Concerts, food festivals, movie screenings, art exhibits and more of the best events and things to do in San Francisco this week.
MONDAY
One Night Only with the Cast of Hamilton
If, like 99% of your fellow citizens, you were unable to procure a ticket to catch the Broadway mega-smash Hamilton, you can still get an eyeful of the cast at this exclusive benefit show. The uber-talents will be performing music, comedy and dance (artists’ choice, so expect the classics and not tunes from their regular gig) in a cabaret style show to raise funds for The Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
TUESDAY
San Francisco Jazz Festival Kick Off Party
The San Francisco Jazz Festival kicks off its 35th year with a free outdoor concert at Hayes Valley’s pop-up PROXY walk-in theater at Hayes and Octavia Boulevard. Just a few blocks from the beautiful SF JAZZ Center, this five-hour party features live performances from John Brothers Piano Company and North Beach Brass Band, food trucks and a beer garden. It’s all in celebration of nearly two weeks of amazing artists lined up for the festival.
THURSDAY
This two-time Grammy winner has sold over five million albums, beginning with her self-titled breakthrough album back in 2006. Now, Bailey Rae has debuted her highly anticipated third album, The Heart Speaks in Whispers, a release that brings electronic, soul and groove in spades. See her belt out the best – including her mega hit ‘Put Your Records On’ – at the Fillmore with opening performer Jamila Woods.
SATURDAY
Oakland's top-notch style, food, art, music and attitude come together for one epic party every year at Oakland Museum of California. A party with a purpose, Ziggurat features specialty cocktails, food, a performance by Retro JukeBox Band, the premiere of a new digital artwork by world-renowned Oakland artist Chris Johnson, and one-of-a-kind auction items. The party continues into the night with a special “Best of Friday Nights @ OMCA” After Party featuring an open bar and performances by GIRL6 and Soul Mechanix, complete with a not-to-be-missed Prince tribute.
Hop on the home brew bandwagon and pour out some funds for a great cause this weekend as the 5th Annual Brewtastic Bash takes over SOMA StrEat Food Park. Tasty suds will be provided by the Sirwisa Brewing Collective, a coalition of yeast and barley tinkerers who will be serving unlimited tastings for the low, low price of $45. All proceeds benefit Family House, which provides comfortable housing for families of children being treated at UCSF.
Opening Night: The Toxic Avenger
The San Jose Stage Company is topping off its diverse season with a winking rock ‘n roll romp inspired by the sci-fi cult classic. Adapted for an off-Broadway stage by Joe DiPietro and David Bryan from the 1984 horror film, this musical takes deformed hero Toxie and dips him in a tank of pure Phantom of the Opera. The resulting mutation is longer on laughs than its splatter-movie original, and with a real beating heart at the centre of its go-green, freak power hide. See it in person before it closes July 23.
Mother presents Heklina's 50th Birthday Bash!
This ever-changing weekly show has seen the OASIS queens take on everything from Disney princesses to superheroes and villains, Australian pop stars and Broadway beauties. This week, the occasion is more than special as Mother pays homage to its founder, the beloved Heklina! Help the icon ring in her 50th birthday with hosts D'Arcy Drollinger and Juanita More.
SUNDAY
Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon
This famous event attracts triathletes from around the world, looking to test their endurance with a grueling swim across the Bay, followed by an 18-mile bike ride and 8-mile run over the city’s demanding hills. Not quite ready to take the dive? Get inspired at the Fitness Festival at the finish line at the Marina Green, where vendors and experts will be on hand to lure you into a healthier lifestyle (don’t worry, there’s a beer garden too).
The Great Mac 'n Cheese Melt-Off
Finally, a food competition for the 8-year-old latchkey kid in all of us. Thirteen food trucks and pop-ups will go head to head to see who can dish out the ooiest, gooiest, most comforting dish of mac ‘n cheese — and you are invited to try them all. While it might seem downright decadent to binge on 13 bowls of cheesy noodles, you’ll have six hours to kill — we suggest interspersing the day with some beers and giant Jenga.
The Haight Ashbury Street Fair
It’s the Summer of Love all over again, and as if the Haight weren’t a flower child’s haven already, be ready for more than 200 vendors of food, bongs and hippie craftwork in so many rainbows the rest of the world will seem drab. Live music comes courtesy of local acts who have been crowned following a months’-long Battle of the Bands. Epic.
Puddles Pity Party is a band fronted by 6-foot-8 Puddles the Clown. "The sad clown with the golden voice" is best known for appearing in several viral videos on YouTube — most notably with Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox (his cover of Lorde’s “Royals” is a must-watch) — and opening for the Eels. To get an idea of what his shows are like, just imagine a giant clown in whiteface crooning like Tom Jones.