Shawn Kelley, left, Lydia Scott-Adams and Rachel Levine share a toast during the annual Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Easter Celebration at Dolores Park in San Francisco on April 20, 2025.
Brontë Wittpenn/S.F. Chronicle
The Alexander String Quartet is scheduled to perform Haydn’s “The Seven Last Words of Christ” on April 3 at Grace Cathedral.
Martyn Selman
Soprano soloist Joélle Harvey will perform with the San Francisco Symphony from April 9-11.
Arielle-Doneson/San Francisco Symphony
Spring has arrived, bringing a super bloom of Easter and spring-related events for all ages.
From a solemn Good Friday chamber concert at Grace Cathedral to the annual return of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence’s irreverent Easter in the Park celebration — including its Hunky Jesus contest — check out the Chronicle’s guide to arts and activities celebrating the holiday in the Bay Area.
Alexander String Quartet: ‘The Seven Last Words of Christ’
The celebrated ensemble — featuring violinists Zakarias Grafilo and Yuna Lee, violist Paul Yarbrough and cellist Sandy Wilson — will step out of retirement for a Good Friday return performance of Haydn’s 1787 chamber work, interspersed with verse readings by Grace Cathedral dean Malcolm Clemens Young and guest speakers.
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6-7:30 p.m. Friday, April 3. Free; $15-$45 suggested donation. Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St., S.F. 415-749-6300. www.gracecathedral.org
21V Ensemble: ‘What Comes After’
Martín Benvenuto conducts the Bay Area-based all-gender treble choir in a multidisciplinary program with activist Rowena Chiu and Rev. Ajung Sojwal. Inspired by Haydn’s “The Seven Last Words of Christ,” the contemporary program explores stories of abuse and resilience, using the theme of Easter’s resurrection as a call for transformation. It includes a world premiere performance of Robin Estrada’s “Be Heard, Be Seen, Be Found,” Juan Stafforini’s “Anna Tawaqu” and Craig Hella Johnson’s reimagining of Dolly Parton’s “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.”
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7 p.m. Friday, April 3. Free, reservations required. All Saints Episcopal Church, 555 Waverly St., Palo Alto. www.21vchoir.org
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The 21V choral ensemble will perform “What Comes After” in Palo Alto on April 3.
pwcpublicity/Jeffry Harrison/21V
23rd Annual Hoppin’ Hounds Biscuit Hunt
Dogs and their owners can hunt through Byrne Preserve in search of healthy dog treats. There will also be a coffee bar with treats for humans. Proceeds benefit the Palo Alto animal shelter. Wagging tails are guaranteed at this on-leash event dedicated to supporting Palo Alto’s Pets in Need animal shelter.
9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 4. $10, registration required. Westwind Community Barn, 27210 Altamont Road, Los Altos Hills. 650-947-2518. www.losaltoshills.ca.gov
Claremont Spring Carnival
Hop into spring with a day of festive fun set to include a bounce house, face painting, balloon twisting, arts and crafts, an Easter egg hunt and bonnet parade, photos with the Easter bunny and a buffet picnic lunch.
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1-4 p.m. Saturday, April 4. $45-$65. Front Lawn, Claremont Resort, 41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley. 510-898-0037. www.claremontresortandclub.com
People gather during the Easter morning sunrise service at the cross of Mount Davidson in San Francisco, 2023.
Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle
Forest Bathing in the Botanical Garden
Prepare for a peaceful Easter Sunday with a gentle evening nature walk led by a certified forest therapy guide, encouraging participants to slow down and connect with the natural world by quieting the mind.
10 a.m. Saturday, April 4. $30-$50, registration required. San Francisco Botanical Garden, 1199 Ninth Ave., Golden Gate Park, S.F. 415-661-1316. www.gggp.org
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Bon Air Easter Bunny Burrow
The outdoor marketplace celebrates Easter with an event featuring treats and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny in its decorated Bunny Burrow. Pets are welcome.
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 4. Free. Bon Air, 50 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae. 415-461-0200. www.bonair.com
An attendee raises her hand in prayer during the Easter morning sunrise service at the cross of Mount Davidson in San Francisco, 2023.
Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle
103rd Annual Mount Davidson Easter Sunrise Service
A nondenominational outdoor Easter service with live music and local clergy. Situated at the summit of Mount Davidson, the historic 103-foot-tall cross will be illuminated by spotlights beginning Saturday evening. Witness the sun rising over the East Bay hills, with views of the downtown skyline and a springtime array of wildflowers at a traditional Easter morning event.
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6:30 a.m. Sunday, April 5. Free. Mount Davidson Park, 125 Dalewood Way, S.F. www.mtdavidson.org/easter-sunrise-service
Easter Mountain Lake Park 5K & Kids Run
An out-and-back route begins and ends at Mountain Lake Park and winds through the San Francisco Presidio for this holiday race event which includes a kids run for ages 12 and under.
8-11 a.m. Sunday, April 5. $5-$10. Mountain Lake Park, 12th Avenue and Lake Street, S.F. 415-978-0837. www.dserunners.com
Westley Walker, arriving on a buffalo, presents himself as Cowboy Carter Jesus in the Hunky Jesus competition during the annual Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Easter Celebration at Dolores Park in San Francisco, 2025.
Brontë Wittpenn/S.F. Chronicle
‘Love Thy Neighbor: ’ The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence’s Easter in Dolores Park
Trans activist and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant Honey Mahogany, drag performers Sister Roma and Peaches Christ are scheduled to host a variety show featuring drag and other live entertainment throughout the afternoon including San Francisco Drag Laureate Per Sia, Bay Area King Papi Churro, drag activists and entertainers Flamy Grant, Xochitl, Grace Towers, KaiKai Bee Michaels and vocalist Alotta Boutte.
An Easter bonnet contest at 1:45 p.m. and the popular Foxy Mary and Hunky Jesus competitions at 2:45 and 3 p.m. are open to all. Contestants in costume should show up early and be ready to line up backstage beforehand.
The Sisters’ annual Easter event will kick off with activities for young children from 10 a.m.-noon, followed by more adult-oriented, but family-friendly, afternoon festivities from noon-4 p.m.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, April 5. Free. Dolores Park, 19th and Dolores streets, S.F. www.thesisters.org
Jelly beans sit in a bin waiting to be packaged on the assembly line at the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield.
David Paul Morris/Getty Images
Nordic Family Easter Arts & Crafts
All ages can learn to make traditional Scandinavian Easter arts and crafts. Join the Nordic Easter Witch for an egg hunt and enjoy social time with Swedish cinnamon buns and other treats.
In honor of the upcoming Earth Week, a clothing swap is scheduled alongside the arts and crafts event. Bring gently used children’s clothes, toys, books and games and/or pay what you can to take home new-to-you treasures.
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday, April 5. $15. Scandinavian School and Cultural Center, 20 Woodside Ave., S.F. 415-665-3276. www.scandinavianschool.org/calendar
In his handmade Easter hat, Miguel Gutierrez looks toward the stage during the annual Easter in the Park Party hosted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence in San Francisco, 2023.
Brontë Wittpenn/The Chronicle
Cavallo Point Easter Brunch and Celebration
Celebrate Easter Sunday at the picturesque Cavallo Point with a brunch buffet that includes a complimentary glass of sparkling wine for adults and a special kids buffet. The Easter Bunny will be on site for photos and will hand out Easter baskets filled with goodies to attending youngsters.
10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. Sunday, April 5. $75-$185, reservations required; children under age 4 free. Calliope Ballroom, 601 Murray Circle, Fort Baker, Sausalito. 415-339-4700. www.cavallopoint.com/events
Tea Eggs at Ardenwood
Learn about how to make marbled looking and delicious tasting Asian tea eggs, using tea and soy sauce, at this family-friendly, hands-on cooking workshop.
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday, April 5. Included with museum admission. Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont. 510-544-2797. www.ebparks.org/events
Riders race down Vermont street at the Bring Your Own Big Wheel Race on Potrero Hill in San Francisco, 2024.
Lizzy Montana Myers/Special to The Chronicle
24th Annual Bring Your Own Big Wheel Ride
Snap on your helmet and protective pads, and drag your (plastic models preferred) Big Wheel (or similar) trike up a hill. The eccentric San Francisco Easter tradition is a daring descent of one of the city’s steepest and curviest roads with a pack of people riding Big Wheels. Younger riders get their own hour to race before the “big kids” hit the pavement.
1:30-5 p.m. Sunday, April 5. Free; registration required to ride. 800 Vermont St., S.F. www.bringyourownbigwheel.com
Crucial Reggae Sundays: Jah Yzer
End a day of celebration dancing to joyful reggae in the park with a seasonal return of the outdoor music series featuring live DJ sets from headliner Jah Yzer along with Irie Dole, Guidance and Dub Mission’s DJ Sep.
4:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 5. Free. Golden Gate Park Music Bandshell, 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, S.F. www.illuminate.org
San Francisco Symphony: Bach’s Easter Oratorio
Canadian maestro Bernard Labadie will conduct the orchestra its first-ever performances of Bach’s “Easter Oratorio” celebrating the resurrection of Christ and his “Magnificat,” which depicts Mary’s response to the news that she will bear the son of God. It’s set to feature soprano Joélle Harvey, countertenor Hugh Cutting, tenor Andrew Haji, baritone Joshua Hopkins and the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, under the direction of Jenny Wong.
7:30 p.m. April 9-11. $55–$175. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., S.F. 415-864-6000. www.sfsymphony.org