In case you didn’t have any plans for the weekend, read on for my suggestions. Mostly all are outdoors, taking benefit of our fall days, but there’s a variety of events to enjoy.
Thursday, Oct. 8
Hear representatives from Mission Local, the San Francisco Ethics Commission, California Common Cause, and the San Francisco Public Press in this nonpartisan discussion: Money in San Francisco politics: Who’s spending big on the election? 6 to 8 p.m. at the Internet Archive. Free admission; RSVP here; event will also be live-streamed.
Writers and readers unite: It’s time for our annual literary festival, Litquake, which provides a forum for Bay Area writing and “bring[ing] people together around the common humanity encapsulated in literature.” There’s a Kidquake, and LitCrawl, and over 60 exciting events, so visit the link above to choose what appeals. Through Oct. 24 at various Bay Area locations. Free admission.
Friday, Oct. 9
Watch the Parade of Ships as they sail under the Gate, led by the San Francisco Fire Department with their spectacular fire boats shooting jets of water into the air to celebrate the opening of Fleet Week. 11 a.m. to noon; free viewing.
It’s time to head to the roofs, the Marina Green, or out of town for the polarizing Blue Angels Airshow. Other aircraft (like the lumbering United Airlines 777) perform the preshow at noon, with the Blues flying around 3 p.m., weather permitting, which looks like it will. Through Sunday. Free viewing.
Head to Fridays on Front for a Fleet Week-themed outdoor happy hour and 40th anniversary screening of Top Gun. Also enjoy free oysters, yacht rock concerts, bar specials, mustache contests, and more, like the freedom of sipping your favorite libation in public with no worry of violating open container laws. 4 p.m. Free admission; RSVP at the link above.
Remember the old Old Navy flagship store on Fourth and Market streets? Remember Uniqlo’s flagship store on Union Square? Well, get ready to party: Uniqlo is back in town and headed to that old Old Navy flagship store and is throwing a huge street party to celebrate with two stages of music, Japanese calligraphy and origami workshops, freebies, art installations, and more. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Free admission.
Tonight is the last night of the season to enjoy the community spirit and culinary delights of the Chinatown Night Market. Stroll the street under the festive red lanterns while you eat, drink, shop, and support the merchants. 5:30 to 9 p.m. (The 1st Marine Division Band will play from 6 to 7:30 p.m.) Grant Avenue (at Sacramento Street). Free admission.
Saturday, Oct. 10
I love this picture. My dog hugs me like this but she doesn’t save anyone but me like this one does. K-9 Heroes will demonstrate their abilities, including search and rescue, therapy tasks, drug and food detection, law enforcement, and bomb detection at this Fleet Week event. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Duboce Park.
Theater legend Emma Rice is back with her take on Hitchcock’s 1959 classic North by Northwest, an exciting tale of mistaken identity that spans from cornfields to Mount Rushmore for a funny, enjoyable production. 2 and 8 p.m. at ACT’s Toni Rembe Theater. Tickets from $28.
Sunday, Oct. 11
Who doesn’t love North Beach? I always feel like I’m somewhere far away instead of close to home whenever I’m there. Head over to the 157th (that’s since 1869 for reference) Italian Heritage Festival Parade, celebrating Italian culture with floats, bands, vintage cars, and performances, including the 1st Marine Division Ceremonial Band and the Navy Band Southwest Parade Band. 12:30 p.m. at Jefferson and Powell streets in Fisherman’s Wharf; ends at Washington Square. Free admission.
Notable next week
Monday, Oct. 12
Join the celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day and enjoy Native American art, music, and vendors highlighting talented Indigenous artists in the Bay Area, California, and the Americas. Presented on Yelamu, Ramaytush Ohlone Territory with a special performance by indigenous musician, conservatory-trained Canadian performer, composer, and musicologist Jeremy Dutcher. Noon to 4 p.m. on the Great Lawn at Yerba Buena Gardens. Free admission, RSVP here.
Wednesday, Oct. 14
I am embarrassed to admit that I didn’t know there was an observatory at San Francisco State. And that it hosts public rooftop stargazing nights. Tonight is one of them. 7 to 9:30 p.m., Wednesday through Friday, through October (hours change in November), and only when the skies are clear. Follow on Insta for “celestial updates.” Thorton Hall, 10th floor. Free admission.
There’s sure to be a lot of humanity out there in the coming days, so remember to be kind (and safe) enjoying whatever you choose to do.
