Thursday, June 18
The iconic Redwood Room has always been the place to be and enjoy, and tonight, acclaimed jazz vocalist and storyteller Sacha Boutros will perform in “Redwood Room After Dark.” 7 p.m., select Thursdays through Aug. 13.
Friday, June 19
Today is National Martini Day, conveniently falling at the end of the workweek. A few establishments acknowledging the day are RM12, Top of the Mark, and Wilder, (which is offering a martini flight), and I’m sure there will be many others throughout the city.
Saturday, June 20
Today is the first day of the Dragon Boat Friendship Races, featuring first-time paddlers to experienced teams displaying coordination, discipline, and collective effort on the water. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Lake Merced through Sunday. Free viewing.
Grab the kiddos and the doggos and head down to the Marina Green for a Fun and Fitness Fest, with dog agility courses, puppy yoga, vendor booths, and lotsa fun for all. Bonus: pet adoptions! 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Little Marina Green. Free admission.
The Native Contemporary Arts Festival, a treasured Father’s Day tradition now in its 27th year, celebrates the creativity of indigenous peoples and features music, dance, spoken word, visuals artists, vendors, and art activities. Noon to 3 p.m. on the Great Lawn at Yerba Buena Gardens. Free admission; RSVP here.
Don’t miss the 72nd annual North Beach Festival, where you will find over 200 vendors offering arts, crafts, jewelry, and more; gourmet food trucks and wonderful restaurants; beer gardens; live entertainment; interactive art activities; Italian street painting (Madonnari), and of course, the ever-popular Blessing of the Animals. Filbert to Broadway streets, Stockton Street to Grant Avenue. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Sunday. Free admission.
TILT: Midnight Sun celebrates the summer solstice in a celebration of light featuring Mosaic Strings, performing arrangements from popular film, television, and pop following summery appetizers and spritzers.7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Grace Cathedral. Tickets from $40.
Join the festivities of the fourth annual Juneteenth Parade celebrating strength, freedom, and unity. There will also be block parties featuring dancing, games, giveaways, and more, including a waterfront celebration at the parade’s end. 11 a.m. to noon from Market and Second street to the Embarcadero Plaza. Free, RSVP here.
Sunday, June 21
The Presidio Half Marathon is scheduled today, so whether you’re participating or traveling through the area, there’s a 10K, 5K, and a Sunday Stroll 5K (puppers welcome). All who register can enjoy the post-race pancake breakfast and beer garden, and every registration helps The Guardsmen send an underserved kid to camp. 8/8:30/9 a.m. Starts/ends Crissy Field. Tickets from $57.
Appointment in Mendocino is a staged reading about three adult siblings who gather at their parents’ house to try to find their mother and father, in their 90s, who have mysteriously vanished, only to discover Mom has decided to drive herself across the country for a special appointment in Mendocino. 4 p.m. at the Magic Theatre. Free admission; tickets here.
What dad doesn’t like BBQ, especially one with a view and music? Space is filling up fast for the Father’s Day BBQ over at Fort Baker. Enjoy spice-rubbed organic chicken and grilled marinated tri-tip with all the traditional sides, vegetarian and vegan options, and a kiddo menu. Noon to 3 p.m. at Cavallo Point (Callippe Terrace). Tickets from $34
Notable next week
Monday, June 22
Join Pixar animation artist Deanna Marsigliese for a Sip ‘n Sketch experience where artists will “gather to connect, unplug, and create.” If you’re not an artist, that’s O.K., “just drink, doodle, and see what happens.” BYO materials; $5 to $10 suggested donation will go to various charitable organizations. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Specs Twelve Adler Museum Cafe.
Be safe, enjoy whatever you do over the next several days, and remember to be kind.
