Hello to Halloween, and San Francisco never disappoints, so in addition to what we see walking the streets, here are some picks for the younger and those young at heart. And there’s also a few events for the those who would rather do something else. Read on.
Thursday, Oct. 22
The 18th San Francisco Latino Film Festival opens tonight with Street Smart: Lessons from a TV Icon, a documentary directed by Ernie Bustamante about Sonia Manzano, best known as “Maria” on Sesame Street, who later became an Emmy-winning writer and creator of Alma’s Way, which celebrates her Bronx upbringing and bilingualism. 6 p.m. at the Roxie Theater; reception at 8 p.m. with nibbles, drinks, and live music. Tickets from $10, passes from $35. Visit the link above for details.
Celebrate life and how death fuels the living through talks, thought-provoking exhibits, hands-on activities exploring the circle of life, and learn from scientists about different end-of-life approaches. Also enjoy a colorful altar created by the Marigold Project honoring Día de los Muertos at After Dark: Death and Life / La muerte y la vida. 6 to 10 p.m. at the Exploratorium. Tickets: $23.
Friday, Oct. 23
Even if this isn’t your neighborhood, venture out to explore the Carnival of Curiosities, such a clever take on the Cabinet of Curiosities. You’ll find carnival games, circus performances, face painting, balloon artistry, a bounce house, and Halloween fun for all, so wear your costumes. 6 to 8 p.m. on Ashton Avenue between Ocean and Pico avenues. Free admission.
Saturday, Oct. 24
Head to Golden Gate Park for SuperNatural where you and the kiddos can enjoy trick-or-treat stations, a silent disco, crafts, face painting, a scary Halloween ride, meet mad scientists, and more. 6:30 to 9 p.m. at California Academy of Sciences. Tickets from $45.
My mind’s image of this event is just too cute: The second annual Great Pumpkin Giveaway and Plant Sale (one per kiddo while supplies last, plus a photo) and a free carousel ride. 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., plant sale 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Yerba Buena Gardens. Free
Leap Arts in Education will host the largest sandcastle competition in Northern California, the 44th Annual Sandcastle Classic. The event features teams of Bay Area students from over 25 schools who work together to build giant sand sculptures; funds raised by the students and sponsors help to provide arts programs to Bay Area students. So grab a blanket and chairs, enjoy the live music and your food truck favorites, and watch those kids do more than play in the sand to create incredible sandcastles. 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Ocean Beach at Balboa Street near. Free admission.
Sunday, Oct. 25
Eat your way around the world one dumpling at a time at the third annual The World of Dumplings, where you’ll find dumplings from around the world, like wontons, gyozas, momos (Nepal), manties (Turkey), ravioli, and empanadas from over 25 restaurant vendors. Also enjoy live music, a beer garden, cooking demos, an eating contest, dumpling trivia, and family fun. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ferry Building. Free admission; RSVP here.
Notable next week
Monday, Oct. 26
Tonight’s full moon is a Hunter’s Moon; lore says its brightness helped people hunt and gather food for the winter. At the Full Moon Water Ritual event, enjoy conversation, refreshments, a creative interactive ritual activity, a traditional libation ceremony, and a walk down the pier to see the moon, the sunset, and the water converge. 6 p.m. at India Basin Waterfront Park. Free admission.
Tuesday, Oct. 27
Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s short story The Black Cat, about a man’s descent into madness, The Black Cat Hotel is an immersive, walk-through theatrical event, reimagined from last year with fewer mirrors, more bats and vampires, newly designed rooms, and new stories. Through Oct. 31 at the Palace Theater. Tickets: $75 and change.
Wednesday, Oct. 28
Death by Aria is an immersive musical event centered around the medieval Dies Irae (Song of Death) told through opera, tango, cinema, cabaret, and aerial acts and featuring music from Carmen, Verdi’s Macbeth, The Phantom of the Opera, Interstellar, and Piazzolla. Costumes encouraged. 7 p.m. at Grace Cathedral. Tickets from $75.
It’s a busy next few days out there, so remember to be safe and kind while you’re out and about.
