We’re in for some nice weather coming up, which is a good thing because most of my picks for the week are outdoors. There are also a few inside events as well, from a craft fair to some music and dance. Read on.
Thursday, July 30
ODC Summer Sampler will feature KT Nelson’s “surreal and compassionate” Nothing’s Gonna Make Sense (Reflections on Grief); Mia J. Chong’s world premiere in collaboration with Eight/Moves; and Catherine Galasso’s world premiere, Unreliable Narrator, drawn from the lives and artistry of ODC’s founding women, Brenda Way, Kimi Okada, and KT Nelson, featuring candid interviews with each alongside rare stage appearances. 7:30 at the B. Way Theater. Tickets from $45.
Friday, July 31
I’ve never been to the Japanese Tea Garden, which I find hard to believe. If you haven’t either, or even if you have, take today to explore this tranquil space originally created as a “Japanese Village” exhibit for the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition. Always free for San Francisco residents; free this morning (9 to 10 a.m.) for others.
Saturday, Aug. 1
The Exploratorium will celebrate Bay Day today when it hauls its NOAA-loaned data collection buoy out of the water for its yearly maintenance. Learn about ocean science and ecology and all the organisms that grow on the buoy and elsewhere in the bay. The buoy collects data on water temperature, salinity, and carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and the bay. Tickets from $30.
If you missed last Saturday’s, Yerba Buena Gardens Festival Choreofest, you have another chance to see this 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 on the Great Lawn. Free, RSVP here.
My good friend’s English bulldog, Louie, was a champion dog surfer down in Del Mar and quite the celeb. Down in Pacifica, where the concept of dog surfing originated, you can cheer on a host of local and international doggos to bring home the gold today at the World Dog Surfing Championships. Also enjoy a dog beach fashion contest, dog adoptions, and more. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Linda Mar Beach. Free admission.
Pack a picnic and head to the Presidio Tunnel Tops for the Fiesta en el Parque, a family-friendly celebration of Latin culture, dance, music, community, with fantastic views. Food vendors will also be available nearby at the Presidio Popup. Free, RSVP here (not required, but appreciated). 1 to 4 p.m. at the East Meadow. Free admission.
It’s time for the Renegade Craft Fair’s summer iteration at Fort Mason. There are always many cool offerings here, and it’s always good to support independent artists. Plus, you can bring Fido and Fefe, and sip a libation while you browse. Just know the parking lot gets challenging, especially on Sunday with the farmers’ market, so plan accordingly. And visit the farmers, too. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday in the Festival Pavilion. Free admission.
Celebrate Jerry Day with music by Melvin Seals and JGB with the Jazz Mafia, Spencer Krenz and Friends, and others. 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park. Free admission.
The 52nd annual Nihonmachi Street Fair will take over Japantown this weekend, celebrating the rich traditions and diversity of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. You’ll find Asian artisans, a beer and food fest, live performances, and more. Sadly, the ever-popular Doggie World and Pageant will take a break this year (as will Sounds of Thunder Car Show). 11 a.m. Through Sunday. Free admission.
Sunday, Aug. 2
Melvin Seals and JGB with special guest Donald D. Harrison Jr. will perform tonight at the start of a series, Jerry Week at the Great American Music Hall. Additional performances on Friday, Aug. 7 and Saturday, Aug. 8 with Axial Tilt. Tickets tonight: $83.
This is sure to be one night of great entertainment: the Richmond/Ermet Aids Foundation’s presentation of its 32nd annual concert and gala, Help is on the Way: Broadway and Beyond, featuring cast members of the national Broadway tour of Beauty and the Beast, currently on stage at the Orpheum through Aug. 9 (although music from that production will not be performed). 7:30 p.m. at the Marines’ Memorial Theatre. Tickets from $53.
Notable next week
Tuesday, Aug. 4
National Night Out is a communuty-building campaign that promotes community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to create safer and stronger neighborhoods. Look for block parties with cookouts, contests, music, kid events, and visits from emergency personnel. Visit the link above for more info to see what’s happening in your neighborhood. Free admission.
Wednesday, Aug. 5
If you’re a fan of birds you may be interested in the Birding Walk at Salesforce Park. There’s no disputing it’s a beautiful park, and it’s an “unexpected oasis for birds” with 27 different species spotted in 2024, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Granted, you don’t have to go on a birding walk to see pigeons, but I couldn’t resist this cute picture. 8 to 9 a.m. at the Main Plaza. Free.
That’s what I have for the week, folks. Enjoy whatever you decide to do, just remember to be safe and kind.
