Weekend Planner: March 18

Every Friday we put together a list of the weekend events we think look most interesting and provide them here. Keep in mind there is always a lot more going on, and all it takes is a little digging to find something that will be the perfect activity for you.
Click on any of the event titles for a link to the event.
Friday, March 18

10th Annual California’s Artisan Cheese Festival
Sheraton Sonoma County, Petaluma
All Weekend, All Ages
Varying Costs
Calling all cheese lovers! You are invited to join us for the 10th Annual Celebration of California’s Artisan Cheese Festival taking place March 18-20, 2016 at the Sheraton Sonoma County – Petaluma. The weekend will be filled with scrumptious cheeses, chef demonstrations and pairings, farm tours, educational sessions by knowledgeable, talented chefs, cheese experts, authors, cheesemakers, expert panel discussions and more. This year’s schedule of events are as follows:
Friday, March 18th
8:30am to 3:30pm Farm Tours and Cheese Adventures – at assorted locations
6:00pm to 9:00pm Cheesemongers’ Duel – The Best Bite – Under the Big Top – Sample the Best Bites plus wine, beer, cider and more!
Saturday, March 19th
8:30am to 3:30pm Farm Tours and Cheese Adventures – at assorted locations
10:00am to 11:30am Seminars and Pairing Demonstrations – Morning Session
11:00pm to 1:30pm Author Book Signings – Lobby of the Sheraton Sonoma County
1:30pm to 3:00pm Seminars and Pairing Demonstrations – Afternoon Session
3:00pm to 5:00pm Author Book Signings – Lobby of the Sheraton
6:00pm to 9:00pm California Cheesin’ – We Do It Our Whey! – 10th Annual Celebration with cheese-inspired dishes prepared by restaurants, wine, beer, cider, live music and more Under the Big Top!
Sunday, March 20th
9:30am to 11:00am Bubbles Brunch + Celebrity Guest Chef John Ash
12:00pm to 4:00pm Artisan Cheese Tasting and Marketplace – Under the Big Top – Sample and buy your favorite cheeses and accoutrements.
For complete details and additional information, please visit our website at
http://artisancheesefestival.com/ Join us for three days of cheese bliss!
*Please note all sales are final and event will take place rain or shine. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you there!

9th Street Independent Film Center, San Francisco
8 PM, Ages: 21+
$12.50
Come out to see an evening of improvised comedy!
On March 18th, three duos will hit the stage, serving up hilarious, high quality improvised comedy. Jonathan Ott will lead you though the funny with fresh standup as the host of the evening!
Liss n’ Sams will be headlining the show and combines the talent of Second City Alum Joe Liss and Bay Area teacher/performer Marcus Sams. From a single suggestion Liss n’ Sams perform highly kinetic improv that runs down the rabbit hole at a break-neck pace. Be prepared for whiplash!
Joining them on the stage will be seasoned improv performers Pamela Hawley and Dave Collins, in Jackson Soup, and Nonie Kimpitak and Andrew Fittingoff in their duo, The Other Land.
Seating is limited.
What: Two Play Improv Extravaganza
When: March 18th 2016 @ 8:00 PM
Where: Ninth Street Independent Film Center
145 9th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
This is a 21+ Event.
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More info:
Your Host: Jonathan Ott Jonathan’s act consists of a mixture of wit, sarcasm and physical spectacle. He has performed stand-up all over the Bay Area and beyond at The Punchline, SF as well as Rooster T. Feathers comedy club in Sunnyvale. Jonathan writing has been featured in Savage Henry humor magazine.
Liss n’ Sams: Joe Liss & Marcus Sams Liss n’ Sams is an improv comedy duo based in San Francisco, Ca. made up of improv veterans, Joe Liss and Marcus Sams. Joe Liss, Second City alumnus, has appeared on Curb Your Enthusiasm, Strangers With Candy and has written for SpongeBob Squarepants and Third Rock From the Sun. Marcus Sams teaches in San Francisco for Leela and Improv w/Marcus and performs all over the country at national improv festivals.They perform improv comedy at a breakneck pace, so wear your seatbelts and get ready for a ride.
Jackson Soup: Pamela Hawley and Dave Collins Jackson Soup hails is a two-person duo with more than 23 years experience. Jackson Soup is real. Pamela loves Michael Jackson, and Dave loves soup. It’s that simple, and so are their hilarious scenes. Real life. Relatable, with a thrown in Uzi-wielding elderly couple trying to kill a pregnant rat Baby Mama in their attic.
The Other Land: Nonie Kimpitak & Andrew Fittingoff The Other Land is a long form improv duo based in San Francisco comprised of Nonie Kimpitak and Andrew Fittingoff. From a single suggestion, they will take you to another land where the rules of realityare slightly skewed. Watch as they discover the benefits or consequences of how a single change can effect the balance of reality.
The Other Land been actively enrolled in the weekly Improv w/Marcus: Two Play class honing their improv skills since June of 2015. For more information go to http://marcussams.com/improv-with-marcus.html
Saturday, March 19

Barboosa Lounge, San Francisco
6 PM, Ages: 21+
Free
Join us for a special celebrate night with Crafted Cocktails, Live DJ Music and Late Night Entertainment
The admission is complimentary for this event but you need to RSVP on Eventbrite as the space is limited.
For Table Reservations: Reservations@BarbaroosaLounge.com | (415) 434 4204
BARBAROSSA Barbarossa is a cocktail-driven bar and lounge in North Beach, breathing new life into the historic location at 714 Montgomery Street. As one of the oldest buildings in San Francisco, having survived the famous 1906 earthquake, Barbarossa will showcase an entirely new concept—one that is full with legend and mystery as the space was used as a jailhouse in the 19th century. Most recently serving the neighborhood as the former Bubble Lounge, Barbarossa is where Barbary Coast atmosphere meets modern luxury, while maintaining relevancy to present San Francisco drinking culture.
Barbarossa will be open Monday-Wednesdays from 4:00p.m.-12:00a.m., Thursdays-Fridays from 4:00p.m.-2:00a.m., Saturdays from 6:00p.m.-2:00a.m. and Sundays from 6:00p.m.-12:00a.m.
Barbarossa’s beverage program includes a seasonally rotating 11-cocktail menu with drinks that are named after famous criminals, madams, dance hall girls and politicians of the time. The beverage menu is made complete with signature grog. Grog is a drink of historical significance and supports Barbarossa’s Barbary Coast sensibility perfectly. This drink was often consumed by pirates and sailors, mixing three main ingredients: spirit, citrus and water. The citrus was used to ward off scurvy, while the spirit (typically rum) was used to keep the water from going rancid. Grog is served Collins-style. Each grog may be ordered with the patron’s own spirit of choice, although it goes best with Whiskey or Bourbon.
In addition to the cocktail menu, Barbarossa offers a selection of beer (12 on tap), wine, and selection of champagne. The bar also features champagne flights, champagne both by the bottle (approximately 30) and by the glass, of harder-to-find varietals. This is somewhat in homage to its former concept and as they still have access to one of the most curated champagne selections in the Bay Area.
Barbarossa’s food menu is simple, reasonably priced, and meant to share. The menu is broken down into four main categories that were popular on menus during 19th century: “from the ocean” (raw bar), “leaves, fruits and roots,” “meats & cheeses,” and “dessert.” The “from the ocean section” prominently features oysters, both local and imported. Popular items include Sausages (current vendor, Foreign Cinema/ShowDogs) as well as the Red Pastrami. All oysters will be served with 4-5 different, seasonal vinaigrettes; all flavor profiles are meant to support the cocktails.

San Francisco
1 PM, Ages: 18+
$35
The San Francisco Challenge urban adventure race is returning to the Bay Area on Saturday, March 19th for our SEVENTH season!
The Challenge is a ridiculously fun “Amazing Race” style competition packed into one incredible day. Teams of two or more will dash around the city, racing against other Challengers for immortal glory (and cash prizes!) as they solve tricky clues, strategize the best route, and explore undiscovered corners of the city.
Think of it like a 5K that tests your brains as much as your legs, with bigger prizes and a whole lot more fun–we guarantee you’ll have a blast!
An amazing, active way to spend a Saturday with friends in San Francisco!
Don’t worry—fitness is a plus, but you’ll need a blend of smarts AND speed to win this race!.
At the finish line, we’ll welcome you back with cold water, food and drink specials, music, costume contest and awards ceremony for our winners!
Think you have what it takes to compete against teams from across the country? Each city’s top 50 teams qualify for our National Championship race at the end of the year with thousands of dollars up for grabs!
If you’re ready to take the Challenge, grab some friends, pick a clever team name and sign up right below! For more information, visit our full website at www.challengenation.com/sanfrancisco/ and read our FAQ or contact us with any questions.

Bay Natives Nursery, San Francisco
9 AM, All Ages
Free
Get ready for another festival at Bay Natives with live music, flea market, houseplant overstock sale, Hearth coffee and pastry bar, pony rides, free food & drink for customers.
There will be chickens and goats to be fed, and the Bay Area’s best selection of locally appropriate native plants for drought-tolerant gardens. Weather permitting.
Live music confirmed by Muppet Riot and The Hiwatters
Flea Market starts early.
Houseplant overstock sale.
Pony rides by Laura of Heather Hill Riding Center
Coffee & Pastry bar by Hearth Coffee
Chickens and Goats!
Lots of new native plant inventory.
Free food and drinks too.
Sunday, March 20

Triple Voodoo Brewery, San Francisco
1 PM, Ages: 21+
$20.50
Triple Voodoo Brewery has teamed up with Tomales Farmstead Creamery to to offer a unique opportunity to learn about pairing beer with cheese. A unique cheese and beer pairing along with educational tasting notes will be offered. We will be pairing four unique locally produced cheeses with four Triple Voodoo beers. Triple Voodoo and cheese experts will be on hand during the event to guide you through the pairing and help educate you on the subject of pairing beer and cheese. Ticket price includes a flight of 4 cheeses and 4 beers. Here are the pairings:
Teleeka Aged Sheep, Goat & Cow milk cheese
Paired with
Outlaws Gold Blonde Ale
Assa Aged goat cheese
Paired with
Phantom Empire Grisette
Atika Aged sheep/goat mixed milk cheese
Paired with
Rosemary’s Baby Red Rye Saison
Kenne Goat’s Milk Cheese
Paired with
Triple in the 6th Belgian Style Tripel
FAQs
Q: What does the ticket include?
A: Ticket price includes a flight of 4 cheeses and 4 4oz beers perfectly paired together along with tasting notes.
Q: Is gratuity included in the ticket price?
A: Yes, the ticket price includes a $2 gratuity.
Q: What is the refund policy?
A: Refund requests must be submitted 7 days prior to this event
Q: Do you allow minors and small children in your tap room?
A: Our tap room is 21 and over. We do not allow any persons under 21 including toddlers and babies.

Downtown Berkeley, Berkeley
All Day, All Ages
Free
Meet friends and family in Downtown Berkeley for a free afternoon of theatre, music, art, film, live performances, plus specials on food & drink featuring the new Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive, UC Theatre, Berkeley Rep, Freight & Salvage, and many more awesome spots.
“Meet Me Downtown” Berkeley Sunday Funday March 20, 2016 | 12 noon to 5 pm Downtown Berkeley FREE Start off with yoga, a swim, or workout at the YMCA. Explore the stunning new architecture and collection of BAM/PFA at its new location on Center Street, and see short films on their spectacular outdoor screen. Experience the newly reopened UC Theatre for drinks and snacks in its beautiful interior and demo their Meyer Sound system. Rediscover classic venues with performance workshops at the Berkeley Rep, interactive bands at Freight & Salvage, and live jazz at the California Jazz Conservatory.
Noon-5pm – Free outdoor movie shorts & 1/2 off gallery admission The UC Theatre
Noon-1pm – Open to public, snacks, beverage tasting, raffles
1pm-2pm – Meyer Sound demo
2pm-3pm – Open to public, snacks, beverage tasting, raffles
3pm-4pm – Meyer Sound demo Freight & Salvage
Noon-1pm – Hiram Bell’s Ukulele, student recital
1pm-2pm – Bluegrass & country jam, Old time harmony singing workshop
2pm-3pm – Bluegrass & country jam, Old time harmony singing workshop (til 2:30)
3pm-4pm – Bluegrass & country jam Berkeley Rep
1pm-3pm – School of Theatre: Free sample workshops for all ages
2pm-4pm – Performance: 2016 Teen One-Acts Festival California Jazz Conservatory
2pm-4pm – Jazz trio concert YMCA
Noon-5pm – Free use of pool & gym
Noon-1pm – Free Vinyasa Yoga
2pm-3pm – Free Yoga I/II
3pm-4pm – Free Yoga I (3:45pm)
Almare Gelato: Buy 2 of any size gelato and get a kid size free
Bobby G’s Pizzeria: 10% off all food orders
Comal: $1 off margaritas
Endless Summer Sweets: Buy a funnel cake and get a small bag of any flavor popcorn free
Eureka!: Complimentary Truffle Cheese Fries with purchase of a beer flight
FIVE: Local brew beer flight with Asian meatballs for $15
Gather: Brunch – Complimentary side of Bacon OR Potatoes with purchase of Bloody Mary; Dinner – Free draft beer or tap wine with purchase of any two small plates OR Order 2 cocktails and get 2 snacks free
Paris Baguette: Buy 1 pastry get one free from 1PM to 3PM
Phil’s Sliders: 10% off
PiQ Pane Italiano Qualita: 7am to 12pm: Free mini cornetto with purchase of latte; All Day: 10% off 11 inch Italian pizza
Revival: Crossroads Daiquiri featuring Smith + Cross rum for $8
Sandwich Spot: Free salad bar all day
Spats: Free side of their famous tater tots
Triple Rock Brewery: $2 off your first pint
Tupper and Reed: $8 Cucumber Gimlets ($2 off normal price) AND $3 Anchor Steam Porter
Venus: Brunch – Half of agua fresca with purchase of entree; Dinner – Complimentary dessert with purchase of 2 entrees
Want more options? Eventbrite is a great place to start. Know about
a great event we missed? Leave it in the comments.
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