It’s a full holiday week with no lack events to get you out and about. Here are a few suggestions if you’d like to join the masses.
Monday, July 1
Planetary scientist, Dr. Pascal Lee from the Mars Institute, SETI Institute, and NASA Ames Research Center (who also loves to draw and paint in his free time, see above) will talk at Cal Academy about what it takes to achieve the first human mission to Mars, clearly our greatest space exploration adventure this century. Tickets: $15.
Tuesday, July 2
We will always miss him. And we can remember him fondly in the Broadway touring company of Mrs. Doubtfire starring Tony Award-nominated Rob Mclure and his real-life wife, Maggie Lakis, which opens tonight at the Orpheum, through July 28. Tickets from $55.
Wednesday, July 3
It’s always a delight to see talented young people with a passion for their chosen art. The Alonzo King Lines Ballet | Summer Program, is the finale for the intensive program that attracts students worldwide, and who have trained rigorously with the company’s acclaimed choreographers and dancers. Enjoy it tonight only at Fort Mason. Tickets from $15.
Thursday, July 4
Chiura Obata emigrated to the U.S. in 1903 and quickly fell in love with “the grand nature of California,” which he depicted in wood-block prints, ink paintings, and watercolors, including morning glories from his garden. He was also a professor at UC Berkeley and incarcerated in a detention camp during World War II. Through July 14 at SFMOMA. Tickets: free today–$30.
Today’s Downtown First Thursdays promises a hot-dog-eating contest with Peaches Christ, a glow-in-the-dark parade, music by Coco & Breezy and the Motown on Mondays D.J.s in addition to kiddo fun, a street discoteca with “the biggest disco ball west of the Mississippi,” beer gardens, wandering street performers, and tons more. Check it out on Second Street from Market to Howard, 5–10 p.m. Free admission, but reserve here.
A front-row view of the fireworks, which will be launched from two barges on the bay, will be aboard the historic liberty ship, the SS Jeremiah O’Brien, docked at Pier 35 in Fisherman’s Wharf. Get there early for seating. Tickets from $25.
Friday, July 5
North Beach, home of the Beats, Joe DiMaggio, and so much more, never disappoints, and special events like the First Fridays art walk (6–9 p.m.), a self-guided tour of a dozen galleries and other venues, makes it a reason to visit at least monthly. Featured events this month include poetry readings; live music at Sweetie’s Art Bar, Spec’s, Biordi, Caffe Trieste; and more, like dog portrait painting at Jeffrey’s. Free admission.
Saturday, July 6
The 12-block Fillmore Jazz Festival is the place to be this weekend for jazz lovers. Celebrating the neighborhood’s roots, the festival has a full line-up of musicians, including crowd favorites and Bay Area residents Grammy Award-winner Tammy Lynne Hall and Dr. Kim Nalley. Look also for the musicians not on the lineup; some always perform on the eastern end of the street at 1712, the former site of the iconic Marcus Books. Through Sunday from Jackson to Eddy streets. Free admission.
The sixth annual California Classic, featuring recent draft picks, second-hand pros, and others vying for spots on the NBA roster starts this weekend with the Warriors, Lakers, Kings, and Miami Heat, culminating in the Battle of Norcal with Warriors and the Kings on Wednesday, all at Chase. Go Dubs! Tickets from $45.
Sunday, July 7
It’s Sunday, always a nice day for a park stroll, especially at the end of a holiday weekend. In Golden Gate Park alone there’s Lindy in the Park, Roller Disco, the Golden Gate Park Band, and more, like windmills and bisons. Enjoy what you find. Free admission.
Have a great week!
Updated: July 3, 2024
