Get ready for a jam-packed week as Pride month reaches a fever pitch.
Of course, now that it's officially summer, day drinking is 100 percent acceptable (like it wasn't before), so check out a vodka tasting, a bar crawl, Negroni Week, and Pint Sized Plays. Plus, grab a seat at the Mission's trendy new bar and then get ready for the big parade.
Have a great week!
Monday, June 24th
Catch a couple Pint Sized Plays
Courtesy of PianoFight
Negroni Week
Today through June 30th
Locations across the Bay Area
Time for some fun cocktails and parties this week, all focused around the beloved Negroni drink (a mix of gin, Campari and vermouth). Bonus: all events and drinks being purchased are donating proceeds to charity. // Find events for the week on negroniweek.com.
The Pin Project launch party
5pm to 7pm
True Laurel, 753 Alabama St. (Mission), truelaurelsf.com/
If boozing isn't your thing, head over to True Laurel for Nah-Groni Week and the launch of a new program put together by those in the bar industry -- The Pin Project. The group is working towards raising awareness and support for those that choose to remain sober in a restaurant or bar atmosphere while working. Sip on expertly made Sweet Berry Pine Nah-Groni cocktails ($13) and purchase the pin ($15), a symbol worn by those in the industry who are abstaining and those who support their movement. // Free to attend, mocktails available for purchase with proceeds supporting The Pin Foundation. Find event details on Facebook.
Pint Sized Plays: The Gang's All Queer
8pm, Mondays through July 22
PianoFight, 144 Taylor St. (Tenderloin), www.pianofight.com
Ever wondered what can happen in the time it takes to down a beer? Head to the kickoff of Pint Sized Plays: The Gang's All Queer to find out. In honor of Pride, this round of mini plays are all written by LGBTQIA people, and celebrate queerness. The only rule: each play must conclude within the time it takes one character to finish a beer. // Tickets (free) and suggested $10-20 donation are available on Eventbrite.
Spice Tribe Summer Dinner
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Uma Casa, 550 Church St. (Noe Valley), umacasarestaurant.com
Head to Uma Casa's serene space for Spice Tribe's four course dinner pop up. Spices sourced from around the world compliment California produce in dishes including duck breast and mushroom mole and Kanpachi crudo. Plus, with each course, sip on a perfectly paired cocktail by Tammy Hagans, bar manager of Barcino. // Tickets ($110) can be purchased on chefsfeed.com.
Tuesday, June 25th
To-go lunch at The Butcher Shop by Niku Steakhouse
Courtesy of Olga Katsnelson
A second spot for an awesome pizza joint
11:30am to 11pm Sunday to Thursday, and from 11am to midnight on Friday and Saturday
Il Casaro, 235 Church St. (Castro), ilcasaropizzeria.com
Whispers of Il Casaro's second spot have been in the works for years, but, like most SF businesses as of late, a seismic-retrofit was required and stalled the opening. Stop by for fast-cooking wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, mozzarella antipasti, pastas, and a few veggie options. // Walk-ins only, call ahead (415) 875-9421 to put your name on the list.
Queer Beer
6pm to 9pm
Local Brewing Company, 69 Bluxome St. (SoMa), localbrewingco.com
What's better than free happy hour? Head over to Local Brewing Company to celebrate pride and the result of their collab with DoTheGay, Gay Beach. Gay Beach (the duo's second beer) is a blonde ale with Belgian pilsner white wheat malts, Hallertau Blanc hops, and tropical fruity flavors that will instantly transport you to its namesake—a section of sunny DP. Plus, a portion of sales will benefit the SFLGBT Center. // Free to attend with RSVP on dothebay.com.
Kobe Beef Lunch
11:30am until sold out, Tuesday through Friday
The Butcher Shop by Niku Steakhouse, 57 Division St. (SoMa), nikubutchershop.com
The only spot to get A5 Wagyu or certified Kobe beef has added to-go lunch to their service. Stop by for their insanely good 50% Imperial Wagyu and 50% Japanese A5 Wagyu burger, am A5 Wagyu bratwurst, or wagyu skewers and get ready to fight the impending food coma later. // Dishes range from $15.99-19.99, to-go only.
Wednesday, June 26th
16th Street's new bar, Elda
Courtesy of Eater SF
Hit up a new Mission bar
4pm to 2am daily
Elda Bar, 3198 16th St. (Misson), eldasf.com
Get your drink on at a new retro-ish bar decorated with green stool seating, orange light fixtures, and some fun wall and floor tiles in the heart of the Mission at 16th Street. To drink, you'll a variety of options all with five ingredients or less to let the ingredients shine, and Carribean-Latin nibbles like tacos, fried chicken sandwiches, and corn with basil mayo and quinoa. From a team with experience at ABV, Bar Agricole, Trou Normand, True Laurel and El Techo, you know these guys know what they're doing.
Restaurant Book Club
6pm
Flora Restaurant & Bar, 1900 Telegraph Ave. (Oakland), http://floraoakland.com
Over at Flora they have a restaurant book club in the works with a themed dinner and discussion. This month's book has Bay Area roots—Carter Beats the Devil. The drink for the evening is the Original Carter Beats the Devil Cocktail and courses include Oysters Flambé, The Palace Hotel's green goddess salad, and "Rabbit in a Hat" house-made cappelletti. // Tickets ($55) can be purchased by calling (510) 286-0100 or in person, more details on floraoakland.com.
Third annual Sister Act Sing-along Pride Mass
6:30pm to 9pm
Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St. (Nob Hill), gracecathedral.org
Gather round and warm up your vocal chords for a group sing-a-long to the best songs from the movie, Sister Act. // RSVP (free) at Eventbrite.
Fresh Pasta Lesson
6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Cavallo Point Lodge, 601 Murray Circle (Sausalito), www.cavallopoint.com
Sure, popping open a box of pasta is fine, but how awesome would it be to make your own from scratch? Get transported to the Italian countryside with this pasta lesson with the Cooking School at Cavallo Point where you'll learn to make egg and flour based variations including Pappardelle and Lasagnette—plus a couple of fresh sauces. Your belly—and your friends at your next dinner party—will thank you. // Tickets ($90) can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Thursday, June 27th
Yappy Hour
5pm to 7pm
Hotel Zoe, 425 North Point St. (Fisherman's Wharf), hotelzoesf.com
Happy hour is always better when you can bring your four-legged friends. Hotel Zoe is hosting a special pup-friendly event with dog-themed cocktails, bar snacks, and dog treats for sale and sample at their lovely outdoor courtyard bar. Don't have a canine? Wonder Dog Rescue will be onsite with dogs available for adoption, so you may come home with a doggo after all... // Free to attend, details on Facebook.
Go vodka tasting in Sausalito
11am to 6pm, open daily
Hanson of Sonoma, 669 Bridgeway (Sausalito), hansonofsonoma.com
If you're a fan of tasty organic spirits, add this new vodka distillery tasting room for Hanson of Sonoma to your hit list. The newest spirit is infused with Meyer Lemons, perfect for summer. At this tasting room you can sample a flight of different vodkas along with cheese from Cowgirl Creamery, caviar, and chocolates. // Tastings range from $15-90, and can be booked ahead on hansonofsonoma.com.
2ME4U: Stories of Self-Exploration from the Heart
8pm to 10pm
Au Lounge, 2430 Broadway St. (Oakland), auoakland.com
Watch (and even partake) in this "live talk show/story-telling" show where different people will share their stories to create an open space focused on vulnerability and self reflection. // Tickets ($10) can be found on Eventbrite.
Films by Andy Warhol
10 am and 6pm showings today, select dates and times through September
SFMOMA, 151 3rd St. (SoMa), sfmoma.org
At this point, you've probably already visited Andy Warhol—From A to B and Back Again. (If you haven't what are you waiting for?) Head back to SFMOMA on select dates to catch one of Andy Warhol's films and see another side of the iconic artist. Much like his pop art, Warhol pushes stylistic boundaries—Empire is over 8 hours long—and his films involve everything from sexuality to camp sense of humor to celebrity fascination. // See the film schedule and buy tickets to the exhibit on sfmoma.org.
Friday, June 28th
New Market days at Civic Center
7am to 4pm
United Nations Plaza, along Market Street between 7th and 8th St. (Civic Center)
The Civic Center farmer's market that's been Wednesday and Sundays in the past, has added a new day—Fridays! Along with produce from local farmers, the market is also adding a special craft vendor section in partnership with Etsy and Square, plus a rotating DIY craft station each week (starting off with graffiti artists leading tote bag decorating). // Free to attend, find more info on hotcfarmersmarket.com.
MindBody Wellness Service Sesh
5pm to 8pm
Parklab Gardens,1379 4th St. (Mission Bay)
Health and wellness app, MindBody, is hosting a series of activities to get your body a little self love! Partake in salsa dance lessons and taiko drum shows, mindful meditation, and indulge in hand facials. // Free to attend, details on Eventbrite.
Block Party at Off the Grid, Pride Style
5pm to 10pm
Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd. (Marina), fortmason.org
Get a solid base of good eats to kick off your pride celebrations at Off the Grid. Tonight's special features potluck-inspired dishes for some one-night only options. There will also be line dancing lessons from LGBTQ country-western dance club Sundance Saloon, games (think hopscotch and giant Jenga), face painting, seasonal cocktails, and music spinning from DJ Lady Ryan. // Free to attend, event info on offthegrid.com.Saturday, June 29th
50th Annual Margrit Mondavi Summer Concert Series
5pm doors open
Robert Mondavi Winery, 7801 St. Helena Highway (Oakville), robertmondaviwinery.com
For the first summer concert at this annual winery series, catch the soul tunes of St. Paul and the Broken Bones (and opener Langhorne Slim & The Law). Things are getting a little patriotic early and tonight's concert will be followed by a special fireworks show for Independence Day. Eats from A16, Ben & Jerry's and others will be on hand, alongside Robert Mondavi wine, of course. Can't make it? There will be concerts throughout the summer, so peep their schedule. // Tickets ($85) can be bought on robertmondaviwinery.com.Brunch at The Brixton
11am, Today and Sunday
The Brixton, 701 2nd St. (SoMa), brixtonsf.com
Hot on the heels of their recent opening, The Brixton On Second has added brunch to their offerings. Snag a spot on their patio (or indoors too—the natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows is amazing) and nosh on dishes like a southern fried chicken benedict, chilaquiles, or brown sugar waffles.
SF Pride
Noon to 6pm on Saturday, 11am 6pm on Sunday
Civic Center Plaza and surrounding streets (Civic Center)
While celebrations have been happening all month, today and tomorrow mark the official days for Pride in SF. Centered around Civic Center, there will be six stages of DJ music, dance sessions, gospel choirs, and speakers. On Sunday, the Grand Parade happens down Market Street at 10:30am. // Find event info on sfpride.org.
Nitro Beer Bar Crawl
2pm to 6pm
Starting at the Little Shamrock, 807 Lincoln Way (Outer Sunset), fortpointbeer.com
Fort Point Beer Company is welcoming back one of their seasonal brews, Nitro. This beer is infused with nitrogen, plus double-roasted malts for some chocolate and molasses flavors—aka the perfect beer to drink on our foggy summer days. Attendees will get Nitro-themed glassware, discounts at each bar, and to hang out with Fort Point team as they cruise the avenues. // Free to attend, RSVP on Facebook.
"Get Low" Underground Dance Party
10pm to 2am
Hotel San Francisco, 653 Commercial St. (Financial District), hotelsf.com
Groove, drink, and snack your night away at the new underground bar, Downunder, featuring top hits, R&B, and hip hop music by SF DJs including Von P, MikeCool, E-Wock and more. // Tickets ($10) can be found on Eventbrite.
Sunday, June 30th
Miss Aina? Get another taste.
2pm to 8pm
Harmonic Brewing, 1050 26th St. (Dogpatch), harmonicbrewing.com
You might have heard the news that Hawaiian brunch spot, Aina, has officially closed for family reasons. The restaurant's chef, Chris Yang, is keeping things going in his own style with various pop-ups, including one today at Harmonic Brewing. // Find the latest details on his Instagram.
Pride Parade Brunch and Viewing Party
10am to 3pm
Bluestem Brasserie, 1 Yerba Buena Lane (Downtown), bluestembrasserie.com
Bluestem has one of the most hidden second-story patios—which, in this case, is prime for parade viewing. Snag a ticket for the watching festivities and get a welcome cocktail, brunch buffet—plus ins and outs if you want to hit Market Street for a bit and cruise around then come back. // Tickets ($65) can be purchased via Eventbrite and a portion of proceeds will be donated to support the local LGBTQ community.Rooftop Pride Party
3pm to 10pm
Charmaine's, 45 McAllister St. (Civic Center), properhotel.com
Post parade, meander upstairs to local hot-spot, Charmaine's, for a rooftop party. DJ Miguel Migs will be playing music with drinks devised by the BVHospitality team like the Battle Cat with reposado tequila, chile liqueur, pineapple, lime, and sage. // Tickets ($40) available on Eventbrite.
For more Pride festivities, check out our list of 11 can't-miss events, including Juanita More!'s annual bash.
