SF Weekend Guide: May 27-30
Happy birthday, Golden Gate Bridge! On May 27th 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge opened as the largest suspension bridge in the world. At 79 years old, GGB ranks the 12 longest suspension bridge in the world. But hey, she still looks stunning. ?
It’s shaping up to be a warm and sunny holiday weekend throughout the Bay Area, so be ready for some sun while honoring those who have given their lives for our freedom. Planning a BBQ? Check out Brandon Chen’s quick primer on grilling — including must-have gadgets and recipes.
Friday, May 27th:
The last Friday of every month is Critical Mass, a mass bike ride that goes down Market Street. With San Francisco being a very bike-friendly city, there is sure to be hundreds of riders. The ride starts at 5:30PM at Justin Herman Plaza.
Off The Grid will be in Fort Mason, with nearly 30 different food vendors as well as several different bars, DJs and live music. Admission is free to California’s largest weekly street food market, and food trucks open around 5:00PM.
Friday Nights at the de Young starts tonight at 7:30PM. The after-hours art happening includes a mix of live music, dance and theater performances, film screenings, panel discussions, lectures, artist demonstrations, hands-on art activities, and exhibition tours. This week’s event is “Sunlit Memories and Dark Gardens”, which includes a Couture Installation by Dark Garden Unique Corsetry and “Angels and Insects”: A Victorian picnic seen through a Dark Garden lens. Admission is free to the museum after 7:30PM, but the special exhibition galleries have a $20 entrance fee.
Alley Cat Bookstore and Gallery is hosting an Urban Square Dancing night with live music and cheap beer. They ask for a $5-10 donation for entry, and doors open at 7:00PM.
San Francisco State University’s Commencement will end with fireworks at 9:30PM. The commencement is privately held at AT&T Park, but the fireworks can be viewed from anywhere in the general vicinity.
Saturday, May 28th:
????? Happy National Hamburger Day! To celebrate, we’ve compiled a list of the best burger joints in the City.
As we mentioned in last week’s Weekend Guide, May 28th marks the end of Small Business Week. Over 20 neighborhoods will highlight local businesses with sidewalk sales to celebrate.
The 19th Annual Bay Area Classic Yo Yo Contest takes place in Golden Gate Park this Saturday, beginning at 12:00PM. Over 100 of the top Yo Yo competitors will be competing for prizes at the Spreckels Temple of Music Bandshell.
The 38th Annual San Francisco Carnaval Festival will take over the Mission District this weekend, spanning eight blocks of Harrison Street between 16th and 24th Streets. This year’s theme is ¡Viva La Madre Tierra!, which is Spanish for “Mother Earth”, and celebrates the world’s natural beauty. There will be global street food, international music, dance, arts & crafts, and other fun activities and entertainment on every street corner for the entire family to enjoy. Carnaval San Francisco is the largest multi–cultural celebration on the West Coast.
The Treasure Island Flea Market is a monthly open-air flea market on Treasure Island and has incredible views of San Francisco’s skyline. To celebrate their 5th anniversary, there will be a fully operating basketball court, Roller Derby games, as well as plenty of shopping. The first 400 to enter get a free commemorative poster, and the entrance fee is $5.
Finding Nemo is being screened in Rossi Playground in the Richmond District with Fog City Movie Night. Shown on a 26 foot screen in high definition, the entrance is free but get there early to get good seats. Bring blankets, it’s sure to get cold.
The Folsom Street Foundry is hosting a #HellaMotown Dance Party, with two DJ’s spinning five hours worth of tributes to Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Prince and more. Entrance is free before 10 PM with a Facebook RSVP.
Sunday, May 29th:
The festivities will continue for both the 38th Annual San Francisco Carnaval Festival and the Treasure Island Flea Market.
The Grand Carnaval Parade will begin at 9:30 AM at 24th & Bryant Streets, where it will continue to Mission Street down to 17th Street. More than 50 music and dance groups will be featured, with United Farm Workers Icon Dolores Huerta as this year’s Grand Marshal.
Off the Grid will be hosting a picnic at the Presidio from 11:00AM to 4:00PM, with live music, game rentals, and drink kits.
The Golden Gate Park Band is hosting a Patriotic Concert in Golden Gate Park’s Bandshell, starting at 1:00PM.
As usual, Heart of the City Farmers Market in UN Plaza from 7:00AM to 5:00PM, with local farmers bringing out their best wares to sell.
Monday, May 30th:
In honor of Memorial Day, there will be a Parade of Veterans with the 191st Army Band beginning at 10:30AM in the Presidio. There will also be a 21-gun salute at 12:00PM in Pershing Square, and a tour of the national cemetery beginning immediately after.
El Rio in the Mission is hosting their 21st Annual Sh*t-Kickin’ Memorial Day Party, with live music, free BBQ and drink specials. $10 gets you in the door to listen to live American music and all the BBQ you can eat.
Happy Memorial Weekend, fellow San Franciscans! Still looking for more to do this weekend? Maybe it’s time to check out SFMOMA.
