San Francisco Weekend Guide: July 14th-July 16th

This weekend marks the official middle of July, and being wedged in the middle of July sandwich is just as good an excuse as any to get out and turn up this weekend.

With a plethora outdoor festivals, block parties, and cultural affairs, you’ll be able to find something to spice up your weekend itinerary. Whatever you do, just make sure you’re not leaving any trash in Dolores Park. Or, well, any public places.

Put on your party hat and scroll down for a specially curated list of San Francisco’s most exciting events this weekend.

Friday, July 14th:

Bastille, My Heart→ Celebrate Bastille Day at Belden Place, which is a narrow alley in the Financial District that serves as the hub of the City’s French American community. The Bastille Day celebration in San Francisco is known to get of the utmost lit at Belden Place because of its European vibes. Enjoy the block party then hop into one of the alley’s restaurants for a bite and a glass of wine.
Bastille Day Street Party | Belden Place, San Francisco, CA | Friday, July 14th: 5PM | Free

Get Saucy→ Head to the Fillmore to dance under the stars for the annual Salsa Festival. This spicy affair is a huge dance party and guaranteed fun for anyone who likes to get groovy to salsa music. And it’s free.
8th Annual Salsa Festival | Fillmore Center Plaza, 1475 Fillmore St. San Francisco, CA | Friday & Saturday, July 14th-15th: 6PM-10PM | Free

Saturday, July 15th:

Flower Power→ For twelve days only, July 13th-24th, the SF Botanical Garden encourages you to seek out the 12 hidden pianos tucked among the many flower-filled gardens within the Garden’s 55 acres and play what you like. On weekend days, professional musicians are scheduled for a full day of performances for the public.
Flower Piano | Botanical Garden, Golden Gate Park, 1199 9th Avenue, San Francisco, CA | Saturday & Sunday, July 15th-16th: 10AM-7PM | Free for SF Residents

Feel Festive→ In case you can’t make it to the Bastille Day party on Friday night, you’ll get a second chance at this outdoor festival. There will be live music, French food, wine, and a general joie de vivre.
Bastille Day Outdoor Festival | Justin Herman Plaza, 1 Market Street, San Francisco, CA | Saturday, July 15th: 11AM-8PM | Free

Beauty and a Movie→ The San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation’s Outdoor Film series brings the 1991 Disney movie Beauty and the Beast to Union Square Park. At an incredible venue, this will surely be a memorable movie moment.
Film Night in the Park: Beauty and the Beast | Union Square Park, Geary and Powell Street, San Francisco, CA | Saturday, July 15th: 8PM | Free

Dress Up→ Glue on a wig and get into costume for the Anime & Cosplay Festival in Japantown. This event invites all fans of anime and cosplay to “find their Senpai and notice their Kohai” while exploring great shops and restaurants in Japantown. If you’re a newbie, fret not: stop by Senpai booth to get Cosplay 101 from local cosplayers.
Anime & Cosplay Festival | Japantown Peace Plaza, Post Street at Buchanan Street, San Francisco, CA | Free

Sunday, July 16th:

Go on a Mission→ Enjoy a car-free event in the heart of the Mission. The streets will be closed to traffic from Duboce to 26th Street on Valencia and filled with fun, free activities for the community at this family-friendly affair.
Sunday Streets Block Party: The Mission | The Mission, from Duboce to 26th Street on Valencia, San Francisco, CA | Sunday, July 16th: 11AM-4PM | Free

Get Crafty→ The Renegade Craft Fair Market is the world’s largest curated showcase of independent craft and design. Bring your wallet to this lively marketplace and discover new brands to obsess over.
Renegade Craft Fair Market | Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Boulevard, San Francisco, CA | Sunday, July 16th: 11AM-6PM | Free

Lit, Fam→ Are you yearning to visit the SFMOMA but pinching pennies? Head to the museum with the family for free admission. Free admission will be offered to up to 2 adults accompanying a visitor under the age of 18. Per usual, admission is free to youths and children.
Free Family Day at SFMOMA | San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, 151 Third Street, San Francisco, CA | Sunday, July 16th: 9AM-5PM | Free for up to 2 adults accompanying each visitor under 18

Related: The New SFMOMA, One Year Later