For bigtime festival-phobes among us, here are some Outside Lands alternatives to spice up the weekend.
Sing-Along Cinema and Costume Party in Jack London Square
What: Jack London Square's Ferry Lawn will welcome Elsa and Anna devotees on Thursday night for a singalong, costume party, and outdoor movie screening of that Disney phenom Frozen. Go belt out "Let It Go" beneath the stars.
When: 7:30pm, Thursday, August 6. The movie starts rolling at sundown.
Where: Jack London Square's Ferry Lawn at Embarcadero West, Oakland
What: The world's first solar-powered vehicle focused on music discovery, the psychedelic recording studio Jam in the Van rolls into SoMa for San Francisco Artist House—four days of jam sessions and live music showcases.
Where: Lennon Studios, 271 Dore Street
When: Kick-off party Thursday, August 6, 8pm. Artist House and Jam in the Van sessions from 1 to 9pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will host; live music showcase Saturday at 9pm.
What: The J-Pop Summit marks its seventh summer in San Francisco with a frenzy of music, art, film, fashion, anime, and technology fresh from Japan. Last year's fest, held in Japantown, drew more than 120,000 people. This year, expecting an even bigger turnout, organizers are hosting events—from Pop Idol! to a Harajuku Fashion Contest—at various locations including Fort Mason, Union Square and Castro Theater.
Where: See schedule for details.
When: August 7-9. A full schedule can be found here.
Laurel Street Fair, Oakland
What: This 16th annual, free and all-day street fair promises everything from the ubiquitous food trucks to community yoga, a carnival, and petting zoo. Don't miss the biergarten stocked with Oakland's finest craft brews.
Where: MacArthur Boulevard between 35th and 38th will be bustling with vendors, families, and entertainment.
When: 11am to 6pm, Saturday, August 8. A full schedule of entertainment can be found here.
