We know things are weird right now, and you might not even be working with everything going on, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't have a chance to enjoy the weekend! Life goes on, and having a little fun and/or some relaxation is still necessary to your mental health. So check out these (safely social distanced) events you can participate in this weekend!
Click on any of the event titles for a link to the event.
Friday, June 12th
Virtual Pre-Pride Festival
Online
All Day, All Ages
Free
Every June, people around the world come together to celebrate Pride. For the first time since 1970, Pride events have had to cancel their in-person marches, parties, and celebrations. The queer community has risen to the challenge and are moving the movement online, but we continue to remember the grassroots foundation it was built upon.
"We celebrate Pride because of the Stonewall Riots in 1969, a six-night series of demonstrative, violent protests that occurred between the LGBTQ community and the police, led by black and brown trans folks,” says Michael Venturiello, an LGBTQIA+ historian and founder of Christopher Street Tours. “While June typically commemorates this important event in a celebratory manner, I encourage you all to reflect on the original meaning of ‘Pride’ — a radical, political stance on liberation for all people."
In light of the global protests against racial injustice, we’ve postponed our online pre-Pride celebration to June 12. We stand in solidarity with and support the black community, and will make space for this important social justice moment. We’re working to create space for both the celebration and remembrance of Pride, as well as a way to honor the black communities fighting for their lives and freedom. We know that everyone processes, celebrates, and grieves differently. We offer this festival as a time to come together to learn, to listen, to laugh — and even to dance. We hope you’ll join us.
San Jose Black Lives Matter Bike Party Protest
San Jose City Hall, San Jose
3 PM, All Ages
Free
San Jose Bike Party is a place to ride bikes, make friends, and have a good time every third Friday of each month at 8 pm. San Jose is the largest city in Northern California, but they are hidden in the suburban sprawl.
It’s time to enjoy the South Bay, ride the streets, and make this place the active and exciting city you want it to be. One of the most unique aspects of San Jose Bike Party is the participation of many kinds of wonderful food vendors. Music Bikes are also a key part of San Jose Bike Party and they encourage anyone interested to come on out with your bicycle-based sound system.
The start up location and route is rotated monthly. Check the SJBP website approximately 24 hours before every ride to get the exact address and route.
– Updated 6/3/19 – Event info last checked via website
San Jose Bike Party hosts a special BLM themed ride. Ride your bike out to city hall to show your support for Black Lives and our affected communities. 3pm ’til late – San Jose City Hall, Friday, June 12th. 100% peaceful
Saturday, June 13th
ElleVet Pets in Need Program
Gilman Park, San Francisco
10 AM, All Ages
Free
ElleVet’s “Pets in Need” Project is traveling the West Coast to provide complementary veterinary services for vulnerable pets and help pet owners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including homeless communities, the elderly, or immunocompromised, or those in economic distress.
To make an appointment or to find more information about the local tour stop, visit www.ellevetsciences.com/petsinneed.
Stay updated via their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ellevetsciences/.
The Pets in Need Project was launched in response to COVID-19 and the economic hardships faced by the homeless and those who became homeless due to layoffs. With fewer resources than ever, the pets of the homeless are incredibly vulnerable. The ElleVet founders, Christian and Amanda, decided that help was needed now and help was on the way in the form of a 38 foot RV serving as a mobile relief vehicle. The “ElleVan” is traveling for 2 months throughout California and going where there is the most poverty and homelessness to provide care for animals and their people who need a helping hand.
SoFa Saturdays
6 PM, All Ages
Free
SoFA Saturdays is a weekly virtual visit to Downtown San Jose’s eclectic arts and cultural district. Experience and engage with dozens of artists, musicians, poets, bars, restaurants, galleries, theaters, and more.
Click through various curated channels to find wonderful new interactive events showcasing the talent of SoFA. PLUS you can order food, beer, and cocktails from your favorite SoFA businesses to pick up and enjoy from your sofa at home.
Feeling generous? Find links to tip artists and show your support in their sessions.
Visit sofamusicfestival.com for the full schedule, info, and links. Links to the ICA Zoom Channel are available on your digital ticket when you register and will be emailed to you.
Sunday, June 14th
Stern Grove's "Best of the Fest" Virtual Concert Series
All Day, All Ages
Free
The Stern Grove free outdoor music festival was initially scheduled to take place on Sundays from June 14 through August 16, 2020. It is the first time in the Festival’s long history that it has been canceled.
This summer, in place of canceled performances, the Festival is creating Best of the Fest, a virtual video series featuring highlights from the Festival’s vast library of concert footage from the past 13 years.
Hosted by TV and radio personality and seasoned emcee Liam Mayclem, Sheila E. (2012), Pink Martini (2013), The Doobie Brothers (2015), and George Clinton (2016) are among the musicians to be included in the weekly concerts.
Best of the Fest will also feature artist interviews, scenic footage of the Grove, and special guests. It will be posted on the Festival’s website, YouTube channel, and Facebook page every Sunday from June 14 through Sunday, August 16.
Beginning Sunday, May 31, visit sterngrove.org for each Sunday’s lineup.
In addition to Best of the Fest, the Festival will be offering a virtual arts education program utilizing many of the teaching artists who would have participated this summer. Classes in music-making and dance will be offered online on the Festival’s YouTube and Facebook channels.
Virtual Forest Therapy Walk
Zoom Link Provided Upon Registration
2 PM, All Ages
Free (Donations Accepted)
As we continue social distancing and shelter in place, the healing powers of connection, community, and our natural world are more important than ever. So I’m joining my cohorts from around the world to bring you a virtual Forest Therapy walk. We’ll take advantage of whatever sources of nature you have available.
RSVP for Zoom Link
WHERE: If you can safely get to a natural area and have reception, you may join from there. For this journey into nature, you can also join from your yard or your balcony or even inside your home either looking out on the natural world or even simply looking at a photo or painting of a favorite nature.
WHEN: Sundays May 10 – 31, 2020 @ 2pm – 3:30pm PDT (Pacific Daylight Time)
WHAT: Borrowing from the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku or Forest Bathing, we’ll come together over zoom (link provided upon registration) for a series of invitations to engage our senses both real and imaginal in exploring the natural world. There will be an opportunity to share via voice or chat on what you are noticing as we deepen the experience through a shared connection. These invitations will be equally suitable whether you are in the woods, following an ant on your sidewalk or looking at a picture of the beach and everything in between.
If you have the resources, donations are welcome in any amount with a suggested $5-$20 range. I know times are hard for some of us. I want this walk available to everyone regardless of income so please don’t let lack of funds stop you, accept a free ticket if you need it.