SF Weekend Guide: May 6-8
It may be raining, but that won’t keep us inside. It’s Friday in San Francisco, which means it’s time for the 49 Miles Weekend Guide.
PSA: It’s Mother’s Day this weekend, Sunday May 8th. Don’t forget to call your mom!
Friday, May 6th:
Today is the last day to enter our giveaway of SFMOMA tickets! Deadline to enter is 11:59AM (PST).
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop MRKT opened on Thursday, May 5th. The Union Square pop-up will be open until May 22nd. Swing by Goop MRKT at 140 Maiden Lane, one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most defining works of architecture, to pick up some of GP’s curated home, fashion, beauty, health and wellness products.
Don’t let the drizzle get you down! May is Neighborhood Walks Month with San Francisco City Guides, and to celebrate, there are several free guided tours happening throughout the City today.
At 10:00 AM, discover hidden parks and rooftop gardens in the Financial District while learning about the neighborhood’s history. Meet at the Native Sons Monument, Montgomery at Market. This tour will also restart at 1:30PM.
Known for being the oldest San Francisco restaurant, this classic institution serves fresh fish and meats along with traditional cocktails in an old-school setting in bustling Financial District.
Another 10:00AM tour will compare the architectural differences of the hundreds of different buildings in South of Market. Meet on Yerba Buena Lane between Market St. and Mission St. at the Jewish Contemporary Museum’s “Big Blue Cube”. Check out our Guide to SoMa for some fun ideas after the tour ends.
At 11:00 AM, discover the hidden treasures of Fisherman’s Wharf and learn what the wharf was like before the tourists arrived. Meet by the Mermaid Fountain, main courtyard of Ghirardelli Square, off Larkin St. between North Point & Beach Streets.
At 12:30 PM, learn the colorful history of the oldest Chinatown in America by walking through its narrow alleys. Meet inside Portsmouth Square Park in front of Parking Garage.
Starting at 1:00 PM, walk through the Presidio’s history from its critical role in the 1906 Earthquake, to a military base, and now to being the Crown Jewel of the National Parks System. Meet near the entrance to the Officer’s Club, 50 Moraga Avenue, on the Main Post. If you’re interested in visiting other local National Parks like the Presidio, check out our list of San Francisco’s National Parks.
At 1:30 PM, explore San Francisco’s history as a boomtown during the Gold Rush. Discover a fleet of abandoned ships and learn about San Francisco’s Emperor Norton. Meet on the northeast corner of Clay & Montgomery at the Transamerica Pyramid.
If you’re more of an art lover, 111 Minna Gallery is hosting Pop Artist Jason Mecier, who is known for his outrageous portraits using unconventional techniques. In addition, the galley will be hosting the works of Bedelgeuse, who makes anatomical collages from old science and medical books. The Opening Reception starts at 5 PM, and the works will be on display until May 28th.
Pier 70 is hosting a Mañana de Mayo Happy Hour, with shopping, food, cocktails and dancing! The event is free to get in, and gates open at 4 PM.
“The Most Dangerous Highway in the World” is a play about an eight-year old who makes a living directing traffic using a soda bottle on the highway connecting Jalalabad to Kabul. The play premiers this week, and starts at 8 PM on Friday. Tickets are $34 for general, $24 for students and seniors.
Saturday, May 7th:
San Francisco City Guides are hosting even more free guided walking tours this Saturday.
Starting at 10:00 AM, take one of City Guide’s most popular tours of Downtown San Francisco. The tour could wind up in Chinatown, Embarcadero or Yerba Buena. Meet at 500 California Street.
Also beginning at 10:00 AM, explore the Sutro Forest’s hidden treasures including a city reservoir and the remains of Ishi’s “Cave”. The end of the hike includes one of the most gorgeous views San Francisco has to offer. Meet at the northwest corner of Stanyan and Frederick.
At 11:00 AM, take a walking tour of the Castro District and discover the history of the neighborhood. Discover how what was once a group of dairy farms turned into one of San Francisco’s most recognized neighborhoods, and the center of the LGBT world. Meet at the corner of Market and Castro Streets, upper level of Harvey Milk Plaza at the Castro MUNI Station.
The 12th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival will take place from 10:00AM–6:00PM on Valencia Street between 21st and 24th. There will be an array of Mexican food, music, dance and art present with over 65 vendors. The corner of Valencia and 21st will have showcase featuring local performers, a Kid’s Zone with balloons, art, a petting zoo and a clown.
If you didn’t get your fill of Cinco de Mayo, head over to SoMa StrEat Food Park for tacos, a live DJ, plenty of alcohol, and a live Lucha Libre Wrestling Show starting at 12:30 PM. Tickets start at $5.
The first Saturday in May marks Free Comic Book Day, and this year is bigger than ever. Participating comic book shops give away free comic books to anyone who comes through the front door. Some stores participating are:
- Comix Experience — 305 Divisadero St.
- Isotope — 326 Fell St.
- Mission: Comics & Art — 2250 Mission St.
- Comix Experience Outpost – 2381 Ocean Ave.
- Cards & Comics Central – 5424 Geary Blvd.
- Amazing Fantasy – 650 Irving St.
- Two Cats Comics – 320 West Portal Ave.
If you’re a holder of a Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit card, you are eligible for free admission to the Contemporary Jewish Museum, de Young Museum and the Legion of Honor this weekend.
The San Francisco OysterFest returns this weekend, and it’s bigger than ever. Being the largest Oyster festival on the West Coast, this event has drawn over 250,000 guests over the years who have consumed over half a million oysters. In addition to Oysters, there will be a wine pairing tent as well as musical performances by Chromeo, IamSu!, Kinky, De Lux and Miguel Migs, and more! General admission starts at $30, and doors open at 11 AM.
At night, there’s not one, but two dance parties in the City dedicated to Price.
First, the Prince vs Michael Jackson DJ Party at Madrone Art Bar will feature theme dancing, a face-off between dancers repping the Purple One or the King of Pop. Don’t stop ’til you get enough.
Second, the HellaPrince Midnight Dance Party at the Folsom Street Foundry will begin at 11 PM, and will feature tons of Price’s songs as well as quite a lot of Motown music. Free before midnight with a Facebook RSVP.
Sunday, May 8th:
In addition to the many free guided walking tours throughout the City, the San Francisco Zoo is offering free admission to mothers and their children. The zoo is also hosting a daytime disco party for kids from 11 AM – 3 PM.
The Exploratorium is free for all ages today, and is open from 10 AM – 5 PM. Expect long lines.
The 75th Annual Mother’s Day Rose Show in Golden Gate Park’s Hall of Flowers happens from 12:30 to 4 PM. The San Francisco Rose Society will be on hand to discuss rose care and answer any questions.
A group of local choreographers, dancers and architects will be in Yerba Buena Center for the Arts presenting a “dance of possibilities” with the Slow Research Lab.
That’s it for this weekend! Check back next week for another edition of SF Weekend Guide!
