The weekend is almost here and we have plenty of recommendations for the best things to do in San Francisco.
Off the Grid's 7th Birthday Party
Celebrate seven years of good food and good times under the stars at Off the Grid’s birthday party. All Off the Grid events are deliciously memorable but this takes the cake, as performers from all over San Francisco delight the crowd, including Lion Dancers from Yau Kung Moon, Brass Band Mission and DJ Khlor. Do not miss the pop-up tiki bar featuring classic cocktails courtesy of Rye. Friday, June 23, 5pm at Fort Mason Center
For 47 years, the city's drag queens, leather daddies and dykes on bikes all take the opportunity to show off their true rainbow colors. There are many ways to celebrate Pride: whether you wake early to help paint the Pink Triangle on Twin Peaks, march in the parade or ride along in the Dyke March, or just hit up one (or all) of the many, many parties going down in the Castro, remember to celebrate with love and respect for all. Saturday, June 24—Sunday, June 25, various locations and times
Seu Jorge Presents The Life Aquatic: A Tribute to David Bowie
Seu Jorge was once a certified "groovie" in his native favela, rising from abject poverty to help spearhead a ’90s revival of Brazilian R&B. The have-guitar-will-travel phase of his career took off when he strummed David Bowie covers in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, which he performs here in a special tribute to the recently deceased pop star amid stage recreations of the movie set. Saturday, June 24, 8pm at The Fox Theater, Oakland
Nick Cave hasn’t lost his flair for the down-and-dirty fury that defined his early work with the Birthday Party, which is evident on his band's latest release, 2016's Skeleton Tree, as well as at his live shows—can you name another 50-year-old man you’d like to hear describe a case of the “No Pussy Blues?” Check out the cult-favorite, Aussie alt-rockers at the Greek this week. Saturday, June 24, 8pm at the Greek Theater, Berkeley
Stern Grove Festival's Big Picnic
You know it’s summer in San Francisco when the Stern Grove Festival launches, and this year’s premiere event is absolutely delicious: High rollers can get in on the festival’s annual fundraiser, The Big Picnic, a seated party with catered lunch that helps pay for the season of free concerts. Or, stroll over a bit later with your own picnic to lap up the sun and a performance by legendary funky R&B band Kool & the Gang, with opener Quinn DeVeaux. Sunday, June 25, 11:30am at Stern Grove, Golden Gate Park
Chan Marshall is mysterious indie crooner Cat Power, who made her name as a cripplingly shy performer of bone-scrapingly raw and mostly acoustic songs. She's since grown in both stature and confidence, to the point where she's appeared in Gap ads and modeled for Chanel, but her music is still astonishingly direct and vulnerable. Catch her at the outset of a mini West Coast tour with opener Jade. Sunday, June 25, 7pm at The Fillmore