Holidaymakers travelling to San Francisco this summer might want to check out the annual North Beach Festival.

Taking place on June 14th and 15th, this outdoor arts and crafts festival focuses on all things Italian and is one of the USA's most popular street events.

Tens of thousands of people flock to San Francisco for the North Beach Festival every year, which features live music covering a diverse range of genres, including jazz, opera and blues.

Markets selling handmade items and a plethora of delicious Italian food are also available for browsing. Among the quirkier events at the festival are the animal blessings, where pet owners can bring their furry friends to be blessed at the National Shrine of St Francis of Assisi.

With the celebrity pizza toss showing spectators just how to fling the perfect base and a special exhibition of street chalk art also on hand to provide entertainment, this festival offers the perfect diversion for travellers looking to relax amid the city's hustle and bustle.

Other points of interest in San Francisco include tours of the surrounding wine country and the massive Aquarium of the Bay.

Take a look at the North Beach Festival website for more information.

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