SEPT 30 – OCT 2
HARDLY STRICTLY BLUEGRASS – The late billionaire investment banker and banjo picker Warren Hellman, who founded this free music festival over a decade ago, called this his “selfish gift” to San Francisco. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass has since evolved beyond the banjo into the City’s biggest free musical extravaganza, featuring up to 100 acts over three full days on seven stages, with around 800,000 attendees expected. Country stars like Rosanne Cash and Emmylou Harris will rub elbows with indie-rock artists like Conor Oberst. Golden Gate Park. www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.com
OCTOBER 1, 5-9 pm
SAKE DAY – The “Day of Sake” (Nihonshu no hi) is essentially a Japanese-style Oktoberfest, except the streets will be awash with sake rather than beer. Proceeds benefit Japanese-related charitable programs. The Armory, 1800 Mission St. Tickets $75. http://www.eventbrite.com/e/sake-day-2016-tickets-22342055690
OCTOBER 2
CASTRO STREET FAIR – Since 1974—arts and crafts, food, live entertainment, community activities, dancing and music … all part of the fun at this omni-friendly street festival. Castro and Market Streets. Funds various charities. $5-10 donation requested. www.castrostreetfair.org
FREE ADMISSION DAY—Asian Art Museum
OCTOBER 4 (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.
OCTOBER 6-16
MILL VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL – Presented by the California Film Institute, the Mill Valley Film Festival celebrates the best in independent and world cinema. Founded in 1978, it has established an impressive track record for launching new films and filmmakers. CineArts Sequoia (Mill Valley), Century Cinema (Corte Madera), Century and Lark Theaters (Larkspur), and Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center (San Rafael). www.mvff.com
OCTOBER 7–10
FLEET WEEK SAN FRANCISCO – Fleet Week is the Bay Area’s opportunity to honor the men and women of the U. S. Navy and Marine Corps. Tours of navy ships and a hair-raising air show that is sure to scare the dog again. Reserved seating and corporate packages available (otherwise free). The fleet sorties into San Francisco Bay under Golden Gate Bridge on Friday morning. Aquatic Park and Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, plus a variety of spots around town. www.fleetweeksf.org
OCTOBER 14-15, 21-22
GRAND NATIONAL RODEO, HORSE, AND STOCK SHOW – Bareback riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, saddle bronco riding, team and tie-down roping, and bull riding are among the competitive events. Also horse shows and livestock exhibitions. There will be mechanical bulls—beware. Not to mention Western-style BBQ. The Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave., just over the city line in Daly City. www.grandnationalrodeo.com
OCTOBER 15: 11 am-4 pm
POTRERO HILL FESTIVAL – The Potrero Hill Festival returns with special activities for the kids, including a puppet show and a petting zoo. Potrero Hill, 20th Street between Wisconsin and Missouri Streets. https://potrerofestival.com
OCTOBER 15-16
TREASURE ISLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL – Internationally renowned artists gather for a two-day outdoor concert festival featuring electronic music and indie pop, local designers, artists, food, and beverage. Two festival stages are erected on Treasure Island, offering spectacular views of San Francisco Bay , Alcatraz, and the City skyline. All general admission and VIP tickets include a free shuttle back and forth from the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco. Free shuttle from AT&T Park too. (It would be wise to confirm with the show host regarding the shuttles.) www.treasureislandfestival.com
OCTOBER 16: 11 am–4 pm
EXCELSIOR FESTIVAL – This is a family-friendly art and music festival featuring live music, multicultural food, community groups, and a wide selection of entertainment for all ages. Mission and Ocean Streets, in the E. http://www.excelsiorfestival.org/
OCTOBER 20: 4-8 pm
1ST ANNUAL FILLMORE FALL WINE WALK – Merchants along Fillmore Street will be offering hors d’oeuvres and wine samples. Visitors who would like to indulge purchase a wristband prior to the event and receive a wine glass and a map with all the tasting locations revealed. Fillmore from Jackson to Eddy. www.sresproductions.com
OCTOBER 20-23
SAN FRANCISCO DANCE FILM FESTIVAL – A four-day event featuring the best dance films from around the world—including San Francisco’s own backyard. From feature documentaries on choreographic luminaries to innovative experimental shorts, the festival offers something for dance aficionados and newcomers alike. Brava Theater Center. www.sfdancefilmfest.org
OCTOBER 22: 11 am–5 pm
SAN FRANCISCO BARBECUE FESTIVAL – A celebration of the best Bay Area BBQ, this event includes local BBQ, a beer garden, music, games, and the latest in BBQ tech … fittingly, right in the backyard of AT&T Park. The Yard at Mission Rock. Tickets $20-75 plus handling fee. www.sfbbqfestival.com
OCTOBER 27-30
SAN FRANCISCO FALL ANTIQUES SHOW – Said to be the oldest continuously operating international antique show on the West Coast. It will feature 60-70 dealers from America and Europe selling a wide range of antique merchandise, including paintings, furniture, textiles, photography, Asian art, carpets, ceramics, porcelain, sculpture, rare books, works on paper, objets d’art, jewelry, and metals. 100% of net proceeds benefit Enterprise for High School Students. Admission $15. Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center. Gala preview Oct. 26 (there will be caviar … and first crack at the sale items). www.sffas.org