As summer approaches here by the Bay, the weather’s getting sultry, and the morning fog is hanging a bit thicker over the Sunset–and that means a season of celebration is right around the corner: May is chock-full of exciting things to do out and about, and Memorial Day explodes in a patriotic party rounding out the month.
But don’t be overwhelmed by your choices. Check out some of these early-summer San Francisco traditions–even if you’ve been to one (or all) before, you’re sure to catch something novel. After all, here in the City by the Bay, each year brings exciting new possibilities and opportunities for exploration. Here, things are never quite the same–but they’re always San Francisco.
Prepare to be abducted: How Weird Festival
Grab your Starfleet uniforms and Reynolds Wrap! This year’s How Weird Festival blasts off on Sunday, May 4, from Noon to 8 p.m. and takes a page straight from the script of an X-Files episode, inviting festival-goers to experience “galactic-class music and art,” as you “travel across the cosmos, expanding our perspective to the universal scale.” The festival is centered at Howard and 2nd Streets (on Earth). It’s also free, but a $10 donation gets you a “magic sticker,” which makes you eligible for vendor discounts and coupons.
Enjoy a Nite “Out”
Snag tickets to San Francisco Ballet’s “LGBT Nite Out” performance on May 9: including performances of Caprice, Maelstrom and The Rite of Spring. Tickets get you access to an artist interview before the performance and a post-performance party in the Dress Circle Bar. Flirt with dancers, mingle with friends…nah, just stick to flirting with the dancers. Light bites and a DJ spinning upbeat tunes are included.
Sunday Funday…for Mom
Mother’s Day is coming up on May 11. Let’s be honest–you’ll be at brunch anyway (probably with bottomless mimosas), so why not treat the amazing woman who raised you? If you’re not quite sure where to lavish her with praises and pancakes, here’s a start: Check out these top brunch picks from a recent San Francisco Travel survey of their Facebook and Twitter communities.
Run off that winter flab: Bay to Breakers
Don your favorite costume (or simply wear as few clothes as possible, if your abs are prepared, that is) to participate in one of the largest–and certainly the most “San Francentric”–race in America. This year, the 103rd Annual Bay to Breakers footrace (Sunday, May 18, 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) is expected to lure 30,000 racers, most in costume, and 100,000 spectators along a route stretching 12 kilometers from The Embarcadero in the East to the Great Highway at the foot of Golden Gate Park. What’s different this year? Event organizers have announced that more porta potties will be available to revelers along the race route. Also, the acceptability of nude runners remains in question following the city’s public nudity ban–we’ll just hope city police are in a good mood.
Patriotic Weekend: Memorial Day
You’ll find no shortage of revelry during the Memorial Day weekend (May 23 – 26). Be sure the check out The Art of Transformation at the San Francisco Asian Art Museum. The exhibit runs through Sunday, May 25–tickets are available for $17. In the mood for a grande fiesta? Then check out the colorful Carnaval, May 23 – 26 in the Mission. This year’s theme is La Rumba de la Copa Mundial: Celebration of the World Cup–so expect a lot of soccer references this weekend. Carnaval kicks off at AT&T Park on May 23 with the San Francisco Giants, followed by a free, two-day family festival in the Mission on May 24 and 25 along Harrison Street between 16th and 24th. Ready to get really crazy? The grand parade starts on Sunday, May 25, at 9:30 a.m. on the corner of 24th and Bryant Streets. Thirsty? Be sure to check out the San Francisco International Beer Festival, featuring more than 300 types of beer. The patriotic-minded will want to check out the city’s official Memorial Day celebration and commemoration on Monday, May 26, at the Presidio (1 Lincoln Blvd.). The celebration, paying tribute to Vietnam Veterans, will kick off at 10:30 a.m. near Sheridan and Lincoln Blvd., ending at the San Francisco National Cemetery. The formal program begins at 11 a.m. with music and remarks by military and civilian dignitaries.
Photo credits: How Weird (Urge Productions); SF Ballet (Erik Tomasson); Bay to Breakers (SFfuncheap); Memorial Day (San Francisco National Cemetery/National Park Service)
