There’s so much to choose from this week for how to spend your free time, whether outdoor performances, film or festival, an art exhibition, and more. Here are my suggestions.
Thursday, July 23
I think most of us know about that charming little redwood park adjacent to the Transamerica Pyramid, but if you don’t (or if you do), here’s a reason to stop by. Lily Kwong’s immersive installation, EARTHSEED DOME, has invited visitors to become “human pollinators” and plant seeds to transform the dome; the plantings will soon be distributed to community gardens, schools, senior centers, and other public green spaces. Sunrise to sunset, weekdays through July 26. Free admission.
While you’re there, check out the Pyramid Annex, which has an installation by Tara Donovan’s Stratagems series, large-scale vertical sculptures composed of thousands of CDs that echo the Pyramid itself and create a “dialogue between material, architecture, and urban scale.” 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through July 31. Free admission.
The Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Chorale will present a special summer concert, a semi-staged production of Handel’s Tolomeo, re d’Egitto, which follows the exiled Egyptian king and features introspective arias, “placing character and storytelling at the forefront.” 7:30 p.m. at the Herbst Theatre. Tickets from $40.
The Minnesota Street Project Foundation is presenting its 10th San Francisco Art Book Fair, a celebration of art publishing and print culture, which brings together independent artists, designers, publishers, collectors, and enthusiasts worldwide. The fair also includes one-hour presentations, talks, and workshops throughout each day. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Saturday (until 5 p.m. Sunday) at Minnesota Street Project (visit the link above for schedule and locations). Free; donations accepted so it can remain free.
Friday, July 24
Hey Deadheads, you probably already know that Terrapin Roadshow, headed up by bassist Phil Lesh’s son Grahame, is on a summer tour featuring a rotating roster of artists. This evening they’re at my favorite Marin County venue, Forest Meadows in San Rafael, so get to it if you’re interested because weekend shows are sold out. Tickets: $151.
Summer time is outdoor movie time, and up tonight is Inside Out, about young Riley’s struggle with her emotions after her stressful move to San Francisco from the Midwest. Enjoy food trucks and preshow entertainment before the film at sundown. Details here. 7 to 9 p.m. at the Civil War Parade Ground in the Presidio. Free admission.
Saturday, July 25
This weekend is the San Francisco Marathon with all its associated races, so expect multiple road closures throughout a good portion of the city. Visit this map for details and these maps from SFMTA before you venture out.
Today is Day 1 of the Museum of Craft and Design’s Free Summer Weekend. Discover their current exhibition, Video Craft, which explores how moving technologies like video and film share with traditional crafts media like ceramics, textiles, and glass. A hands-on Welcome to Weaving project will also be available. And the museum is also just a five-minute walk to the San Francisco Art Book Fair (see listing above), so there’s your day. Save your spot at the museum here. Noon to 5 p.m. through Sunday.
The Yerba Buena Gardens Festival Choreofest is a site-specific work throughout the gardens that turns its open spaces into showcases for the “extravagant creativity, diversity and vibrancy of the Bay Area dance scene.” 2 to 4 p.m. with ASL interpretation. Free, RSVP here.
Sunday, July 26
Bon Odori Street Dance Festival is today, which includes food, a silent auction and raffle, an open house, and Bon Odori dancing (Octavia Street), a taiko performance by Jiten Daiko, Japanese folk music and dance performance by Ensohza. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Buddhist Church of San Francisco. Free admission.
Today is the last performance of Circus Bella’s Circus in the Parks. It’s great entertainment for the whole family with a troupe of acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, and clowns from the Bay Area and beyond, along with the six-piece Circus Bella All-Star Band. 1 and 3 p.m. at Union Square. Free admission.
Monday, July 27
“It’s only Monday if you treat it like one,” so says the The Madrone Art Bar, which claims its Motown on Mondays “is the most talked about night in town.” Gordo Cabeza and weekly guests play your favorite originals and remixes starting at 7 p.m. (doors 4 p.m.) to 2 a.m. $5 cover after 8 p.m.
Lots going on this weekend, so be safe, and be nice while you enjoy getting out and about.
