THROUGH AUGUST 7
SAN FRANCISCO JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL — Films from American and international filmmakers showcase the diversity and vitality of Jewish culture. The festival is the first, oldest, and most prestigious celebration of its kind in the world. Screened at the Castro Theater and other venues throughout the Bay area. 415-621-0556 (info), 866-558-4253 (tickets). www.sfjff.org
AUGUST 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
AUGUST 5–7
OUTSIDE LANDS MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL— Outside Lands is the major music event of the summer for SF, drawing roughly 200,000 enthusiasts over three days. There are somewhat steep prices (starting at $115 for a general-admission day pass), but it’s an array of sounds that includes up to 100 artists (in years past, everyone from Dave Matthews Band and Arctic Monkeys to Metallica and The Killers). Golden Gate Park proves the venue. According to Rolling Stone, this festival is a “one-of-a-kind world-class experience.” Last time we checked it was sold out (except for Friday VIP tix)! www.sfoutsidelands.com
AUGUST 6–7
NIHONMACHI (JAPAN TOWN) STREET FAIR—A celebration of the Asian and Pacific communities in the Bay Area, with an emphasis on nonprofit organizations that provide vital social services. It features live musical and cultural performances (e.g., lion dancers, taiko drummers), Asian artisans, food, information tables, exhibits, and a Children’s World. (415) 771-9861 for more info. www.nihonmachistreetfair.org
AUGUST 7
FREE ADMISSION DAY — ASIAN ART MUSEUM
AUGUST 13
HILLWIDE GARAGE SALE— Bernal Height’s neighborhood extravaganza of massed garage sales—arguably the City’s largest single-day garage sale. 100% of proceeds from Hillwide registrations benefits Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center’s youth programs, senior programs, employment development, affordable housing, and community engagement work. 9 am–2 pm. See the website for locations. www.hillwide.com
AUGUST 14
14th ANNUAL JERRY DAY — SF’s Excelsior District celebrates its native son and Grateful Dead leader Jerry Garcia with an outdoor concert and family fun. Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, 40 John F. Shelley Dr., SF. Starts at 11:30 am. (415) 272-2012 for more info. www.jerryday.org
AUGUST 18
6th ANNUAL NOE VALLEY WINE WALK — This wine-guzzling event involves merchant
s providing wine samples and nibbly bits inside their stores along 24th Street from Diamond to Chattanooga and on Castro Street near 24th, 4-8 pm rain or shine. (800) 310-6563 for more info. www.sresproductions.com
AUGUST 20
FESTA COLONIALE ITALIANA.— Held in the heart of North Beach, on Stockton Street, outside the sponsor’s San Francisco Italian Athletic Club’s facilities and across from Washington Square Park. FESTA highlights include Italian food (we could stop here), live performers including special guest Moreno Fruzzetti, world-famous Pizza Toss by Tony’s Pizza, vendors with specialty Italian gifts, wine tasting, and lots more. (415) 781.0166 for more info. www.sfiacfesta.com
AUGUST 20-21
SAN FRANCISCO STREET FOOD FESTIVAL — La Cocina joins with Noise Pop and Midway to produce a two-day celebration of food, music, and drink. Gastronomic innovations range from deep-fried macaroni and cheese to vegan doughnut burgers. Pier 70. www.sfstreetfoodfest.com or www.lacocinasf.org.
AUGUST 21
SF TRIATHLON AT ALCATRAZ — (I) The 1.5-mile swim course begins near Alcatraz Island and finishes at the East Beach of Crissy Field in the Presidio. (II) Then, the brave and enthusiastic participants hop on a bike and cycle for 20 miles through the San Francisco hills, and (III) they conclude this madness by running seven more miles on scenic oceanside trails. www.tricalifornia.com