s is transformed into a fairytale fantasy world with thousands of colorful blooms, and lush greenery for this year’s theme Once Upon A Springtime. Brighten up your own home by purchasing the flowers and plants at the Macy’s Flower Show Plant Sale at Pier 39 on April 9, where all proceeds go to the Delancey Street Foundation.

Nothing ushers in spring quite like this massive festival in Japantown that features delicious food, a Grand Parade (complete with a Queen), martial arts demonstrations, and live music. This festival is held in mid-April and has free entry.

For those wanting more insight into the history of a city that has gone through many transformations, take a stroll on a warm spring day with some of the city’s most informed individuals. Take advantage of tours given in May, that include the Inner Richmond, Diego Rivera Mural, and the Bungalows of Westwood Park.

Hop into a kayak and join the legions of aquatic baseball fans at McCovey Cove (the area of the Bay right behind the right field wall of AT&T Park), with a cooler of cold beer, plenty of snacks, and a radio for a memorable afternoon on the water. If you are lucky and it’s game day, you might even catch the elusive home run known fondly as a “splash hit.” 

Outdoor seating is not something that is synonymous with San Francisco weather, but on those rare sunny days it is advisable to head over to Biergarden in Hayes Valley. Nothing beats an afternoon mingling with other beer enthusiasts at communal picnic tables, while enjoying delicious German-inspired food to soak up all the alcohol.

This vibrant garden pays homage to John McLaren, who was a longtime superintendent of Golden Gate Park and had a soft spot for rhododendrons. Initially, there were over 850 types of rhododendrons planted in the early 1950’s and they still continue to impress visitors during the spring with their bright hues.

If a trip to Japan to see the cherry blossoms is not in the cards, the next best thing is a visit to this tranquil garden that boasts its own collection of stunning cherry blossoms. As the oldest Japanese garden in the country, it has been providing visitors a sanctuary since 1894. Take advantage of the longer hours starting March 1st.

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence host Easter festivities with a twist, with the usual family-friendly egg hunt and adult-friendly events like the Foxy Mary Contest and the Hunky Jesus Contest. Trust us this is not your typical Easter Sunday.

This natural wonderland of over 8,000 species of plants puts on one of nature’s best shows during springtime when everything is in bloom. Take a free docent-led tour if you want to learn more about all the flora blooming around you. Best of all the park is open until 6 p.m. starting on the second Sunday in March.

In honor of one of California’s most prominent labor and civil rights leaders, a parade and street fair is held on April 14 featuring traditional Mexican dancing, live music, and classic cars. The parade starts in Dolores Park, and slowly makes its way to the Mission, where the street fair takes place between Treat and Bryant.

What better way to take advantage of SF’s famously steep hills than race on toy bikes with hundreds of other like-minded daredevils? Head over to Vermont Street on Easter Sunday, dressed up in your most creative costume. If you are not into this rough-and-tumble sport, cheering from the sidelines is equally as fun, maybe even more so.

Nothing marks the end of spring quite like this race that is really a street party. This event includes costumes galore, and the best people-watching opportunity of the year. Don’t worry if you’re not a runner, since most people walk this 12K race which winds its way through the city, before ending at Ocean Beach.

Inspired by the Ciclovía (cycleways on a street open only to bicyclists and pedestrians) in Bogota, Columbia, these Sunday events feature different streets beginning in March and ending in October. Immerse yourself in a new neighborhood each time and mingle with your fellow San Franciscans in a way that gives new meaning to block parties. This year’s lineup includes the Mission, the Excelsior, Bayview/Dogpatch, Tenderloin 1, Sunset/Golden Gate Park, and Western Addition.