It’s clearly the season for outdoor events, from films to night and day markets, but also some inside events to enjoy as well, from exhibitions, and more.
Thursday, June 11
The immersive exhibition Life in Space opens today and explores how life, whether human or extraterrestrial, might live in the extreme conditions beyond planet Earth in over 50 exhibits. Through Sept. 13 at the Exploratorium. Tickets from $30.
Friday, June 12
Sundown Cinema is back with a full season through October this year after an abbreviated 2025 season, and opens with The Princess Bride. Around sunset at Mission Delores Park. Free; RSVP here for a chance to win prime seating near the screen.
Tonight’s Sunset Night Market Dragon Boat Festival perplexed me at first, until I discovered that some festivals are indeed held on land before the actual water races (tune in here next week for the deets on that). So an evening of food, culture, music, and community spirit is yours to enjoy at the number four-ranked night market in the country by USA Today. 5 to 10 p.m. on Irving Street (20th to 25th avenues). Free.
And for the USA Today number one-ranked night market in the country, head to the BeChinatown Night Market for food from over two dozen vendors, arts and crafts, live music, and more. 5 to 9 p.m. on Grant Avenue (California to Pacific streets). Free.
Saturday, June 13
The Presidio will host a family-friendly Fútbol Gameday for soccer enthusiasts, featuring soccer-themed games, face painting, a photo booth, and more, including a screening of today’s FIFA World Cup 26 matches. Noon to 5 p.m. at the Main Parade Lawn. Free admission, reserve here.
It’s the Juneteenth Freedom Festival today, with eight blocks of family fun, retail and food vendors, a fashion show, a classic car show, live performances, and more. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fillmore Street (Geary to Fulton streets). Free, RSVP here.
Here’s another outdoor movie option: Blankets & Blockbusters, which is screening the ’80s classic Back to the Future tonight. (Be sure to take note of the “no” list, which is longer than the event listing, and includes no chairs, drones, or tents.) Bring a picnic (as long as it’s not in a cooler), because the only food available for purchase will be beefy sliders, popcorn, a cookie, and hot cocoa. 6 p.m. on Thrive City’s ginormous plaza board (entry at 5 p.m. is allowed).
Sunday, June 14
Vintage lovers won’t want to miss the Pickwick Vintage Show, a curated treasure trove of jewelry, clothing, and more from over 40 vendors. It’s so popular organizers say it will sell out, and even if you have a ticket, you may still have to wait because only a limited number of people are allowed inside to make for a more enjoyable shopping experience. How nice. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ferry Building. Tickets $12.
SFMOMA kicks off Summer for Families today with Line, Shape, and Color, where families can play with color, build shapes, and draw lines inspired by the artwork on view, and also enjoy a story time with the San Francisco Public Library. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays through June with different themes each week. Free admission.
The 18th season of Sunday Streets kicks off today in the Tenderloin with live music and dance, recreational activities, health resources, and more, creating a car-free community space to encourage us to get out and about, visiting our neighborhoods and connecting with merchants, other organizations, and each other. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Golden Gate Avenue (between Jones and Hyde streets). Free.
Notable next week
Monday, June 15
This is probably the best Monday event ever: the Richmond/Ermet Aids Foundation presentation of Phantom Sings, featuring cast members of the national Broadway tour of Phantom of the Opera, currently on stage at the Orpheum. Lisa Vroman, who starred for in the ’90s tour in San Francisco and later on Broadway will be the M.C. 7:30 p.m. at the Marines’ Memorial Theatre. Tickets from $49.
There’s a lot of humanity in these street fairs, so smile, laugh, enjoy, be safe, and most important, be kind — whatever you decide to do.
