Happy end of the week — it’s a busy next few days and weekend coming up, and plenty to do. For those not sports-oriented, there are also theater and music options, a few nature-based events, and more.
Thursday, Feb. 5
The Tony Award-winning M. Butterfly opens tonight. Inspired by the real-life trial and intriguing story of French diplomat Bernard Boursicot, the play reimagines Puccini’s opera, Madame Butterfly, through the story of a French diplomat’s 20-year affair with a Chinese opera singer. Through March 14 at the San Francisco Playhouse. Tickets from $52.
Today is the first day of Big Game Days in Union Square, which begins with inflatable football games (11 a.m. daily) and features CHEER San Francisco, the charitable cheer team that supports those with life-challenging conditions. Through Sunday. Free admission.
Friday, Feb. 6
The Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Chorale will present Handel’s Dixit Dominus and Rameau’s La Guirlande in Baroque Garlands, conducted by Nicholas McGegan, one of the world’s foremost interpreters of 18th-century repertoire. 7:30 p.m. at the Herbst Theatre. Tickets from $40.
Saturday, Feb. 7
Over 200 magnolia trees are currently in peak bloom at the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Admire the sights and scents of the beautiful saucer-sized pink, white, and magenta flowers at the always-spectacular Magnificent Magnolias. Through March; free admission for San Francisco residents. Join the Sketching with Sami: Magnolias workshop to learn different methods of field sketching. 10 a.m. to noon. Tickets from $25.
Celebrate renewal, prosperity, and community connection at the Vietnamese New Year Tet Festival, where you’ll find food vendors, live entertainment, Vietnamese traditional performances, cultural activities, and more for all ages. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Larkin and O’Farrell streets (between Ellis and Eddy). Free admission.
Sunday, Feb. 8
Magnolia field guide
Here’s another magnolia sketching event if you weren’t able to make yesterday’s: Create Your Own Magnolia Field Guide. You’ll learn how to deeply observe the trees and blooms and transform your observations into a mini illustrated field guide. No prior drawing experience necessary; the “workshop is about noticing, not perfection.” Bonus: it’s led by San Francisco illustrator and designer Hollis Callas, who created the image for those oh-so-cool “I Voted” stickers. Tickets from $20.
If you don’t have plans for the Super Bowl, you may want to grab your folding chairs, friends, and family, and head to the Noe Valley Town Square for the Big Game Watch Party to see it on a Jumbotron LED screen. Enjoy community, football trivia, bingo games, pizza, and adult beverages for purchase, and a football toss game for the kiddos. Kickoff at 3:30 p.m. Free.
Notable next week
Tuesday, Feb. 10
Noontime Concerts features pianist Mark Valenti, who will perform a program of Debussy, Barber, and Brahms. 12:30 p.m. at Old St. Mary’s Cathedral. Free admission, donations encouraged.
Wednesday, Feb. 11
Living legend Jules Broussard, a double-saxophone serenader who has performed with musicians ranging from Alice Coltrane to Van Morrison to Santana, will perform with his New Orleans Jazz Band, all of whom are Bay Area jazz veterans. 7 and 9 p.m. at Keys Jazz Bistro. Tickets: $30
Enjoy, be safe, and be kind, enjoying all our city has to offer.