Need plans? Oktoberfest, moonlit dance parties and Folsom Street Fair should keep you busy this weekend.
Voracious readers look forward to this event every year: an opportunity to plunge into more than 500,000 books and other media, all priced for less than $3, benefitting the San Francisco Public Library. With more than 13,000 bargain-hunters flooding the floor over five days, you might want to get there early to grab the good stuff. Proceeds benefit the Library’s education programs, which serve readers of all ages.
Khalid might only be 19 years old, but his brand of catchy and vulnerable indie-soul is quickly gaining traction. His debut, American Teen, was released to strong reviews, plus he's already landed explosive collaborations with Calvin Harris, Future and Alina Baraz. Catch him here before he heads overseas with Lorde with a European takeover.
Endlessly catchy and boundlessly energetic, Deerhoof's two-plus decades of musical output is still full of surprises. The quartet's latest album, Mountain Moves, find the group collaborating with artists like Lætitia Sadier and Xenia Rubinos, providing a contrast to the chirpy vocals of lead singer Satomi Matsuzaki and the band's blistering funk-punk arrangements. In addition to the new material, expect the band to draw heavily on its sizable backlog of jagged yet whimsical roof raisers.
Finally a good reason for locals to make the trek to Pier 39, the Fall Beer Pour finds restaurants and shops usually reserved for tourists pouring craft beer tastings and serving up a load of specials. Enjoy live music and entertainment, then make a night of it with a reservation at the Hard Rock Cafe and stop by the video arcade. A portion of sales benefit the Aquarium of the Bay’s free children’s programs.
Photograph: Courtesy Oktoberfest by the Bay
That special time of year has arrived — the air is crisp, night is creeping in ever earlier and finally it is socially acceptable to drink beer from a boot. As Oktoberfest kicks off in Munich, San Francisco is following suit with a traditional brew and brat fest at Pier 48. Choose any of three days to celebrate with live oompah bands, Bavarian dancing and plenty of dirndl and lederhosen-clad partiers. Note that there are two separate sessions Saturday, with family-friendly events set aside on Sunday.
Hailing from Oxford, England (also the home of Radiohead), this buzzworthy experimental electronic-pop outfit combines smart guitars with subtle electronics. Its debut album, Zaba, was full of lush, hazy pop curveballs layered with psychedelic synthwork and gentle electronic beats. Here, the group plays behind its recent sophomore effort, How To Be A Human Being—a lush, intricately crafted effort, deftly balancing bass-heavy tropical rhythms and Dave Bayley’s airy croon.
Even Baby Boomers get partied out, and the season-long commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love is finally winding down. Catch one last hurrah at this outdoor concert and festival with live music and entertainment from the likes of the All-Star Family Band and Wavy Gravy himself. Yoga, creative workshops and mind-expanding speakers are also on deck for the intrepid hippie in all of us.
Photograph: Courtesy SF Film Night
Film Night in the Park: The Breakfast Club
San Francisco get a later-than-usual outdoor movie season and September is prime time for wine-fueled picnics that go after dark. Stick around Dolores Park post-sundown for a screening of 80s classic The Breakfast Club then head to a bar to argue about whether it holds up. Hint: Vice Principal Richard Vernon becomes much more sympathetic with age. This is the last event of the summer, so bundle up and get out there.
Take your weekend hike to the next level at this moonlit dance party in the Presidio. Pull out your flashiest flannel and head to the park for an open bar, complimentary bites (think mac n’ cheese bar and s’mores), and music from the Warriors’ official DJ, D Sharp. There will be loads of festival-level pastimes to explore when you need a break like a VW bus photo booth, henna tattoo tent and of course, giant Jenga. All proceeds benefit the Trails Forever initiative of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
Attracting more than 400,000 lovers of latex, leather, whips and chains to the 13 city blocks covering Folsom from 8th to 13th Street, this one-of-a-kind fest celebrates the fetish culture that once thrived south of Market. Boasting two massive dance areas with ass-thumping EDM and alternative acts, a live music stage, 200 gear vendors and a head-spinning array of public play areas, Folsom Street Fair is a tradition treasured by many, avoided by a few and definitely an intrinsic part of our community fabric.