There’s lots of music inside and outside in the next several days as well as festivals and more. Read on for some options for how to spend your free time.
Thursday, July 9
The Merola Opera Program’s production of La Tragédie de Carmen is a condensed adaptation of Georges Bizet’s Carmen that more closely aligns to the original novella, Prosper Mérimée, on which Carmen is based. Focused on the tension between Carmen’s insistence on absolute freedom and Don José’s obsessive control, the opera is an intimate tragedy driven by desire, jealousy, and fate. 7 p.m. at San Francisco Conservatory of Music Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall. Tickets: $75.
Friday, July 10
West Side Story fans won’t want to miss the original 1961 film with live accompaniment from the San Francisco Symphony performing Leonard Bernstein’s score. 7:30 p.m. at the Symphony Hall. Tickets form from $135.
Saturday, July 11
Today is One City Day, and everyone is invited to participate in meaningful service projects, from picking up trash to beautifying your local park, or just showing up for your neighbors in need. Pick your event and sign up here.
Enjoy a block party with live music and line dancing, tacos and ice cream, lots of family fun, and more at the Dogpatch Music Series. 2 to 5 p.m. at the Minnesota Flyover (Mission and 20th streets). Free admission.
Sunday, July 12
Ferry Fest is happening today, at you guessed it, the Ferry Building. Enjoy all kinds of fun, including live music, family activities, wine tasting, art-making, and more. Free (festival), $23 (wine tasting); reserve here.
Notable next week
Tuesday, July 14
Vive la France! Celebrate Bastille Day at Bastille on Belden, (on the what I like to call a “mews” because it sounds more charming than “alley”) with its historic French ties and European-style quaintness. Enjoy accordion music, festive décor, specials from the restaurants, and more. 4:30–8:30 p.m. on Belden Place (between Pine and Bush streets). Free, reserve here.
Here’s another option: Celebrate Bastille Day with a concert by Le Jazz Hot Quartet with guest saxophonist and jazz educator, Patrick Wolff performing the French Roma jazz style created by the guitarist Jean “Django” Reinhardt of the world famous Hot Club de France in Paris circa 1920. Enjoy French wines and madeleines throughout the evening pour une bonne soirée. 7 to 9 p.m. at the Mechanics’ Institute. Tickets: $40, milibrary.org
Wednesday, July 15
All our news feeds were surely flooded with the recent Supreme Court decisions before its 2025 term ended. SCOTUS Year-in-Review: Debriefing the 2025-26 Supreme Court Decisions will provide a thorough summary of the most important cases from birthright citizenship to the Voting Rights Act and more, and what those decisions mean for the country. 6 to 7 p.m. at Manny’s. Tickets: $9 and change.
Enjoy whatever you do in the next several days, and remember to be kind and safe. .
