The summer season is here, and we're ready to welcome you to Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco's #1 visitor destination.

If you are visiting in July, you won't want to miss the Fourth of July Waterfront fireworks! There are also other fun activities you can enjoy this month, as well as a preview of some of the exciting things that will be happening later this summer.

Whether you want to stroll along the waterfront, enjoy a fresh seafood meal, attend a special event, or take in the sights on land or on the Bay, Fisherman's Wharf is the place to be!

Fourth of July Celebration
2:00 pm-10:00 pm
Fireworks at 9:30 pm .

Experience the Fourth of July at Fisherman's Wharf. Aquatic Park stage (Jefferson & Hyde) showcases an afternoon of family entertainment. Great food, live music, kids' activities and family fun leading up to an amazing fireworks display.

Location: All along the waterfront, the Cannery, Ghirardelli Square and PIER 39. Fireworks launch from the foot of Municipal Pier and barges to the north of PIER 39.

July 4
Family Festival at The Cannery
11 am - 8 pm

Celebrate Independence Day at The Cannery's Family Festival. There will be face painting to entertain the children (11 am to 3 pm), live musical performances featuring local artists playing classic American hits (until 8 pm) plus delectable food offerings by The Cannery's fine selection of restaurants and cafes. Show your red, white and blue spirit by letting Janelle the Clown paint your cheeks with your favorite Independence Day symbol!

Location: The Cannery at Delmonte Square, 2801 Leavenworth Street
For more information: Call 415-771-3112
Website: mwww.DelMonteSquare.com

July 4
Fourth of July Waterfront Celebration at Pier 39
1:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

PIER 39 celebrates Independence Day with an afternoon filled with fun and excitement. Come and enjoy Big Bang Beat from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Tainted Love from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Following the onstage entertainment, visitors can stay to watch the spectacular fireworks. With a full day of activities, PIER 39 is the perfect place to celebrate this patriotic holiday. Event sponsors include Crystal Geyser ALPINE SPRING WATER, Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, and the Examiner.

Location: PIER 39
For more information: Call 415-705-5500
Website: www.pier39.com

July 4
Blue and Gold Fleet Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise
8 p.m., with boarding at 7:30 p.m.
(Optional Alcohol-Free Fireworks Cruise boards at 7:30 p.m. at PIER 39.)

San Francisco's annual celebration of Independence Day isn't complete without seeing the fireworks from a boat on the Bay. Start your cruise from PIER 39, sailing past the famous sea lions and out into San Francisco Bay. Enjoy the panoramic beauty of the city lights from Ghirardelli Square to Hyde Street Pier, all the way past the San Francisco Ferry Building to the Bay Bridge where the fireworks will fill the skies. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on board.

Location: Pier 41
For more information: Call 415-705-8200
Website: www.blueandgoldfleet.com

July 4
Red and White Fleet Fireworks Cruise
7:45 p.m.

Come aboard the Red and White Fleet to enjoy fantastic views of San Francisco's spectacular 4th of July Fireworks from the center of the bay. Snacks and beverages will be available on-board for purchase. Tickets will not be available online after 11.am. on July 4th, but can be purchased at the box office based on availability

Location: Pier 43 1/2
For more information: Call 415-673-2900
Website:www.redandwhitefleet.com

July 4
Hornblower Buffet Lunch Cruise
Boarding at 11:30 a.m.; Cruising from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m

Bring your family and friends aboard a Buffet Lunch Cruise for a unique way to spend the 4th of July. As you cruise along the San Francisco skyline and underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy a freshly prepared gourmet lunch buffet with all your BBQ favorites. Following lunch, venture to the outer decks of the California Hornblower for truly breathtaking views!

Location: Pier 3 on the Embarcadero
For more information: Call 415-788-8866
Website: www.hornblower.com

July 4
Hornblower Fireworks Buffet Dinner Cruise
Boarding at 7:00 p.m.; Cruising from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Get the best seats on the bay to see the fireworks illuminate the night sky on a Hornblower Dinner Cruise. As the crowds flock to the Embarcadero, you can watch the fireworks from the top deck of the San Francisco Belle.

Location: Pier 3 on the Embarcadero
For more information: Call 415-788-8866
Website: www.hornblower.com

July 4
Hornblower Premier Dinner Dance Cruise
Boarding at 6:30 p.m.; Cruising from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Celebrate the 4th of July with our Premier package aboard our flagship yacht, California Hornblower. This cruise includes everything you need. Enjoy a four-course dinner, open premium bar including champagne, live entertainment, and the Best view of the fireworks!

Location: Pier 3 on the Embarcadero
For more information: Call 415-788-8866
Website: www.hornblower.com

mid-July 2008 (Seasonal May - October)
Ride the RocketBoat, the Newest and Most Exciting Thrill Ride on San Francisco Bay
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. hourly

Climb aboard and hang-on for this 30-minute tour of the city's historic waterfront. It's a blast on the Bay in a 70-foot speedboat that departs from the PIER 39 West Marina, home of Blue and Gold Fleet. 135 passengers will sail past the sea lions, zoom to the Bay Bridge, fly down to AT&T Park, scream past Treasure Island, and cruise by Alcatraz on the way back to PIER 39. RocketBoat - it's an extreme adventure not to be missed!

Location: PIER 39 West Marina
For more information: Call 415-705-8200
Website: www.blueandgoldfleet.com

July 18
Hornblower Full Moon Cruise
Boarding at 7:30 p.m.; Cruising from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Under a Full Moon, evenings on the water are unforgettable. As you cruise the San Francisco Bay, enjoy gourmet cuisine, live entertainment, and the city naturally illuminated by the full moon in the sky!

Location: Pier 3 on the Embarcadero
For more information: Call 415-788-8866
Website: www.hornblower.com

July 24-27
Festival of Sail San Francisco
Event schedule varies daily

San Francisco Bay welcomes Tall Ships from all over the world as they proudly sail under the Golden Gate Bridge and into the hearts of young and old for one week in July! The awe-inspiring vessels will be docked along the waterfront offering the public the unique opportunity to tour, sail and learn.

In addition to the ships' arrival, the entire waterfront will be transformed into an international nautical attraction celebrating maritime past, present and future. With an abundance of family activities including cultural and musical enteratinment, educational programs and events, Festival of Sail San Francisco will enchant and delight the Bay Area.

Location: Event locations vary
For more information: 1-877-SAIL-577
Website: www.festivalofsail.org

July 24-27
Festival of Sail Water Taxi Service
Continuous

Enjoy easy access to all Villages of the Festival of Sail! The historic Red and White Fleet offers a special water taxi service that connects all three Villages, offering spectacular views of San Francisco from the bay. Each village will showcase numerous historical tall ships from around the world.

Location: Pier 43 1/2
For more information: Call 415-673-2900
Website:www.redandwhitefleet.com

July 26 and August 2
Sleep with the Sharks
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Sign up early to be one of the very few visitors who get a chance to celebrate Discovery Channel's Shark Week by sleeping just inches from the Bay's largest predators. Sleepover for families with children 5 and older.

Location: Aquarium of the Bay at PIER 39
For more information: Call 415-623-5300 for general info or 415-623-5326 for Sleep with Sharks reservations
Website: www.aquariumofthebay.com

July through September
Day-at-the-Wharf
9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily

The Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf has created a special Day-at-the-Wharf Combo Package, offering an all-inclusive full day of fun and food. Tickets may be purchased at the box office, where you will enjoy a self-guided tour of the world's most renowned personalities from Hollywood, history and today's news. Your package includes a coupon for a delicious bowl of clam chowder at Boudin's Bakery and a visit to the nearby Aquarium of the Bay or Ripley's Believe It or NOt! Museum, or enjoy a Blue & Gold Bay Cruise.

Location: 145 Jefferson Street, in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf
For more information: Call 415-202-0416
Website:www.waxmuseum.com

Every Sunday in August
KKSF Smooth Jazz Sunday Brunch at the Hilton Fisherman's Wharf
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Treat yourself to an extravagant Sunday Brunch at the beautiful outdoor courtyard of the Hilton San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf. KKSF will be on-site keeping it "smooth" with your favorite on-air personalities, and all the great music and excitement that you'd expect from a live broadcast from the San Francisco Bay Area's favorite Jazz station.

Location: 2620 Jones Street (at Bay)
For more information: Call 415-268-5948
Website:www.hiltonfishermanswharf.com/land_kksf/hfw_kksf.htm

Sunday Nights in August
Movie Nights at THE CANNERY
Open seating at 7:30 p.m.; showtime at 8:00 p.m.

The highly popular Movie Nights at THE CANNERY returns in August on Sunday nights to entertain local residents and visitors alike. Come and watch free movies that San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom has personally selected as his favorite films made in and/or about San Francisco. Remember to bring blankets and extra layers of clothing in case it's a chilly or foggy typical summer night in the city. Hot beverages, dessert treats and more will be available for purchase from THE CANNERY's restaurants, cafes and ice cream parlor. (In case of inclement weather, Movie Night is subject to cancellation.)
Dates: August 3 (Maltese Falcon); August 10 (Dirty Harry); August 17 (Mrs. Doubtfire); and August 24 (Pursuit of Happiness)

Location: THE CANNERY, 2801 Leavenworth Street
For more information: Call 415-771-3112
Website: www.DelMonteSquare.com

Saturday, August 23
Viva Las Americas
12 Noon to 4 pm
PIER 39
www.pier39.com

PIER 39 celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Viva Las Americas. This festive event showcases music and dance performances commemorating the artistry of Mexico, Central and South America. Fun for children includes traditional Latin American craft-making.

September 6-7
13th Annual Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival
Saturday & Sunday, 12:00-5:00 pm, Ghirardelli Square, Beach & Larkin Streets. www.ghirardellisq.com

Be decadent in your own sweet way at the Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival, a benefit for Project Open Hand. Indulge in chocolate delicacies, sip at the wine & chocolate bar, enjoy chef demonstrations and other fun family activities. This event is free to the public, but tickets must be purchased to participate in the chocolate tastings.

October 9-14th
Fleet Week

October 12
Italian Heritage Day Parade
12:30-3:00 pm

More than 400,000 revelers are expected at San Francisco's 140th ANNUAL ITALIAN HERITAGE PARADE on Sunday, October 12, 2008, as the City's oldest civic event and the nation's oldest Italian-American parade and community celebration winds its way from Fisherman's Wharf to North Beach. A San Francisco institution since it was established in 1868, the 2008 Parade is promising to be bigger, better and more colorful than ever.

Sunday, October 26
Pumpkin Pandemonium
12 Noon to 4 pm
PIER 39
www.pier39.com

Ghoulish and giddy behavior is part of the fun as kids in costume trick or treat throughout PIER 39's Pumpkin Pandemonium. Children 12 and uder are welcome to visit the shops, restaurants and attractions to gather their sweets. Pumpkin carving demonstrations, and face painting will be available, as well as photos with frightful characters. Children will be able to wander through the pumpkin patch to pick their one free pumpkin.

November 10
Annual Irish Coffee Anniversary Celebration
Buena Vista Cafe
sfbuenavista@aol.com for more information

Featuring Irish Musc, bagpiper, Irish Dancers and Old World Irish Food.

Sunday, November 16
Holiday Tree Lighting
1 pm to 6 pm
PIER 39
www.pier39.com

A multi-cultural celebration, PIER 39's holiday Tree Lighting will feature Bay Area groups performing seasonal favorites from around the world. The enchanting entertainment will include holiday trations from Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa. PIER 39's majestic tree, adorned with 400 glistening ornaments, 500 bows and 2,000 twinkling lights will be lit at 5:30 pm in the entrance plaza.

November 28
44th Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting Ceremony
5:30pm, Ghirardelli Square, Beach & Larkin Streets, 415-775-5500. www.ghirardellisq.com

Ghirardelli's magical square comes alive with colorful performers, music, Santa Claus, a 50-foot Christmas to tree lighting up the night and snow!

Thursdays and Saturdays, beginning May 10
Happenings at Hyde Street Pier: Sail Aboard the Scow Schooner Alma
Boarding at 12:30 p.m.

A three-hour sail in San Francisco Bay aboard the restored 1891-built two-masted scow schooner Alma! Immerse yourself in San Francisco's riveting maritime history through onboard ranger talks. Get hands-on experience as her captain, mate, and volunteer crew invite you to learn to haul on lines to raise sail, or just relax and take in the dazzling views.

Location: Hyde Street Pier
For more information: 415-447-500
Website: www.nps.gov/safr

May 12 through October 26
Alcatraz Day Tour
Frequent departures between 9:00 am and 3:55 p.m.

Step back in time and experience the legendary island that has been a civil war fort, a military prison, and one of the most notorious federal penitentiaries in US history.

Location for tours: Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing
For more information: 415-981-ROCK (7625)
Website: www.alcatrazcruises.com

May 12 through October 26
Alcatraz Night Tour
6:10 and 6:40 p.m

Voted "Best Tour of the Bay Area," the Alcatraz Night Tour provides a more intimate, engaging Alcatraz experience with special programs only offered at night.

Location for tours: Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing
For more information: 415-981-ROCK (7625)
Website: www.alcatrazcruises.com

Wednesday through Sunday, May 21 through September 1
San Francisco Explorer Cruise
3:30 p.m.

Explore the city's unique natural history, architecture, and Native American past aboard Red and White Fleet's San Francisco Explorer Cruise. This unique 90-minute tour of San Francisco Bay offers an exclusive sailing route that lets guests sail under both spans of the breath-taking San Francisco Bay Bridge, along San Francisco's downtown skyline, into McCovey Cove by AT&T Ballpark, around Treasure Island, and next to Alcatraz Island. Full bar with drinks, snacks and merchandise; inside and outside seating, and restrooms.

Location: Red and White Fleet, Pier 43½
For more information: 415 673 2900
Website: www.redandwhite.com

May 21 through September 21 (daily)
Deluxe City Tour and Lunch Cruise
11:15 a.m.

Deluxe City Tour combined with Hornblower Lunch Cruise — a fabulous way to see San Francisco by land and by water, taste a gourmet lunch buffet and experience our beautiful city by the bay!

Location: Pier 43 ½ Embarcadero, Gray Line Tour Office
For more information: 415-434-8687 or 1-888-428-6937
Website: www.graylinesanfrancisco.com

Wednesday through Sunday, May 23 through September 1
San Francisco Explorer Cruise
3:30 pm.

Explore the city's unique natural history, architecture, and Native American past aboard Red and White Fleet's San Francisco Explorer Cruise. This unique 90-minute tour of San Francisco Bay offers an exclusive sailing route that lets guests sail under both spans of the breath-taking San Francisco Bay Bridge, along San Francisco's downtown skyline, into McCovey Cove by AT&T Ballpark, around Treasure Island, and next to Alcatraz Island. Full bar with drinks, snacks and merchandise; inside and outside seating, and restrooms.

Location: Red and White Fleet, Pier 43 1/2
More Information: Please call 415-673-2900
Website:www.redandwhitefleet.com

Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday through October 31
City by Night Tour
5:30 p.m.

The City by Night Tour starts with a three-course dinner at McCormick & Kuleto's, followed by a two-hour tour that includes the Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, Fisherman's Wharf, North Beach, Chinatown and Treasure Island.

Location for tours: Tower Tours, 865 Beach Street at Ghirardelli Square
For more information: 415-345-8687
Website: www.towertours.com

Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday through October 31
Yosemite Day Tour
8:00 a.m.

The Yosemite Day Tour requires a full day to soak in the grandeur and wonder of Mother Nature on a tour that includes Bridal Veil Falls, Eagle Point, El Capitan, Half Dome, Three Brothers, Tunnel View, Yosemite Falls and the Valley.

Location for tours: Tower Tours, 865 Beach Street at Ghirardelli Square
For more information: 415-345-8687
Website: www.towertours.com

Daily
The Wax Museum Celebrates 45 Years
10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

To celebrate 45 years at Fisherman's Wharf, the Wax Museum has created a special Day-at-the-Wharf Combo Package offering an all-inclusive full day of fun and food at one low price, including Wax Museum admission. Other attractions may include Aquarium of the Bay, Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum or a Blue & Gold Bay Cruise.

Location: 145 Jefferson Street, in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf
For more information: 415-202-0402
Website: www.waxmuseum.com

Second Saturdays, March-November
Costumed Living History

Location: Hyde Street Pier, San Francisco
Information: John Cunnane, 415-561-7170
Email: john_cunnane@nps.gov
Website: www.nps.gov/safr

Year-round, Saturdays
Ship/Boat Modelers’ Workshop
9:30 am-afternoon (ending times vary)

Hands-on craft making aboard ferryboat Eureka

Location: Hyde Street Pier, San Francisco
Information: Terry Dorman, 415-556-1613
Email: terry_dorman@nps.gov
Website: www.nps.gov/safr

First Saturday of every month
Chantey Sing
8:00 pm-12:00 am

Cultural/historical/musical event aboard the ship Balclutha

Location: Hyde Street Pier, San Francisco
Information: Peter Kasin, 415-447-5000
Email: peter_kasin@nps.gov
Website: www.nps.gov/safr

Every Saturday and Sunday (Winter), and
every Friday and Saturday (Spring, Summer, Fall)
Historic Waterfront Walking Tour: From Gold Rush To National Park
10:30 am-11:30 am

Location: Argonaut Hotel lobby, 495 Jefferson Street, San Francisco
Information: John Cunnane, 415-561-7170
Email: john_cunnane@nps.gov
Website: www.nps.gov/safr

EXPLORE A REAL U.S. SUBMARINE RIGHT IN THE BAY!

Come on down and experience an authentic World War II submarine, the USS Pampanito. With its near-perfect restoration, you’ll feel history unfold and see how the crew of 80 men lived for weeks on end in amazingly tight quarters. Many original artifacts are on display. Exclusive iPod audio tour features Pampanito crewmen telling their real-life war stories. The gift store is chock full of gifts, books, video/DVDs and memorabilia. A National Historic Landmark, the Pampanito is preserved and operated by the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association.

Cost: Discount for AAA members $6 (Regularly $9)
Location: Pier 45
More Information: www.maritime.org

EXPLORE ANGEL ISLAND ON A SEGWAY™ TOUR

Brand new way of exploring Angel Island on an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, electric Segway™. Professionally guided tours conducted in intimate groups of eight. Must be 16 years and over to participate. Guests may choose from:

• 2.5-hour eight-mile tour to circle the entire island, with incredible views of San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge, Sausalito and Tiburon "
• 45-minute "short tour" of just the Tiburon side of the island, with incredible views of Sausalito and Golden Gate Bridge. (Available afternoons only.)

LIVE MUSIC AT THE CANNERY AT DEL MONTE SQUARE

Come and enjoy daily live musical performances at the Del Monte Square Courtyard at THE CANNERY. Musical performances range from Afro-Roots music, jazz, folk, island-music, and more, for a complete listing of the daily performers visit the online entertainment calendar.

Cost: Free
Location: THE CANNERY at Del Monte Square, 2801 Leavenworth Street
Dates: Daily
More Information: Please visit THE CANNERY website at www.thecannery.com

LIVE MUSIC AT PIER 23 CAFE

Enjoy live music nightly at Pier 23 Cafe, San Francisco's waterfront hot spot. Performers range from classic jazz standards to more lively salsa, reggae and hip hop. For more information and a complete events schedule, please visit www.pier23cafe.com.

Cost: Cover charge applies to some performances. Please check the Pier 23 Cafe website for details.
Locations: Pier 23 on The Embarcadero
Dates: Nightly
More Information: For a complete events schedule, please visit www.pier23cafe.com

UNIQUE CRUISES ON THE BAY

Alcatraz Discovery Lunch Cruises
Enjoy beautiful Bay sights including the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge! As you feast on a gourmet lunch buffet you will view Alcatraz Island from the water as never seen before! A live narration will provide an interpretation of the history of Alcatraz from fortress, penitentiary, prison to National Park. You’ll discover the flora and fauna of the San Francisco Bay as you sail by Angel Island, the Ellis Island of the West, and alongside the San Francisco waterfront. Boarding at 11:00 am. Sailing from 11:30 am. to 1:30 pm. For more information or reservations, call 415.788.8866 x 7 or visit www.hornblower.com/discoverycruise/.

Dinner Dance Cruises on the Bay
Come aboard and enjoy the Hornblower experience! Spend an evening of your choice cruising around the San Francisco Bay while feasting on gourmet cuisine, enjoying the spectacular Bay views, dancing to live music, and taking in the fresh sea air on the outer decks. This is the perfect way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or any special evening for parties of 2 to 20 guests.

Cost: Varies by cruise and event. Please visit www.hornblowerholidays.com or call 415-788-8866 for reservations and pricing.
Location: Pier 3, on the Embarcadero

TRIVIA NIGHT AT KNUCKLES HISTORICAL SPORTS BAR

Test your knowledge…grab your friends and join us! Knuckles Historical Sports Bar at the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf hosts trivia night with Brainstormer’s Pub Quizzes. Prove to all your friends how smart you really are. Enroll in our MVP Mug Club and receive $2.00 off our 34oz. domestic drafts when you present your MVP Mug Club Card. So come on down and make us your favorite neighborhood bar…where everyone will know your name!

Location: Hyatt Fisherman's Wharf, 555 North Point Street.
For more information: call 415-486-4346.
Dates: Every Wednesday at 6:30 pm