Happy Halloween — again! I’m confident most of you have your plans set — from neighborhood trick-or-treating to decorated houses to the adult versions — but there are a few more below, along with some music, festivals, theater, a conversation with an interesting duo, and more.
Thursday, Oct. 30
We can always count on the Exploratorium to deliver a fun-filled evening, especially this time of year with some creepy science things like the Creepatorium, which sounds like it will live up to its name with events like a cow’s eye dissection, carnivorous plants, power tool pumpkin carving, ghost illusions, and lots more, including spooky vibes and a costume contest. Adults only. Tickets $23.
Friday, Oct. 31
If you’re up for a party of thousands of humankind perhaps the aptly named Nightmare on Front Street is for you. Schroeder’s, Harrington’s, and the Royal Exchange will offer Halloween-themed food and libations, and there will also be live music, costume contests, and more. 2–10 p.m. between California and Sacramento streets. Free admission, RSVP here.
The Tony Award-winning Suffs is based on the American women’s suffrage movement and focuses mainly on historical events leading up to the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920. Through Nov. 9 at the Orpheum. Tickets from $62.
We all love the movies filmed in our city, right? View one of the classics, Vertigo, at the San Francisco Symphony. Tickets from $170.
Saturday, Nov. 1
For tea lovers and the tea curious, the San Francisco International Tea Festival is the place to be. Enjoy complimentary unlimited tastings from over 30 local and global producers, lectures, a swag bag, and a souvenir porcelain tasting cup. Through Sunday at the Ferry Building (don’t forget to support the farmers at the market on Saturday). Tickets: $26 and change.
This is a favorite, and if you need to do holiday shopping, get it done early at the Renegade Craft Fair this weekend. Browse over 250 artists offering ceramics, glass art, apparel, textiles, leather goods, and more, including hands-on workshops. Enjoy local cuisine and music, and wander with your pup while enjoying your favorite libation. Through Sunday at Fort Mason (which is also another farmer’s market day, so bring your tote bags). Free admission.
It’s time for our favorite Fall Restaurant Week to get us out to eat. It’s a great way to explore and support our neighborhoods and have a great meal. If that’s not a win-win, I don’t know what is. Participating restaurants here. Through Nov. 9. Brunch/lunch from $10; dinner from $30.
Sunday, Nov. 2
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos with the 33rd annual Festival of Altars to honor ancestors in Potrero del Sol Park. View the community altars or RSVP to reserve a space to build your own. The day-long event will feature live performances, cultural ceremonies, and interactive art and craft stations. Free admission.
We Are All Americans! is a legacy concert for the U.S. Army’s Military Intelligence Service (MIS) Nisei veterans who served as linguists providing translation, interpretation, and interrogation during World War II and have been credited with shortening the war and saving lives. Bay Area native, composer, and educator Paul Yonemura will perform with friends on bass (Cindy Browne-Rosefield), saxophone (Tod Dickow), pianio/keyboard (Frank Martin), and trumpet (John Worley) — fittingly, at the MIS Learning Center in the Presidio. Free (donations welcome) with an option to purchase a bento box. 3 to 4 p.m. RSVP here.
Notable next week
Monday, Nov. 3
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in 2019. TechCrunch, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Presented by Manny’s, At the Table: A Conversation on Leadership, Innovation, and San Francisco, will feature a conversation with OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman and Warriors Coach Steve Kerr. Find out what’s currently motivating them, the lessons they’ve learned, and how they see the future unfolding for San Francisco and the world. Virtual tickets $21; in person from $60.
Tuesday, Nov. 4
If you haven’t already voted, today’s the day. I prefer walking over to my neighbor’s garage to drop off my ballot, say hello, and thank the poll workers. So if you’re in that group, 100 polling places across the city will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for in-person voting and ballot drop-off. Visit this San Francisco Elections tool for locations and wait times (though it’s unlikely there will be much waiting with just one item to vote on), but there’s helpful information there regardless. It’s always free to vote if you’re registered. If you’re not, you’re outta luck today, but you can fix that here.
Getting out and about is always good, whatever you decide to do. Just be safe and be kind.
Got events? Let me know: lynette@thevoicesf.com.
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