This weekend there’s no shortage of outdoor gatherings from music fests to street cars, to benefits for young people, and more.
Friday, Aug. 16
It’s always inspiring to see young people with talent, and Infinite Together: A Gathering of Stars at ACT’s Strand Theater features performers from the Larkin Street Youth Services Art Program, acting, dancing, singing, and more. Tickets from free to sponsorship.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Being so excited about his festival, I listed it last week, but the San Francisco Vintage Market, is every third Saturday, so hope it’s on your calendar today. Find all things flea and vintage from to ’60s kitsch to the wildly popular Midcentury Modern from 30 or so vendors. 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Fulton Street Plaza. Free admission.
Are there really more dogs in the city than kids? Both are welcome at Bark at the Park in the Presidio, featuring a variety of activities, including a dog show that guests can enter (best-dressed dog, best trick, and best dog poem). There will also be pet vendors, food trucks, music, and dancing, and more, oh my, and best of all: proceeds benefit The Guardsmen, those hunky guys who sell Christmas trees and organize other great events, all to support at-risk youth. Win-win! Main Parade Lawn, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Tickets from $44.
Head to the wharf for the Sea Music Festival, featuring music and dance on five stages celebrating sea music traditions from around the world, and with special guest Maria Muldaur. Pocket Park/lower Van Ness Avenue to Jefferson and Hyde streets, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Free admission.
It’s an evening of art, performances, and a marketplace in Chinatown at The Hungry Ghost Festival. Ghost festivals are when the hangriest ghosts come to seek solace on the living realm, and these traditional festivals aim to distract and calm those restless spirits. So do your part and have fun. Fittingly, a Ghost King parade kicks off the festival. 4–9 p.m. Free admission.
Sunday, Aug. 18
This open air boat tram along the Embarcadero (part of the F-Market and Wharves Line) is my vote for being a tourist in your hometown. Jump off for eats at any stop from Pier 39 to the Ferry Building, then back on, enjoying the views, loving the chill, and feeling grateful you live here. 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sunday–Monday through Oct. 14. Free admission.
It’s sure to be a nice day at McNears Beach on San Pablo Bay up in Marin for Terrapin Crossroads Sunday Daydream Volume 4, where you can enjoy music by Phil Lesh & Friends, the Sam Grisman Project (paying tribute to Sam’s dad, David and Jerry Garcia), and others, and the kiddos can enjoy Camp Terrapin Kid Zone. Tickets $29 & $99.
Enjoy your weekend!
