Carnaval Parade TBA

Source : http://www.flickr.com/photos/sfcarnaval/5797557214/

The 35th anniversary San Francisco Carnaval Parade on May 26th, 2013, is the city’s largest multi-cultural event and a breathtaking display of community and colors, drummers and dancers, traditions and fellowship. This Latin inspired moving party celebrates global heritage with this year’s theme of “Spanning Borders; Bridging Cultures.” From music and dancing of the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, Polynesia, Puerto Rico and Trinidad to African and Japanese drumming, the Memorial Day Weekend happening blossoms with intricate costumes, fantastic floats, stilt-walkers and thousands of people out to celebrate culture and international friendship.

Making its way through the Mission District with a simple message of love and peace through diversity, the Carnaval Parade is sure to awe and delight with its flashy dancers, passionate music, artistry, diversity and amazing percussion performances. Free to attend and family friendly, the Parade is a sensual intoxication both in spectacle of sight and sound and in the dynamic array of food from Latin America and the Caribbean. The Parade is the grand finale of the San Francisco Carnaval celebration and welcomes all who seek a message of peace and joy from the whole world.

May 26th, 2013 from to PST.
Mission District –
Free to attend, donations welcomed.

Bay to Breakers – May 19, 2013

The 102-year old Zazzle Bay to Breakers 12k is one of the world’s largest and oldest footraces, held annually in San Francisco, California. The name reflects the traditional course which takes tens of thousands of participants from the northeast end of downtown near The Embarcadero (the bay side of the city) to the west end and the breakers of Ocean Beach. Originally started as a spirit-lifter of civic morale after the devastating earthquake and fires of 1906, the 7.46 mile race features world-class athletes, costumed runners and fun loving participants out for a great day of running or walking through beautiful San Francisco.

This historic event is USA Track & Field certified and registration is required, but this isn’t just a race for the serious runner. In the true spirit of San Francisco, the race is a celebration for everyone. Families, weekend runners and walkers, and thousands of costumed participants (there’s a contest for the costumes, too!) make their way through the heart of the city cheered on by 100,000 spectators, cheering and bursts of live music. Throughout its long history, Bay to Breakers has been a showcase for the City’s irrepressible color, spirit and affection for eclectic traditions. This is a quintessential San Francisco experience and a true reflection of the heart of the city.

Sunday, May 19th, 2013 at 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM PST
Start location: See website for appropriate placement.
Registration fees: $53.00 per adult and $48.00 per child (must register to run/walk)

For more information go to www.baytobreakers.com

Uncorked! – May 18, 2013

On Saturday, May 18th, 2013, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Ghirardelli Square will host the Eighth Annual Uncorked! Wine Festival. Partnering with local non-profit organizations, Uncorked! is a public event which provides a delicious opportunity to taste, educate, learn and experience wine from throughout internationally acclaimed Northern California. Last year’s event, the 7th Annual Uncorked! Festival drew nearly 8,000 attendees.

Cooking demonstrations by renown Bay Area chefs, seminars, musical entertainment and food and wine purveyances will take place throughout the courtyards of Ghirardelli Square as well as extend onto the adjacent Beach Street. Tasting tickets for Uncorked! are $50.00 and include a souvenir wine glass and unlimited tastings to satisfy your Bacchanalian desires. There is no admission fee to enter the event. Revel and sip while learning wine basics, pairings and profiles.

Saturday, May 18th, 2013 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM PST
Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco
Tasting tickets: $50.00
Event entry: free

For more information go to www.ghirardellisq.com/events/uncorked-wine-festival/

Urban Air Market – May 5, 2013

Urban Air Market is a curated marketplace for “green” sustainable design. Held twice per year, this is the largest outdoor design festival in the country and the only independent fashion show. Focusing on quality, originality, cleverness and methods of sustainability,over 150 local artists and independent designers of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, accessories, jewelry and home décor gather together to push fashion in the direction it should be going.

Previously known as the Capsule Design Festival, launched in 2003, the Urban Air Market has grown to attract over 1,500 attendees per show. Live music and open marketplace atmosphere make this block party a refreshing treat to see and experience. The free outdoor event is currently in its 9th year of success.

May 5, 2013 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM PSt
Hayes Valley – Octavia Boulevard at Hayes
Free to attend.

For more information go to www.urbanairmarket.com/

Cinco de Mayo Festival TBA

San Francisco’s annual Cinco de Mayo celebration is one of the City’s most spectacular traditions, showcasing the very best of Mexican and Latin American cultures with a diverse array of music, dance and artistry for the whole family to enjoy. Sure to draw thousands of guests, the ninth annual celebration is an alcohol-free, family friendly cultural event. Featuring delicious, diverse foods, nearly 50 booths where vendors will offer fine arts and crafts and important information that empowers the community through greater awareness of important topics, the SF Cinco de Mayo Festival will be whirling with culture, spirit and fun.

The Festival is produced by Mission Neighborhood Centers, Inc. Since 1959 the Mission Centers, a non-profit organization with 13 community centers, have provided quality programs that promote self-sufficiency and community growth for San Francisco though their Child Development Programs and Youth and Senior Services Programs.

How Weird Street Faire TBA

The 14th annual How Weird Street Faire, aka Weirdi Gras, on Sunday, April 28th, 2013 is a project of the World Peace Through Technology Organization featuring vendors from around the world with unique and creative goods for sale. Join thousands of people in colorful costumes to enjoy diverse genres of electronic music including dubstep, electro, poetry, trance, house, techno, drum & bass and live electronica. Some of the world’s top DJs and musicians perform at the faire to provide a fascinating and undulating beat while visitors (who are encouraged to wear costumes) browse the wares and pageantry while enjoying faire food and drink.

Known as the greatest street faire in the galaxy, Weirdi Gras focuses on peace while transforming the San Francisco streets into a celebration of creativity and encouraging friendship, cooperation and unique perspectives. This year, the How Weird Street Faire will encompass Howard Street between 1st and New Montgomery, 2nd Street between Mission and Howard, all four blocks of Minna and Natoma Streets off of 2nd as well as Tehama Street. There will be an urban crop circle at the center intersection of Howard and 2nd which will house the Paxorium (place of peace). Join in the strange and wonderful of the How Weird Street Faire and help support understanding, acceptance, love and the World Peace Through Technology Organization.

April 28th, 2013 from to .
13 blocks of San Francisco
Fee: $10 donation encouraged.

For more information go to www.howweird.org/

SF Int’l Beer Fest TBA

The 30th Annual San Francisco International Beer Festival will be April 27th, 2013, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM PST at the Fort Mason Center’s Festival Pavillion. For a $65 admission, beer and food enthusiasts receive a taster’s mug for bottomless samples of hundreds of craft beers from their favorite local and international breweries as well as delicious eats from sensational San Francisco restaurants. Last year’s Fest was attended by nearly 4,000 suds lovers and sold out in under 20 minutes. Hailed as one big keg party, the SFIBF opens its gates to patrons using an air horn and, despite the popularity and fast and furious start, lines are commonly very short and move quickly.

This is a festival with a great cause, as the SFIBF is the sole fundraiser for the Telegraph Hill Cooperative Nursery school. The event is entirely produced by the parents of Tel-Hi’s preschool students and the money raised will fund the teaching and learning programs at the school for an entire year. Consider it drinking (responsibly) for a better tomorrow. The families thank you, and the kids thank you. Meanwhile, raise your mug and tickle your homebrew fancy with over 200+ craft beers.

Saturday, April 27th, 2013
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM PST
Fort Mason Center – Festival Pavillion

Tickets: $65 (get them quick, this party sells out fast!)

For information and tickets go to www.sfbeerfest.com.

San Francisco International Film Festival 56

Held each Spring for 15 days, the San Francisco International Film Festival (SFIFF) is a glorious gathering of around 200 filmmakers from over 20 countries in this highly anticipated annual event that is a sparkling gem in the International Film Festival Circuit. Founded in 1957, the SFIFF is the longest running film festival in the Americas. Showcasing cinematic discovery and innovation with an emphasis on diversity, the International has earned an audience of more than 80,000 visitors annually. WIth loyal and passionate audiences, champions among civic and community leaders, admiration and close scrutiny by filmmakers and industry professionals, SFIFF is one of the most important events in the Bay Area’s cultural calendar.

Sponsored by the San Francisco Film Society, SFIFF is a celebration of film both as art and as an agent for social change. Featuring a bonanza of narrative feature films, animated shorts, live-action, television and theatrical documentaries, a variety of new digital media and experimental work, as well as industry panels and seminars, awards events, retrospectives and the Schools at the Festival program, this star-studded line-up of film appreciation promises, and delivers, an acclaimed stop along the International Film Festival circuit.

April 25th to May 10th, 2013.

For more information go to http://festival.sffs.org

SF Cherry Blossom Parade – April 21, 2013

April 21st, 2013 marks the final day of the Cherry Blossom Festival with a great display of art and community that is The Grand Parade. Featuring a number of honored performers from Japan, streams of colorful floats, world-renowned San Francisco Taiko Dojo’s thundering drums, traditionally costumed dancers, musicians, and the Taru Mikoshi (Shinto shrine), this celebration of Japanese heritage and tradition will flow like colorful butterflies from the Civic Center, proceeding up Polk to Post Street, and ending in Japantown at Post and Filmore Streets.

For two weekends leading up to the pageantry of the Grand Parade, the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival features food booths, cultural performances, live bands, the annual Queen Program and more. Saturday and Sunday, April 13th and 14th, and the following Saturday and Sunday, April 20th and 21st, all are welcome to participate with some 300,000 other visitors in the 46th annual festivities. Said to be the second largest Cherry Blossom festival outside of Washington, D.C., this celebration is free to the public and an excellent opportunity to support and participate in Northern California’s Japanese American culture.

The Grand Parade commences at 1:00 PM PST, Sunday, April 21st, 2013 at City Hall and concludes in Japantown at about 3:00 PM.
Free to the public.

For more information, go to www.sfcherryblossom.org.
Questions about the grand parade can be submitted to CBFParade@gmail.com.

Giants Opening Day – April 5, 2013

Play ball! 2012 World Series champions, the San Francisco Giants, meet the St. Louis Cardinals during their home opener at AT&T Park on April 5, 2013. People in the Bay Area love to see the Giants, and for good reason as the SF Giants are one of the premier teams in the entire league. With history in the Giants favor under the precedence of players such as Willie Mays and Barry Bonds, Opening Day promises to ignite the excitement of baseball lovers with fresh chalk lines, perfectly groomed turf, the thundering of cheers and astounding athleticism.

Chosen as the 2008 Sports Facility of the Year by Sports Business Journal and Sports Business Daily, AT&T Park at 24 Willie Mays Plaza has many incredible features. Central location, breathtaking views, classic design, and the family friendly Coca-Cola Fan Lot provide a fully rounded experience of Major League Baseball. Feel what it is like to run the bases, play the game and enjoy the timeless icons of baseball at the Fan Lot, specifically designed for AT&T Park, the Giants, baseball fans and the community to further enhance the experience of a day at the ballpark.

April 5, 2013, 1:35 PM PST
24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco
Seat prices starting at $158.75.

For more information go to http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/sf/ballpark/index.jsp.