The weather may not cooperate for all of the outdoor events in the next few days, so pack your hoodie, but there are also indoor options. Here are my picks.
Thursday, April 23
Smuin Contemporary Ballet’s Future Forward features four ballets: Katarzyna Skarpetowka’s Sextette set to music by Bach; Michael Smuin’s Hearts Suite with recorded music by Edith Piaf; Andi Schermoly’s Jane Doe set to music by Beth Anderson, Anna Meredith, Giachonni Rossini, Andreas Scholl, and Antonio Vivaldi; and the world premiere of Amy Seiwert’s Still Falling set to music by Johannes Brahms, performed by concert pianist John Wilson (select performances). Through Sunday at Cowell Theater in Fort Mason. Tickets from $25.
We Players, the site-specific theater group, is currently performing a redux of Psychopomp. The production brings to life mythic creatures that “support our journey through the unknown towards an unforeseeable future.” Six guides will charm, provoke, or comfort the audience as they move through successive stations, ranging from silly to solemn. 5, 5:30, and 6 p.m. at the Botanical Garden through Friday. Tickets from $30.
Friday, April 24
Celebrate Earth Day at Jefferson Square Park with gardening (tree planting, wildflower seed spreading, weeding, mulching) and trash pickup. This park has been vandalized in the past and would greatly appreciate your support. Bring your favorite dessert, if you like, to share with your friends and neighbors to celebrate your efforts. 10 a.m. to noon.; meet at the Eddy and Gough street entrance steps. Free, register here.
Today starts Bay Area Dance Week, 10 days of free dance events celebrating our diverse dance community, from hip-hop to folk, Bollywood, ballet, West African, and lots more. At the kickoff celebration, Rhythm and Motion will lead One Dance, designed for all participants to perform together. Grab your lunch and join in at Jessie Square, noon. Free
Bay Area-based Torani, originally founded in North Beach in 1925, is kicking off its nationwide pop-up Treat Truck tour to identify America’s favorite flavor at Embarcadero Plaza today. Guests can take an interactive quiz that will translate their taste preferences into a custom-crafted beverage, as well as sample the Flavor of the City and the Flavor of the Year. Noon to 7 p.m. through Saturday (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Free admission.
Saturday, April 25
Grab the pupster and head to the 19th Annual Dog Fest with all kinds of events from a costume contest and trick competition and more, including the (openly corrupt) best in show, where you can buy your way in for $50 to raise money for McKinley Elementary School. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Duboce Park. Free admission.
Sunday, April 26
Spend Sunday in the park at the opening concert of the Golden Gate Park Band’s summer concert series. The band has been presenting concerts since 1882 and collaborates with various ethnic, community, and arts groups to feature dance troupes, singers, and guest artist ensembles. 1 p.m. at the Spreckels Temple of Music/Bandshell. Free admission.
If you’re looking for some art, check out the Spring Shipyard Artists Open Studios at Hunters Point, where over 100 artists will open their studios to visitors for a firsthand look. Enjoy live music, great food, kiddo activities, and an art auction. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday at Hunters Point Shipyard and Islais Creek Studios. Free; reserve here.
Nothing quite says spring like Opening Day on the Bay and the decorated boat parade, which starts off the shore of Crissy Field and follows the city front to Fort Mason. Free viewing or ride the official committee boat for the best viewing, which includes a Continental breakfast and lunch. Tickets from $60.
Notable next week
Monday, April 27
The race for our new governor continues to draw commentary. Focused on accountability, housing growth, public safety, homelessness reduction, and fiscal responsibility, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan will tell you why he’d like to be the guy. 7:30 p.m. at Manny’s. Tickets: $5 and change.
Tuesday, April 28
Agnes and William Shakespeare confront the loss of their young son and, through great loss, experience “extraordinary wonder” in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s “elegant and beguiling” (London’s Evening Standard) stage adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s best-selling novel, Hamnet. 6:30 p.m. at ACT’s Toni Rembe Theatre. Tickets from $25.
Enjoy whatever you do in the next several days and be kind while you do it.
