The somber-slash-celebratory Dia de los Muertos procession winds through the Mission this week, providing a colorful and reverent but still oh-so-spooky counterpoint to the garish commercialism of Halloween. Community members will gather in Garfield Park at 26th Street and Harrison to erect gorgeous personalized altars to lost loved ones, punctuated by six large-scale installations created by local groups. The procession of costumed and sugar skull painted faces begins at 22nd and Bryant—check the website for the complete route.
Photograph: Courtesy Bruno Mars
The Hawaiian marvel Bruno Mars touches down in Oakland this week on his 24K Magic World Tour. The multiple Grammy winner has sold more than 130 million records worldwide, making him one of the planet’s all-time best selling artists, and his dance moves alone make him the only person we really ever want to see perform at the Super Bowl ever again.
Dia de los Muertos Community Concert
For 10 years, the San Francisco Symphony has hosted a community concert to celebrate Dia de los Muertos. Bring the kids for a daytime family-friendly concert at the Davies Symphony Hall with vocalist Eugenia León, then stick around for a more intimate performance featuring backing by her band. Arrive early to explore beautiful altars and folk art, and enjoy refreshments and dancing.
It’s never too early to start plotting a return to the powder, and freshening up your gear is a great amuse bouche for the season ahead. Whether you ski or board, you’ll find everything you need at the massive SnowBomb Festival, boasting steep discounts on equipment and two days of entertainment for all ages, beer and wine tastings, and a chance to score some complimentary lift tickets.
Oh, this charming man! British national treasure Morrissey brings his Smiths and solo hits to San Francisco for a night of tongue-in-cheeky crooning. He’s touring in support of a new album, Low in High School and the reissue of an old one, the classic The Queen is Dead.
Photograph: Courtesy Twig
Harder Better Faster Stronger One-Year Birthday Party
Time truly flies when you’re having fun, just ask the talented DJs behind the Mission’s nostalgic dance party, Harder Better Faster Stronger. This last party of the year marks their one-year anniversary. Come out and celebrate with giveaways and a playlist loaded with Justice, The Strokes, LCD Soundsystem, MGMT—if it was on heavy rotation in your college dorm, expect to hear it tonight.
Sprinkled, powdered, glazed — if you’ve got a case of doughnut fever, SOMA StrEat Food Park has the prescription. Put on your stretchiest, shiniest outfit in honor of National Doughnut Day and enjoy unique creations from your fave food trucks guilt-free as you dance off the calories to classic disco hits. For the real party people, they’ll be serving bottomless mimosas and sangria all day.