As we usher in a New Year, we wish you all the best that comes with all the hopes and promises a new beginning offers….
JANUARY 2 (FIRST TUESDAY)
FREE ADMISSION DAY
Conservatory of Flowers, Contemporary Jewish Museum, DeYoung Museum, Legion of Honor Museum, Museum of Craft and Design, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (please confirm with the museum calendar, as free days may vary).
JANUARY 2-6
HOLIDAY TRAIN DISPLAY, SF PUBLIC LIBRARY
Last days of the Main Library’s annual holiday model train display. It chugs along on the second floor, outside the Fisher Children’s Center. Hours vary. 100 Larkin St., Civic Center. www.SFPL.org
JANUARY 8
FREE ADMISSION DAY, ASIAN ART MUSEUM
Normally scheduled for the first Sunday (Jan. 1), the free-admission day has been graciously moved to January 8 for this month.
JANUARY 12-29
SAN FRANCISCO SKETCHFEST
This is the nationally recognized comedy festival that mixes national headliners, local favorites, and the best up-and-coming groups from throughout North America for a month of sketch, improv, stand-up, and alternative comedy. For locations see: www.sfsketchfest.com
JANUARY 19
SAN FRANCISCO BALLET GALA OPENING
The opening program of America’s oldest professional ballet company launches the season of full-length, classical, and contemporary ballet. Festivities begin at San Francisco City Hall before a promenade to the War Memorial Opera House. 415-865-2000. www.sfballet.org
JANUARY 20-22
27TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SEA LIONS’ ARRIVAL AT PIER 39
A festive commemoration of the 27th anniversary of the arrival of a horde of sea lions to Pier 39. These adorable barking pinnipeds began arriving in droves shortly after the Loma Prieta earthquake in October 1989. With landings protected from both predators and waves, plus an abundant supply of food from SF Bay, sea lions quickly adopted Pier 39’s K-Dock as their new home during their migrations up and down the coast. Pier 39 offers Sea Lion Encounter Walking Tours (no petting!) and special discounts at participating merchants. Their website is also linked to a sea lion webcam. 415-705-5500. www.pier39.com
JANUARY 20-29
NOIR CITY: SAN FRANCISCO FILM NOIR FESTIVAL
This festival showcases 24 films from the United States, England, Japan, France, Italy, Argentina, and Germany spanning eight decades of filmmaking. The festival is the largest of its kind in the U.S. This year’s theme is “The Big Knockover”—50 years of hold-ups, heists, and schemes gone awry. Screened, aptly, at the Castro Theater. www.noircity.com
JANUARY 21-FEBRUARY 12
CHINESE NEW YEAR PARADE AND CELEBRATION
The festivities ushering in the Year of the Rooster include a Chinese New Year Flower Fair (January 21-22), Miss Chinatown USA Pageant (February 4), and the Chinatown Community Street Fair (February 11-12). They center on a parade from Market and 2nd Street to Columbus Avenue on Saturday, February 11. Chinese New Year’s Day is January 28. 415-680-6297. www.chineseparade.com
JANUARY 22
THE EXPLORATORIUM: FREE COMMUNITY DAY
This renowned public learning laboratory explores the world through science, art, and human perception. Its mission is to create inquiry-based experiences that can transform learning. It has been described by the New York Times as the most important science museum to have opened since the mid-20th Century. Pier 15, San Francisco, 10 am-5 pm. www.exploratorium.edu
JANUARY 22
KUSF’S ROCK ‘N’ SWAP RECORD FAIR
This is a giant music lover’s fair where dealers and vendors sell music-related items in various formats and genres, including hard-to-find rarities, CDs, DVDs, posters, books, memorabilia, and a huge amount of vinyl in a 6,000+ sq ft venue. One of the largest regularly held swap meets of its kind in California, spanning over 30 years. Proceeds help the legendary radio station KUSF. McLaren Hall, University of San Francisco, near Fulton and Clayton Sts. Hours: Early Bird (7 am-10 am) $10, and General Admission (10 am-3 pm) $3. www.usfca.edu/kusf/rock-n-swap
JANUARY 28-29
GOLDEN GATE KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW
Owners of more than 2,000 dogs and 175 breeds compete for “Best in Show” and participate in dog agility demonstrations daily. Cow Palace, Geneva Ave. and Santos St. 415-404-4111. www.cowpalace.com