My picks for getting out and about in the coming week include outdoor festivals, from cultural to a night market, comedic performances, open art studios, a variety of music, and a walk in the woods. Read on.
Thursday, Sept. 25
See a preview of Noises Off tonight at the San Francisco Playhouse. The slapstick comedy follows a dysfunctional British theater troupe struggling to stage the farce Nothing On. Both onstage and behind the scenes are missed cues, misplaced props, and romantic entanglements. Previews through Sept. 30; through Nov. 8. Tickets from $52.
Friday, Sept. 26
The Sunset Night Market spans seven blocks and features over 100 art and retail vendors and more than 50 food vendors, so this is definitely the place for your Friday night dinner and more, like live music, kiddo fun, and a durian-eating contest. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Irving Street (between 19th and 26th avenues). Free.
Discover painters, photographers, sculptors, printmakers, ceramicists, fashion designers, graphic designers, illustrators, bookbinders, and others at ArtSpan’s citywide celebration of community and artists, Fall Open Studios. Free.
Saturday, Sept. 27
Today is Free National Parks Day, so if you haven’t been to Muir Woods in a while, today’s the day. You will, however, still have to pay for parking or the shuttle, and reservations are always required. Free.
The Chuseok Festival, a celebration of Korea’s harvest festival, features Korean food and drink, music, community, culture, live performances, traditional games, local Korean artists and businesses, games, and activities for all. Pups welcome. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Presidio Main Parade Lawn, Free; reserve here.
The 35th Autumn Moon Festival will take over Chinatown today. Enjoy entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, mooncakes, lion dancing, and more, including a dumpling-eating contest (which will surely be exponentially better than hot dogs; preregistration required to participate). A short description of the origin of moon festivals is here. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Grant Avenue (between California and Broadway streets). Through Sunday. Free.
Former The Police guitarist (one the greatest says Rolling Stone) Andy Summers will play classics from The Police, and share stories and photos he’s taken over the years in (the great-titled) An Evening with Andy Summers: The Cracked Lens & A Missing String Tour. Tickets from $50.
Celebrate the neighborhood’s cafe culture at the North Beach Coffee and Pastry Festival, where you can sample offerings from local roasters and coffee shops, enjoy live music, interactive activities, live demonstrations, a pastry paradise, family fun, and more. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Grant Avenue (between Vallejo and Filbert streets). Free.
Sunday, Sept. 28
Today is Fiesta on the Hill, the annual street fair and fundraiser for the Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center, which provides programs and services for seniors, families, the disabled, and does other good things. Enjoy local food vendors and artisans, live music, dancing, guest speakers, kiddo fun, and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Cortland Avenue (between Bocana and Folsom streets). Free.
Monday, Sept. 29
TwoSet Violin, the musical comedy duo of Australian violinists and YouTubers Brett Yang and Eddy Chen known for their humor (like hula hooping while playing) and making classical music more relevant to new audiences, will perform at Davies Symphony Hall. Through Tuesday. Tickets from $89.
Tuesday, Sept. 30
It’s Americana/Folk/Singer-Songwriter Tuesday at The Lost Church tonight, with performances by Dana Cooper, James Lee Stanley, Frances Ancheta, and Pete Kronowitt. Tickets: $23 and change.
Wednesday, Oct. 2
Grab your lunch at head to the beautiful Salesforce Park for some Rooftop Jazz by a talented Bay Area musician. (October schedule unavailable at press time). 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free.
Enjoy your time out and about, and whatever you decide to do, be safe and be nice.
