Festivals and Special Events 2010 in San Francisco
The following events are held on an annual basis and are updated throughout the year. All dates and locations are subject to change and should be confirmed with sponsors before making travel plans.
General city information and detailed event calendars are available at www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com
JANUARY 2010
JANUARY 15
20th Anniversary of the Sea Lions’ Arrival at Pier 39
Pier 39, 415-705-5500
www.pier39.com
Pier 39 commemorates the 20th Anniversary of the sea lions’ arrival for the Bay Area herring supply. Docents from the Marine Mammal Center will be on hand to illuminate the lives of these delightful creatures.
JANUARY 15-31
San Francisco Dine About Town™
Various restaurants, 415-391-2000
www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com
Bi-annual event featuring fine restaurants all over the city offering prix fixe lunches and dinners for special prices.
JANUARY 18
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Yerba Buena Gardens, 510-562-3372
www.norcalmlk.org
San Francisco honors the civil rights leader at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Yerba Buena Gardens.
JANUARY 20
San Francisco Ballet Gala Opening
War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Avenue, 415-865-2000
www.sfballet.org
The opening program of America’s oldest professional ballet company launches the 77th repertory season of full-length, classical and contemporary ballet performances.
JANUARY 22-31
Noir City 8: San Francisco Film Noir Festival
Castro Theatre
www.noircity.com
Dedicated to noir philosophy, attitude and style in films, books, art and music, the festival is the largest of its kind in the U.S. and promises “ultra rare films and very special guests.”
JANUARY 28-30
19th Annual Zinfandel Festival (ZAP)
Fort Mason Center, Herbst and Festival Pavilions, 530-274-4900
www.zinfandel.org
Zinfandel, often called America’s heritage wine, is the draw here. The theme for the 2010 festival is “Zin in Paradise.” More than 250 wineries participate in this food and wine tasting which draws some 10,000 wine lovers.
JANUARY 30
AMA Supercross
AT&T Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza, 415-972-2000 or 800-225-2277
www.attpark.com
AMA Supercross returns to AT&T Park; this all-day event is the only Northern California tour stop and is historically one of the biggest draws in the ballpark’s history.
JANUARY 30-31
Golden Gate Kennel Club Dog Show
Cow Palace, Geneva Avenue and Santos Street, 415-404-4111
www.cowpalace.com
More than 2,000 dogs and 135 breeds vie for “Best in Show” and compete in dog agility demonstrations daily.
FEBRUARY 2010
FEBRUARY 3-7
Ocean Film Festival
J’LaChic Theatre 39, Pier 39, 415-561-6251
www.oceanfilmfest.org
One of the largest and most diverse of its kind, the festival features documentaries, animations, narratives and other traditional screen fare on topics ranging from ocean adventures to island culture and more.
FEBRUARY 4-18
San Francisco Independent Film Festival
Roxie and Castro Theatres and various locations, 415-820-3907 or 415-421-TIXS
www.sfindie.com
The 12th annual film festival screens the best of independent films and videos from the Bay Area and beyond.
FEBRUARY 5-7
San Francisco Arts of Pacific Asia Show
Fort Mason Center, Festival Pavilion, 310-455-2886
www.caskeylees.com
All periods of exceptional Asian art and artifacts of the People of the Pacific and Mainland Asian Region.
FEBRUARY 5-14
San Francisco Beer Week
Bay Area
www.sfbeerweek.org
Local craft beer legacy and culture celebrated with as many as 150 events including beer dinners, cheese and beer pairing events; meet the brewer evenings, demonstrations, music and films from Monterey to Sacramento and beyond.
FEBRUARY 6
KNBR/Giants Winter Fanfest
AT&T Park, 415-995-6800
www.sfgiants.com or www.knbr.com
Fans can go “behind the scenes” and tour the Giants Clubhouse and Dugout as well as participate in an array of interactive games and displays on the Promenade and Club levels. Members of the 2009 Giants team will be on hand to sign autographs, pose for photos and participate in Q&A sessions.
FEBRUARY 6-28
Chinese New Year Parade and Celebration
Chinatown, 415-982-3071
www.chineseparade.com
The festivities ushering in the Year of the Tiger include a Chinese New Year Flower Fair (February 6-7) Miss Chinatown USA Pageant (February 20), and the Chinatown Community Street Fair (February 27-28). It’s all built around a fantastic parade from Market and Second Street to Columbus Avenue on Saturday, February 27. Chinese New Year Day is February 14.
FEBRUARY 7
Vietnamese Tet Festival
Tenderloin District, Larkin Street, 415-351-1038
www.vietccsf.org
The 13th annual Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival celebrates Vietnamese culture with a Tet Festival queen, food, music, colorful pageantry and plenty of firecrackers in Little Saigon.
FEBRUARY 7
Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon & 5K
Golden Gate Park, 415-759-2690
www.rhodyco.com
One of the most scenic half marathons ever features a course throughout Golden Gate Park and along the Pacific Ocean with both starts and finishes together in the park.
FEBRUARY 12-14
San Francisco Tribal, Folk & Textiles Arts Show
Fort Mason Center, Festival Pavilion, Marina Blvd. and Buchanan St., 310-455-2886
www.caskeylees.com
More than 100 folk and ethnic art dealers exhibiting pre-1940 tribal arts, pottery, textiles and jewelry from around the world.
FEBRUARY 13-14
San Francisco Zoo’s “Woo at the Zoo”
San Francisco Zoo, One Zoo Road, 415-753-7165
www.sfzoo.org
Contrary to common belief, the animals will not “mate on cue” during the Zoo’s adults-only affair (21 years and older), but one will learn the many facets to the birds and the bees of the animal kingdom.
FEBRUARY 18-MARCH 14
Bay One-Acts Festival (BOA)
Eureka Theatre, 415-776-7427
www.threewisemonkeys.org
This showcase for new playwrights usually features a dozen new and exciting works by Bay Area writers.
FEBRUARY 19-JUNE 20
SFJAZZ Spring Season 2010
Various venues, 866-920-5299
www.sfjazz.org
Presenting a variety of concerts between February and June, including some family matinee performances. Check the Web site for performance schedule and venues.
FEBRUARY 20-28
Tulipmania Festival
Pier 39, 415-705-5500
www.pier39.com
Thousands of brilliantly colored tulips from all over the world coupled with free, guided tours.
FEBRUARY 23-MARCH 1
Noise Pop
Various locations,
www.noisepop.com
San Francisco’s premier independent music, film and art festival is a full-scale cultural happening which also includes gallery art shows, a music-themed film festival, an indie-designer trunk sale and educational panels.
FEBRUARY 26-28
Pacific Orchid Exposition
Fort Mason Center, Festival Pavilion, 415-665-2468
www.orchidsanfrancisco.org/poe.htm
The 58th annual edition of the San Francisco Orchid Society’s show dazzles with 150,000 flowers including hundreds of award winners selected by the American Orchid Society.
MARCH 2009
MARCH 4-APRIL 3
14th Annual Youth Speaks Teen Poetry Slam
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and various locations throughout Bay Area, 415-255-9035
www.youthspeaks.org
Youth Speaks, one of the leaders in Spoken Word performances, works with 45,000 teens annually and is a presenter of local and national youth poetry slams, festivals, reading series and more. Preliminaries take place in March followed by the semi-finals and finals, climaxing with the Grand Slam Finals at the Warfield Theatre in April.
MARCH 6-7
The Great San Francisco Crystal Fair
Fort Mason Center, 415-383-7837
www.crystalfair.com
Over 40 exhibitors celebrating earth and spirit with a wide variety of gems and minerals (quartz, amethyst, tourmaline, etc.), jewelry, metaphysics, healing tools and the mystical arts.
MARCH 7
Academy of Friends Academy Awards Gala
Fort Mason Center, 415-995-9890
www.academyoffriends.org
A gala celebration benefiting Bay Area AIDS/HIV organizations
MARCH 11-21
San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival
Castro and Sundance Cinemas Kabuki Theatres, 415-863-0814, ext. 110
www.asianamericanmedia.org
The 28th annual event is the biggest event in North America dedicated to the exhibition of Asian American and Asian cinema; festival features more than 130 films and videos from around the globe.
MARCH 12-28
ODC/Dance Downtown
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 415-863-6606
www.odcdance.org
Described as “fierce, evocative and exhilarating,” the annual spring performance of ODC/Dance always garners praise from local critics.
MARCH 13
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Second and Market to Civic Center, 415-395-8417
www.sfstpatricksdayparade.com
One of San Francisco’s largest annual parades and one of the longest-running parades in the U.S. is celebrated with live music, dance, beverages and traditional Irish cuisine. The 158th annual parade starts at 11:30 a.m.
MARCH 13-14
Contemporary Crafts Market
Fort Mason Center, Festival Pavilion, 415-995-4925
www.craftsource.org
More than 250 of the nation’s top craft artists will come together to display and sell expertly handcrafted decorative, functional and fine art such as wearable art, ceramics, intricate jewelry, unique glassware and much more.
MARCH 20
San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
www.sfchocolatesalon.com
Those with a yen for chocolate can indulge in artisan, gourmet and premium chocolate; more than 50 chocolatiers, confectioners, wineries and other culinary artisans will be on hand. Chef and author talks, wine pairings and live chocolate body frosting are also part of the fare.
MARCH 21
Emerald Across The Bay 12K Race
Sausalito to San Francisco, 415-759-2690
www.rhodyco.com
The largest run ever to cross the Golden Gate Bridge ends with a world-class post-race party at Fisherman’s Wharf.
MARCH 25-28 and July 17-18
25th Annual Jewish Music Festival
Various locations throughout San Francisco and East Bay, 510-848-0237
www.jewishmusicfestival.org
Oldest major festival of Jewish world music in the U.S. unfolds at new Freight and Salvage coffee house in Berkeley (March) and Yerba Buena Gardens (July).
MARCH 27
Earth Hour
www.earthhour.org
Major cities around the world, including San Francisco, show that the simple act of turning off lights for one hour can have a lasting impact on climate change starts at 8:30 p.m.
MARCH 28-APRIL 11
Macy’s Flower Show
Macy’s, Union Square, 415-393-3333
www.macys.com
This annual floral tribute is a spring tradition; the two-week celebration includes guest speakers and special in-store events.
APRIL 2010
APRIL 4
Union Street Spring Celebration & Easter Parade
Union St. between Gough and Fillmore, 800-310-6563
www.sresproductions.com
More than 30,000 people turn out for “the biggest little parade in San Francisco,” which features children’s activities, alfresco dining, the Easter Bunny, a petting zoo and flowers from local garden clubs.
APRIL 7-11
Junior Grand National Stock Show
Cow Palace, 415-404-4111
www.cowpalace.com
Members of 4-H and FFA, ages 9-19, compete for cash awards for their show animals including including steers, hogs, sheep, goats and rabbits; a professional bull riding event is also part of the schedule.
APRIL 8-May 1
DIVAfest
Exit Theatre, 156 Eddy St., 415-931-1094
www.theexit.org
A theater festival with a “female persuasion” dedicated to the work of women writers and artists throughout the U.S.
APRIL 9
Opening Day – San Francisco Giants
AT&T Park, 415-972-2000 (info), tickets at www.tickets.com
www.sfgiants.com
The San Francisco Giants open their 2010 season,10th season at AT&T Park, with a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves. .
APRIL 10
International Lao New Year Festival
Civic Center Plaza
www.laonewyear.com
Showcasing Lao culture, pride and heritage from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
APRIL 10-11
San Francisco Green Festival
Concourse Exhibition Center, 800-497-1994
www.greenfestivals.org
A joint project of Global Exchange and Co-op America to bring individuals, businesses and investors together to work cooperatively on positive economic solutions for communities and the environment, this is one of the largest and most authentic sustainability events in the world.
APRIL 10-11, 17-18
Cherry Blossom Festival
Civic Center and Japantown, 415-563-2313
www.nccbf.org
This is the 43rd annual festival, one of California’s most prominent celebrations of Asian traditions. Two consecutive weekends of performances, crafts, food, martial arts and exhibitions. A colorful parade will be held on Sunday, April 18 starting from the Civic Center to Japantown, 1 p.m.
APRIL 19-24
Bouquets to Art
de Young Museum, Golden Gate Park, 415-750-3504
www.bouquetstoart.org
The 26th annual event celebrates the beauty of flowers combined with fine art. Extravagant floral arrangements from some of California’s top designers and lectures by several world-renowned floral designers.
APRIL 22-MAY 6
San Francisco International Film Festival (SFIFF)
Castro Theater, Sundance Cinemas Kabuki Theatres and other venues, 415-561-5000
www.sffs.org
The 53rd annual event is an extraordinary showcase of cinematic discovery and innovation. Since its inception in 1957, the SFIFF has hosted hundreds of prominent guests from Spike Lee to Bette Davis and presented almost 7,000 films from more than 120 countries to nearly two million filmgoers.
APRIL 23-MAY 2
Bay Area National Dance Week
415-920-9181
www.bayareandw.org
All dance! All free! All week! is the motto of Bay Area National Dance Week. More than 300 artists and organizations participate annually; events include classes, performances, lectures, open rehearsals, open houses, workshops, film screenings, and more!
APRIL 24
San Francisco International Beer Festival
Fort Mason Center, Festival Pavilion
www.sfbeerfest.com
Sample more than 300 incredible beers from some of the best craft brewers in the world as well as a variety of offerings from some of San Francisco’s best restaurants. Must be 21 or over to enter.
APRIL 25
Opening Day on the Bay
415-331-0702
www.picya.org
Kick off sailing season on San Francisco Bay with a festive boat parade and the blessing of the fleet. The theme this year is “building bridges.”
APRIL 25-OCTOBER 10 (EVERY SUNDAY)
Golden Gate Park Band
Music Concourse, Golden Gate Park, 510-530-0814
www.goldengateparkband.org
Since 1882, the Golden Gate Park Band has performed regularly in the park. Pack a picnic and enjoy this perennial pleasure.
APRIL 30-MAY 2
2010 San Francisco New Living Expo
Concourse Exhibition Center, Eighth and Brannan Streets, 415-382-8300
www.newlivingexpo.com
Choose a new career path, build better relationships, improve health and discover the latest in new mind/body therapies. More than 100 renowned speakers and 300 exhibits sharing natural health products, body therapies, healthy foods and more.
MAY 2010
MAY 1-2
Annual Norway Days
Fort Mason Center, Festival Pavilion, 415-297-2147
www.norwayday.org
Largest Norway-only festival in the U.S. showcases the best of Norwegian culture, food and music. Family-friendly festival with entertainment, cooking demonstrations, crafts, clothing, food, art and more.
MAY 1-31
San Francisco Decorator Showcase
415-447-3115
http://www.decoratorshowcase.org
With 33 years of excellence in design and the decorative arts and 20,000 visitors annually, this event is nationally recognized as one of the premier showcase houses in the country.
MAY 1-OCTOBER 31
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
Yerba Buena Gardens, 415-543-1718
www.ybgf.org
The Yerba Buena Gardens Festival encompasses more than 150 artistic, cultural and community events from May through October in Yerba Buena Gardens. Events include popular and operatic music series, cultural festivals, dance performances, international music concerts, visual art exhibits, theater and spoken word performances.
MAY 8-16
Young at Art 2010
de Young Museum, Golden Gate Park, 415-750-3600
www.famsf.org
The de Young Museum teams up with the San Francisco Unified School District to present a celebration of student creativity and arts education showcasing visual and performing arts by 3,500 students from 250 schools.
MAY 9
How Weird Street Faire
Howard and Second Streets
www.howweird.org
Billed as a “street fair for the 21st century,” the event includes nine stages of music over seven city blocks; food and vendors from around the world, and educational booths.
MAY 15
Asian Heritage Street Celebration
Larkin Street near Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin St., and Little Saigon area, 415-321-5894
www.asianfairsf.com
A celebration of all Asian cultures, the Asian Heritage Street Celebration promotes and fosters Asian Pacific American identity; live entertainment and more than 50 vendors makes this one of the largest pan-Asian events in the U.S.
MAY 16
ING Bay to Breakers
The Embarcadero to the Great Hwy., 415-359-2800
www.ingbaytobreakers.com
Since 1912 tens of thousands of people have gathered in San Francisco to see the world’s largest footrace unfold as more than 70,000 costume-clad runners and walkers push off at 8 am.
MAY 19-30
San Francisco International Arts Festival
Various venues, 415-399-9554 or 800-838-3006
www.sfiaf.org
Annual multi-disciplinary festival brings together the world community of artists and audiences to present and commission innovative, collaborative projects and performances.
MAY 22 (TENTATIVE)
KABOOM
Piers 30/32
www.kfog.com
The 17th annual fireworks celebration sponsored by KFOG Radio features a synchronized soundtrack, live music and children’s stage.
MAY 22
Uncorked – The San Francisco Wine Festival
Ghirardelli Square, 415-775-5500
www.ghirardellisq.com
Enjoy tastings from a variety of Bay Area wineries and experience the ambience of the waterfront and entertainment throughout Ghirardelli Square and along Beach Street.
MAY 29-30
Carnaval 2010
Mission District, 415-651-1811
www.carnavalsf.com
Celebrating its 32nd anniversary San Francisco’s version of Mardi Gras, one of its largest annual public events, features exotic carnaval dancers with a mixture of latino, jazz, samba, Caribbean influences. Festive parade on Sunday morning draws upon a broad cultural pageantry.
MAY 29-30
Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon
Marina Green, 424-653-1900
www.escapefromalcatraztriathlon.com
The 1.5 mile swim from Alcatraz, 18-mile bike ride and eight-mile run through the Golden Gate National Recreation Area with a finish at Marina Green draws some 2,000 triathletes/relay teams annually.
JUNE 2010
JUNE (TBA)
Cable Car Bell-Ringing Competition
Union Square Plaza, 311 or 415-701-2311(outside Bay Area)
www.sfmta.com
Operators of San Francisco’s world-famous cable cars make beautiful music in this annual competition. Noon-1pm.
JUNE 1-15
San Francisco Dine About Town™
Various restaurants, 415-391-2000, www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com
Bi-annual event featuring restaurants all over the city offering prix fixe lunches and dinners for special prices.
JUNE 1-30
National Queer Arts Festival
Various venues, 415-864-4124
www.queerculturalcenter.org
The Queer Cultural Center presents this month-long festival at numerous venues around San Francisco and also has an extensive online component. Readings, gallery tours, performances and film screenings are part of this multi-disciplinary festival.
JUNE 5-6
Union Street Eco-Urban Festival
Union Street between Gough and Steiner, 800-310-6563
www.unionstreetfestival.com
One of San Francisco’s largest, free art festivals offers an organic farmers market, arts and crafts created with recycled and sustainable materials and eco-friendly exhibits; 150 artists, 20 gourmet food booths, live entertainment on two stages as well.
JUNE 5-27 (WEEKENDS ONLY)
Ethnic Dance Festival
Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, 415-474-3914
www.worldartswest.org
One of the largest events of its kind in the country featuring real people, real dances and real music of Northern California communities.
JUNE 12
The Giant Race
AT&T Park
www.thegiantrace.com
The ballpark will host its first half marathon, 5K and kid’s “final mile” for their first Giant Race; the course will begin and end at AT&T Park leading runners throughout San Francisco’s historic streets.
JUNE 12-13
The Great San Francisco Crystal Fair
Fort Mason Center, 415-383-7837
www.crystalfair.com
More than 40 exhibitors celebrating earth and spirit with a wide variety of gems and minerals (quartz, amethyst, tourmaline, etc.), jewelry, metaphysics, healing tools and the mystical arts.
JUNE 13
Haight Ashbury Street Fair
Haight St. between Masonic and Stanyan Sts., 415-664-2970
www.haightashburystreetfair.org,
Music, arts, crafts and food are the mainstay of this event celebrating the cultural history and diversity of one of San Francisco’s most internationally celebrated neighborhoods – the Haight-Ashbury district.
JUNE 17-27
Frameline: San Francisco LGBT Film Festival
Castro Theatre, 415-703-8650
www.frameline.org
This is the world’s premier showcase for lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender cinema.
JUNE 19
Juneteenth Festival
Civic Center and Fillmore District,
www.sfjuneteenth.org
The African American community celebrates the 1865 announcement of emancipation in Texas. The largest celebration outside of Texas includes live entertainment, food, arts and crafts. Parade begins at Civic Center Plaza.
JUNE 19-20
North Beach Festival
Washington Square Park, 415-989-2220
www.sfnorthbeach.org
San Francisco’s oldest street fair delights with juried arts and crafts, live entertainment, pizza toss, kids fun zone with face painting, animal blessings and other surprises. Sponsored by the North Beach Chamber of Commerce. Validated parking is available.
JUNE 20-AUGUST 22 (EVERY SUNDAY)
Stern Grove Festival
Stern Grove, 19th Ave. and Sloat Blvd., 415-252-6252
www.sterngrove.org
The Stern Grove Festival celebrates its 73rd season of free Sunday concerts featuring renowned music and dance groups set in a beautiful outdoor amphitheater in the heart of San Francisco.
JUNE 26-27
San Francisco Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender Pride Celebration Parade
Embarcadero to Civic Center, Market St., 415-864-FREE
www.sfpride.org
San Francisco’s annual celebration of lesbian and gay pride culminates with a festive parade from the Embarcadero to the Civic Center on June 27.
JULY 2010
JULY 3-4
Fillmore Street Jazz Festival
Fillmore St. between Jackson and Eddy Sts.,
www.fillmorejazzfestival.com
Three stages of continuous jazz performances, more than 300 artists booths and international food courts with some of the best food and beverages that San Francisco has to offer.
JULY 4
Fourth of July Waterfront Festival
Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf, 415-705-5500
www.pier39.com
Dazzling fireworks, local bands, food, arts and crafts ignite this annual waterfront party. Fireworks begin around 9 pm. Dress warmly
JULY 9-11
The San Francisco Triathlon at Treasure Island
www.tricalifornia.com/index.cfm/SF2010-main.htm, 831-373-0678
Part of the Tri-California series the San Francisco Triathlon at Treasure Island is best known for its scenic looped course boasting views of the Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and San Francisco’s skyline. It features two days of triathlon racing along with a three-day fitness expo.
JULY 15-18
San Francisco Silent Film Festival
Castro Theatre, 415-777-7908,
www.silentfilm.org
The San Francisco Silent Film Festival presents silent films accompanied by live music. This festival promotes silent film as art and historical record.
JULY 22-AUGUST 9
San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
Castro Theater and other venues around the Bay Area, 415-621-0556 (info), 866-558-4253 (tickets)
www.sfjff.org
Films from American and international filmmakers showcase the diversity and vitality of Jewish culture. The festival is the first, oldest and most prestigious celebration of its kind in the world.
JULY 25
Up Your Alley Fair
Dore Alley between Folsom and Howard and adjoining block of Folsom between Ninth and 10th streets, 415-777-3247
www.folsomstreetfair.com
Similar to September’s Folsom Street Fair, which is the climax of Leather Pride Week, this event has a more local appeal for leatherfolk and draws some 12,000+ attendees.
JULY 25
San Francisco Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K Run/Walk
Ferry Building, The Embarcadero, 415-284-9653
www.runsfm.com
Enjoy the amazing city of San Francisco by taking part in one of the world’s great marathons. The USAT&F Certified course is a “best of San Francisco” tour and includes a loop over the Golden Gate Bridge. Choose from running the marathon, half marathon, progressive marathon or 5K run/walk races.
AUGUST 2010
AUGUST 1-October 17
AfroSolo Arts Festival
Various venues, 415-771-AFRO (2376)
www.afrosolo.org
Celebrating its 17th year, featuring celebrity and emerging African American artists in various performances such as theater, dance, music, spoken word and visual arts.
AUGUST 1
Jerry Day
Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, 40 John F. Shelley Dr., 415-272-2012
www.jerryday.org
The Excelsior District celebrates native son and Grateful Dead leader Jerry Garcia with an outdoor concert and family fun.
AUGUST 7-8
San Francisco Aloha Festival
Parade Grounds, Presidio, 415-281-0221
www.pica-org.org or www.sanfranciscoalohafestival.org
Two-day arts festival celebrating Pacific Islanders’ culture, Polynesian dance, islander food, music, ethnic arts and crafts, educational workshops and activities.
AUGUST 7-8
San Francisco Gem and Mineral Show
San Francisco County Fair Building, Ninth Ave.and Lincoln Way, 415-564-4230
www.sfgms.org
Rock hounds abound at this annual show featuring pre-historic fossils, lapidary, unique jewelry and educational demonstrations.
AUGUST 8
San Francisco Theater Festival
Yerba Buena Gardens/Center for the Arts/Zeum Theater, 415-543-1718
www.sftheaterfestival.org
An amazing one-day, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., annual celebration of live theater. More than 130 theater groups perform short pieces —drama, comedy and musical — on 17 stages. Plus 30 shows for children. Free admission.
AUGUST 13-15
SF Chefs. Food. Wine.
Union Square, www.sfchefsfoodwine.com
Chef, wine and spirits are celebrated in this interactive urban food and wine weekend featuring local talent and regional ingredients during four days of tastings, classes, dinners and events.
AUGUST 13-15
San Francisco’s Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival
Golden Gate Park
www.sfoutsidelands.com
More than 60 bands drew an estimated 100,000 concert goers for the first Outside Lands festival in 2009; the diverse line-up includes a mix of rock, Latin, hip-hop, reggae, rap and folk.
AUGUST 13-15
ACC Craft Show
Fort Mason Center, 800-836-3470
www.craftcouncil.org
This is the largest juried craft event in the West, featuring more than 250 of the nation’s premier craft artists. Works of art include hand-blown glass, clay and ceramic objects, wearable art, metal works, wooden furniture, quilts and baskets.
AUGUST 14-15
Nihonmachi Street Fair
Japantown and Japan Center, 415-771-9861
www.nihonmachistreetfair.org
This 37th annual Japanese festival features lion dancers, taiko drummers, Japanese arts and crafts, musical entertainment, food and children’s events.
AUGUST 22-23
Family Winemakers of California Wine Tasting
Fort Mason Center, Festival Pavilion, 916-498-7500
www.familywinemakers.org
Originally a “to the trade only” event, this annual tasting has evolved into a highly anticipated event where many new, hard-to-find wines debut. These are the largest tastings of California wines in the world and a showcase for the state’s small, family-owned wineries.
AUGUST 28-29
The San Francisco Triathlon at Alcatraz
San Francisco Bay, 831-373-0678
www.tricalifornia.com/index.cfm/Alcatraz2010-main.htm
1,800 swimmers, bikers and runners will christen the inaugural Tri-California Triathlon at Alcatraz, part of the Tri-California series. The 1.2-mile swim begins with a jump from a ferry into the bay near Alcatraz and ends at Marina Green; the 25-mile bike course travels through the city and ends with a 7.5-mile run.
SEPTEMBER 2010
SEPTEMBER (TBA)
Family Day Kite Festival
Marina Green, 415-383-0500
www.fdkf.org
Free, open-air, panoramic and eco-friendly event features all forms of kiting from kite-flying to kite-boarding to kite-boating.
SEPTEMBER (TBA)
Sausalito Floating Homes Tour
Sausalito, 415-332-1916
www.floatinghomes.org
Self-guided tours from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. include access to 20 of the most unique homes in the world; docents are onboard to describe Sausalito’s incredible waterfront style and to answer questions.
SEPTEMBER 1-30
Architecture and the City
Citywide, 415-362-7397
www.aiasf.org/archandcity.
Sponsored by AIA San Francisco, the largest architectural and design festival in the U.S. includes a series of architectural tours, film screenings, exhibitions, design lectures, home shows and more. In 2008, more than 20,000 people attended the festival.
SEPTEMBER 3-6
Sausalito Art Festival
Sausalito, 415-332-3555
www.sausalitoartfestival.org
Sausalito’s yearly art festival has been showcasing stars from the contemporary art world since 1952. Browse fine art and crafts along the beautiful bay shore.
SEPTEMBER 4-6, 11-12, 18-19 (WEEKENDS ONLY AND LABOR DAY MONDAY) (TENTATIVE)
San Francisco Shakespeare Festival
Main Post Parade Ground Lawn, Presidio, 415-558-0888
www.sfshakes.org
Considered by many to be his first play, Shakespeare explores the themes of friendship and infidelity in The Two Gentlemen of Verona, this summer’s fresh take in the fresh air of the Bard’s best.
SEPTEMBER 6
Metromint Giro di San Francisco
Levi Strauss Plaza
www.metromintcycling.com
Featuring more than 800 amateur and pro racers on a course covering northeast San Francisco, Il Giro (Italian for tour) begins at Levi Strauss Plaza and includes a day-long expo and a series of races for all levels and concludes with a pro race at 3pm.
SEPTEMBER 7
San Francisco Symphony’s Opening Gala
Davies Symphony Hall, 415-552-8000
www.sfsymphony.org
The San Francisco Symphony initiates its 2010-11 season with a gala opening evening.
SEPTEMBER 8-19
San Francisco Fringe Festival
Exit Theatre and other downtown venues,
415-931-1094 (info), 800-965-4827 or 415-673-3847(tickets)
www.sffringe.org
The 19th annual festival is a marathon of 40-plus shows with low price tickets and a wide variety of alternative, classical, comedy, cabaret and new theater open to all performers on a non-curated basis.
SEPTEMBER 10
San Francisco Opera Opening Gala
War Memorial Opera House, 415-864-3330
www.sfopera.com
The 2010-11 season begins with the annual opening night gala, Opera Ball 2010.
SEPTEMBER 11-12
Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival
Ghirardelli Square, 415-775-5500
www.ghirardellisq.com
Discover unique chocolate desserts and delicacies from Ghirardelli and beyond at this annual chocolate celebration.
SEPTEMBER 11-DECEMBER 12
San Francisco Jazz Festival
Various locations, 866-920-5299
www.sfjazz.org
One of San Francisco’s biggest and best musical festivals features local, national and international jazz artist performances at locations throughout San Francisco.
SEPTEMBER 12
San Francisco Opera Concert in the Park
Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park, 415-864-3330
www.sfopera.com
Enjoy this outdoor venue and free admission to an afternoon opera concert featuring arias and ensembles by the stars of the San Francisco Opera and the Opera Orchestra.
SEPTEMBER 18
Taste of the Fillmore
Fillmore St. between Pine and California Sts.
www.sresproductions.com
This one-of-a-kind event in the historic Fillmore district includes food sampling, wine tasting, jazz, chef demos from nearby restaurants and a fashion show featuring local boutiques.
SEPTEMBER 18-19
Autumn Moon Festival
Grant Ave. between California and Pacific Sts., 415-982-6306
www.moonfestival.org
This event features multicultural entertainment, traditional lion and dragon dances, arts and crafts, lantern village, moon cakes and children’s activities.
SEPTEMBER 19
Comedy Day
Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park, 415-820-1570
www.comedyday.com
Laugh out loud … it’s the 30th anniversary no less of this free comedy “concert” featuring 30 of the U.S.’s and Bay Area’s best comedians.
SEPTEMBER 23-26
46th Annual Big Book Sale
Fort Mason Center, Festival Pavilion, 415-626-7500
www.friendssfpl.org
Sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library, this is the largest book sale on the West Coast. A logistical feat that involves more than 300,000 books in 50-plus categories, 350 volunteers, 8,000 boxes and 300 tables, the sale is free and open to the public.
SEPTEMBER 23-26
Oktoberfest By The Bay
Pier 48 near AT&T Park, 888-746-7522
www.oktoberfestbythebay.com
Bringing Munich’s autumn beer festival to the Bay, Oktoberfest features non-stop singing, dancing, music, German food and beverages.
SEPTEMBER 24
Opera at the Ballpark
AT&T Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza
www.sfopera.com
Opera under the stars in this free simulcast of Verdi’s Aida from the War Memorial Opera House to AT&T Park’s high-definition scoreboard is a unique opportunity for fans to enjoy the sights and sounds of the San Francisco Opera in one of the nation’s foremost ballparks.
SEPTEMBER 25-26
San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival
Treasure Island, www.sfdragonboat.com
Nearly 100 dragon boat teams and 2,500 paddlers from across North America will race the 500-meter course; festival also features entertainment and children’s activities.
SEPTEMBER 26
Folsom Street Fair
Folsom St. between Seventh and 12th Sts., 415-777-3247
www.folsomstreetfair.com
The “daddy of all leather celebrations,” the Folsom Street Fair is the largest leather, alternative and fetish street fair in the world drawing some 400,000 attendees annually, dressed in leather, rubber, uniforms, drag or very little at all.
SEPTEMBER OR OCTOBER (TBA)
Portola Festival
San Bruno Avenue between Bacon and Silliman Sts., 415-574-9170
www.portolafestival.org
Portola Festival on San Bruno Avenue was created to spotlight the diversity, character and distinctiveness of one of the city’s most interesting and fastest growing neighborhoods.
OCTOBER 2010
OCTOBER 1-31
Free Night of Theater Celebration
Various venues; 415-430-1140
www.tixbayarea.com
Free tickets to theatre performances in San Francisco and the entire Bay Area, for shows between October 1-31; ticket give-away launches September 29 at the TIX Booth in Union Square, and online at www.tixbayarea.org
OCTOBER 1-3
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Speedway Meadows, Golden Gate Park
www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.com
This free celebration of music in the park includes a who’s who of top entertainment.
OCTOBER 2
LovEvolution
Market Street and Civic Center, www.sflovefest.org, 415-820-1423
Annual dance music parade and festival features a participatory parade with upwards of two dozen floats culminating in a giant outdoor dance club at Civic Center Plaza.
OCTOBER 2-31 (WEEKENDS ONLY)
ArtSpan/San Francisco Open Studios
Various locations, 415-861-9838
www.sfopenstudios.com
San Francisco’s most exciting artists open their doors to the public and reveal their latest projects, how they work and what’s for sale.
October 3
Glide Bridge to Bridge Run
Golden Gate Bridge to Bay Bridge, 415-995-6868
www.bridgetobridge.com
Participants run from the Bay Bridge to the Golden Gate in this seaside 12K and 7K race.
October 3
Blessing of the Fishing Fleet
Fisherman’s Wharf
www.visitfishermanswharf.com
Traditionally the first Sunday in October, this event goes back several centuries.
October 3
Castro Street Fair
Castro St., 415-841-1824
www.castrostreetfair.org
Arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, dancing and music are all part of the fun at this gay-friendly street festival.
OCTOBER 7-12
Fleet Week San Francisco
Aquatic Park and Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, 650-599-5057
www.fleetweek.us
Fleet Week is the Bay Area’s opportunity to honor the nation’s men and women of the Navy and marine services. Navy ship tours and air show. Reserved seating and corporate packages available.
OCTOBER 8-16
Litquake 202010
Citywide, www.litquake.org
A San Francisco literary festival showcases hundreds of the Bay Area’s finest writers for a week of readings, discussions, films, cross-media happenings and more.
OCTOBER 10
San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade and Festival
Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach, 415-703-9888
www.sfcolumbusday.org
The City celebrates its Italian heritage with a lively parade through North Beach with food, music, entertainment and celebrities, beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct.10.
OCTOBER 14-17
Sundance Stompede
415-820-1403
www.stompede.com
San Francisco’s annual Country Western weekend for the LGBT community and friends. Join hundreds of cowboys and cowgirls as they dance their feet off with three days of workshops and three nights of open dancing.
OCTOBER 15-28
San Francisco Documentary Film Festival (DocFest)
Roxie Cinemas, 3117 16th St., 415-820-3907
www.sfindie.com
These documentaries, while exploring fun and lighthearted subject matter, often uncover serious truths. Promoted by the SF IndieFest.
OCTOBER 16
Sixth Annual Peak2Peak Walk
www.walksf.org, 415-431-WALK (9255)
Get a unique view of San Francisco’s skyline, stairways, paths, parks and monuments on ths 12-mile walk that meanders up and down along the spine of the city from Mt. Davidson to Coit Tower with 15 different peaks along the way.
OCTOBER 16
Potrero Hill Festival
Potrero Hill, 21st Street between Missouri and Arkansas streets, www.potrerohill.biz
The Potrero Hill Festival returns with a full day of fun, food, music and community activities. There will be special activities for the kids, including a puppet show and a petting zoo.
OCTOBER 16-17
Treasure Island Music Festival
www.treasureislandfestival.com
Internationally renowned artists gather for a spectacular two-day, outdoor concert festival featuring local designers, artists, food and beverage.
OCTOBER 17
Fiesta on the Hill
Cortland Avenue between Bocana and Folsom St., Bernal Heights, 800-310-6563
www.sresproductions.com
For more than two decades this neighborhood street fair has drawn more than 15,000 people to this family-friendly event featuring pony rides, a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, local artists and live music.
OCTOBER 21-28
Berlin and Beyond Film Festival
Castro Theater, 415-263-8760
www.goethe.de/sanfrancisco
This unique German language film festival provides highlights of recent European cinema.l artists, live music, food and
OCTOBER 23 (TENTATIVE)
Exotic Erotic Ball and Expo
415-567-BALL (2255)
www.exoticeroticball.com
A celebration of “flesh, fetish and fantasy” the ball has been titillating San Francisco audiences for 31 years and is considered one of the No. 1 adult-themed party events in the world.
OCTOBER 24
Pumpkin Pandemonium
Pier 39, 415-705-5500
www.pier39.com
Kids in costume can trick or treat throughout Pier 39’s shops, restaurants and attractions. Enjoy pumpkin carving demonstrations, face painting and a pumpkin patch.
OCTOBER 28-31
San Francisco Fall Antiques Show
Fort Mason Center, 415-989-9019
www.sffas.org
The oldest continuously operating international antiques show on the West Coast. Currently celebrating its 28th year, the show includes 70 distinguished antiques dealers from America and Europe selling a broad range of antique merchandise.
OCTOBER 29-31
International Vintage Poster Fair
Landmark Building A, Fort Mason Center, 650-548-6700
www.posterfair.com
The oldest and largest vintage poster fair in the world features American and European posters from the 1890s to the 1980s.
NOVEMBER 2010
NOVEMBER (TBA)
San Francisco World Music Festival
Various venues, 415-561-6571
www.sfworldmusicfestival.org
Music festival showcases the musical diversity from the Bay Area and around the globe by presenting high quality world music performances by master artists both locally and overseas, and from traditional to contemporary explorations.
NOVEMBER 1-7
The Charles Schwab Cup
Harding Park Golf Course, 415-566-7287
www.charlesschwabcupchampionship.com
The road to The Charles Schwab Cup culminates at beautiful Harding Park Golf Course at beautiful Harding Park Golf Course, as the best 30 Champions Tour professionals battle for $3.5 million prize money.
NOVEMBER 5-7
San Francisco Green Festival
Concourse Exhibition Center, 800-497-1994
www.greenfestivals.org
A joint project of Global Exchange and Co-op America to bring individuals, businesses and investors together to work cooperatively on positive economic solutions for communities and the environment, this is one of the largest and most authentic sustainability events in the world.
NOVEMBER 5-13
American Indian Film Festival
Palace of Fine Arts and Landmark Embarcadero, 415-554-0525
www.aifisf.com
The world’s oldest festival dedicated to films by and about Native Americans showcases new and exciting work.
NOVEMBER 13-14
Fabulous Food Festival
Concourse Exhibition Center, Eighth and Brannan Streets, 415-388-7208
www.pacificexpositions.com
Consumer specialty food show offers everything from cheeses to chocolates for sampling and sale from more than 150 exhibitors and sponsors. Musical entertainment, demos and lectures as well.
NOVEMBER 19
Embarcadero Center Building Lighting Ceremony
Justin Herman Plaza, Embarcadero Center, 800-733-6318
www.embarcaderocenter.com
Bring the family to stroll through a holiday fair, enjoy live entertainment and witness the lighting of the Embarcadero Center’s dramatic office towers which illuminate the San Francisco skyline with 17,000 lights throughout the season.
NOVEMBER 19-21
San Francisco Hip-Hop Dance Festival
www.sfhiphopdancefest.com
Micaya, local teacher, choreographer and producer presents hip hop dance companies from around the world at this award-winning, multi-cultural dance festival.
NOVEMBER 20-28
San Francisco International Automobile Show
Moscone Center, 415-331-4406
www.sfautoshow.com
Featuring the world’s major manufacturers displaying their 2011 model cars, SUV’s, trucks and vans…almost 800 vehicles in all.
NOVEMBER 21
Holiday Harmony and Pier 39 Tree Lighting Ceremony
Pier 39, 415-705-5500
www.pier39.com
A multi-cultural celebration, Holiday Harmony features Bay Area groups performing seasonal favorites from around the world. Pier 39′s majestic tree, adorned with 400 glistening ornaments and 2,000 twinkling lights will be lit at 5:30 p.m. in the Entrance Plaza; festivities begin at 1 p.m.
NOVEMBER 25
Turkey Trail Trot
Golden Gate Park
www.turkeytrailtrot.com
This invigorating fun run or walk has become a popular Thanksgiving Day tradition.
NOVEMBER 26
Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting Ceremony
Ghirardelli Square, 415-775-5500
www.ghirardellisq.com
Ghirardelli’s magical square comes alive with colorful performers, music, Mr. and Mrs. Claus and a 50-foot Christmas tree lighting up the night.
NOVEMBER 26-DECEMBER 19 (WEEKENDS ONLY)
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Cow Palace, 415-897-4555
www.dickensfair.com
The Dickens Christmas Fair revives the tradition of an old English Victorian Christmas with theaters, a music hall, dance parties, taverns, shops, stalls, food, street vendors and period costumes.
NOVEMBER 27-28
The Great San Francisco Crystal Fair
Fort Mason Center, 415-383-7837
www.crystalfair.com
More than 40 exhibitors celebrating earth and spirit with a wide variety of gems and minerals (quartz, amethyst, tourmaline, etc.), jewelry, metaphysics, healing tools and the mystical arts.
NOVEMBER 27-28, DECEMBER 4-5
Celebration of Craftswomen
Fort Mason Center, Herbst Pavilion, 415-431-1180
www.celebrationofcraftswomen.org
Visit the 32nd annual celebration of the nation’s largest women’s craft fair featuring fine quality crafts from 300 artists, working in glass, fiber, ceramics, jewelry, leather, paper, sculpture, wood and other fine arts.
NOVEMBER 28
Run Wild for a Child 5K and 10K
Golden Gate Park, 415-759-2690
www.rhodyco.com
This 10K run and 5K run/walk, where participants often dress in costumes, benefits San Francisco Firefighters Toy program.
DECEMBER 2010
DECEMBER (TBA)
Emerald Bowl
AT&T Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza, 415-947-BOWL (2695)
www.emeraldbowl.org
Enjoy the color and excitement of high impact college football as two of the country’s top teams clash at the Emerald Bowl.
DECEMBER (TBA)
San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker
War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., 415-865-2000 (tickets)
www.sfballet.org
“Nutcracker” performed by America’s oldest ballet company presents Tchaikovsky’s beloved family classic every year.
DECEMBER 4-5
Union Street Fantasy of Lights
Union Street between Van Ness and Steiner, 800-310-6563
www.sresproductions.com or www.unionstreetsf.com
Costumed characters, Santa, merchant open houses and activities for children launch the holiday season along this famous street in San Francisco, 3 to 9 p.m.
DECEMBER 11
Parol Lantern Festival & Parade
Jessie Square/St. Patrick’s Church, 415-348-8042
www.bayanihancc.org
Grand pageantry of more than 1,000 glowing lanterns; annual Parol celebration has become a must-see holiday event. Bay Area Filipino community gathers for the seventh annual celebration of holiday spirit, hope, unity and pride.
March 27, 2010
Posted in: United States West