It’s technically still summer until Sept. 22, but Labor Day weekend is the “unofficial end of summer,” as we all know it, and it’s just a few days away. If you’re hanging around town, here are my picks for upcoming events to do to get you out and about.
Thursday, Sept. 3
Living legend Jules Broussard, a double-saxophone serenader who has performed with musicians ranging from Alice Coltrane to Van Morrison and Boz Scaggs to Santana, will perform with his New Orleans Jazz Band, all of whom are Bay Area jazz veterans. 7 p.m. at Keys Jazz Bistro. Tickets: $40
Friday, Sept. 4
Our long-time colleague Bruce Bellingham frequently mentioned the Mechanics’ Institute in his column, and it fell off my radar after he left us for the big newspaper in the sky. But I digress. Movies at Mechanics’ has been the place for film enthusiasts for over 20 years. Tonight, up on the screen is the classic 1952 film, Singin’ in the Rain, starring Gene Kelly. Arrive a bit early (5:45) to get your popcorn and a drink and to watch the preshow vintage commercials. 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets: from $7 and change.
Saturday, Sept. 5
The Kings Mountain Art Fair in Woodside is hands down my all-time favorite (but stay tuned for a runner-up coming up later in the month). The artists are juried, and the fair has a reputation as one of one the premier art events on the West Coast. It’s a stunning venue with meandering paths through a redwood grove, and simply can’t be beat. It’s also wholly operated by volunteers, aims for zero waste, and supports the Kings Mountain Volunteer Fire Brigade and Kings Mountain Elementary for an all-around win. Go early (8–10:30 a.m.) for breakfast or if you want to sleep in, get lunch (11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.); both for purchase. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission
The summer season wouldn’t be complete without the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival’s Free Shakespeare in the Park, where “no Shakespeare experience [is] required.” Antony and Cleopatra is on stage this year, exploring the conflict between duty and desire, personal relationships and political power, all against the backdrop of the Roman Empire and Egypt. Whew and hmm. 2 p.m. through Monday and next weekend at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park. Free admission.
It’s an evening of art, performances, and a marketplace in Chinatown at the Hungry Ghost Festival. Traditional ghost festivals aim to distract and calm restless spirits when the hangriest ghosts come to seek solace in the living realm. So do your part and enjoy. Fittingly, a Ghost King parade kicks off the festival. 2–6 p.m. on Grant Avenue between California and Sacramento streets. Free admission.
Sunday, Sept. 6
Today is the last day of the World Arts West Dance Festival. Enjoy live dance performances and features the Academy of Danse Libre, Amazed by Grace Dance Ministry, Los Lupeños de San José, and Uzumaru. Also enjoy community Brazilian and line dances, interactive demos, and multicultural food trucks. 1 to 4 p.m. at the Presidio Tunnel Tops East Meadow. Free admission, register here.
Notable next week
Monday, Sept. 7
The Waterfront (Levi Strauss Plaza, Battery, Green, Front, Vallejo, Sansome, and Greenwich streets) will be occupied by the 50th annual Il Giro di San Francisco, where amateur and elite cyclists compete in high-speed racing. Cyclist fans will surely want to watch, but I’d steer clear of the area if it doesn’t sound like your idea of how to spend your holiday — especially if you’re trying to get somewhere else. First race at 8 a.m.; last at 3:15. Free viewing.
Celebrate the last day of your long weekend with a bonfire at Ocean Beach. Firepits are available on a first-come basis, but before you go read the government’s R&Rs (Ocean Beach is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area). And don’t forget to bundle up. Free admission.
Tuesday, Sept. 8
My friend once commented that she really liked the Chronicle’s sports writers, and I was in total agreement. KALW is inviting you to hear recently retired Chronicle sports writer Scott Ostler: The Sportswriting Life. I’m sure he has lots of stories to tell after over 50 years in the biz. 8 p.m. at 220 Montgomery Street. Tickets from $12 and change.
Wednesday, Sept. 9
Go laugh (which we all need to do) at the inaugural Fugazi Funny Festival, a celebration of comedy featuring acclaimed comedians and storytellers. Xander Beltran is the host tonight in an evening of stand-up comedy, music, and best friends in Besties: A Friendly Comedy & Music Show. Through Saturday. Festival pass: $90
Enjoy your long weekend, and remember to be nice and kind to each other, and stay safe while you’re out and about.
