San Francisco’s Annual Architecture and the City Festival

September in San Francisco is nationally known for its warm, dry days—perfect for ample sightseeing and beach-going. This first month of fall is also recognized in the Bay Area as a time to celebrate San Francisco’s diverse and exceptional architecture with the annual Architecture and the City festival, now in its 9th year running. Since its founding in 2003, the Architecture and the City festival has quickly become the largest architecture and design festival in the nation. During the entire month of September, San Francisco locals and visitors are invited to explore the area’s architectural feats through tours, films, exhibitions, workshops, lectures, and more. Through these opportunities, the curious public will learn about the ways in which design “permeates, informs, and connects” the city. In particular, focus is placed on the creative and eco-friendly architectural solutions which embody San Francisco culture. This year’s festival theme, “Design: It’s About Time,” also focuses on the layers of history and culture that have shaped the city’s built environment. More than 50 events will be taking place for the festival this month. Here’s a quick look at some of the highlights. View Architecture and the City’s calendar for a full schedule.

San Francisco Living: Home Tours

September 15 & 16, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, GA $85 AIA San Francisco (tour leaves from here) This annual event sponsored by the American Institute of Architecture’s San Francisco chapter offers architecture enthusiasts and the general public a glimpse into the world of some of the most unique and elaborate residences in the area. In an open house format, tour participants have the chance to see the inside of these architectural masterpieces, meet design teams, explore housing trends, and discover innovative design solutions.

Design: It’s About Time (lecture)

September 18, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, $10 AIA San Francisco In this panel discussion with renowned architects, designers, and urban planners, the discussion will focus on the advent of the “pop-up” interventions in the streets and sidewalks of the city, such as food trucks, farmers markets, and other temporary displays. Moreover, the panelists will offer opinions on how these interventions could function as a permanent movement.

GOOD Design – Closing Party

September 27, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, GA $30 Autodesk (1 Market St. 2nd Floor) In this festival closing event, presented by GOOD Ideas for Cities, the most talented and innovative members of the San Francisco design community come together to put forward solutions to some off the city’s most pressing issues: how to create a city that is easier to navigate for tourists and residents, how to create a more hospitable space beneath the Central Freeway, and how to mediate the public realm for pedestrians, bikes, and cars on Polk Street.

Greetings from San Francisco: Post Cards from the City’s Past

On view August 16 – October 18, $10 AIA San Francisco Everyone can enjoy this year’s festival exhibition, a display of over 1,000 San Francisco post cards from as far back as 1890. Viewers will be amazed by the changes that have taken place in the city while also recognizing the familiar scenes that have stood the test of time. September is also a wonderful time to take advantage of a Go Select San Francisco pass, featuring an array of popular attractions including The California Academy of Sciences, Aquarium of the Bay, and the Golden Gate Bay Cruise. Just choose 2 or more of your favorite attractions and we guarantee you'll pay less than the gate price.