Guide to events:
 Free (or very low cost)
 Kid Friendly
 Dog Friendly
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Year Round
Free Museum Days
Many San Francisco museums have a day of free admission at the beginning of every month. Participating museums include the Asian Art Museum, the Legion of Honor Museum,
Museum of Modern Art,
Yerba Buena Center,
Academy of Sciences, and Exploratorium.
01/18/2008 - 04/27/2008
New West Coast Design: Contemporary Objects
With new work and projects from over 50 California, Oregon and Washington designers and studios, New West Coast Design: Contemporary Objects offers an up-to-the-minute look at the many objects that have kept California, and its neighbors, at the forefront of innovation for nearly a half-century. This exhibition will highlight a collection of the most exciting new designs for contemporary living currently emerging on the West Coast, including functional pieces for interiors, outdoor sports gear, and landscape design.
(www.sfmcd.org)
01/22/2008 - 04/27/2008
Paul Ekman: The Search for Universals in Human Emotion
This Exploratorium-only exhibition by internationally acclaimed psychologist Paul Ekman, celebrating the fortieth anniversary of his influential work with the isolated South Fore people of New Guinea, focuses on his photographic study of human facial expressions that has had a powerful impact on the understanding of both our emotions and our evolutionary history.
(www.exploratorium.edu)
02/15/2008 - 09/27/2008
Tony n' Tina's Wedding
Tony n' Tina's Wedding is one of the longest-running comedies in American theatrical history.
(www.tonyandtinasanfrancisco.com)
03/27/2008 - 05/25/2008
The Sicilian Baroque
The Sicilian Baroque is an exhibition of photographs of the people and places of Sicily by Giuseppe Leone.
(Fort Mason Center)
04/01/2008 - 05/31/2008
It’s a Spoon, Not a Shovel
Features a humorous look at manners and etiquette for children.
(sfpl.lib.ca.us)
04/04/2008 - 04/25/2008
Scantily Clad Comedy
After a long week at your boring job, expect this showcase to get a rise out of you!
(www.sfcomedycollege.com)
04/13/2008 - 10/26/2008
Golden Gate Park Band Summer Sunday Concerts
The Golden Gate Park Band have been playing free public concerts on Sundays in Golden Gate Park continuously since September of 1882.
(www.goldengateparkband.org)
04/21/2008 - 05/03/2008
Neighborhood Arts Festival: Celebrating 40 Years of Neighborhood Arts
Neighborhood Arts Festival features two weeks of events that spotlight community arts in San Francisco's neighborhoods.
(www.sfacgallery.org)
04/22/2008
Earth Day – Green Building!
Mark Palmer and Rich Chien, the San Francisco Municipal Green Building coordinators, will talk about why green building is important to all of us.
(sfpl.lib.ca.us)
04/22/2008 - 04/26/2008
Waste Wise Market Celebration
Join in celebrating the launch of a new initiative to reduce waste generated at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.
(www.cuesa.org)
04/22/2008 - 04/27/2008
MAMMA MIA!
A mother, a daughter, three possible dads, and a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! It’s the international smash hit ABBA songfest MAMMA MIA!
(www.amtsj.org)
04/24/2008
Opening Film and Reception for the 51st International Film Festival
The 51st San Francisco International Film Festival will open with The Last Mistress (France), the latest film from acclaimed director Catherine Breillat. The Last Mistress will screen with Catherine Breillat in attendance, followed by the gala Opening Night party.
(www.sffs.org)
04/24/2008 - 05/08/2008
51st San Francisco International Film Festival
The 51st annual event is an extraordinary showcase of cinematic discovery and innovation. Since its inception in 1957, the SFIFF has hosted hundreds of prominent guests from Spike Lee to Bette Davis and presented almost 6,000 films from more than 120 countries to nearly two million filmgoers.
(www.sffs.org)
04/25/2008
San Francisco Ballet's Nite Out - New Works Festival
San Francisco Ballet invites the LBGT (lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender) community to our 2008 Nite Out Series, featuring three evenings of dynamic mixed-repertory programs, including works from some of today’s most sought-after choreographers. After the performance, enjoy an exclusive cocktail reception where you can relax, mingle, and talk about your favorite works. It doesn’t get much better than that.
(www.sfballet.org)
04/25/2008 - 04/27/2008
2008 San Francisco New Living Expo
This three-day weekend Expo brings you the largest and most progressive gathering of the foremost authorities, captivating speakers, and leading-edge thinkers and innovators of our time.
(www.newlivingexpo.com)
04/25/2008 - 05/04/2008
Bay Area National Dance Week
All dance! All free! All week!" is the motto of Bay Area National Dance Week. More than 300 artists and organizations participate annually; events include classes, performances, lectures, open rehearsals, open houses, workshops, film screenings, and more.
(www.bacndw.org)
04/26/2008
25th Annual San Francisco International Beer Festival
Sample more than 300 incredible beers from some of the best craft brewers in the world as well as a variety of offerings from some of San Francisco’s best restaurants. Must be 21 or over to enter.
(www.fortmason.org)
04/26/2008 - 05/26/2008
2008 San Francisco Decorator Showcase
The West Coast’s top designers will remake one of San Francisco’s largest residences at the 2008 San Francisco Decorator Showcase. The four-story Italianate-style Pacific Heights mansion located boasts 16,000 square feet of living space, making it one of the largest homes in the 31 years of the San Francisco Decorator Showcase.
(www.decoratorshowcase.org)
04/27/2008
18th Annual Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show
A spectacular showcase of motorized mechanical marvels from throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.
(www.miramarevents.com)
04/29/2008
20th Annual Lambda Literary Awards Finalists Reading
Finalists will read from their works. Featured guests include Christopher Rice and Michael Nava, and many more. Refreshments provided.
(sfpl.lib.ca.us)
04/30/2008
National Dance Week Films: The Dances of Christopher Bruce and Jiri Kylian
Films of British choreographer Christopher Bruce and Czech choreographer Jiri Kylian will be shown.
(sfpl.lib.ca.us)
05/01/2008 - 05/25/2008
11th Annual United States of Asian America Festival
The 11th Annual United States of Asian America Festival will showcase Asian Pacific Islander artists who exemplify the best in dance, theater, visual art and multimedia including performances.
(www.apiculturalcenter.org)
05/01/2008 - 05/30/2008
2007 AIA San Francisco Design Awards
Showcasing more than 50 Bay Area architectural firms who were awarded during the 2007 AIA San Francisco Design Awards program, this exhibition recognizes the firms’ outstanding contributions to the built environment in the categories of Excellence in Architectural Design, Excellence in Interior Design, Energy + Sustainability Design, Unbuilt Design, Urban Design and the new category of Integrated Practice. Special Achievement Award winners will also be on display.
(www.aiasf.org)
05/02/2008
Bread and Chocolate Foodie Feast
Come join Tina Roberts of Urban Bread, Joyce Guan of Charles Chocolates, and a. Muse as we explore two enticing local delicacies—Bread and Chocolate.
(www.yourmusegallery.com)
05/02/2008 - 05/04/2008
Spring Open Studios 2008
The annual Sausalito ICB Artists Spring Open House is a unique viewing, education and purchase opportunity for art buyers, collectors, local art enthusiasts.
(www.icbbuilding.com)
05/03/2008
41st Annual Spring Plant Sale
San Francisco Botanical Garden’s Annual Spring Plant Sale is a botanical extravaganza offering more that 4,000 different kinds of plants, many from the Garden’s own collection.
(www.sfbotanicalgarden.org)
05/03/2008
Paws in the Park: Fun with Fido!
Paws in the Park is a series of events for pets and pet lovers. It focuses on topical information as related to pet ownership through a series of fun activities and events.
(hssv.org)
05/04/2008
How Weird Street Faire
The How Weird Street Faire features five city blocks of high quality music stages, art, performances, vendors from around the world, and much more.
(www.peacetour.org)
05/04/2008
Third Annual People Paddle for AIDS
The Third Annual People Paddle for AIDS is San Francisco's colorful paddlecraft fundraiser and after-party/festival. Up to 200 kayakers and outrigger canoe paddlers converge on San Francisco's historic South Beach Harbor, and paddle to fight AIDS. Proceeds benefit up to 30 Northern California AIDS service organizations.
(www.peoplepaddle.com)
05/05/2008
San Francisco Cinco de Mayo Festival
This community-based cultural heritage event commemorates the self-determination of the indigenous people of Mexico.
(www.carnavalsf.com)
05/06/2008 - 06/01/2008
A Midsummer Night's Dream
A theatrical event like no other, this incredible spectacle combines the astonishing skills of actors, dancers, martial arts experts, musicians and street acrobats from across India and Sri Lanka.
(www.shnsf.com)
05/08/2008
Vanity Fair Reel Relief VIP After Party
As the platinum sponsor of SFIFF51, Vanity Fair brings its 2008 Reel Relief benefit event to San Francisco to present a dazzling night of cinema with proceeds benefiting the Natural Resources Defense Council.
(www.sffs.org)
05/08/2008 - 05/11/2008
Filoli Flower Show 2008: Country Elegance
Filoli presents its 20th Annual Filoli Flower Show: Country Elegance to honor the original vision that Mr. and Mrs. William Bowers Bourn had for the creation of this magnificent country estate.
(www.filoli.org/)
05/10/2008 - 06/08/2008
Octopus
A love story rendered through a post-modern gay lens, Octopus examines the fallout of one night of lust on four men. This universal story of love, jealousy, and commitment commingles with a mysterious telegram delivery boy and a ravenous monster from the ocean floor.
(www.magictheatre.org/)
05/10/2008
Kaboom
The 15th annual fireworks celebration sponsored by KFOG Radio features a synchronized soundtrack, live music and children’s stage.
(www.kfog.com)
05/11/2008
Family Explorations: Celebrating California Families
An afternoon of indoor and outdoor activities for all Bay Area kids and parents-adopted, mixed-race, and LGBT.
(www.museumca.org)
05/13/2008
Mommy and Me on the Row - May
Santana Row’s popular Mommy and Me on the Row series returns for another season of entertainment, interactive games, arts/crafts, and educational activities designed for parents and their pre-school aged children.
(www.charleszukow.com)
05/13/2008 - 05/25/2008
Disney's Beauty and the Beast
A timeless story filled with magic, romance and suspense, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is truly a remarkable theatrical celebration.
(www.amtsj.org)
05/15/2008
Going Green with Your Family
From small steps to world-changing strategies, learn how to be green at home with your family and discover the fabulous resources available for city kids and their caregivers.
(sfpl.lib.ca.us)
05/16/2008
Making Our Dreams Come True
Join in a night of glamour and gaiety in the finest of settings as the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus unfurl a program of laughter, tears and goose bumps.
(www.sfgmc.org)
05/16/2008 - 05/17/2008
Cooking for Solutions 2008
Great chefs from the United States and around the world, including Ireland’s Darina Allen, Australia’s Kylie Kwong, Food Network all-star Alton Brown and 14 others will share their passion for fine dining and environmentally sustainable living at the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Cooking for Solutions 2008.
(www.mbayaq.org)
05/17/2008
Flying Angels Chinese Dance Company
Come enjoy an exciting performance by the Flying Angels Chinese Dance Company in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
(sfpl.lib.ca.us)
05/17/2008
Uncorked! The San Francisco Wine Festival
Uncorked is a public event which provides an opportunity to taste, learn and experience wine and gourmet food from throughout Northern California.
(www.sresproductions.com)
05/17/2008 - 05/18/2008
12th Annual A La Carte and Art Festival
The official kick-off to festival season in the Bay Area. The A La Carte and Art Festival is a vibrant, open-air springtime celebration in the heart of Silicon Valley featuring live rhythm and blues, jazz, Motown, and rock 'n roll music, a juried arts and crafts show with 250 exhibitors showing their latest handcrafted wares, savory stroll-around food, premium wines and microbrews, a farmers' market with fresh seasonal produce, chefs' demonstrations, street performers, and the "Tons of Fun Zone" with amusements and games for kids.
(www.miramarevents.com)
05/18/2008
97th Annual ING Bay to Breakers 12K
Since 1912 tens of thousands of people have gathered in San Francisco to see the world's largest footrace unfold as more than 70,000 costume-clad runners and walkers push off.
(www.baytobreakers.com)
05/21/2008
30th Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
The 30th Asian Pacific American Heritage Month will feature a short film highlighting some significant events in Asian Pacific American History in San Francisco and guest speakers.
(sfpl.lib.ca.us)
05/21/2008 - 06/08/2008
5th Annual San Francisco International Arts Festival
The fifth annual San Francisco International Arts Festival (SFIAF) will feature more than 40 performances and three major visual arts exhibits being presented by more than 25 San Francisco Arts organizations at multiple venues throughout the City.
(www.sfiaf.org)
05/23/2008 - 05/25/2008
Alice and the Wonderland Revue
Alice and the Wonderland Revue is the tale of a young girl who loses everything in a tragedy, escapes into a world of fantasy and then tries to find her way back to reality.
(www.african-americanshakes.org)
05/24/2008 - 05/25/2008
2008 Carnaval San Francisco Festival and Grand Parade
One of the city’s most spectacular traditions, the 30th Annual Carnaval San Francisco showcases the very best of Latin American and Caribbean cultures and traditions with a diverse array of food, music, dance and artistry, including works created by the talented community of Mission District residents and Bay Area artists.
(www.carnavalsf.com)
05/25/2008
FRESH at Ruby Skye: Memorial Day Weekend
Be sure not to miss FRESH at Ruby Skye, a monthly celebration featuring music by live DJs to help party goers shake their groove on the dance floor!
(www.rubyskye.com)
05/28/2008
2008 Summer Preview Lecture on Opera
The San Francisco Opera Guild presents a lecture by Perry Lorenzo on Richard Wagner’s opera, Das Rheingold.
(sfpl.lib.ca.us)
05/29/2008
Mo’Rockin Project
The Mo'Rockin Project is a brotherhood of kindred North African and jazz musicians traversing the inner experience of the human soul.
(www.ybgf.org)
05/29/2008 - 06/01/2008
Mendocino Film Festival
The Mendocino Film Festival was established in 2006. In such a quiet and beautiful environment, attending filmmakers can focus less on hype and more on craft and creative kinship.
(www.mendocinohotel.com)
05/30/2008 - 06/21/2008
I'm Still Standing: Celebration of the Music of Elton John
The renowned American Conservatory Theater Young Conservatory continues its celebrated popular musical tributes by bringing the music of Elton John to stage.
(www.act-sf.org)
05/31/2008
2008 Black and White Ball
Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Seal headlines the San Francisco Symphony's 2008 Black and White Ball with a special concert.
(www.sfsymphony.org)
05/31/2008 - 06/01/2008
32nd Annual Union Street Eco-Urban Festival
One of San Francisco’s largest, free art festivals is going green this year with an organic farmers market, arts and crafts created with recycled and sustainable materials and eco-friendly exhibits; 150 artists, 20 gourmet food booths, live entertainment on two stages as well.
(www.sresproductions.com)
06/01/2008 - 06/15/2008
7th Annual San Francisco Dine-About-Town
More than 100 of San Francisco's finest restaurants, and a few outside the city, will offer three-course prix-fixe menus for lunch and/or dinner.
(www.sfcvb.org)
06/01/2008 - 06/30/2008
National Queer Arts Festival
During the month of June, the Queer Cultural Center presents this festival at numerous venues around San Francisco and also has an extensive online component.
(www.queerculturalcenter.org)
06/02/2008
Fifty Years of Excellence: Experience Tour
Hearst Castle is celebrating its 50th anniversary of public tours this year.
(www.hearstcastle.com)
06/04/2008 - 06/15/2008
2008 San Francisco Black Film Festival
The mission of the San Francisco Black Film Festival (SFBFF) is to celebrate African American cinema and the African cultural Diaspora and to showcase a diverse collection of films - from emerging and established filmmakers.
(www.sfbff.org)
06/05/2008 - 07/25/2008
AIGA SF: 25th Anniversary Retrospective
To celebrate the organization's 25th anniversary, AIGA SF, the professional association for design, will mount an exhibit showcasing 25 years of creativity and programming that have made the San Francisco Chapter the most innovative and respected in the country.
(www.aiasf.org)
06/06/2008
First Fridays After Five - June
Oakland Museum of California's blues and jazz summer series kicks off with a performance by the Bay Area Caravan of Blues All Stars, lectures, curator's tours, shopping, yoga, and a great chance to make new friends.
(www.museumca.org)
06/06/2008 - 06/19/2008
Another Hole In The Head Festival
San Francisco IndieFest unleashes ghosts, madmen, monsters, demented behavior, ghastly gore, merry mayhem and much more blood-sucking, brain-eating fun at Another Hole in the Head Film Festival.
(www.sfindie.com)
06/07/2008
Urban Kidz Film Festival
Urban Kidz Film Festival is a fun one-day festival of short films, animated shorts, and special features from a black perspective, just for kids.
(www.sfbff.org)
06/07/2008
Paws in the Park: Rabbit/Pocket Pet
Paws in the Park is a series of events for pets and pet lovers. It focuses on topical information as related to pet ownership through a series of fun activities and events.
(hssv.org)
06/07/2008 - 07/06/2008
Pride Season 2008: Men In Uniform
A vibrant and sexy collection of new work by Bay Area writers from NCTC’s Gay Playwriting Workshop, Men in Uniform is a testosterone-suffused, sexy compilation of short plays that involves men in (and out of) uniform including Marines, security guards, sportscasters, exterminators, auto mechanics, and preachers.
(www.nctcsf.org)
06/08/2008
Kenny Chesney’s Poets and Pirates Tour
Kenny Chesney’s show will feature a multi-talented line up of some of country music’s biggest names, including four-time Entertainers of the Year Brooks and Dunn, Grammy Award winner LeAnn Rimes, and platinum progressive West Coast country star Gary Allan.
(AT&T Park)
06/08/2008
31st Annual Haight Ashbury Street Fair
Music, arts, crafts and food are the mainstay of the Haight Ashbury Street Fair celebrating the cultural history and diversity of one of San Francisco's most internationally celebrated neighborhoods - the Haight-Ashbury district.
(www.haightashburystreetfair.org)
06/10/2008 - 06/22/2008
Hairspray
In Hairspray it's 1962 - the '50s are out and change is in the air. Baltimore's Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion - to dance.
(www.shnsf.com)
06/13/2008 - 09/01/2008
Superstition Obstacle Course
For many people, Friday the 13th suggests bad luck, but is it really tempting fate to break a mirror? Are you courting disaster by walking under a ladder? And what really happens if you step squarely on that crack in the sidewalk? Although none of the beliefs represented have a scientific basis, many believe such behaviors invite bad luck.
(www.exploratorium.edu)
06/08/2008 - 06/22/2008
54th Annual Precious Cheese North Beach Festival
San Francisco's oldest street fair delights with juried arts and crafts, live entertainment, pizza toss, animal blessings and other surprises.
(www.sfnorthbeach.org)
06/15/2008
Father’s Day Dinner in The Terrace
Bond with Dad this Father’s Day, indulging in Chef Chang Sivilay’s acclaimed Mediterranean menu.
(www.ritzcarlton.com)
06/15/2008
Native Contemporary Arts Festival
Featuring Native artists, this annual event features traditional and contemporary music, dance, vendors and free craft activities for kids – including dream catchers and bracelets.
(www.ybgf.org)
06/15/2008 - 08/17/2008
71st Annual Stern Grove Festival
The Stern Grove Festival celebrates its 71st season of free Sunday concerts featuring renowned music and dance groups set in a beautiful outdoor amphitheater in the heart of San Francisco.
(www.sterngrove.org)
ART MUSEUMS
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Asian Art Museum
The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is one of the largest museums in the Western world devoted exclusively to Asian art.
(www.asianart.org/) |
 |
Yerba Buena Center
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts is the Bay Area's premier venue for adventurous art.
(www.ybca.org) |
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Legion of Honor Museum
The Legion of Honor displays an impressive collection of 4,000 years of ancient and European art in an unforgettable setting overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.
(www.famsf.org/legion/index.asp) |
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SF Modern Museum of Art
Located in a spectacular new building by Mario Botta, SFMOMA offers the West Coast's most comprehensive collection of 20th century art.
(www.sfmoma.org/) |
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Academy of Sciences
Explore the natural world within the halls of the California Academy of Sciences.
(www.calacademy.org/) |
THEATERS
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Beach Blanket Babylon
Steve Silver's Beach Blanket Babylon is the longest running, hit musical revue in theatre history. The show premiered in 1974.
(www.beachblanketbabylon.com/) |
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Best of Broadway
Watch touring acts from Broadway fame at one of these downtown theaters: the Golden Gate, Curran or Orpheum.
(www.bestofbroadway-sf.com/) |
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American Conservatory Theater
A.C.T. is nationally recognized for its groundbreaking productions of classical works and bold explorations of contemporary playwriting.
(www.act-sfbay.org/) |
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SF Shakespeare Festival
SF Shakespeare Festival is a regional theater company and major arts education provider that organizes Free Shakespeare in the Park.
(www.sfshakes.org/) |
SPORTS
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San Francisco 49ers (Football)
Catch all the excitement of the NFL as the 49ers take on their NFC West rivals and more.
(www.sf49ers.com/) |
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San Francisco Giants (Baseball)
Catch a major league baseball game at spectacular SBC Park. Watch as Barry Bonds and the Giants pursue a National League West title.
(http://www.sfgiants.com) |
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Oakland Athletics (Baseball)
Catch a major league baseball game at the Oakland Coliseum -- just a BART ride away -- and watch as Eric Chavez and the A's pursue an American League West title.
(www.oaklandathletics.com) |
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Golden State Warriors (Basketball)
Take a BART ride to Oakland and watch a young and exciting team compete in the NBA. With the addition of Baron Davis, the future looks bright for the Warriors.
(www.nba.com/warriors/) |
DINING
Farallon
(www.farallonrestaurant.com/)
Aqua
(www.aqua-sf.com)
Anjou
(www.anjou-sf.com/)
Fifth Floor
(www.hotelpalomar.com)
Masa's
(www.masas.citysearch.com/)
Postrio
(www.postrio.com/)
Hawthorne Lane
(www.hawthornelane.com/)
SHOPPING
Neiman-Marcus
(www.neimanmarcus.com/)
Cartier
(www.cartier.com/)
Saks Fifth Avenue
(www.saksfifthavenue.com/)
Tiffany and Co.
(www.tiffany.com/)
Disney Store
(disney.store.go.com/)
Gucci
(www.gucci.com/)
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