It’s a busy, busy weekend out there with Pride celebrations and more from music, magic, and yes, more.
Thursday, June 25
As of earlier this week, the Gardens of the Golden Gate says Scarlet the Corpse Flower’s bloom is imminent. She’ll only be showy and smelly for two days, so be sure to reserve your timed entry tickets in advance (and be prepared for long wait times). Follow the Gardens of the Golden Gate on their livestream, Instagram, and Facebook, for Scarlet updates. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with special After-Hours tickets (5 to 9 p.m.) available once she blooms at the Conservatory of Flowers. Free admission for San Francisco residents.
Award-winning singer-songwriter Roberta Donnay and four members of her The Prohibition Mob will perform a new show, From Bessie to Billie, honoring the pioneering women of the Jazz Age with vintage swing and smoky blues. 7 p.m. at the Keys Jazz Bistro. Tickets: $30.
I’m a big fan of the acclaimed Merola Opera Program, a tuition-free training program for rising opera stars. The program culminates with the Merola Summer Festival, which opens tonight with a vocal and piano recital of L’Anima Napoletana, songs celebrating “the lyrical beauty, emotional depth, and distinctive character of Southern Italy,” blending folk-inspired melodies with romantic harmonies. 7 p.m. at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Tickets: $75
Friday, June 26
Circus Bella is always all in for providing 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. Noon (today) through Sunday (with an additional show at 2:15) at Great Lawn at Yerba Buena Gardens Festival. Free.
San Francisco resident Andrew Evans is an internationally celebrated magician and mentalist who performed his first magic show here in the city at age 6. He eventually created his own magic theater, The Magic Patio. His new show, Andrew Evans: Magical Origins takes the audience on that journey and premieres new magic specifically designed for the venue. 7:30 p.m. at the Presidio Theatre through Sunday (2 p.m.). Tickets from $44.
Kick off Pride Weekend at the San Francisco Opera Pride Concert with the Opera Orchestra and featured guests performing a high-energy program with music by Michael Tilson Thomas, K.D. Lang, Brandi Carlile, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, and others. 8 p.m. at the War Memorial Opera House. Tickets from $30.
Saturday, June 27
If you missed the Pier Party at the Wharf earlier in the month, here’s another chance to enjoy premium craft cocktails, bistro-style seating, dancing, and more. Today, DJ Umami opens the party, followed by Bobby Friday, then Analog Dog performing “genre fluid music.” 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. (visit the website above for performance schedule) at the Crab Wheel Plaza through Sept. 26. Free admission.
The San Francisco Pride Celebration begins today with multiple stages spaces, and themes from the Soul of Pride Stage, Leather Alley, lots of music, and more. Visit the link above for schedule. Noon to 6 p.m. at the Civic Center Plaza through Sunday.
Sunday, June 28
The 56th annual Pride Parade is the big event today, starting at Market Street and Beale streets to Market and Eighth streets, and concluding in a celebration at Civic Center Plaza. 10:30 a.m. Free admission.
Notable next week
Monday, June 29
I don’t know much about Tiny Chef, other than he’s a cute internet sensation teaching us about healthful cooking and caring for the planet, and he’s featured throughout the Cal Academy of Sciences with a film, cameos in exhibits, selfie ops, and more. Sounds like fun for all. Tickets from $39.
Tuesday, June 30
Head to Civic Center Soundtrack for a free lunchtime concert. BYO lunch or grab some from the rotating lineup of food trucks and enjoy the music of three performers on stage today: Migrant Pickers, Shimmy, and Stevie Coupons. Noon to 3 p.m., Tuesday and Friday through October on Fulton Street Plaza in front of the San Francisco Public Library. Free admission.
Wednesday, July 1
Take a midweek break to hear debuting Chloé Van Soeterstèd conducting the Mendelssohn 5 and Bruch Violin Concerto. The program of Elrida Andrée, Max Bruch, and Felix Mendelssohn, features violinist Paul Huang. 7:30 p.m. at Davis Symphony Hall. Tickets from $39.
Enjoy whatever you do over the next several days, and remember to be kind and stay safe while you do it, because we’re all in this together.
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