For your enjoyment the next several days, there are some street and block parties, a few concerts, both indoor and outdoor, a Museum Monday suggestion, and more. Read on.
Thursday, Aug. 20
Join Rob Thomson, the Presidio’s federal preservation officer, in celebration of the Presidio’s 250th anniversary. Learn about its history from precontact beginnings, its 217 years of military use, to today’s status as a beloved National Park site and one of the most successful historic preservation projects in the country in the speaker series, Making History Fun Again. 6 p.m. (cocktail hour at 5 p.m.) in the Redwood Room at the Clift. Free admission (excluding cocktails); RSVP at the link above.
Friday, Aug. 21
Baroque & Brew: Coffee Concert, performed by members of the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra playing period instruments, performing Versailles Salon: Court Music from Baroque France in the beautiful Conservatory at One Sansome, sounds like the best way to have coffee to me. 10 to 11 a.m. Free (including coffee and pastries).
Head to Fridays on Front for your outdoor happy hour and sports watch party to cheer on our Golden State Valkyries as they take on Chicago. Also enjoy live music, bar specials, and more, like the “freedom of sipping your favorite beverage in the street.” Free admission; RSVP at the link above.
The ninth annual San Francisco International Piano Festival kicks off tonight with a program of Samuel Barber, Derek Bermel, and Franz Liszt featuring Éva Polgár (piano) and Jeffrey LaDeur (piano), and Kindra Scharich, (mezzo-soprano). Friday and Sunday through Aug. 30 at Old First Church. Tickets from $30.
Saturday, Aug. 22
Pier 39 is hosting a Summer of Love weekend with live concerts on two stages, a tie-dye experience, Grateful Dead-inspired shopping, special dining offers, and of course, everyone’s favorite pier-plopping pinnipeds. Noon to 7 p.m. through Sunday. Free admission.
Sunday, Aug. 23
Sunday Streets is headed to the Bayview today for a four-block festival and party to foster community connection, movement, recreation, culture, and engagement. The event will feature cultural performances, exercise classes, and more, including an all-you-can-eat seafood boil by Gumbo Social, BBQ specials, live jazz and blues, a kids’ zone, and more. Noon to 5 p.m. on Lane Street between Thomas and Underwood avenues and K.C. Jones Playground. Free (excluding seafood boil).
Today’s Golden Gate Band concert is Celebrating Ukrainian Culture, featuring folk melodies, lively dances, and heartfelt anthems. So grab a picnic, your jacket, and enjoy your Sunday afternoon of music that reflects Ukraine’s “vibrant history and enduring pride.” 1 p.m. to 2:30–2:45 at the Bandshell. Free admission.
Notable next week
Monday, Aug. 24
For your Museum Monday, Matisse’s Femme au chapeau: A Modern Scandal is closing soon, and it’s a wonderful exhibition that I highly recommend. The painting of the artist’s wife and muse, Amélie, with its bold color and brushstrokes, sent shockwaves through the art world in 1905. See how this iconic painting has inspired artists for over a century. Timed entry begins at 10 a.m. today. Through Sept. 13 at SFMOMA. Tickets from $35.
Tuesday, Aug. 25
If you’re a Bonnie Raitt fan (and who isn’t), you’ll want grab a few of the limited tickets available for her Oct. 10 performance at the newly renovated Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. Tickets from $78.
Wednesday, Aug. 26
This sounds like something we could all benefit from: How to Deal with the World on Fire, a community roundtable discussion to share and learn from others about getting through these turbulent times. “We will take space and make space, build connections, and walk away with some new ideas on how to cope.” 6 p.m. at Manny’s. Tickets: $5 and change.
Today is International Dog Day, so why not a CatVideoFest 2026? Cat videos have been a thing for some time now — remember Grumpy Cat? And, fun fact, Thomas Edison made a silent film, Boxing Cats, all the way back in 1894. Cats do goofy cat things, so the festival is bound to be entertaining, and the best part is that a portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit Give Me Shelter Cat Rescue. 6 p.m. tonight at the Roxie; additional times on Saturday, Aug. 29. Ticket options here.
Remember to be kind and be safe while enjoying your week.
