The 7 Best Ways to See Free Art in San Francisco

Eva Recinos
Updated

San Francisco is the type of city where you can bump into creative people daily. On an average commute, you can spot plenty of people toting art supplies or doodling in sketchbooks. If you can keep an eye out, you can find an artist’s spray paint 10 feet high on a wall. When it comes to more common art-viewing experiences, the city also offers pop-ups, galleries, and historical museums.

But seeing art doesn’t have to be an expensive activity. In fact, it can be one of the most rewarding free things to do when you want to do something different without breaking the bank. Corral your fellow art-loving friends and take advantage of these free ways to see great art.


  • Sketch Tuesdays

    Besides the final product, art is all about the process. At the monthly Sketch Tuesdays event, 111 Minna Gallery chooses 20 artists to participate in a night of live art making and debauchery. Grab a drink at the bar and watch as these artists transform blank surfaces into detailed, imaginative pieces. Each piece is hung on the wall with the artist’s name and a price attached. If you love a piece, it’s yours to take home. But there’s no charge for mingling with art lovers as you watch some of the city’s most creative minds at work.


  • Friday Nights at the de Young

    As one of the major museums in the city, the de Young is a must-visit for even the most casual of art visitors. Avoid the large school groups during Friday nights, which also happen to include free admission. Each night follows a different theme and includes activities like artist demonstrations, curator lectures, and live music. Before you leave, make sure to catch the Instagram-worthy panoramic view of the city at the Hamon Tower Observation Floor.


  • Gallery Hopping

    Do it the old fashioned way: Write down a list of galleries you want to visit and embark on an urban excursion. If you’re in the downtown area, you can visit Hashimoto Contemporary, Spoke Art, Hang Art Gallery, White Walls Gallery, and Ever Gold Gallery within the same few blocks. In the Mission District, stop by Fecal Face Gallery, Southern Exposure, and Galería de la Raza. Take the day to browse multiple galleries or keep an eye out for specific openings (which often include free booze).


  • Street-Art Hunt

    San Francisco is known as a destination for street and public art. You could spend a day and a half tracking down each and every mural within the city, let alone within one area. If you find yourself in the Mission District, stop by the ever-popular Clarion Alley to see plenty of colorful works. Lilac Alley is nearby and also offers great murals. Street Art SF is an awesome guide for planning your hunt and keeping tabs on new pieces.


  • YBCA First Tuesdays

    The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts normally doesn’t open on Tuesdays, but every first Tuesday they host a free day. The space changes its exhibitions frequently and features a variety of mediums with each exhibition. You can expect to see everything from politically minded art to experimental installations. Their current show, “Radical Presence: Black Performance in Contemporary Art” features the work of three generations of artists. Keep an eye out for a site-specific installation called Murmur Wall near the entrance of the museum.


  • SF Open Studios

    Every year, artists open the doors of their studios for curious art appreciators to peek inside. San Francisco Open Studios is a rare chance to see the work of a large group of local artists in a variety of mediums and styles. An exhibition on October 10 and 11 at SOMArts Cultural Center showcases the work of these artists before the official studio visits begin. During four weekends, you can visit artists that are spread throughout different areas of San Francisco. It’s an easy way to find your new favorite artist and peek into the workspaces of these creative minds.


  • Oakland Art Murmur

    There’s plenty of art to see in the city, but you can’t forget about the East Bay. In fact, many of the artists that exhibit work in the city have studios or apartments across the water. Get a good introduction to the Oakland art scene during Oakland Art Murmur, a free arts gathering that takes place every first Friday of the month. Galleries in the area are open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., rain or shine, for you to browse their current shows. The art walk also includes film screenings, performances, special panels, and more. Keep an eye out for the art outside of the galleries too—Oakland has some awesome street art.

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