Jun Yuâs Barber Shop
Need a haircut? Why not let one of Chinatown's local celebrities cut it for you? Since 1963, this elderly Chinese barber has sheared the locks of some of Hollywood's best including Michael Douglas and Sinatra. The photos in the front window tell the story. When he has no customers to attend to, he breaks out a violin and Ross Alley fills with his tune.
Beach Blanket Babylon
This zany Steve Silver cabaret is the longest running musical revue in US theater history. The show is an internationally acclaimed San Francisco institution, and famous for its use of enormous hats, some of which are up to ten feet tall! It has even been seen by Queen Elizabeth.
The Purple Onion
Catch a show at this famous and influential cellar comedy club. It has hosted comedy greats such as a Mort Sahl, Phyllis Diller, Robin Williams, Lenny Bruce, and Woody Allen among others.
Events and festivals
Autumn Moon Festival
Commemorating the autumn equinox, a full moon, and Chang O an immortal Goddess that lives in the moon, this festival is an important event in the Chinese lunar calendar. It has parallels with America's Thanksgiving Day, as it encourages contemplation and giving thanks for the rich bounty of the summer harvest. The festivities include Chinese acrobats, lions, music, dance and Chinese opera among other things.
North Beach Festival
A North Beach tradition that celebrates its Italian heritage. It features live music and entertainment, poetry readings, classical concerts, dancing, ArtE di Gesso chalk art on the street, and varied arts and crafts exhibitions.
Art in the Alley
Taking place twice a year in Kerouac Alley a beautiful, if tiny, cobble stoned alley that was named after Jack Kerouac, this is an open-air art exhibition that showcases the work of local artists.
Chinese New Year Festivities
Celebrated for over 5,000 years, the San Francisco version of the Chinese New Year dates back to the Gold Rush Days. The parade is colorful, vibrant and loud, with decorative costumes, lions, deafening firecrackers, "lucky-money" envelopes, colorful banners, over 100 ornately themed floats, martial arts groups, stilt walkers, acrobats, and of course a 200 foot Golden Dragon that has a six foot-long head.
Columbus Day Parade
This parade, which celebrates Christopher Columbus and Italian heritage, attracts almost half a million spectators each year. The parade dates all the way back to 1869, making it the city's oldest civic event. Handmade floats run all the way from Fisherman's Wharf, and up Columbus Avenue as far as Vallejo Street, where the parade does a 180 finishing in Washington Square.
Walking tours
San Francisco City Guides
Take an informative and free tour of either North Beach or Chinatown from the people who know it best — the locals.
Walking is not only the most environmentally friendly way to see this area, it is also undoubtedly the best way, as it allows one to experience its rich ambiance and charms first hand. A knowledgeable guide can be a big help in this regard, and several companies offer different kinds of walking tours through both Chinatown and North Beach:
Barbary Coast Trail
Take a tour of San Francisco's historic Barbary Coast. A series of bronze medallions and arrows are embedded into the sidewalks and help you navigate through the Barbary Coast Trailâs historic sites. You can either download a map $8.95 or audio tour $25 or take one of their guided tours which are available by appointment only $22 per person with a $352 minimum.
Culinary Walking Tour of North Beach and Little Italy
North Beach is famous for its food and cafe culture, so why not take a four hour guided tour of its family bakeries, sidewalk cafés and traditional Italian pastry shops. The tour includes an authentic Italian meal as well as a narration of North Beach history.
GraceAnn Walden's SF North Beach Walking tours
Every Saturday, restaurant critic and radio personality GraceAnn Walden conducts a walking tour of North Beach. The tour includes a historical narration, and it takes you to see a 125 year old brick-oven bakery, a stylish restaurant, and an Italian bakery. Lunch accompanied by wine is included. Reservations are necessary. Private tours of North Beach are available on weekdays for 12 or more.
Local Tastes of the City Tours
They offer an affordable $59 three hour tour of North Beach, starting at either 10AM or 2PM. You get to sample coffees, handmade chocolates, pastries, breads and olive oils. A historical lecture accompanies the tour and they will take you to some of the old Beat Generation hangouts. They also offer a separate three hour tour of Chinatown starting either 10AM or 2PM. Here you will get to sample Chinese Teas and Dim Sum, as well as see how fortune cookies are made at the Fortune Cookie Factory. Finally, they do a combined two hour night tour of both Chinatown and North Beach which starts at 6PM and also costs $59.