Just remember to avoid BART this weekend!
CELEBRATE
What: Oakland's 15th annual Art + Soul festival presents two full days of art, food, and community on the streets surrounding the City Center. Musical performances showcase the Blues on the main stage, while Oakland-based vertical dance pair BANDALOOP will thrill fest-goers with a daredevil dance on the façade of City Hall. Art will be showcased at both a Youth Art and Pro Art gallery, as well as an artisan marketplace. And of course, what's a Bay Area festival without drool-worthy food? This time, grub comes courtesy of the annual Oaktown Throwdown BBQ competition, with samples promising to satiate your appetite.
When: The festival runs both Saturday and Sunday, August 1-2, from noon until 6pm.
Where: The streets adjacent to Downtown Oakland's 12th Street/City Center BART stop will be bustling with families, artists, and musicians. Find a full map here.
What: In its 42nd year, the Nihonmachi Street Fair aims to celebrate the cultural diversity and "melting pot" nature of San Francisco. The festival seeks to provide leadership and mentorship opportunities to Japantown youth, while simultaneously expanding and evolving to include components of wider San Francisco culture. Youth volunteers organize the festival, which celebrates music, food, and art while promoting volunteerism and community service.
Where: The main entertainment will take place along Post Street in Japantown, while a food fest will line Webster Street. A map can be found here.
What: Jerry Garcia is an SF icon, and the city dutifully celebrates his life every summer at the eponymous Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in his childhood home: the Excelsior District. The all-day musical event features tribute band Stu Allen & Mars Hotel, Melvin Seals & JGB, and Terrapin Family Band. Deadheads can join together for a day of celebration and music.
When: The festival runs on August 2, with doors opening at 11am. A lineup can be found here.
Where: Jerry Garcia amphitheater rests in McLaren Park in the Excelsior, at 45 John F. Shelley Drive.
What: With all the cultural celebrations constantly happening in San Francisco, there is one population that's often overlooked: gingers. This weekend, the fair-skinned and fire-haired among us will finally get the due they deserve, with a Dolores Park celebration honoring the "soulless." Those carrying the recessive gene will be treated to a gathering featuring a photo booth, a silent disco, and a red velvet cake. An afterparty at Monarch offers drink specials all night to the rare breed.
[UPDATE] After receiving a call from the Events And Facilities Specialist at SF Recreation & Parks, all scheduled events at Dolores Park have been cancelled. There are no changes to the SF Ginger Pride Celebration at Monarch from 9pm to 2am.
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