I hope you’re enjoying your summer whether trips abroad, visits to family wherever, or just staying put, because there will always be things to do in San Francisco. Here are my picks for the weekend and a recommendation for next week.
Friday, Aug. 23
If dance is your deal, put the Fact/S.F. Summer Dance Festival on your weekend to-do. Seven premieres will be featured by dance artists from Chicago, Columbus, Los Angeles, and the local Fact/SF and Xochipilli Dance Company featuring short works spanning genre, style, and theme. Through Sunday. Tickets: $25
The San Francisco Playhouse’s production of the Tony Award-winning Evita is in the final stretch, with the final performance Sept. 7, so there’s still time see the acclaimed musical about the powerful Argentine matriarch Eva Perón as she charts a new era in history. Tickets from $30.
Yes, there is such a thing as Tomato Week — it continues through Sunday and features select restaurants offering special dishes made with the summer favorite love apple.
Saturday, Aug. 24
The public is invited to a community outreach event on the design of the Kezar Pavilion Renovation Project. Contact project manager Alexis Ward with questions. 10:30–noon, 601 Stanyan Street (at Page) near the bocce courts.
It’s the Dog Days of Summer over at the TreasureFest on Treasure Island today and Sunday. While always pet-friendly, this weekend will feature a doggie fashion show, themed cocktails and “dogtails,” special food bites for you both, pet vendors, live music, and more like wares from over 300 vendors and family fun for all including the doggos. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Tickets: $15–$20.
After producing two albums last year and being named the Trumpeter of the Year, Oakland-reared Ambrose Akinmusire will present the West Coast premiere of his new project featuring a string quartet, DC-based rapper-producer-singer Kokayi, and Akinmusire’s longtime bandmates Sam Harris on the keys, and fellow Berkeley High alum Justin Brown on drums. It’s described as a “radiant synthesis of hip-hop, chamber jazz and new music.” 1 p.m. on the Great Lawn at Yerba Buena Gardens. Free admission, but RSVP requested.
Sunday, Aug. 25
Head to Valencia Street for Sunday Streets in the Mission and an afternoon of car-free family fun designed to get us out and about enjoying the neighborhood with music, dance, and more. Duboce Avenue to 26th. Free admission.
If you didn’t see Garuda’s Wing at the Magic Theatre a bit back, the same outstanding cast is performing their version of Richard II, succinctly (and compellingly) described as “Shakespeare’s examination of the destructive powers of privilege.” Through Sept. 8. Tickets from $30.
Notable next week
Tuesday, Aug. 27
You won’t want to miss the Will and Willie 2024 Presidential Election Special No. 1, hosted by political satirist Will Durst and yes, that Willie, our former mayor. The Will and Willie Show is a periodic podcast, TV, and radio talk show broadcast from iconic venues through the city, and tonight’s will be at Manny’s, which will also be broadcast live on the Will and Willie YouTube channel. The show is a fundraiser for Durst, who suffered a severe stroke in 2019, and continues to recover. Tickets: $20 and some change.
Enjoy!
