Events | Citybuzz - A Vidicom and Christy Ferer Guide to Travel

San Francisco

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+ The America’s Cup Comes To San Francisco This Summer

The 34th AMERICA’S CUP will be contested in San Francisco Bay this summer! The America's Cup is oldest trophy in international sport, first contested in 1851. The 34th America's Cup is an umbrella term that covers several events: the 2013 America’s Cup Finals, the Louis Vuitton Cup, the America's Cup Challenger Series, the America’s Cup World Series and the Red Bull Youth America's Cup. The 2013 America’s Cup Final is scheduled Sept. 7-21, 2013, in San Francisco. The final, also known as the Match, will feature the defender, ORACLE TEAM USA, against a challenger that will have won the Louis Vuitton Cup which goes to the winner of the America’s Cup Challenger Series. The Louis Vuitton Cup series to determint the challenger, begins on July 4, 2013 and runs until August 30. The America’s Cup is the most difficult trophy in sport to win. In the more than 150 years since that first race off England, only four nations have won the coveted trophy. Throughout its history the America’s Cup has attracted the tycoons of business and industry, flamboyant, outspoken and demanding characters who are often successful in their career, but rarely successful in the America’s Cup. They’re attracted to the Cup because of the demands required to win the trophy, but only four nations have hosted the trophy: the U.S., Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland. Come see sports history in San Francisco this summer! Visit americascup.com for more information.

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+ Visit The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Learn About The Man Behind “Peanuts”

Remember a love of Peanuts. Housing the largest collection of Peanuts strips in the world, the Museum explores the art and nuances of Schulz's craft. Learn about the man behind Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Snoopy, Peppermint Patty, Woodstock and the Little Red-Haired Girl. The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center was designed to reflect the modest, low key, and comfortable personality and style of the internationally-famous cartoonist. Until his death in 2000, Charles “Sparky” Schulz himself was involved with each design stage. After his passing, his widow, Jean, along with close friends, family members, and museum and design professionals kept his vision in mind to create this beautiful and meaningful space as a tribute to an extraordinary man. The museum is about 50 miles north of San Francisco in beautiful Sonoma County. Click here for more information.

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+ “Jewels in the Square”

The Jewels in the Square Perfromance Series brings live music, dance, outdoor movies and other entertainment to Union Square Park for everyone to enjoy. Jewels showcases upcoming and emerging talent with a unique San Francisco flair. jewelsinthesquare

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+ Stern Grove Midsummer Music Festival

Stern Grove Midsummer Music Festival sanfranciscoconcerts

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+ 8th Annual Jerry Garcia Birthday Celebration- “Jerry Day”, The Jerry Garcia Ampitheater

8th Annual Jerry Garcia Birthday Celebration- "Jerry Day", The Jerry Garcia Ampitheater Jerry-Garcia

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+ 1. Calder to Warhol at SFMOMA’s 75th Anniversary July 1-31

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is celebrating its 75th

anniversary with an enormous exhibit of over 1,000 iconic works by artists like Alexander Calder, Roy Lichtenstein, Chuck Close, and easily the most recognizable, pop-artist Andy Warhol. There will also be plenty of sculptures on the beautiful rooftop garden, which has been described as a gallery with no ceiling. The SFMOMA’s massive permanent collection is still impressive, and for those who are a little baffled as to why a line of Campbell’s soup cans counts as art, there’s the “Making Sense of Modern Art” mobile tour, which can help viewers read between the lines of those Marilyn Monroe prints.

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+ 3. Young Frankenstein Comes to Life July 1-25

After a successful run in New York, the Young Frankenstein musical re-imagining of Mel Brooks’ classic spoof film has been on a non-stop US tour and is being reanimated in San Francisco. The beloved characters Igor, Dr. Frankenstein, Inga, and of course, the monster are all here, alive and singing. The catchy songs, amazing sets, and the entertaining dancing will make for a fun and unforgettable night. To top it all off, it is at the beautiful, art deco Golden Gate Theatre, whose prime location offers several pre-theatre dinner choices.

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+ 1. Feel the Love at the Haight-Ashbury Street Fair June 13

Famous for its top notch music scene (Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Metallica, Janis Joplin- just to name a few) and its “summer of love” appeal, the Haight-Ashbury Street Fair is a phenomenon like none other. It was developed by Harvey Milk, the first openly Gay District supervisor who was played by Sean Penn in the 2008 eponymous Gus Van Sant movie. The annually held fair promises to feature plenty of arts and crafts, live music, food booths, and idyllic hippie hand-holding circles. It’s been going strong for 28 years, so it’s safe to say that there are very few places a person could go on June 13^th that would have more cultural diversity than the Haight-Ashbury Street Fair.

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+ 2. Calder to Warhol at SFMOMA’s 75th Anniversary June 25-30

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is celebrating its 75^th anniversary with an enormous exhibit of over 1,000 iconic works by artists like Alexander Calder, Roy Lichtenstein, Agnes Martin, and easily the most recognizable, pop-artist Andy Warhol. There will also be plenty of sculptures on the beautiful rooftop garden, which has been described as a gallery with no ceiling. The SFMOMA's massive permanent collection is still impressive, and for those who are a little baffled as to why a line of Campbell’s soup cans counts as art, there’s the “Making Sense of Modern Art” mobile tour, which can help viewers read between the lines of those Marilyn Monroe prints.

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+ 3. Take a Cruise With the Summer Sailstice June 20-21

San Francisco celebrates this holiday that is actually a global holiday- the Summer Sailstice. Bringing everyone together who loves water and wind in the hair on a beautiful sailboat, this is the event to celebrate that summer sunshine and proximity to a beautiful bay. Gathering everyone onto Treasure Island, the fellow sailors will enjoy live music, big boat races, boatbuilding contests and looking for buried treasures for the kids. Enjoy a weekend of sail and the sand for the Summer Sailstice.

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+ 1. Cinco de Mayo Festival May 8

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican victory over the French army in 1862, and oddly enough, no one celebrates it quite like the people of San Francisco. The annual celebration is one of the city’s most spectacular, featuring various Latin American cultures with traditional music, dance, food and artistry. Every year tens of thousands of San Francisco families flock to their local Mission neighborhood centers to celebrate with family friendly, free events that support the MNC. But this year, the party is getting started a little differently. This year the MNC will host their first ever Black Tie VIP Dinner Gala, and will honor locals in the community who have supported the MNC over the last 50 years.

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+ 2. KFOG KaBoom! Concert & Fireworks May 22

KFOG 104.5 is the bay area’s leader in “World Class Rock” and its annual KFOG KaBoom is just around the corner. Every year KFOG sponsors a concert for its loyal fan following, the nicknamed Fogheads, with music the listeners love. This year, following the event’s move to Candlestick Park, they’ve added new attractions, including an expanded section for children and a wine tasting hosted by Wente Vineyards. This year’s show will feature headliners Melissa Etheridge and the John Butler Trio. And after the shows, as per tradition, KFOG will unleash a fury of fireworks that are synchronized to a classic rock soundtrack. Last year’s fireworks were set to the music of John Williams, ACDC, REM and others, but you’ll have to attend this year’s show to see what the crew from KFOG has in store.

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+ 3. 99th Annual Bay to Breakers Race May 16

For nearly a century, fitness fanatics have been participating in San Francisco’s Bay to Breakers footrace. Around ten thousand people will participate in the 7.46 mile race, but don’t let the fact that you’ll be competing against world class athletes deter you, who will be gunning for the blistering course record of 33 minutes. There’s also plenty of costumed runners, who have been participating since 1940, as well as some who are simply out for a day of running and walking through the beautiful course as it snakes through San Francisco. The race begins on the north side of downtown, near the bay, and heads west to finish at Ocean Beach and its breaking waves, hence the name.

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+ 1. Spring’s Arrived at Cherry Blossom Fest April 10-18

Music and dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, tea ceremonies, flower arranging demonstrations, a food bazaar, and a spectacular Japanese-style parade are among the many events presented at The Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival. Now celebrating its 43rd year, the Cherry Blossom Festival is one of California's most prominent celebrations of Asian traditions. Each year, over 150,000 people attend this dazzling display showcasing the color and grace of the Japanese culture and the diversity of the Japanese American Community. All are welcome to join in the festivities and celebrate Japanese and Japanese American culture in San Francisco’s Japantown!

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+ 2. Prized San Fran Int’l Film Fest April 23-30

Highly anticipated by its loyal and passionate audiences, championed by civic and community leaders, admired and adored by filmmakers, and closely watched by industry professionals, SFIFF is one of the most important stops on the international festival circuit.

The San Francisco International Film Festival features a bonanza of narrative feature films, live action and animated shorts, television and theatrical documentaries, experimental work and a variety of new digital media, as well as a smart lineup of industry panels and seminars, awards events, onstage tributes, retrospectives and the highly acclaimed Schools at the Festival program, which brings 4,200 students in grades 1–12 into the film festival.

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+ 3. Macy’s Spring Flower in Union Square April 1-11

Spring Is In The Air as Macy's Union Square is transformed into a colorful, vibrant dreamscape, featuring spectacular garden environments with different varieties of exotic trees, flowering plants, and brilliant color as far as the eye can see! Take a guided tour or stroll through the enchanting gardens at your own pace. And don't miss the gateway garden, overflowing with lush spring flowers and anchored by a massive hot air balloon centerpiece!

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+ 4. 300 Different Beers SF Beer Fest April 25

Sample over 300 incredible beers from some of the best

craft brewers from around the world as well as taste a delicious variety of offerings from some of San Francisco’s best restaurants. Admission includes unlimited beer tasting and food, basically a dream come true. And, you can get your fill without a lot of guilt. The money raised from the admissions tickets will go entirely to fund the teaching and learning programs at the Telegraph Hill Cooperative Nursery School for an entire year!

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+ 5. Spring Celebration & Easter Parade April 4

The Union Street Spring Celebration and Easter Parade is not your average Street Fair or holiday parade. With everything from roller-blading, cows, and creative self-propelled mini-floats to garden areas, sophisticated fashions, and beautiful classic and art cars, it’s a special event for the entire family.

The 19th annual event celebrates and showcases the diverse community of San Francisco and features some of Union Street's best restaurants serving attendees in an outdoor bistro setting. A variety of children's and family activities are the focus of the event and include: large inflatable bounces, kids' rides and games, a climbing wall, a hands-on children's activities area, costumed characters, a petting zoo, pony ride and entertainment from some of the Bay Area's best musicians.

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+ 1. St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival March 13

What better way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day than to spend it at an exciting parade and festival? This year marks the 158th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in San Francisco, which draws huge attendees from all different demographics and ethnicities. With historic ties to the city, this is the parade that you must see if you are in the area, with more than 5,000 participants from all over the country. After the parade, enjoy the events at the Festival, including live performances and entertainment, arts and crafts exhibitors, food and beverage concessions, children's rides and inflatables, cultural displays, a petting zoo and pony rides, and a number of non-profit booths representing the Irish community. Many of these events showcase Irish culture and history, so everyone can learn a thing or two.

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+ 2. Best of SF at Switchboard Music Fest March 28

Want to

hear the newest local artists from San Francisco? Be sure to check out the Switchboard Music Festival. Featuring musicians primarily based in the San Francisco Bay Area, the festival consists of an eight-hour marathon concert with big name artists as well as younger, less established groups with great potential. Much of the music is also focused on blurring the lines between genres. This festival is great for those who want to hear new and interesting music from up and coming local artists; its unpredictability makes the festival fresh. Who knows, maybe you'll find your new favorite artist here.

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+ 3. Guittard & Ghirardelli at Int’l Chocolate Salon March 20

There may never be a world made completely out of chocolate, but the 4^th Annual San Francisco International Chocolate Salon comes pretty close. Experience the finest in artisan, gourmet, and premium chocolate from over 70 chocolatiers, confectioners, wineries and other culinary artisans, ranging from Amano Artisan Chocolate to Guittard Chocolate Company to Ghirardelli Chocolate Company. With the floor space recently increased by 66%, this place is the premier chocolate show on the West Coast. There is also a Chocolate Chef Competition and TasteTV Wine Competition. Other highlights include demonstrations, new product launches and flavor combinations, fair trade and organic offerings, chef and author talks, a live chocolate body frosting demonstration, and book signings. Whether you're a chocolate aficionado, fanatic, buyer, or just someone who is curious, be sure to pay a visit.

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+ 4. One Day to Taste Whiskies of the World March 27

If St. Patrick’s Day was not enough to get your fill of Whiskey, then head over to the Whiskey of the World, or WoW, Expo. At this, though, they have much more than Irish whiskey; bottles are imported from all over the world, including Scotland, Canada and Japan. WoW celebrates the “water of life” with brand names and some of the world’s best independent bottlers as well as some of the rarest bottles in the world. Apart from the whiskey, the Expo offers an assortment of food and hors d’eourves as well as luxurious spirits, like handcrafted vodkas, gins and other liqueurs. For those who love a great big Jack on the rocks, just consider this a dream come true.

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+ 5. Asian American Film Festival March 11-21

Be sure to come down to the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival, the nation's largest showcase for new Asian American and Asian films. The festival has

been a launching point for Asian American independent filmmakers, and presents about 120 works in San Francisco, Berkeley and San Jose. Created in 1982, this festival has been a vital source of new Asian cinema. There are plenty of events as well, like panels, talks and live performances. Be sure to attend the opening night gala, where all the stars and filmmakers will be to mix and mingle.

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+ 1. Catch World Premieres at Indie Film Fest Feb. 2–8

Surf ‘N Turf is typically what comes to mind when you think about Cali, but that’s not all the Golden State is famous for. Film fans from all over gather in San Francisco each February for the annual Indie Film Fest. With genres ranging from stop-motion and animated shorts to full-length feature films, the Indie Film Fest is all the rage, and its popularity grows each year. This is the place to check out many world premieres of quality, artistic, and meaningful movies. Catch Rodney Perkin’s Access Denied, a film about the weird and wacky, yet wonderful world of Public Access Television. For animation fans, it would be a mistake to miss Chan-Chia Chang’s Pause Replay, a love story between a camera and a camcorder where the characteristics of the two machines are used to simulate the relationship of lovers. As with any festival, there’s always a party. Don’t miss the 7^th annual Big Lebowski Party on Friday where given the film’s reputation, you’re sure to find white Russians, mini bowling, beachside trampolines, and more.

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+ 3. The Large, Extravagant Chinese New Year Fest & Parade Feb. 6–28

Having the largest Chinatown outside of Asia, it should come as no surprise San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade is one of the top ten parades in the world. As one of the few remaining night-illuminated parades in the country, the Chinese New Year Parade continues to entertain hundreds of thousands of people all over the U.S. each year. Gorgeous floats, lion dancers, extravagant costumes, acrobatics, ferocious lions, and exploding firecrackers, this elaborate parade has got it all - not to mention the newly crowned Miss Chinatown USA and her court. The fun doesn’t stop there. There’s three weeks full of events for the Chinese New Year ranging from a flower fair to a basketball jamboree to the Miss Chinatown USA Pageant. Don’t miss the live music and a chance to get your name written in ancient Chinese calligraphy by an artisan at the street fair.

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+ 4. Noise Pop’s All Things Indie Feb. 23 – Mar. 1

February only comes once a year, but in San Fran, indie fests are a regular occurrence. A film festival, craft fair, and music conference all meshed into one, Noise Pop is the ultimate indie fest. In the past, this festival has brought exposure to emerging artists including the White Stripes, Death Cab for Cutie, The Flaming Lips, and more. With a reputation like this, it’s not a surprise bands from all over the country make themselves available to play at this festival. Music for any taste can be found here, from the folk sounds of Martha Wainwright to the traditional pop rock of Dear and the Headlights to the String Quartet that accompanies soloist Josh Ritter. New to the festival this year, “The Art of Noise Pop – A Retrospective of Festival Posters, Photos and Design” featuring past photographs, posters, and art works by well-known artists will be on view. Of course, there will be films upon films upon films to view throughout the week. Gear up for the ultimate hipster fest: Noise Pop.

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+ 5. Exotic Beauty at the Pacific Orchid Expo Feb. 26–28

Professional and amateur horticulturists in San Francisco and across the globe dream of showing off their most elaborate and exotic orchids at the Pacific Orchid Expo. The mission of the sponsors, the San Francisco Orchid Society, is to foster the cultivation of orchids and educate the public about them, and this expo is the perfect venue for that. The expo is kicked o

ff with an opening gala, where guests can escape and enjoy an evening of beauty and fun. Admire glamorous orchids from over 50 national and international nurseries as they are put up for sale to raise money for the Helen Crocker Russell Horticulture Library and the Conservatory of Flowers. A portion of the money raised also goes as a scholarship to a special horticulture student at the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Don’t miss the chance to observe some of the most stunning orchids in the world at the Pacific Orchid Expo.

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+ 1. Comic Greats at SF Sketchfest 1/14-2/2/10

“Weird Al” Yankovic, an evening with the Reno 911! Department, and a Sketchfest tribute to Conan O’Brien are some of the main events at the Ninth Annual San Francisco Sketchfest. The comedy festival is always one of the highlights of the year taking over various venues across the Bay area. Check out hilarious local comedians as well as comedic celebrities performing improv, stand up, and more.

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+ 2. Unmask Your Passion at Zinfandel Fest 1/28-1/30/10

“Unm

ask Your Passion” may be the theme for the Zinfandel festival, but you’d be surprised how many people turn out to celebrate this niche wine. Every year the Zinfandel Advocates & Producers, or ZAP, puts on the sell-out tasting event that features nearly 300 wineries filling the pallets of over 10,000 guests. The four-day event will allow you to taste all the sides of Zinfandel- bold, celebratory, independent, unpretentious, refined, elegant, versatile, and diverse.

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+ 3. Get Wow’d at the WOW Dance Festival 1/14-1/31/10

Now in its tenth year, the Women on the Way Festival (WOW) celebrates the diversity and variety of San Francisco performers. But there’s a catch: the performers are only female. Three venues over three weeks rotate from dance to theater to music to comedy, all of which are done by talented female artists. Sexy, talented, and innovative, these performances are always entertaining.

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+ 4. Have a Splash of Science with Your Cocktail at Exploratorium 1/20/10

In one of the coolest science-meets-reality exhibits, for one night only the Exploratorium is hosting mixologists from across the city for the Science of Cocktails. Hands-on as always, bartenders from hotspots like 83 Proof and Orson will be mixing the drinks, while guests will be participating in experiments about alcohol, inebriation, hangovers, and cocktail mixing. Not only will guests be learning from the experiments, they can also get a free bartending lesson as the masters show the secret behind their craft. This is one event where drinking is both fun and for a good cause as this event will raise funds for the Exploratorium Museum.

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+ 5. Go Glam Hollywood at Film Noir Festival 1/22-1/31/10

The Eighth Annual Film Noir Festival proudly changes the City by the B

ay to Noir City. Held at the majestic Castro Theatre for ten days in January, the festival will be showing noir style films in this year’s theme of “Lust and Larceny.” So grab a fedora hat and look around the corner cautiously as you enjoy the black and white crime dramas of the 40s and 50s.

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+ 1. Celebrate the Season at the Festival of Lights 12/1/09-12/31/09

The Holiday Festival of Lights may be located at the tourist favorite Fisherman's Wharf, but during the holidays the local San Francisco people know this is the place to celebrate the season. With an incredible display of lights on the facades of buildings as well as decorations along the inner and outer lagoon, you literally walk into the spirit of the season. Not only does this area boast an impressive Christmas tree and lights, it also is a great place to get your shopping done with four major shopping outlets at your disposal.

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+ 2. SFWA Does Wine Holiday Style on 12/10/09

The San Francisco area is known for its wines and so it's no surprise that they are celebrating the holiday season with a little vino. The elite San Francisco Wine Association is hosting their second annual Holiday Showcase wine event where participants will enjoy award-winning vintages, meet local vintners, and will even take home a special gift. The event mixes both the low-end and high-end SF vintners so even if you have no aspirations towards being a sommelier, you can definitely can get into the spirit of the holidays with this wine event.

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+ 3. Get Social at the San Francisco Social 12/18/09

Celebrate with a good-looking crowd for a good cause at the 2009 San Francisco Social event at the luxurious Fairmont Hotel. The San Francisco Social benefits the city's largest public arts institution, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. The fourth annual event hosts hors d'oeuvres, top shelf open bar, famed DJ Chris Harnett, and an afterparty. If this year's event is like any of the previous, it will be filled with hot, young San Francisco socialites coming together over a little bubbly for a good cause.

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+ 4. SF’s Only NYE “A-List” Event 12/31/09

Ring in the New Year with luxury and fun at the A List event at the Westin St. Francis in Union Square. This is a huge event, with 15 of San Francisco's best DJ's, live art display, theme-based props, a fashion show, and even stilt-walkers and exhibitionists. The theme is "Passport to the World" with rooms themed for the US, Europe, Asia, the North Pole and beyond. And after all the craziness this party has to offer, you may feel like you've been partying all around the globe.

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+ 5. Poets do Photography at Poetography Exhibit 12/1/09-12/31/09

Leaving My Found Eden: A Poetography Exhibit showcases award-winning graphic designer, poet, and photographer Ron L. Zheng. Poetography is a unique art where the photographer's accompany each photograph with a few thought provoking versus. This exhibit showcases Zheng's vision of the different elements of life from loss, regret, missed opportunities, and separation from loved ones. Each photographic is beautiful and the poems are truly inspiring.

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+ Thread Independent Fashion Show

Originally a one-day event, the Thread Independent Fashion Show is now a weekend opportunity to seek out the hottest clothes from unique and independent designers. Find up-and-coming designers and interesting threads that no one else will be wearing.

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+ San Francisco Ski & Snowboard Festival

The San Francisco Ski & Snowboard Festival is the premiere festival of its kind in the Bay Area. It features interactive ski exhibits, gear manufacturers, and autograph sessions with some of the sports’ most famous athletes. If that isn’t reason enough to attend, all attendees get a free lift ticket to put the new information to work!