We’ve got a mix of indoor and outdoor events this week, from some street festivals, theater and dance, and more. Read on for my picks.
Thursday, Sept. 4
As part of the Presidio Theatre’s opening season celebration, San Francisco’s ODC/Dance will perform a mixed repertoire of three programs: Brenda Way’s A Brief History of Up and Down, a kind of retrospective of the company’s 55 years of dancing and Unintended Consequences (A Meditation), about human relationships and isolation; and Kimi Okada’s Inkwell, inspired by the cartoons of Max Fleischer from the 1920s and 1930s, “rooted in physical comedy, vaudeville forms, and early cinema, the piece explores the power of demagogues over unwitting humans and the path from seduction to indoctrination.” Tickets from $38.
Friday, Sept. 5
It’s Superman Movie Night at Oracle Park tonight, with a special screening of the 2025 movie that will feature some lighting and sound enhancements and other entertainment, like Krypto’s Playpen, where you can fall in love with and adopt rescue doggos looking even more adorable sporting Krypto capes, so you can’t resist. Tickets from $28.
Saturday, Sept. 6
Opera in the Park is one of my absolute not-to-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.
In Alonzo King Lines Ballet x Ragnar Kjartansson: The Visitors, three to four dancers will perform alongside of and in between the video projections of Ragnar Kjartansson: The Visitors (closing Sept. 25). The performance will complement, respond to, and expand visitors’ experience through choreography. Noon–4 p.m. Free with museum admission. Tickets from $23.
Sunday, Sept. 7
Haight-Asbury Street Fair has been around for a long time (this is their 46th year), and organizers describe it as the city’s “most iconic, free-spirted festivals,” which I don’t doubt — it’s received multiple awards and honors. You’ll find a Children’s Alley, Skate Jam, Art Walk, and new this year, a Poetry and Photography Space for local poets and storytellers to exhibit and perform. Plus two stages of music. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Free admission.
As if the Presidio Tunnel Tops aren’t already the best, you can enjoy that incredible place even more at the World Arts West Dance Festival, which will feature legacy artists who will share cultural rituals from Haiti and the Philippines embodying health and healing through dance and ritual. 1 p.m. Free admission, register here.
Calling all car buffs and those who just want to get enjoy getting out: vintage cars, classic cars, high-end cars, and new cars will be on display at the 4th Annual Chinatown Car Show and Car Parade. There will be live music, and cultural performances like lion dancing, and kung fu and tai chi exhibitions. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (parade starts at 3 p.m.) Free admission.
Monday, Sept. 8
The Roxie will screen three films tonight: (Francis Ford Coppola’s) Dementia 13, Christiane F., and A Better Tomorrow (英雄本色). Tickets from $12 and change.
Tuesday, Sept. 9
Shucked is supposed to be corny with its jokes and theme, but its also a Tony Award winner, and has been praised for its songs. The story follows Maizy and Beau, about to be wed trying to find the cause of the dying corn field that protects Cob County. Broadway S.F., in their advisory statement cautions about adult themes and language “and a harvest of corny innuendo.” But anything that makes us laugh these days is worthwhile. Tickets from $62.
Wednesday, Sept. 10
Midweek Mercado at Salesforce Plaza is a new lunch destination brought to you by our friends at Off the Grid and BXP. (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) Bring your appetite and choose from 14 rotating pop-up vendors offering specials like Oaxacan tamales, Columbian empanadas, Puerto Rican mofongo, and more. Come back today for happy hour events and live music. (4–6 p.m.) Wednesdays through Sept. 24.
The San Francisco Playhouse production of the classic My Fair Lady is in its final run. It’s had great reviews from the costumes to the acting, the production, and the small live orchestra. Through Sept. 13. Tickets from $20.
There you go. Enjoy your weekend out there, and be safe, whatever you decide to do.
