Pacific Orchids, Noise Pop Festival, and Broadway Hits in San Francisco Today

Morning Market and Floral Splendor

Start your Thursday in San Francisco with a visit to the historic Ferry Building. The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is open today from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This year-round Thursday market is a favorite for locals looking for artisan cheeses, fresh bread, and seasonal produce directly from California’s best sustainable farms. It is the perfect spot to grab a light lunch while enjoying views of the Bay Bridge.

For those seeking a more tranquil experience, the Pacific Orchid & Garden Expo opens today at the County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park. Running through the weekend, this prestigious event features thousands of rare and exotic orchids from international growers. Visitors can wander through elaborate floral displays and attend sessions on orchid care, making it a premier destination for garden enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Afternoon Art and Museum Highlights

San Francisco’s museum scene is buzzing with significant exhibitions today. At SFMOMA, the highly anticipated KAWS: FAMILY exhibit is on display, featuring the artist's iconic pop-culture-inspired sculptures and paintings. While you are there, do not miss the first-ever retrospective of Suzanne Jackson, titled "What Is Love," which showcases over 80 works spanning her legendary career.

Over in Golden Gate Park, the de Young Museum is hosting "Boom and Bust: Photographing Northern California." This exhibition offers a compelling visual history of the region, from the aftermath of the 1906 earthquake to the construction of the city's famous bridges. It is an essential stop for history buffs and fans of documentary photography.

Evening Music and Theater

As the sun sets, the city comes alive with the Noise Pop Festival 2026. Music fans have several high-profile options tonight, including Pinback and Bayonne performing at Bimbo’s 365 Club, and Christian Löffler bringing his unique electronic sound to The Regency Ballroom. For a more intimate vibe, check out the Noise Pop x Bender’s Happy Hour Series for local talent and community vibes.

Theater lovers have a wealth of choices this evening. At the Orpheum Theatre, the Broadway hit "The Notebook - The Musical" continues its limited run with a performance at 7:30 PM. Meanwhile, the San Francisco Playhouse presents "M. Butterfly," a powerful exploration of culture and identity. For those looking for something interactive, the Exploratorium hosts its weekly "After Dark" event for adults from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, featuring science-themed cocktails and late-night access to hundreds of hands-on exhibits.