JULY 1
OYSTERFEST SAN FRANCISCO
One of the largest oyster festivals on the West Coast, Oysterfest San Francisco showcases some of the most sought-after bands, food and beverages, and, of course, succulent oysters.
Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park, SF www.oysterfest.me
JULY 1-2
FILLMORE JAZZ FESTIVAL
Three stages of continuous jazz performances, more than 300 artists’ booths, and international food courts.
Fillmore Street between Jackson and Eddy Streets www.fillmorejazzfestival.com
JULY 1 – OCTOBER 1 (Weekends only and Labor Day Monday)
SAN FRANCISCO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
Bring your family, friends, a blanket, and a picnic to enjoy Hamlet in a beautiful park setting!
San Francisco, Pleasanton, Cupertino, and Redwood City, 415-558-0888 www.sfshakes.org
JULY 2 (FIRST SUNDAY)
FREE ADMISSION DAY, ASIAN ART MUSEUM www.asianart.org
JULY 4
FOURTH OF JULY WATERFRONT FESTIVAL
Dazzling fireworks, local bands, food, and arts and crafts ignite this annual waterfront party. Fireworks begin around 9:30 p.m. Dress warmly.
PIER 39, 415-705-5500 www.pier39.com
(FIRST TUESDAY) VARIOUS MUSEUMS CLOSED
Because of the national holiday, the free-admission day normally observed on the first Tuesday is skipped this month and will resume in August.
JULY 11
FREE ADMISSION DAY, SAN FRANCISCO BOTANICAL GARDEN
The San Francisco Botanical Garden is one of the most diverse gardens in the world. A unique urban oasis, the garden is a living museum within Golden Gate Park, featuring 55 acres of both landscaped gardens and open spaces, and showcasing over 8,000 different kinds of plants from around the world.
Golden Gate Park @ 1199 9th Avenue. Open 9 am to 6 pm (spring and summer). Free docent tours every Saturday, April 1 to August 26, at 2 pm. Free admission with proof of SF residency (free to all on the second Tuesday of the month). www.sfbotanicalgarden.org
JULY 14-23
BAY AREA PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL
Local and national playwrights and professional directors, dramaturgs, and designers work with the Bay Area’s top actors to engage in an in-depth development process of six new plays. The work leads to two publicly staged readings of each play. This is the 40th anniversary of this festival.
Custom Made Theatre The Rooftop Terrace 343 Sansome St., San Francisco www.playwrightsfoundation.org
JULY 15-16
THE RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR
Makers of handmade goods from the Bay Area and beyond assemble for this free-to-attend marketplace for indie-craft culture, featuring interactive workshops.
Fort Mason Center www.renegadecraft.com/sanfrancisco
JULY 16
AIDS WALK
This annual walk to raise funds for the San Francisco AIDS foundation has inspired thousands of people to walk and donate in support of fighting HIV/AIDS.
Sharon Meadow in Golden Gate Park www.aidswalk.net/sanfran
JULY 20-23
SAN FRANCISCO FROZEN FILM FESTIVAL
Showcasing the year’s best new independent avant-garde pop culture films, this festival takes its name from the distinct chill of the San Francisco summer.
Roxie Theater www.frozenfilmfestival.com
JULY 20-AUGUST 6
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.
Castro Theater and other venues around the Bay Area, 415-621-0556 (info), 866-558-4253 (tickets) www.sfjff.org
JULY 23
SAN FRANCISCO MARATHON, HALF MARATHON, and 5K RUN/WALK
Enjoy the amazing city of San Francisco by taking part in one of the world’s great marathons. The USAT&F Certified course is a “best of San Francisco” tour and includes a loop over the Golden Gate Bridge. Choose from running the marathon, half marathon, progressive marathon, 5K run/walk races, or really take on the challenge with the “Worth the Hurt” 52.4 double marathon.
Ferry Building, The Embarcadero www.thesfmarathon.com
JULY 23-31
JAPAN FILM FESTIVAL OF SAN FRANCISCO
This film festival is the first and only fully dedicated annual Japanese film event in the San Francisco Bay Area. Showcasing the latest in anime, live-action, and documentaries directly from Japan, this week-long festival will take place in San Francisco’s Japantown.
New People Cinema, 1746 Post Street www.jffsf.org