It seems the holidays are upon us, which is always a little early for me, but undoubtedly we could all welcome cheery diversions from whatever fills our mind space. Check out some suggestions below and enjoy your week.
Thursday, Nov. 20
Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO premieres tonight, about a young woman named Future and her dog, who discover a mysterious cube that transports them to a world of discovery about people, animals, and the world. Expect Cirque’s stunning acrobatics, captivating music, and cutting-edge technology. 7:30 p.m. Under the Big Top at Oracle Park through Jan. 18. Tickets from $60.
Go play in the light at Glow, the Exploratorium’s yearly light installation, opening today. Bask in the glow of an artificial Sun made of moving mirrors, turn your shadows into stars in a glittering constellation, play experimental LED dungeon crawlers, experience nearly 500 suspended orbs in the form of a breaking ocean wave brought to life with light and sound, and much more. 10 to 5 p.m. Tickets from $30. Tonight’s adults-only After Dark: Glow Up features a glowing T. rex skeleton and other luminescent creatures, art activities, a D.J. dance party, and other lighty things, like bioluminescent bugs, a laser waterfall, and more 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets $23.
Friday, Nov. 21
The Botanical Garden’s immersive light-and-music experience, Lightscape, opens tonight. Stroll through a mile-long trail of over one million twinkling lighted sculptures, water features, and more. 5 to 8:15 p.m. through Jan. 4. Tickets from $20.
Who can resist the S.F. SPCA’s Holiday Windows at Macy’s? In its 39th year, the holidays wouldn’t be the holidays without adorable adoptable fur babies (including a beautiful blue-eyed bunny one year!) displayed in whimsical backgrounds all looking for their forever homes. Wednesday through Sunday, noon–6 p.m. through Dec. 31 (excluding Nov. 27 and Dec. 25). Free viewing.
Here’s something different: presented by Movies at the Mechanics, a screening of the 1924 classic smash hit Girl Shy starring Harold Lloyd, one of the “big three” silent comedians known for his everyman character and stunt work. Before the film, enjoy a special concert from a 120-year-old gramophone with Robert Mailer Anderson (DJ GrampaPhone) spinning works from Ella Fitzgerald, Edith Piaf, Thelonious Monk, and others. 5 to 8:30 p.m. in the cozy fourth-floor meeting room at the Mechanics Institute. Tickets: $12 and change.
Saturday, Nov. 22
Enjoy an elegant afternoon tea with savory finger sandwiches, scones, and sweets served on, of course, fine china. 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Haas-Lilienthal House through Sunday. Tickets from $75.
The California Academy of Sciences is a treasure, so support it at Welcome Winter Night, a special all-ages evening that will feature themed events like baby reindeer, cookie decorating, magic shows, and more. 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets from $15.
Sunday, Nov. 23
The Fall Holiday Chocolate Salon is for all you chocolate lovers (which I think includes most people except me). Taste from over 25 chocolatiers, confectioners, and other culinary artisans, including several of your local favorites, in a festive setting. 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the County Fair Building Hall of Flowers in Golden Gate Park. Tickets from $13 and change.
Notable next week
Wednesday, Nov. 26
Plan your day to visit the Heart of the City Farmers’ Market, operated by local farmers and food vendors for over 40 years and whose mission is to bring food to a food desert. Then drop by the weekly San Francisco Public Library’s $1 Steps Book Sale (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). But check the weather forecast first. Farmers do rain, but books do not.
Enjoy your week!
