This weekend marks the kickoff of the fifth annual "Sunday Streets" season in San Francisco that shuts down miles of city streets to traffic and creates an open space for the public.

The first Sunday event opens up 3.3 miles of the northern swath of the Embarcadero from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Third Street from Terry Francois Blvd to King St will also be incorporated into the street fair.

Bicyclists, pedestrians, joggers and families are invited to the car-free event where many local musicians, merchants, organizations and businesses set up tables, booths, performances and other programming.

Activities will be held at several spots including Fisherman's Wharf, the Ferry Building, Pier 7, Pier 23, Pier 52, Pier 39, and Pier 30, which include plans for a rock climbing wall, live music, art demonstrations and a treasure hunt.

The Exploratorium science museum, which is in the process of relocating from its longtime Palace of Fine Arts location near the Marina Green to Pier 15 this April, will have hands-on exhibits available, organizers said.

Sunday Streets, which continues in various neighborhoods through October, is organized by several city agencies including the Recreation and Parks Department, Department of Public Works and the Municipal Transportation Agency.