Well, it’s sorta kinda summer, and we all know that means weather-wise. Regardless, there are indoor and outdoor venues for some suggestions for the next several days from theater and music, to pet events, street festivals, and more.
Thursday, June 4
Don’t miss Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary Phantom of the Opera in a newly “revitalized production.” It’s in its 40th year in London’s West End and is considered one of the most beautiful and spectacular musicals, having played to millions in hundreds of cities and in scores of languages. Through June 20 at the Orpheum. 7 p.m. tonight. Tickets from $184.
Friday, June 5
Join U.S. Senator Cory Booker in conversation with Glide’s President and CEO, Dr. Gina Fromer, about how to make “good trouble” to defend democracy, create leadership Abd community, and show up for each other. 3 to 4 p.m. at Glide Memorial Church. Tickets: $15 (livestream also available).
San Francisco Symphony’s new music director designate will conduct her first program tonight, Elim Chan Conducts La Mer, which pairs Wagner’s Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde with Debussy’s La Mer. Between the two, mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke will sing Berlioz’s Les Nuits d’été. Tonight only, enjoy a post-concert welcome celebration with live music, light food, and beverages. 7:30 p.m. through Saturday at Davies Symphony Hall. Tickets from $49.
Saturday, June 6
Looking for a forever furry friend to complete your family? Today is for you: It’s California Adopt a Pet Day, and all adoption fees will be waived at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, S.F. Animal Care and Control, which also has some super adorable bunnies and guinea pigs, as does the S.F. SPCA, which also has birds and other pet companions. Check out who’s available online, and all the rescues are within walking distance of each other. Visit the individual links for hours. Free!
Enjoy “San Francisco’s Only Italian Street Festival,” the Festa Italiana with nonstop Italian music, a pizza toss by world-champion Tony Gemignani, wine tasting, a vendor fair, kids’ corner, and more, like Sunday’s Statuto Race, which commemorates the creation of the first Italian Constitution. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Washington Square Park (Festa). Free admission.
Now in its 46th year, the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, is considered a must-do for triathletes, this weekend. It includes a swim, a long bike ride through the Presidio and Sea Cliff, and a run through the Presidio, concluding at the Marina Green. Visit the website for details. Free viewing with lots of traffic through Sunday.
In support of Pride, the 31st annual Pink Triangle will glow nightly on Twin Peaks through the month, powered by thousands of LED lights. The opening ceremony includes remarks by Major Daniel Lurie and others, and includes the San Francisco Pride Band and musical theater star Leanne Borghesi performing everyone’s favorite song, “San Francisco.” Through June 28. Free.
Celebrate our iconic waterfront at the inaugural Play on the Bay, a family-friendly afternoon of music, art, kiddo fun, giveaways, and live performances on Fisherman’s Wharf. Noon to 4 p.m. on Jefferson Street from Al Scoma Way to Hyde Street. Free admission.
Kick off the summer street fair season with the 48th anniversary of the Union Street Festival. Expect a lineup of live music, arts and crafts, food trucks, cocktails, and the beloved Waiter Relay Race (Sunday at noon), where teams of servers race up and down the street with a serving tray and drinks in a relay. Be sure to visit my favorite, Helpers Artisan Boutique, which displays the work of talented artists with developmental disabilities. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Union Street (Fillmore to Gough streets) through Sunday. Free admission.
Sunday, June 7
It’s Juneteenth on the Waterfront today, celebrating a month of Black-owned businesses offering handcrafted food and drinks (for purchase), and family fun, including live music and food demos. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission.
Limited tickets are available for Paws for Pinot, a benefit for Guide Dogs for the Blind. (If you miss this event, consider packing your own Pinot Picnic and visiting their campus for free tours.) Noon to 3 p.m. Tickets: $103.
Notable next week
Monday, June 8
I had a special request to include this event even though it’s not until this coming Friday, June 12: The 50th Annual and Gala Peacemaker Awards, which honors those shaping our history here in the city, from individuals to organizations working to make our neighborhoods safer by building community through conflict resolution. June 12, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the historic Verdi Club. Tickets from $100.
Wednesday, June 10
A Trojan Woman opens tonight, a one-woman adaptation of Euripides’s The Trojan Women. Set in the aftermath of the Trojan War, a woman and her child find themselves alone in the ruined city of Troy, echoing the sorrow and devastation of its women. The woman steps into 10 characters, each one telling a story of loss, survival, and the lasting cost of war. 8 p.m. tonight through June 14 at the Magic Theatre. Tickets from $45.
Enjoy your week, friends, be safe, be kind, and enjoy, whatever you decide to do.
