The summer festival season continues, with films, music, cultural celebrations, the yearly AIDS Walk, and more. Here are my picks for the next few days for all of us staycationers and others.
Thursday, July 16
Join the opening night party of the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival 46 after a screening of Tell Me Everything, a “poignant and beautifully acted family drama,” where young Boaz discovers his father’s secret life, which causes the boy “confusion, rage and shame.” Director Moshe Rosenthal is expected to attend. 6:30 p.m. at the Herbst Theatre. Tickets from $45.
Enjoy Folklórico dance and new exhibitions, Feel the Beat: Dance in Photographs and Graciela Iturbide: Between Two Worlds at Rooftop Radio: Noise Pop 6 to 9 p.m. at SFMOMA. Tickets (limited): $35 on sale on site starting a 3 p.m.
Friday, July 17
The World of Black Film: Compensation is a book signing and film screening. The book, The World of Black Film: A Journey Through Cinematic Blackness in 100 Films is a survey of important Black films spanning 100-plus years from 30 countries. The film is a poignant portrait of deaf African Americans and the “complexities of love,” telling the story of one couple at the beginning of the 20th century and another 80 years later. The book’s author and the film’s director will be in conversation after the film. 6 p.m. in YBCA’s screening room. Tickets from $7.50.
Saturday, July 18
If you weren’t able to celebrate Bastille Day on Belden earlier in the week, pull out that Breton-striped shirt and head to the Bastille Day S.F. Festival, now in its seventh year. You’ll find all things French from food and drink to Pétanque games, performances, vendors, and more. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Embarcadero Plaza. Free admission.
Sunday, July 19
It’s the 40th anniversary of the AIDS Walk San Francisco, the annual 5K that raises funds for HIV and AIDS prevention and programs that support those affected by these diseases. The walk is followed by a picnic featuring Queen Manil Luzon from RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and San Francisco’s Bobby Friday. 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Robin Williams Meadow in Golden Gate Park. Free admission.
At the Japan Day Festival, you can enjoy live performances like taiko drumming, Japanese dance, Okinawan drumming and dance, and karate. Inside events include a tea demonstration, origami, and music, and more. Visit the link for the schedule. Noon to 5 p.m. in Japantown. Free admission.
Tuesday, July 21
There’s a monthly Bluegrass Jam at the Hotel Utah Saloon, if you’re a fan. I can only listen to just so much bluegrass, but hubs loves, and the musicians always seem like they’re having such a great time, and that energy transfers to the audience and makes us forget about all those other things taking space in our brains. Plus, that 1908 venue is super cool. Free admission.
Enjoy whatever you choose to do, and remember to be nice and stay safe out there.
