Enjoy outdoor events from a night market to art and cultural festivals, music, and more, including how to honor 9/11. Here are my picks for the next few days.
Thursday, Sept. 10
Flower Piano is of my all-time favorites. The Botanical Garden places pianos throughout its 55 acres and schedules performances throughout the day at each location, and during the unscheduled times the public is invited to play. The event has expanded over the years and now includes special events in the Zoox Lounge at Flower Piano and other venues, so be sure to check those out, too. Daily through Sept. 20, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free admission for S.F. residents (excluding select special events); tickets for others here.
The storyline of African Stew recalls Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner: An African American woman and a Nigerian man announce their engagement after a short courtship and gather with their families for a celebratory meal. Then tensions arise: cultural differences, familial expectations, and identity issues in this “poignant exploration of love, class, culture, and the Black Diaspora.” Previews tonight and Friday; opening night is Saturday. 7:30 p.m. at the Magic Theatre in Fort Mason through Sept. 27. Preview Tickets: $37
Friday, Sept. 11
The San Francisco Interfaith Council will have a 9/11 25th anniversary ceremony hosted by veterans to honor those lost and those served. Free admission.
Be one of the 5,000 volunteers to provide 20 million meals for families facing hunger in 50-plus cities as part of a national day of service to commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11. San Francisco State will host a meal-packing event; find details here.
For the USA Today number one-ranked night market in the country, head to the BeChinatown Night Market for food from over two dozen vendors, arts and crafts, live music, and more. 5 to 9 p.m. on Grant Avenue (California to Pacific streets). Free admission.
Saturday, Sept. 12
Emmy, Grammy winner, and best-selling author (and so much more) Kathy Griffin has come to make you laugh in her “New Face, New Tour.” 7 p.m. at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre. Tickets from $30.
Head to Fisherman’s Wharf for the Pier Party, featuring craft cocktails, bistro-style seating, dancing, and more. D.J. JP Breganza starts the party at 2 p.m., and Magic Nostalgia keeps it going from 4:30 to 6 p.m. every second Saturday through September at Crab Wheel Plaza. Free admission.
Parsons Dance Company, a New York-based contemporary dance company world-renowned for its energized, athletic ensemble work, was last in San Francisco in 1992, so here’s your chance to see what looks to be some amazing dance. 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Presidio Theatre. Tickets from $50.
Sunday, Sept. 13
Twenty-seven artists will display photographs, drawings, paintings, jewelry, and more at the 5th annual Noe Valley Art Festival. Also enjoy music, kids’ activities, demonstrations, and more. 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. at the Noe Valley Town Square. Free admission.
Enjoy live music and dance, delicious Turkish food, and art and culture at the Turkish Festival where six nations will be represented. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Embarcadero Plaza. Free admission.
Opera in the Park is one of my absolute not-to-ever-miss favorites. Pack a picnic and get there early to stake out your spot and listen to the rehearsal. 1:30 p.m., Robin Williams Meadow. Free admission.
Notable next week
Monday, Sept. 14
This just in my inbox: Matisse’s Femme au chapeau: A Modern Scandal has been extended by popular demand through Sept. 27. The painting sent shockwaves through the art world in 1905, and the exhibition shows how this iconic painting has continued to inspire artists for over a century (see above). So, if you haven’t seen it, you’ve some more time. I highly recommend it. Tickets (timed entry) from $35 (plus a $10 surcharge on weekends).
Tuesday, Sept. 15
Have your lunch al fresco and head to hear some music at People in Plazas with Rhonda and the Sauce playing jazz and R&B at 101 California. Noon to 1 p.m. Free admission.
Wednesday, Sept. 16
The November ballot is a big one and some local journalists will be on hand to help: Juliet Williams from CalMatters, Ben Trefny from KALW Public Media, and Lila LaHood from the San Francisco Public Press at Inside Your San Francisco Election Ballot. They’ll break down what’s there and why, and answer your questions (you can submit them in advance to community@sfpublicpress.org). And in case you haven’t heard, this is a pivotal election, so it’s imperative that we all get out and vote. 6 to 8 p.m. in Koret Auditorium, San Francisco Library Main Branch. Free, reserve a seat here.
That’s what I have, folks. Enjoy your out and abouting, whatever you decide to do, and don’t forget to be safe and be kind — it’s a jungle out there.
