Happy Friday Everyone! You've worked hard all week, and now it's time to have fun! Getting out and enjoying the beautiful Bay Area, as well as enjoying the company of friends old and new, is great for your mental health. So check out some of our favorite events from around the Bay that you can attend this weekend!
Click on any of the event titles for a link to the event.
Friday, May 5th
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
4 PM, Ages: All
Free
The series, Illuminate Live, which kicks off March 1, 2023, will bring 100+ free concerts to the GGP Music Concourse in 2023. The lineup of performers returning to the stage is diverse and local as it was in its first two seasons—the 2023 concerts will feature R&B, soul, jazz, funk, big band musicians, string ensembles, indie and psychedelic rock bands, and many diverse singer-songwriters. In addition, the series will include reggae, salsa, and some EDM and electronic music.
The free, all-ages concerts will run through mid-November of 2023, and echo the past two seasons’ schedule with Singer-Songwriter/Folk/Rock Wednesday; Jazz, Soul, R&B and Funk Friday Happy Hours; Cultural and Community performances on Saturdays; and Reggae Sundays, as well as many special events, including a special performance for St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 with celebrated Bay Area artist Shana Morrison and her band Caledonia performing two sets from 4:30 to 7 pm.
Fort Mason, San Francisco
5 PM, Ages: All
Free (Food Separate)
California’s largest nighttime street food festival is back in San Francisco every Friday beginning March 24, 2023! Off the Grid: Fort Mason Center returns for its 13th season celebrating the variety, diversity and passion of the Bay Area food truck scene and beyond.
With over 50 food creators throughout the season, you can find your favorite treats while also discovering new and delicious dishes. Along with a diverse selection of food options, each Friday will also feature the Kivelstadt Cellars WineGarten, full cocktail bar, live music, and more!
Off the Grid: Fort Mason Friday Night Food Truck Party
March 24 – June 23, 2023
Every Friday | 5-10 pm – Rain or Shine
Fort Mason Center parking lot, 2 Marina Blvd., SF
FREE Admission
Please note that as of March 2023 Off the Grid has only announced dates through June 23rd but says “The 2023 season will be every Friday 5-10pm from March 24 – June 23 and then we will return in the fall for another round of special events.”
See the food truck lineup (25+ every week from a rotating list of 50 food trucks)
Special Events & Updates
Every 3rd Friday – Fido Fridays – 10% off bar for pet owners during “yappy” hour
Every 1st Friday – Family Fridays – 10% off bar for parents during happy hour
See offthegrid.com for updates
Saturday, May 6th
Thrive City, San Francisco
10 AM, Ages: All
Free
Dub Nation – come out to Thrive City for the Golden State Warriors Playoffs Watch Party, presented by Chase.
When the Warriors are on the road, enjoy lawn games and our sport court, special guests and entertainers, and cheer on the Dubs while we broadcast the game on the plaza board! All Chase cardholders can show their Chase credit or debit card to access the Chase Lounge for a VIP experience and receive an exclusive giveaway (while supplies last).
Space in the Chase Lounge is limited. Deposit and credit card products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Prohibited Items & Activities at Thrive City:
No Scooters, bikes, skateboard, or rollerblades
No Panhandling, solicitation, or loitering
No Smoking of any kind
All Pets* must be on a leash
Guests are prohibited from bringing outside alcoholic beverages to Thrive City
No Amplified sound
No Drones
No Motorized vehicles
No Pamphlets or product samples
No Overnight camping
No Weapons or dangerous devices of any kind including, but not limited to, pepper spray, flares and fireworks, tasers/stun guns
All Garbage, bottles, cans, paper, or other waste matter should be placed in designated trash and recycling receptacles
No Trespassing when Thrive City is closed
Any other prohibited items, activity, or behaviors deemed unsafe, or unacceptable by Chase Center Management
*Trained service animals must remain on a leash, tether or in a harness at all times unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the person’s disability prevents use of these devices.
Empress Theater, Vallejo
11 AM, Ages: All
$10
An All Day Subculture, Dark Art Music Festival, with Live Bands, DJs, Performance Artists, Goth Fashion Show, Gothic Artists Market, Bars, Food Trucks…this ain’t yer grannies craft fair.
This Festival is a highly curated, immersive, innovative, and full sensory, multi-interdimensional, experiential festival gala of transcendent dark art, music, entertainment, & black pageantry that delves into and passionately explores over 40 years of influential and incomparable San Francisco Bay Area Goth Subculture.
Festival Schedule
11-6pm Live entertainment + food & libations on Virgina Street and inside the Empress Lounge
5-8pm Concert at Empress Theatre
3pm Fashion Show hosted by Redd Fafilth as the legendary 80’s drag icon DIVINE
Transportation – maps and photos will be posted on social media and online as the event draws near with schedules and directions!
Sunday, May 7th
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
1 PM, Ages: All
Free
There is a place in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park that is heaven for Bay Area inline skaters and roller skaters who like to boogie to the funky beat on wheels.
The Godfather of Skate brings his mobile DJ unit and plays groovy tunes for you to skate to. On most Sundays, there’s usually someone willing to teach you a few choreographed roller disco dance moves.
37th Avenue, San Francisco
9 AM, Ages: All
$49
A weekly market featuring farmers, ranchers, food artisans, live music, children’s activities, vendors, makers, merchants, artists, and local organizations. Explore all the amazing local businesses surrounding the farmers market at sunsetstrong.com.
You can find us every Sunday 9am-2pm year round on 37th avenue/Ortega and every Wednesday 3pm-7pm (June to August)
The Wednesday and Sunday Outer Sunset Farmers Market & Mercantile features ranchers, local farm fresh produce, unique artisan foods, delicious pop-up eateries, talented makers, local merchants, live music and an extensive Fun Zone for all ages.
Eat, drink, shop, play, connect and be local at our Wednesday and Sunday markets under the trees! www.sunsetmercantilesf.com for more details.