No hobbies? No worries.
San Francisco's creative calendar is absolutely packed with beginner workshops where you can learn everything from the Lindy Hop to watercolor, letterpress, shibori, metalsmithing, and more. Have fun!
Learn to Lindy Hop at 9:20 Special
This popular style of dance has been around since the early 1920s. Swing, turn, step, and jump all night long at 9:20 Special, which offers four-week progressive courses ($55-$65) that typically begin on the first Thursday of the month. Want to get just a taste? Try the new 30-minute beginner drop-in class ($9/adults, $7/students and seniors). // 2460 Sutter St. (Pacific Heights), 920special.com
Learn a little bit of everything at Workshop SF.
No clue what hobby to pursue? Get inspired by the many classes ($40-$200) at WorkshopSF. Whether you prefer sewing, metalsmithing, leatherworking, or kombucha brewing, WorkshopSF has something for everyone. In January 2020, sketching, build-your-own planter boxes, sewing, pickling, block printing, and calligraphy are just a few classes on the calendar. They also offer private classes in a variety of skills for group events and parties. // 1798 McAllister St. (NoPa), workshopsf.org
Learn watercolor painting at Case for Making.
Next door to General Store in the Outer Sunset, Case for Making is stuffed with handmade watercolors and thoughtfully curated art supplies from around the world. Learn how to mix your own watercolors and the techniques behind this forgiving medium, and leave feeling inspired to paint en plein air the foggy vistas of nearby Ocean Beach. Classes fill up quickly; sign up for drawing with watercolor ($155; Jan. 23 - Feb. 20) and watercolor paint making ($165; Jan. 30 - Feb. 27). // 4037 Judah St. (Outer Sunset), caseformaking.com.
Throw your own wabi-sabi mug at Dusted and Blue.
Learn the foundations of the pottery wheel in a six-week course ($325) or a one-off wheel throwing or hand building workshop ($85) at Dusted and Blue. In under two months, you'll have the skills to make all the cool tea mugs your heart desires. Check the schedule online—workshops sell out. While you're there, check out the studio's new storefront, which opened in December 2019. // 1242 Mason St. (Nob Hill), dustedandblue.com
Learn the art of letterpress at Coffee n Cream Press.
Trained as a fine artist, Leah Jachimowicz crafts the cheekiest must-have letterpress greeting cards at her Outer Sunset company, Coffee n Cream Press. Want to make your own? Sign up for one of her workshops ($85) where you'll have access to their design library (no real talent is necessary on your part!) as well as to the flat-bed Vandercook Press. You'll DIY cards and envelopes to take home. // Sign up at ifonly.com.
Try your hand at Knitting at ImagiKnit.
For those who like to keep their hands busy and yearn for that Lenny Kravitz look, ImagiKnit is a wonderful place. Knitting and crochet 101 courses ($69 per 3-class series) are offered throughout the year, or you can drop into Knit Lab to get help on a project ($28, alternating Thursdays at 7pm). Go on, pick a hobby that will keep you cozy on SF nights. // 3897 18th St. (Castro) imagiknit.com
