Salsa Festivals and Cuddly Goats: What’s On in San Francisco Today

A Vibrant Thursday in the City

San Francisco is buzzing this Thursday, February 12, 2026, with a diverse array of community festivals, scientific discussions, and independent cinema. Whether you are looking to learn a new dance move, cuddle with local livestock, or dive into the world of autism research, the city has a curated selection of events to fill your afternoon and evening.

Community Festivals and Meetups

• Goat My Valentine Fest: Head over to The Crossing at East Cut between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM for a unique pre-Valentine's Day treat. This free community event invites residents to cuddle with baby goats, offering a perfect mid-week stress reliever and a great photo opportunity in the heart of SoMa.
• SF Salsa Rueda Festival: Today marks the opening of the SF Salsa Rueda Festival at the Hotel Whitcomb and various surrounding venues. This high-energy event focuses on the Cuban "Rueda de Casino" style. Expect intensive workshops and social dancing that will continue late into the evening.
• Wikipedia Mission District Meetup: For those interested in digital community building, local Wikimedia editors are hosting a meetup at 6:30 PM in the Mission District. The evening features "lightning talks" on verification tools and open-source contribution, followed by a social hour with pizza and cake.

Public Exhibitions and Lectures

• Night of Science at Manny’s: The UCSF Quantitative Biosciences Institute presents an engaging evening titled "Fact, Fiction, and the Future of Autism Research." This public lecture and discussion will run from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Mission District, bringing cutting-edge science to a community setting.
• Valentine’s Celebration at SFMOMA: The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is hosting a special evening celebration from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Visitors can enjoy the galleries alongside a "Photobook Speed Date" event with photographer Josh Aronson starting at 6:00 PM.

Theater and Independent Cinema

• SF IndieFest at the Roxie: It is the closing night of the SF IndieFest at the historic Roxie Theater. Featured screenings include the darkly funny "Honeyjoon" and a special showing of the cult classic "Harold and Maude."
• Dear San Francisco: The acrobatic odyssey "Dear San Francisco" continues its residency at Club Fugazi. Catch the 7:30 PM performance for a breathtaking display of circus arts and storytelling that serves as a love letter to the city's history.
• In the Mood for Love at Balboa Theater: The Balboa Theater is screening Wong Kar-wai’s masterpiece at 4:00 PM and 7:30 PM, offering a lush, romantic cinematic experience for those looking to start their Valentine’s celebrations early.