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, September 15th
The Cut Outdoor Cinema, San Francisco
9 PM, Ages: All
$13.75
Located in the heart of downtown San Francisco, The Cut Outdoor Cinema at The Crossing is the Bay's first year-round outdoor cinema. Come by with family and friends for an unforgettable open-air theater experience featuring a handpicked selection of iconic favorites, cult classics, and local community film programming.
Chill under the stars from the comfort of Big Joe Original bean bags or lounge deck chairs, bundle up in cozy blankets provided on site, and enjoy immersive silent disco hifi headphones. Popcorn and all your favorite concessions available on site. No outside food or drinks.
More Info: thecutoutdoorcinema.com
Schroeder's Beer Hall, San Francisco
3 PM, Ages: 21+
Free
Join Schroeder’s, the oldest Bavarian beer hall on the West Coast, for the Oktoberfest Block Party on Friday, September 15 starting at 3:00 p.m. Celebrating its 130th anniversary this year, the historic and beloved German restaurant will feature live music, specials on beverages and bar bites, and beer games like stein chugging, stein holding, costume contests, and more at the annual event.
Thousands of revelers enjoy celebrating the yearly festival on Front Street with three beer gardens, benches, and communal tables where you’ll enjoy festival-style German fare, drinking, dancing, and healthy competition with the classic Oktoberfest game. Entertainment will include live music from Pop Rocks, beats by DJ Jerry Ross, and giveaways galore! You’ll also have the chance to purchase a commemorative stein and sip Schroeder’s 130th Anniversary German Pilsner created by East Brother Beer Company.
Beverage highlights include some of our favorite draft beers like our Schroeder's 130 German Pilsner and Hofbräu Oktoberfest will be served in 1L boots ($26), and bottled beers like Stiegl Radler. Jello Shots, Jameson Shots, Jagermeister Shots, and Underberg will be free flowing and cocktails will be available for purchase in the restaurant such as the Schroeder’s Mule: jägermeister, ginger beer, lime. Beer, well drinks, red and white wine, and shots will be $13.
Enjoy food fare such as Bratwurst in a Pretzel Bun topped with sauerkraut (Beyond Bratwurst available); Giant Bavarian Pretzel with bourbon mustard and beer cheese; Fried Chicken Sandwich with green cabbage slaw, pickles, and spicy paprika aioli; Maitake Mushroom “Pulled Pork” Sandwich with spicy slaw, and bourbon BBQ sauce on a pretzel bun; and Kartoffel Tots with caraway sea salt. Each dish is priced at $13.
The block party ends at 8:00 p.m. and the party continues inside the restaurant with DJ Jerry Ross.
Be sure to don your dirndl and lederhosen because costumes are encouraged, and proudly proclaim: “Prost”! Other fun surprises are in store, so come out and party like it's 1893. Alles Liebe!
Saturday, September 16th
Stow Lake Boathouse, San Francisco
7:30 PM, Ages: All
$35
About Lakehouse Jazz
Indulge in a truly unique and immersive music experience at Lakehouse Jazz. Our intimate concert series, nestled within the iconic Golden Gate Park, offers the perfect setting to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As Karl the Fog sets in and illuminates the lake, join us inside for an evening of influenced jazz music from the Bay Area's finest musicians, paired with a glass of wine or beer.
Not only will you enjoy an unforgettable night of live jazz, but your attendance also supports the local art scene and its musicians.
Experience the thrill of the unknown with our secret concert series, featuring new bands every Friday and Saturday. Discover a wide range of jazz styles, from 1920s swing to latin, funk, fusion, hip-hop, bossa, and original compositions. This concert series is produced by Mellow Sessions, ensuring a one-of-a-kind experience. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this exclusive and intimate concert, considered the best-reviewed worldwide. Secure your tickets now and elevate your music experience to new heights!
About the venue
Located in the heart of SF's famous Golden Gate Park, there’s a lovely boathouse known only by a few 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, the Academy of Science, and of course a cruise around the Stow Lake on a paddleboat, perfect for a group party or a date!
Experience a one-of-a-kind night of live music in a unique setting, and make lasting memories with friends and loved ones. Don't miss out on this local secret, purchase your tickets now and get ready to be transported to an unforgettable night of music and beauty in the heart of San Francisco.
Union Square, San Francisco
1 PM, Ages: All
Free
Join us for an incredible music experience in the heart of San Francisco! We are thrilled to present a series of free performances that will captivate music enthusiasts, families, and adult-beverage afficionados alike.
Every Saturday, from July through mid-October from 1pm - 4pm, and beginning in August, every 3rd Thursday, from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Union Square Plaza will come alive with the sounds of talented local artists, celebrating the rich musical heritage of this iconic city. San Francisco, renowned as a music destination and the birthplace of legendary musicians and groups such as the Grateful Dead, Metallica, Janis Joplin, and Carlos Santana, sets the stage for an extraordinary lineup of performances.
Prepare to be amazed by a diverse range of musical genres, featuring local songwriters, solo musicians, up-and-coming stars, energizing EDM and Dance DJ sets, soulful jazz renditions, and captivating Latin rhythms. The launch event will feature DJ Sep and Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers, with future collaborations lined up with esteemed indoor entertainment venues such as Biscuits & Blues and American Conservatory Theatre (ACT).
As you indulge in a weekend of friends, food, and music, Union Square Plaza offers a vibrant setting for your enjoyment. Delight in delicious offerings from food trucks and experience the lively atmosphere of our Beer, Wine and Spirit Garden during certain concerts (see website for dates). Before and after the show, extend your experience at the numerous local restaurants and bars surrounding the venue, where you can discover the unique and delicious flavors of Union Square.
For families, we have a range of exciting activities lined up, including magicians, balloon art, face painting, flower crown making and so much more (check calendar for lists of activities). Introducing the Union Square Bloom Passport, offering an interactive and family-friendly experience. Dive into a world of floral education, interactive games, and captivating displays. Collaborating with local floral designers, more than 30 of Union Square's hotels, theaters, restaurants, bars, and retail establishments have adorned their storefronts with breathtaking floral arrangements, creating a gateway to discovery for all. The Union Square Bloom Passport is perfect for families looking to explore, learn, and have fun together.
For the 21+ audience, we have an exclusive treat in store. Meet the Bloom + Bubbles Passport, a district-wide cocktail program that presents a selection of 29 enticing floral cocktails available at Union Square hotels, restaurants, and bars. On July 29th, after the free 1 pm to 4 pm concert, from 5 pm to 9 pm, we invite you to join us for a district-wide Bloom & Bubbles Bar Crawl. Explore the city's vibrant nightlife as five bars and two clubs offer irresistible drink specials, making it an evening to remember. Those who purchase a ticket to the Bar Crawl, will get an exclusive offer to be redeemed at our Alcohol Garden prior to the Crawl
Don't miss this marvelous interactive opportunity to be part of San Francisco's thriving music scene and enjoy a weekend filled with music, food, drinks, and fun. Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable celebration in Union Square Plaza!
The new initiative is a collaboration between the Union Square Alliance, San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, and the Office of Economic Workforce Development (OEWD) funded by their SF Live grant.
For more information about the lineup, pop-up bar gardens, rotating food vendor, family-friendly activities, and 21+ events, visit here. Information for August – October to be announced soon.
Sunday, September 17th
37th Between Ortega and Pacheco, San Francisco
9 AM, Ages: All
Free
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)
Getting There
Muni: Lines 7, 29, 48
Unlike most of San Francisco, street parking is usually fairly easy surrounding the market.
Every Sunday
Typically 25+ vendors
Seasonal tastings
Live Music
Kids Storytelling
Weekly activities and fun
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.
Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland
12 PM, Ages: All
Free
Art + Soul Oakland is teaming up with AfroComicCon to present a FREE festival and interactive comics convention blending comics, art, media, technology, fashion, music, and culture.
Musical acts include Latyrx & Friends (Lyrics Born and Lateef the TruthSpeaker) Yo-Yo, Suga-T and more celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop. Plus blues, jazz, scores of artisans, two food courts, an Afrofuturism-inspired fashion show and cosplay contest, and family activities with Liberation Park on the Road! AfroComicCon will transform the civic spaces inside Oakland City Hall into a cutting-edge multimedia and gaming expo, with panels, workshops, and celebrity guests for a one-of-a-kind comic-con experience! Easy to get to, free and fun for all ages.
“One of the Top 7 Bay Area Music Festivals to Get Your Groove On” – Culture Trip
“Best Music Festival” – East Bay Express
“Highlighted as a Must-See in Oakland’s Ranking as 15th Coolest City in America to Visit” – NY Times