SF Weekend Guide: June 17–19th
TGIF, San Francisco. This weekend is jam-packed with holidays and free events—including the return of the annual Stern Grove Festival! Get ready for the weekend, and summer, with these awesome outdoor events.
Saturday, June 18th:
EVERY DAY IS A HOLIDAY → June 18th is International Surf Day! The Surfrider Foundation, which works tirelessly to protect our coasts, will reflect on the impact they’ve made, campaigns they’ve won, and the beaches they’ve protected. Join the Surfrider Foundation at Ocean Beach to celebrate their progress, and help with their latest clean up efforts. 8:00AM–2:00PM, Ocean Beach (Stairwell 17). FREE.
NAMASTE → June 21 marks International Day of Yoga, and several local institutions will be celebrating on the 18th with free yoga, meditation, music, and mindfulness/spirituality talks. Join yogis and the Consulate General of India at the San Francisco County Fair Building (1199 9th Avenue, San Francisco, CA in Golden Gate Park) from 9:00AM to 12 noon for this event. It is advised guests RSVP to enter the fast lane. UC Berkeley’s International House (2299 Piedmont Avenue, Berkeley, CA) is also hosting an event to recognize the significance of Yoga with the Dharma & Yoga Fest. Join Grammy nominated singer Jai Uttal and yoga teachers and healers from around the world from 9:00AM–3:00PM. An RSVP is required. FREE.
CELEBRATE FREEDOM → Juneteenth, officially observed on June 19th, will be celebrated with a massive festival and parade on June 18th in San Francisco’s Fillmore District. Juneteenth Independence Day (or Freedom Day) was first celebrated in June 1865 to commemorate the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of African-American slaves in the Confederacy. The event, which draws the largest gathering of African-Americans in North California, will include a parade, health fair, car show, pony rides, basketball, live entertainment, and food/arts and crafts booths. Parade starts at 10:00AM, and festivities will be going on through 6:00PM on Fillmore Street. FREE.
BRING THE FAMILY → Bring the whole family out for a mini county fair experience in the City at the Noe Valley SummerFest. A $10 donation is suggested, but not required. Children will enjoy a petting zoo, bouncy house, and horse-drawn hayrides. 11:00AM–5:00PM, 24th & Mission Street, San Francisco. FREE ($10 donation recommended)
STAR WARS & CHILL → Fog City Movie Night returns to the Richmond’s Rossi Playground with family-friendly films screened in HD under the fog. Grab a blanket and come out for a free screening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens from 6:00–10:00PM. Anza Street & Arguello Boulevard, San Francisco. FREE.
Sunday, June 19th:
GET FATHER’S DAY BRUNCH → Celebrate Father’s Day with a Southern-style brunch. Click here for our guide to San Francisco’s very best soul food.
WAKE UP EARLY FOR THIS → Take a short drive up the beautiful north coast for the annual Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic at Keiser Park. Gates open at 4:00AM ($10 for adults, $6 for children over 6 years of age) for the 5:00AM Dawn Patrol. Enjoy watching the iconic balloons glow and launch in the dark ahead of the main launch at 6:00AM. From 6:00–11:00AM you can catch a tethered hot air balloon ride. Food and craft booths will be live starting at 4:00AM through 10:30AM. $6–10.
STERN GROVE IS BACK → The Stern Grove Festival is back for its 79th season of free Sunday concerts. The 2016 summer series will launch on Sunday at 2:00PM with Grammy nominated Janelle Monáe and local funk band Midtown Social performing. This is an event you don’t want to miss! 19th Avenue & Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco. FREE.
