Weekend Planner: November 15th
You’ve worked hard all week, and now Friday’s here again! It’s time to start planning your weekend! Welcome to Weekend Planner, your weekend update on fun.
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, November 15th

Safeway Ice Skating Rink at Union Square
Union Square, San Francisco
All Weekend, All Ages
$18
Limited number of same-day tickets available at the box office each day. Box office opens daily at 9:45am. We recommend buying online in advance as day-of box office tickets are not guaranteed.
PLEASE NOTE: TICKET WILL BE LABELED FROM 10:00AM – THIS INDICATES THE TIME THE RINK OPENS FOR THE DAY. SEE THE FAQS BELOW TO FIND YOUR SPECIFIC PURCHASED SESSION TIME.
Lace up your skates and join us at The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Alaska Airlines!
A San Francisco holiday tradition in the heart of Union Square, The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Alaska Airlines offers fun-seekers of all ages a magical adventure beginning November 6, 2019 through January 20, 2020. From families to friends, and couples to colleagues, everyone can enjoy ice skating in San Francisco’s iconic plaza surrounded by festive lights and the sights and sounds of the season. Novices and naturals, alike, will love the outdoor ice skating experience in the middle of beautiful San Francisco.
We look forward to seeing you on the ice!
Ice Skating Session Times:
10:00am – 11:30am
12:00pm – 1:30pm
2:00pm – 3:30pm
4:00pm – 5:30pm
6:00pm – 7:30pm
8:00pm – 9:30pm
10:00pm – 11:30pm

Lakehouse Jazz
Stow Lake Boathouse, San Francisco
7:30 PM, All Ages
$30
Enjoy the most reviewed intimate music experience WORLDWIDE! Lakehouse Jazz, a unique and intimate concert experience in the iconic Golden Gate Park at a hidden and iconic boathouse. As Karl the Fog moves over the lake and covers a slew of colorful boats, we’ll sit inside our intimate and improvised concert venue where the music of the best musicians in the Bay Area and a glass of beer or wine will be the perfect way to unwind your week. By attending this event not only you’ll listen and learn jazz from some of the best musicians in The Bay Area but also, you’ll be actively supporting the local art scene and its musicians. Kudos!
Every week we feature new bands. This makes each concert unique and fresh. All things Jazz, from 1920’s Swing to Latin Jazz, Funk, Fusion and original compositions.
About the venue
Located in the heart of SF’s famous Golden Gate Park, there’s a lovely boathouse known mostly to locals. Every Friday we transform this space into a non-conventional intimate music venue. Nearby you can start off your evening by visiting the best Gold Gate Park has to offer. Our top favorites are the De Young Museum, the Japanese Garden, Academy of Science, and of course a cruise around the Stow Lake on a paddleboat, perfect for a date!]
Book 2 weeks in advance = save $6 per ticket on Airbnb
FAQs
What can I bring into the event?
Multiple layers of clothing
Your wallet, to purchase drinks (Credit cards accepted!)
Valid ID to purchase alcohol (only 21+)
Camera or phone for pics 🙂
You can bring your own food or order it to be delivered there.
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
You can reach out to us with any Q’s you may have 🙂
What’s the refund policy?
You get a full refund up to 7 days before your event start date.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
You can but you don’t have to 😉
Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?
Absolutely!
Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn’t match the person who attends?
100% ok
Saturday, November 16th

Blue Jean Ball
Contemporary Jewish Museum, San Francisco
5:30 PM, All Ages
$45
From the Gold Rush frontier, to the range of the Wild West, to rock n’ roll concert stages, blue jeans have been a defining symbol of American style. Join us to celebrate this American icon at a Blue Jean Ball—inspired by the upcoming original exhibition, Levi Strauss: A History of American Style, an exploration of the Jewish immigrant story of Levi Strauss, the origins of the blue jeans, and how they defined American style and became a worldwide phenomenon.
The Family Gala is a time for kids, parents, grandparents, and friends to come together for a night of celebration as The CJM transforms into a gold mining town, the western frontier, and a concert stage, featuring performances, art making, interactive games, and fun!
Proceeds from the Family Gala support our award-winning education, family, and access programs, which bring Jewish art and ideas to more than 20,000 visitors each year.
Event Chairs
Leslie Haddock and Kevin Linker
Grandparents Committee Chair
Joyce Linker
Event Host Committee
Judy and Robert Aptekar * Kristin Dunlap and Jeffrey Bernstein Christy and Alex Estrovitz Heather and Eric Green Erin and Jonathan Kahn Alanna Klein and Greg Robin Margaret Rothchild * Dorothy Saxe * Meredith and Aaron Saxe Shelley and Loren Saxe * Stacey Silver and Jon Yolles Heidi and Dave Spector Jean and Michael Strunsky * LJ Strunsky and James Steinle Hava and Raziel Ungar Marilyn and Murry Waldman *
*Grandparent Committee
FAQs
Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?
This is a special event for parents, grandparents and kids 0 to 17 years of age, but all are welcome.
What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?
Curb drop-off for taxi and ride services is located at 736 Mission Street. Close parking is available at the Jessie Square Garage located at Stevenson Street, off Third Street. Additional parking is available at the 5th Street and Mission Street Garage.
What can/can’t I bring to the event?
Coat check will be available for coats and bags. Space will also be available for strollers.
What is the attire?
Festive denim. Denim tuxedos preferred if you have one!
Will dinner be served at the event?
The CJM will offer a delicious catered Kosher-style buffet dinner options appealing to both kids and adults.
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
The Contemporary Jewish Museum, Development Department at 415.655.7843 or rbreuer@thecjm.org
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
No. You will only need to give your name to CJM staff when you arrive at the event.
When will individual tickets go on sale?
Limited tickets will be available for purchase mid-October.

Italian Christmas Market at Fort Mason
Fort Mason, San Francisco
12:30 PM, All Ages
Free
Inspired by the famous Christmas markets in Northern Italy and throughout most of Europe, the 7th Annual Italian Christmas Market (Mercato di Natale) will exude the warm atmosphere of Christmas in San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center Museo Italo Americano.
The Mercatino will also feature Il Caffè delle Forchette, a fun spot to enjoy Italian coffee, pastries, and savory bites during the market.
Come shop for artisanal Italian foods and wines, unique handmade Italian fashion and accessories, art objects, and craft items at this fun and beloved event. They also offer a full program featuring food demonstrations, book presentations, and an art workshop for children and families.
Saturday, December 7
12:30 – 1:00 PM: Enrica Ulivieri presents Cooking with Thermomix: Fresh Italian Cooking Made Easy
2:30 – 3:00 PM: Donna Di Giuseppe presents Lady in Ermine, her novel about Sofonisba Anguissola
4:00 – 4:30 PM: Antonella Dalla Muta presents Baking with Agrisicilia
Sunday, December 8
12:30 – 1:00 PM: Enrica Ulivieri presents Cooking with Thermomix: Fresh Italian Cooking Made Easy
2:30 – 3:00 PM: Giamma&Nico present Panettone, Tiramisù and Shortcrust. Easy ways to combine them for WOW desserts.
4:00 – 5:00 PM: Selena Squarzanti presents Gianni Rodari and The Art of Drawing Stories: Art Workshop for Children and Families (stories will be read in Italian).
Sunday, November 17th

Snow Day Holiday Market and More
Gourmet Ghetto, Berkeley
10 AM, All Ages
Free
Bring boots and mittens to play in the snow at the annual Snow Day in North Berkeley.
Visit with the Snow Queen as she listens to all of your holiday wishes, ride the live ponies, make free DIY crafts for kids, and shop for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts from local art, craft, and artisan food vendors.
Warm up with free hot apple cider and snacks, provided by Safeway. Enjoy Beauregard the strolling Dickensian Cornetist, Nutcracker Dancers from Danse Lumiere, Victorian carolers, and the Tap Dancing Christmas Trees who make the day extra fun.
Back again, find the ‘ice’ in your snowball; one has a real diamond ring inside, donated by M. Lowe & Co. as a benefit for the Berkeley Schools.
This is a free event for children of all ages sponsored by the North Shattuck Association in conjunction with M. Lowe & Co., Safeway, State Farm Insurance, ToyCycle, Buy Local Berkeley, Spokes, 510Families, East Bay Express, Berkeley Community Media, East Bay Loop, and Yelp.
North Shattuck, also known colloquially as the Gourmet Ghetto, is just 6 blocks north of the Downtown Berkeley BART station and has festive lights in over 50 trees. Plus there’s free street parking.

CCSF Mission Campus, San Francisco
10 AM, All Ages
Free
The Howard Zinn Bookfair, a celebration of the books that make us rethink our roles in the world and connect people with hidden histories, will be held at CCSF Mission Campus.
The Howard Zinn Book Fair draws upon the legacy of legendary historian and activist Howard Zinn by gathering together over 60 publishers, booksellers, zinesters and community groups and dozens of author readings, panel discussions and workshops, all to explore the ways people can take collective action to build a better future.
The theme of this year’s book fair is “Strike! Discovering Our Power.” We selected this theme to celebrate the ways in which everyday people discover their ability to work together.
Inspired by the wave of strikes across the United States in the past year, the massive General Strikes in India, and the recent uprisings in Algeria, Sudan, Lebanon and Chile, we expand the idea of the strike to include all of the ways people can take collective action to preserve their homes, protect life on earth, respect indigeneity, shut down the machinery that produces racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and inequality, and build movements that are strong enough to last.
The Strike! is not only about withdrawing our labor, but about redirecting it to create a better world.
Who is Howard Zinn?
Howard Zinn was a historian, author, professor, playwright, and activist. His life’s work focused on a wide range of issues including race, class, war, and history, and touched the lives of countless people. Zinn was the author of dozens of books, including A People’s History of the United States. He received many awards including the Lannan Foundation Literary Award for Nonfiction, the Eugene V. Debs award for his writing and political activism, and the Ridenhour Courage Prize.