San Francisco Event Calendar

November 2008

Mass — Nov 2008 (monthly) 1015 Folsom This Sunday T-dance leaves the lads gagging for the next monthly onslaught of hard house, trance and techno at Club 1015 Folsom.

Experience Hendrix — 3 Nov 2008 Nob Hill Masonic Center The Experience Hendrix Tour, featuring Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cox and Buddy Guy, comes to the Nob Hill Masonic Center in San Francisco to celebrate the music of the legendary blues and rock guitarist, Jimi Hendrix.

Buddy Guy. Courtesy of Bob Merlis/MFH

Re-Cycle — Nov 2008 (monthly) Space 550 Don't expect to remain stationary for long when you visit Re-cycle - this is high-energy clubbing to what's billed as "great dance music spun by the professionals."

Green Festival — 8 - 9 Nov 2008 (various dates) San Francisco Dubbed "the parties with a purpose", Green Festival events are held four times a year in Seattle (April), Chicago (May), Washington DC (November) and San Francisco (November). Green businesses and visionary speakers cover aspects of ethical, sustainable and green living.

Green Festival logo. Image Courtesy of the Green Festival Website

PIER 39 Holiday Tree Lighting — 23 Nov 2008 (annual) Pier 39 PIER 39 Holiday Tree Lighting is a multicultural celebration of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa day. A great family outing, the event culminates in the lighting of a 65-foot tree with hundreds of decorations and thousands of twinkling lights. Image © Pier 39

Christmas Harmony At Pier 39. Image Courtesy of pier 39

Great Dickens Christmas Fair — 28 Nov - 28 Dec 2008; Weekends only (annual) Cow Palace Look fondly back to Olde England at the annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair, held at San Francisco's Cow Palace. The fair recreates the "crooked streets and winding lanes" of Charles Dickens' London, where so many of America's holiday traditions originated.

Great Dickens Christmas Fair. Photo by Don Kellogg

Yves Saint Laurent — 1 Nov 2008 - 1 Mar 2009; not Mon de Young Museum Yves Saint Laurent was undoubtedly one of the greatest designers of the 20th century. San Francisco's de Young Museum celebrates his unique vision with over 100 accessorised garments and sketches illustrating the lines, colours, and fundamentals of his work.

Evening Gown in Tribute to Georges Braque. Spring-Summer 1988. Foundation Pierre Bergé - Yves Saint Laurent. Photo: Alexandre Guirkinger

Golden Gate Bridge — Daily Golden Gate Bridge Millions of people visit the iconic Golden Gate Bridge each year and walk along the entire 2.7km-long span to take in the beautiful views of the city and bay. Wrap up though as it can be windy and cold.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco. Courtesy of San Francisco Convention Visitors Board

Exploratorium — Daily; not Mon Exploratorium The Exploratorium houses over 600 interactive exhibits exploring the science of light, colour, sound and more. Founded in 1969 by physicist Dr Frank Oppenheimer, this museum in the Marina District is widely considered the finest science museum in the world.

Exploratorium, San Francisco. Photo by Amy Snyder, © The Exploratorium

Fisherman's Wharf — Daily Fisherman's Wharf Fisherman's Wharf is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. Highlights include the Pier 39 amusement park, submarine tours, seafood street vendors, a two-story aquarium, and hundreds of sea lions basking and barking on the docks.

Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco. Courtesy of San Francisco Convention Visitors Board

Lombard Street — Daily Lombard Street The winding one-block stretch of Lombard Street on Russian Hill is famously known as the "crookedest street in the world" and draws hundreds of visitors daily. Visitors can either drive down the brick-lined street or walk along the flower-lined staircases.

Lombard Street, San Francisco. © Tobias/Paraflyer, Germany

San Francisco Zoo — Daily San Francisco Zoo Located in the south-west corner of the city, San Francisco Zoo's 405m² space is home to over 250 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The Bear Grotto is mesmerising and there's a wonderful Children's Zoo as well.

San Francisco Zoo, San Francisco. Courtesy of San Francisco Zoo

Cable Car Museum — Daily Cable Car Museum Along with historic displays, the Cable Car Museum in Russian Hill also houses the massive engines and repair facility for the entire cable car system. The lower-level viewing room displays the huge pulleys and gears that move the underground cables.

Cable Car Museum, San Francisco. Photo by Judith (Yud) Zer-Aviv

111 Minna Gallery — Daily 111 Minna Gallery The 111 Minna Gallery offers a unique opportunity for San Franciscans to dance, drink and take in some art - all under one roof.

San Francisco from above, USA

Amoeba Records — Daily Amoeba Records This cavernous Amoeba Records store on upper Haight Street houses one of the US's best selections of new and used records and CDs, including many independent labels. The heavily tattooed staff are happy to recommend some great music for you.

Amoeba Records, San Francisco. Photo by Jade H

City Lights Books — Daily City Lights Books Founded in 1953, this literary landmark in North Beach is owned by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, the renowned Beat Generation poet. Three-level City Lights Books carries a comprehensive collection of world literature, art and political paperbacks, as well as more mainstream books.

City Lights Books, San Francisco

Biordi Art Imports — Daily; not Sun Biordi Art Imports For more than 60 years the owner of Biordi Art Imports has been importing decorative Italian Majolica-style ceramics to sell at his store in North Beach. These exquisite hand-painted collectibles range from coffee cups and vases to 12-piece dinner sets.

Biordi Art Imports, San Francisco

Li Po's Cocktail Lounge — Daily Li Po Cocktail Lounge An eerily dim cave-like Chinatown dive bar that was once an opium den, Li Po's Cocktail Lounge has an alluring character with a dusty clutter of Asian furnishings and exotic mementos. Try the Special Mai Tai cocktail.

Li Po's Cocktail Lounge, San Francisco. Photo by Sean Clare

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art — Daily; not Wed San Francisco Museum of Modern Art The Mario Botta-designed US$65-million San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, a landmark in the SoMa District, houses the West Coast's most comprehensive collection of 20th-century painting, sculpture and photography. Be sure to visit the MuseumStore for fine gifts and souvenirs.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco. Photo by Richard Barnes, © San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The Stud — Daily The Stud Something of a San Francisco institution, gay club The Stud has been running for a whopping 35 years and the fun shows no sign of abating.

The Stud

Golden Gate Park — Daily Golden Gate Park The enormous Golden Gate Park is San Francisco's largest urban park and a magnet for those looking for a spot of outdoor activity. Arranged in a long rectangle, the park contains a beautiful Japanese tea garden and two lakes.

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. Courtesy of San Francisco Convention Visitors Board

AT&T Park — Daily AT&T Park Home of the San Francisco Giants Major League Baseball team, the AT&T Park in South Beach is considered one of the finest ballparks in America. Baseball season runs April to October, but daily guided park tours are available year-round.

AT&T Park, San Francisco. Courtesy of San Francisco Convention Visitors Board

Alcatraz Island — Daily Alcatraz Island The 2.5-hour Alcatraz Island excursion is a major attraction in San Francisco. The headphone-audio tour inside the infamous prison is exceptional, and the boat ride offers beautiful views of the bay. Purchase tickets as far in advance as possible.

Alcatraz Island, San Francisco. Courtesy of National Park Service

Zeum — Daily; not Mon or Tue Zeum Located within SoMa District's Yerba Buena Gardens, Zeum is an innovative multimedia, arts and technology museum designed just kids. Highlights include an animation studio, music lab and digital workshop, as well as a 1906 carousel, bowling alley and ice-skating rink.

Zeum, San Francisco. Courtesy of Zeum

Coit Tower — Daily Coit Tower Located atop Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower offers the best panoramic views of the city. Inside the 64m tower is a rotunda with several murals of California. Take the elevator to the top floor observation area for even better views.

Coit Tower, San Francisco. Courtesy of San Francisco Convention Visitors Board

China Beach — Daily China Beach China Beach (Chinese fishermen have camped here since Gold Rush times) is in the Seacliff neighbourhood of San Francisco. Tucked away and secluded, a trip here is a laid-back affair, so don't expect the California beach scene from further south. Don't let that put you off - it's still a great place to come to relax.

Details of the architecture in San Francisco's famous Chinatown, USA

Trannyshack — Tue only The Stud Crossdressing gets a trashy, alternative twist at Trannyshack, taking place on Tuesdays at The Stud. Image © © Whatsonwhen

Drag

Muir Woods — Daily Muir Woods Majestic Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) trees soar into the sky at Muir Woods. Named after conservationist John Muir, this park is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and contains many fine specimens of these magnificent trees; one of the last remaining stands in the San Francisco area. The area is great for walking, hiking and nature-spotting.

The soaring coast redwoods of Muir Woods, San Francisco, USA

Cherry Bar and Lounge — Daily Cherry Bar and Lounge A new dance club, the Cherry Bar and Lounge has been a long time coming for San Francisco's lesbians. Entertainment varies nightly, ranging from strip shows and wine tastings to network nights and comedy. The music is diverse and covers oldies, pop music and hip-hop. Video games and pool tables make this a good place to chill out too.

Dia de los Muertos — 2 Nov 2008 (annual)
Mission Cultural Center

San Francisco's Mexican community celebrates the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) just after Halloween. People pay tribute to the spirits of their ancestors with a nocturnal procession through the Latino Mission District in fantastic costumes.

SF Ski & Snowboard Festival — 1 - 2 Nov 2008 (annual)
Fort Mason - Festival Pavilion

San Fran isn't synonymous with skiing, but the annual SF Ski & Snowboard Festival at Fort Mason - Festival Pavilion centres on fun alpine activities. Expect interactive ski resort exhibits, a live snow play arena and wine and beer tasting.

SF Open Studios — 4 Oct - 2 Nov 2008; Weekends only (annual)
San Francisco

SF Open Studios, produced by ArtSpan, is a month-long free event (held at weekends) that allows the public to visit the work spaces of over 800 local, practising and emerging artists around the city.

Red Melon — Nov 2008 (monthly)
DNA Lounge

Famed for their Water Melon boat parties in San Francisco Bay, the Melon crew have now set up a monthly house night at the DNA Lounge.

San Francisco Jazz Festival — 3 Oct - 9 Nov 2008 (annual)
San Francisco

The San Francisco Jazz Festival is a celebration of today's best jazz, a highly-respected event that consistently presents a wide variety of international talent alongside performances by up-and-coming musicians. Concerts take place at various venues around the city.

American Indian Film Festival — 7 - 15 Nov 2008 (annual)
Embarcadero Center

The American-Indian Film Festival, held each year at the Palace of Fine Arts and the Landmark Embarcadero in San Francisco, is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of American Indian and Canada First Nation peoples.

Bay Area Now 5 — 19 Jul - 16 Nov 2008; not Mon
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

Historically, San Francisco has been a haven for artists and free spirits. Bay Area Now 5, at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, is a group exhibition that explores the allure of the Bay, particularly in fostering artistic production.

San Francisco Hip Hop Dance Festival — 21 - 23 Nov 2008 (annual)
Palace of Fine Arts

From coin drops to flares, the annual San Francisco Hip Hop Dance Festival, held over three days at the Palace of Fine Arts, showcases the most innovative hip-hop dance companies based in and outside the States.

Word — Nov 2008 (monthly)
Rawhide II

Brought to you by Massive Selector, this club night features some of the finest hip-hop, original breaks, reggae dancehall and funky house from resident DJs the Unsung Heroes (PantyROBber, D-soul-IV-reel, and DJ Politik), along with 100-Proof, Malex and special guests.

NFL: San Francisco 49ers — 7 Sep - 28 Dec 2008 (annual)
Monster Park

The San Francisco 49ers play their NFL games at Monster Park. The regular season runs from September until December. Please visit the 49ers' website for full details of all fixtures.

Brought to Light: Photography and the Invisible, 1840-1900 — 11 Oct 2008 - 4 Jan 2009; not Wed
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

With instruments such as microscopes, scientists have captured many hidden realms. Brought to Light at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art explores the role of photography in science with examples of early scientific (and pseudoscientific) photography.

Double down: Two Visions of Vegas — 18 Sep 2008 - 4 Jan 2009; not Wed
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Known as Sin City, Las Vegas was founded on the lure of conspicuous consumption. In Double Down at San Francisco's Museum of Modern Art, artists Olivo Barbieri and Stephen Dean offer video visions of the notorious city.

Martin Puryear Prints — 13 Sep 2008 - 11 Jan 2009; not Mon
de Young Museum

Insights acquired from one medium can influence the manner in which one approaches another, as this retrospective at de Young Museum shows. Celebrating artist Martin Puryear, the display showcases a collection of his prints created after years of exploring sculpturing.

Maya Lin: Systematic Landscapes — 25 Oct 2008 - 18 Jan 2009; not Mon
de Young Museum

Talented American artist Maya Lin is best known for her 1981 minimalist Vietnam Veterans Memorial sculpture. Systematic Landscapes, at San Francisco's de Young Museum, showcases her new drawings, sculptures and installations, which address our fragile connection to the environment.

Asian/American/Modern Art: Shifting Currents, 1900-1970 — 25 Oct 2008 - 18 Jan 2009; not Mon
de Young Museum

The first comprehensive survey of artists of Asian ancestry who lived and worked in the USA in the 20th century, Shifting Currents at San Francisco's de Young Museum is a multi-medium exhibit comprised of around 100 works by 60 artists.

Passageworks: Contemporary Art from the Collection — 25 Oct 2008 - 19 Jan 2009; not Wed
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

It's the predicament of in-betweens, be it straddling the line between belonging and exile or navigation and translation that is explored in Passageworks, a multi-medium exhibit at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Highlights include works by Tacita Dean.

Shimon Attie Sightings: The Ecology of an Art Museum — 25 Oct 2008 - 22 Feb 2009; not Mon
de Young Museum

It is easy to simplify the structure of an exhibition. Artist Shimon Attie sheds light on complexity of a display by exploring relationships between works of art and museum visitors and staff at this exhibit at the de Young Museum.

New Work: Mai-Thu Perret — 21 Nov 2008 - 1 Mar 2009; not Wed
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

New Work: Mai-Thu Perret is a multi-dimensional exhibition at San Francisco's Museum of Modern Art featuring new sculptures and ceramics by the talented Swiss artist. The show is an extension of her Crystal Frontier project.

Through Future Eyes: YAAW Students Select — 24 Apr 2008 - 5 Jul 2009; not Mon
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

Through Future Eyes: YAAW Students Select at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts presents work chosen by Young Artists at Work (YAAW), the centre's innovative educative programme that offers hands-on experience in curating, art-making and art criticism.

Release — Sat only
1015 Folsom

Saturday's Release at 1015 Folsom is the longest-running club in San Francisco, with a state-of-the-art sound and light system, a staggering six floors of music and an excellent DJ line-up. Deep Dish head a group of resident DJs bringing you some of the finest deep house and trance.

La Rosa — Daily
La Rosa

Of the many vintage clothing shops along upper Haight Street, La Rosa offers the best selection of high-quality, upscale and dry-cleaned second-hand goods. Formal suits and dresses are its speciality, but you'll also find sport coats, slacks and shoes.

Gimme Shoes — Daily
Gimme Shoes

Gimme Shoes in Hayes Valley is the city's trendiest footwear emporium, selling the latest boots, heels, athletic shoes, loafers, sandals and accessories for both men and women. Brands range from Paul Smith and Puma to many lesser-known European designers.

The Mint Karaoke Lounge — Daily
The Mint Karaoke Lounge

The Mint Karaoke Lounge is the best-known karaoke bar in the Castro, with over 3000 song selections and a crowd as diverse in their looks as their taste. The martinis here are wickedly large, liquid courage for approaching the microphone.

The End Up — Daily
The End Up

Many San Francisco clubbers party at The End Up until early in the morning. In the SoMa District, it programmes world-class DJs who spin dance tunes for a diverse clientele. There's a different nightclub every evening, so check their website.

Mezzanine — Daily
Mezzanine

Mezzanine, located in the SOMA District, is one of the most modern dance venues in San Francisco with state-of-the-art laser technology. A diverse crowd dances to live music from various genres, as well as some of the world's best DJs.

Devotion — Sun only
The End Up

One of San Francisco's premier clubs, The End Up, hosts the deep house night Devotion, a classic on the Bay Area club scene. Attracting a soulful and sophisticated crowd, the night boasts a roster of distinguished guests to keep the spirit of Sunday partying alive. Ruben Mancias is the resident DJ.

Sugar — Sat only
The Stud

On Saturdays San Francisco queer clubbing gets sweet with Sugar, the mixed gay and lesbian night at The Stud.

The Cafe — Daily
The Cafe

One of San Franciso's most popular clubs, The Cafe is a Castro classic. Frequented by boys and girls, young and tanned, who jive away to Hi-NRG top 40 tunes, the three dance floors are always rammed. There are three bars, pool tables, a heated patio and a great balcony overlooking Market and Castro.

Aquarium of the Bay — Daily
Aquarium of the Bay

From rays and leopard sharks to tide pool animals and starfish, San Francisco's Aquarium of the Bay, adjacent to the buzzing Pier 33, showcases the diverse local aquatic life and distinctive ecosystems through a range of activities and exhibits.

Shreve — Daily
Shreve

Do you need a trinket or bauble that makes a statement? Shreve, in the heart of the city's shopping and retail district, is the place to pick up everything from diamond solitaires to jewel-encrusted watches. You'll look like a million bucks.

Sonic — Fri only
1015 Folsom

Stalwarts of the San Fran clubbing scene, event promoters, label producers and retailers, Spundae know how to put on a party, and the regular Sonic night at the excellent 1015 Folsom is no exception.

The Red Room — Daily
The Red Room

It's hip, it's packed, and it's all red. Perfect cocktails - especially the Cosmopolitan - are the Red Room's calling card. You'll find it in the TenderNob area, and if you can get in the door you just might meet the boy or girl of your dreams - just don't wear sunglasses or you'll probably knock them over.

Abstract Rhythms: Paul Klee and Devendra Banhart — Daily; not Wed
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

A permanent exhibit at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Abstract Rhythms highlights the importance of music in the art of renowned Swiss painter, Paul Klee and includes new drawings by musician and visual artist Devendra Banhart.

Club Faith — Thu only
715 Harrison

Club Faith, held every Thursday at 715 Harrison, is a truly eclectic addition to San Francisco's gay scene, aiming for inclusiveness and diversity both in its clientele and music.

Popscene — Thu only
330 Ritch Street

San Francisco's premier club for the queer indie kids still in love with Britpop, Popscene takes place every Thursday at 330 Ritch Street and is friendly, with a diverse clientele. Music includes Britpop, indie, mod, 60s soul, new wave and synth.

Beach Blanket Babylon — Daily; not Mon or Tue
Club Fugazi

A San Francisco institution, the zany, spoofy Beach Blanket Babylon combines satire, songs, outrageous costumes and top-notch comic turns.

El Rio — Daily
El Rio

The huge El Rio bar also has a large leafy patio area which helps to attract a very mixed and friendly crowd of all genders and types. The club also organises a programme of special events, including a Latin house club night, salsa classes, belly dancing, free oysters on the half shell, punk, funk and soul nights and outdoor film screenings.

Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center — Daily
Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center

The Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center in San Francisco's Mission District is one of only three community mural centres in the United States, dedicated to infusing colour to urban landscapes by sponsoring and implementing ongoing mural projects throughout the Bay Area and internationally.

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