Mike Henderson: Truth, Love & Curiosity opens tonight at the Haines Gallery, the 16th solo exhibition with the Bay Area painter, musician, and filmmaker. Following the opening reception (5–7:30 p.m.), there will be a live blues performance by Mike Henderson & Cabin Fever. (Tonight is also the Fort Mason Art Walk.) Henderson exhibition through Oct. 25. Free.
Claude, Cal Academy’s famous albino alligator, is turning 30. Celebrate his hatchday at NightLife (21+), featuring Claude-themed craft stations, music, giveaways, Piña Claude-as, and more, culminating with a swamp-side celebration with cake and a sing-along. 6 p.m. Tickets: $25
Friday, Sept. 12
Flower Piano is one of my all-time favorites when the Botanical Garden places pianos throughout its 55 acres and schedules performances throughout the day at each location. During the unscheduled times, the public is invited to play. The event has expanded over the years and now includes special music events in the Flower Piano Lounge, so be sure to check those out, too. Daily through Sept. 21, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free admission for S.F. residents (excluding the lounge performances); tickets for others here.
Muni’s Summer Vintage Streetcar Service is currently underway, so don’t miss free riding of one of the historic streetcars on the F-line, which travels from the Castro along Market Street to Fisherman’s Wharf. There are four cars in rotation: the popular 1934 Blackpool Boat Tram, Melbourne Tram, Milan Tram, Zurich/Brussels Tram, and Muni’s first streetcar, Car No. 1 from 1912. A live map of what cars are currently running is here. Adventurists can ride a car into service from the Cameron Beach Yard, which will travel the scenic J-Church line before connecting to the F-line. Friday–Saturday through Oct. 13. Free.
Saturday, Sept. 13
The de Young is hosting a daylong community event for you, featuring talks, performances, and artists’ demonstrations to celebrate the reimagined Arts of Indigenous America galleries and the special exhibition Rose B. Simpson: LEXICON. Read The Voice’s coverage here. Free.
Who doesn’t love Asian noodles? I spent my 20s eating the Japanese Top Ramen, as I’m sure many college students did and maybe still do. But get the real deal and a less soupy take at the Chinatown Noodle Festival, where you can taste noodley goodness from four booths and have fun with Labubu events, and more. Tickets: $23 and change.
If you missed the last few weekend performances of Shakespeare in the Park’s Two Gentlemen from Verona, you can catch it this weekend and next at Sue Bierman Park (Washington and Drum streets for those of us who didn’t know where that is), conveniently located to grab your picnic lunch across the street at the Ferry Building. Weekends through Sept. 21. 2 p.m. Free.
Sunday, Sept. 14
Here’s an all-ages opportunity to celebrate Claude’s (actual) 30th hatchday with a singalong, Claude cupcakes, and more. There are Claude events and Claude swag giveaways the entire month, so visit the link for more info. Free with admission.
We definitely need some yucks these days, and the 44th Annual Comedy Day has come to our rescue. Our favorite funny couple Debi Durst and (a Voice contributor) Will Durst bookend the fest with Debi opening and Will closing, with lots of other talented funny people in between, providing seven sets of laughs. Appropriately in Robin Williams Meadow in Golden Gate Park. Noon– 5 p.m. Free.
Notable next week
Tuesday, Sept. 16
Baroque & Brew: Free Coffee Concert, performed by members of the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra playing period instruments in the beautiful Conservatory at One Sansome sounds like the best way to have coffee to me. 10 a.m. Free (including coffee and pastries).
Wednesday, Sept. 17
San Francisco Amateur Astronomers has organized a presentation by Gary Lopez on the Art of Astrophotography. Astrophotography uses specialized equipment and technologies to capture details not visible to the naked eye. Lopez is one of the first artists to explore this practice as fine art. In addition to discussing his process, a collection of his works will be on display. 7 p.m. at the Randall Museum. Free.
Enjoy your week and be safe, whatever you decide to do.
