Ready to enjoy our September weather? Lots of outdoor activities await, from street fairs to cultural festivals and art walks.
Thursday, Sept.17
Tonight’s Fort Mason Fall Art Walk will feature a free, campus-wide evening of new public art installations, exhibitions, music, artist/curator programs, and more, including the premiere of Magic Theatre’s Seat One. Free admission.
We all know about the city’s Big Art Loop, which covers over 34 miles, but here’s a smaller, more focused one: the Big Art Loop — Portside. It’s a waterfront walk series featuring live music, interactive pop-ups, and that big art for a fun bayside stroll. 5 to 8 p.m. today from the Ferry Building to the Exploratorium. Every third Thursday through fall (I’m guessing there will be other segments on different Thursdays; the pier numbering has always been a mystery to me.) Free admission; reserve here.
Friday, Sept.18
Don’t miss the 75th annual Greek Food Festival for your favorite spanakopita, moussaka, gyros, and more, including desserts and wine (for purchase). Browse a variety of vendors, and enjoy traditional award-winning folk dance groups and Greek music. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Sunday (7 p.m.) at Annunciation Cathedral. Free.
Time to grab your lederhosen and dirndls for the big Oktoberfest on Front block party. Expect lots of bier (70 on tap), Bierstiefel, pretzels (real and inflatable), bratwurst, sauerkraut, live music, polka and yodeling, games, and lots of people. 2–10 p.m. Free admission with RSVP.
Saturday, Sept.19
It’s Muni Heritage Weekend, which celebrates the transit system that has connected the city since 1912. The public can enjoy historic vehicle rides, a historic bus promenade (Saturday only), a cable car photo opp, family-friendly activities, a photo walking tour, and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sunday at the San Francisco Railway Museum Free admission.
Earlier in the month, I listed the Kings Mountain Art Fair as my all-time favorite art fair and that I’d mention a runner-up, so here it is: the 69th annual Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival. You’ll still wander through a redwood grove, with about the same number of juried artists, but with the added perks of live music, wine tasting, and a dedicated “Children’s Grove,” so if you missed Kings Mountain, this one’s much closer for city dwellers. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday. Tickets here from $23 and change; also available onsite.
The 36th annual Autumn Moon Festival will offer lots of entertainment, from arts and crafts vendors, mooncakes, lion dancing, and more, including a dumpling-eating contest, a K-Pop dance contest, and more. A short description of the origin of moon festivals is here. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. through Sunday on Grant Street (between California and Broadway), Free admission.
Sunday, Sept.20
We definitely need some yuks these days, and the 45th Annual Comedy Day has come to our rescue. Our favorite funny couple Debi Durst and Voice contributor Will Durst bookend the fest with Debi opening and Will almost closing but followed by Paula Poundstone with lots of other talented funny people in between providing eight sets of laughs. Appropriately in Robin Williams Meadow in Golden Gate Park. Noon to 5 p.m. Free admission.
Today is Bernal Heights’s 35th annual Fiesta on the Hill street fair and fundraiser for the Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center, which does all kinds of good things for the community. Enjoy seven blocks of local vendors and artisans, food, live music, dancing, kiddo fun, and more. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Cortland Avenue (between Bocana and Folsom streets). Free admission.
The 47th annual Haight Ashbury Street Fair is happening this weekend, so expect the usual street fair lineup from food to music, and I’m sure lots more. 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Haight Street (Stanyan to Masonic streets). Free admission.
Notable next week
Tuesday, Sept.22
So long summer. Tonight is the Autumn Equinox making it the real deal tonight at 5:05 p.m., marking the end of the astrological summer, where the hours of day and night are almost equal. So head to your favorite sunset spot around 7 p.m. to honor the changing of seasons. Free viewing, courtesy the universe.
Be safe, kind, and enjoy, whatever you decide to do.
