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One event that defies description. It is group performance art on a behemoth scale.

Having nothing at all to do with Lent or any other traditional date, San Francisco’s Carnaval is staged at the time of year when the weather will most likely be at its best for the glittery event. Groups work all year long, with the help of municipal grants, to create their dazzling costumes and put together their infectiously rhythmic routines, all to a samba, rumba, or salsa beat.

A build-up to Hallowe’en, it focuses attention on everyday gay life.

Japantown comes spectacularly to life when the cherry trees blossom. Traditional arts and crafts, taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations, and dancing, as well as delicious Japanese food make this one of the city’s favorite celebrations. There’s also a colorful and impressive parade.

This is the biggest Chinese New Year celebration outside Asia. It incorporates traditional displays, and, of course, the parade of dragons and performers that winds its gaudy way through Chinatown.

Commemorating the defeat of the French army at Puebla, Mexico, in 1862, by General Ignacio Zaragoza, this is one of the Latino community’s biggest annual festivals, featuring parades, fireworks, music, and dancing. In addition to the Civic Center, much of the fun happens in the Mission District.

Just as outrageous as the title suggests, this indoor masquerade ball is reputedly the world’s largest.

Playing up the jazz heritage of this neighborhood, with crafts and live music.

One of the biggest events for the gay community is SoMa’s leather-and-body-hair carousal.

A chocaholic’s dream, with the chance to sample various nibbles.