Most of us love our San Francisco summers, right? I particularly like the singing bridge in the fog (although others find it maddening). In any case, we have some outdoor events this week, like rowing in the new India Basin Park and some nature events, too. And a lot is going on in Golden Gate Park, including the Grateful Dead tribute. Add some cultural events from dance to music and more, and there’s plenty to keep you occupied.
Thursday, July 31
Grahame Lesh & Friends will host a concert series, The Heart of Town, at Pier 48 in Mission Rock in celebration of the Grateful Dead and the spirit of San Francisco. Through Saturday. Tickets from $276
This made me chuckle for some reason, maybe it’s its simplicity: Pairings: Corn. Well, why not? The quintessential summer veggie, who doesn’t like corn? Or popcorn? Or tortilla chips? At this Exploratorium After Dark event, you can learn about corn’s science and history and enjoy some tastings. Tickets: $23
Friday, Aug. 1
Deadheads won’t want to miss Dead & Company, the three-day tribute to the Grateful Dead, celebrating 60 years of their music with special guests. Through Sunday. Tickets from $635.
Shakedown in the Park, a pop-up marketplace along JFK Promenade, will feature handmade goods, food, art, clothing, and more, like lots of Deadheads. Free.
Pōpoloheno – Songs of Resilience & Joy is a music presentation celebrating the often-overlooked contributions of African descendants in Hawaii following its discovery. The program features original mele inoa, songs that honor and celebrate individuals and their lineage, ensuring their legacies become an integral part of Hawaiian cultural memory. An impressive roster of artists will join four-time Grammy Award winner Kalani Pe‘a. Tickets from $52.
The San Francisco Symphony will present Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony, featuring the singer on screen leading audiences in a “visual-musical journey” of her songs with guest vocalists and musicians. Tickets from $39.
Saturday, Aug. 2
It’s a fun day planned over at the new India Basin Waterfront Park with Rocking the Boat Community Rowing Day, followed by First Saturdays at the Waterfront, with live music, kiddo fun, food, and more. Free.
Calling all pup parents! Grab the doggo and head to Paws-itively Summer for a day of doggy fun, like pup mixers, a pup park, pup crafts, “paw-parazzi” photo ops, and more, like adoption stations for potential pup parents looking to find their forever family friends. 10 a.m. at Chase Center’s Thrive City. Free admission, but reserve here.
The 51st 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. Find Asian artisans, a beer and food fest, a car show, live performances, and more, including the ever-popular doggie world and pageant. 11 a.m. Through Sunday. Free.
It’s once again 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. Free.
Sunday, Aug. 3
I have fond dahlia thoughts: my joy at having one rebloom and my delight at seeing some in the window of Bloomers on Sacramention Street with blooms the size of human heads. So did how did I not know there is a Dahia Dell in Golden Gate Park dedicated to the official flower of San Francisco? And it’s in all glorious bloom right now and the Dahlia Society of California will be conducting tours this morning, every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The showy flowers will be in bloom through September, and the Dahlia Society will host its annual Dahlia Show later this month. Free.
Home? A Palestinian Woman’s Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness traces Hend Ayoub’s journey from her childhood in Israel to her pursuit of an acting career, and explores whether a divided world can offer a home for those “caught in between.” Commissioned by the San Francisco Playhouse and directed by Carey Perloff, former artistic director ACT, the production transfers to Off Broadway in September. Through Aug. 16. Tickets from $46.
Monday, Aug. 4
Sound Healing Symphony, a group of 11 meditation musicians, will present “Lion’s Gate,” using Native American flutes, Celtic harp, singing bowls, and more to help you relax in the beauty of Grace Cathedral. Tickets from $19.
Tuesday, Aug. 5
Every day is a great day to spend in Golden Gate Park (see above), and today is a free day at the Conservatory of Flowers and the de Young Museum. Enjoy.
Wednesday, Aug. 6
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 there last year, 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. Free.
That’s what I have for the week, folks. Hope you enjoy, whatever you decide to do.
Got events? Let me know: lynette@thevoicesf.org
