Events are springing up appropriately for the season — from the Cherry Blossom Festival to lunchtime concerts, and even spring training. Inside, there’s jazz, dance, a film festival, and more.
Thursday, April 9
The legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band, which tours worldwide with a mission of nurturing and perpetuating the art of New Orleans jazz, will perform tonight and Friday with special guest funk and jazz saxophonist Karl Denson and on Saturday and Sunday with special guest multi-instrumentalist musician, singer, and songwriter Ivan Neville, (son of Aaron Neville). The band’s last performances were sold out, so don’t wait. Arrive early to enjoy New Orleans-inspired concessions. Through Sunday at the Presidio Theatre. Tickets from $61.
Friday, April 10
I was drawn to this Spring Garden Market hosted by the Gardens of the Golden Gate Park because it has a theme: a connection to the natural world. So you’ll find local makers, small businesses, and artists offering plant-related items (and plants), garden-inspired art, sustainable products, handmade goods and the like “all selected for their quality, creativity, and environmental responsibility.” 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sunday at the County Fair Building next to the Botanical Gardens. Free admission (but the Gardens of Golden Park would welcome your donation).
The 23rd Annual International Ocean Film Festival opens tonight and will screen 30 films from around the globe through its three-day run. Films will focus on all things ocean from marine environments to puffins, sea shells, and more. Special programming will feature climate resilience, coral reef restoration, oceans around the world, and other topics. Today four short films comprise Program 1, Sea Change and Sanctuary at 4 p.m. and three films comprise Program 2, Guardians of the Blue Planet at 7 p.m.; additional films through Sunday at Fort Mason Center. Tickets from $20.
Saturday, April 11
I love Japantown and its annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Enjoy cultural programs like a tea ceremony, ikebana demonstrations, Japanese folk dancing, doll making, martial artists, traditional music, and so much more. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Japantown Peace Plaza through Sunday and next weekend. Free admission.
Farm football fans will surely want to head to the Cardinal Spring Practice, the first here in the city in 14 years. Grab the family (I’ll bet there’s more than one divided household out there with a Cal fan) and enjoy food trucks, inflatables, games, kiddo fun, and autographs. 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Kezar Stadium; public transportation encouraged. Free admission.
Here’s my pick of the week: the world premiere of Grammy Award-winning bassist, vocalist, and composer Esperanza Spalding along with Alonzo King’s renowned choreography. In addition, returning by popular demand will be the Lines Ballet’s acclaimed Ode to Alice Coltrane, a tribute to the legendary composer whose legacy continues to inspire. 7:30 p.m. at Blue Shield of California Theater at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Tickets from $46.
Sunday, April 12
Thrifters and treasure hunters will want to head to one of the city’s favorite neighborhoods today for The Great North Beach Garage Sale and Block Party. Find appliances and kitchen goods, new and secondhand clothing, toys, (some free), and more. Plus, homemade tacos (carne asada, cauliflower, chicken), which is enough to get me there early. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Valparaiso Street between Jones and Taylor streets, and Taylor and Mason streets. Free admission; reserve a spot at the link above.
Tuesday, April 14
Stressed out? Not sleeping? Then this Interactive Breathing (also known as yoga breathing) workshop might help. You’ll learn the science behind these breathing techniques to calm your nervous system in any environment. 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Manny’s. Tickets: $18 and change.
Civic Center Soundtrack free lunchtime concerts return today. BYO lunch or grab some from the rotating lineup of food trucks and enjoy the music of three performers each day spanning genres; on the stage today is Dan Dectis, Manos Lindas, and Olive Pants. Noon to 3 p.m., Tuesday and Friday through October on Fulton Plaza in front of the San Francisco Public Library. Free admission.
Wednesday, April 15
O.K., so we have a tie with my pick of the week: ODC/Dance’s critically acclaimed site-specific performance of Path of Miracles 2026, a multisensory piece in collaboration with the vocal ensemble Volti. Originally performed at Grace Cathedral, the piece is described as having “intensely physical choreography” and “an immersive, personal journey told through music and dance. 8 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Arts Society through Friday. Tickets from $98.
Enjoy your out and about-ing and be safe and kind to each other.
