This week’s Bay Area happenings include shucking bivalves (while enjoying bottomless mimosas), pups on surfboards, real-life Nerf wars and much more. Have a great week!
Monday: Celebrate World Embroidery Day by setting a World Record
June 30 is World Embroidery Day (yes, that's a thing) and the San Francisco School of Needlework and Design needs help creating what will hopefully be the world's longest band sampler (a long and narrow tapestry). SNAD will provide the fabric, needles, thread, and snacks to get you started, but if you have supplies you’d like to use, you’re more than welcome to bring them along.
Monday: Half off cheesecake slices
The semi-ridiculous holidays continue with National Cheesecake Day (also on Monday). To celebrate the occasion, all Cheesecake Factory locations will be selling slices of their world-famous cheesecakes at 50 percent off. Click here to find the Bay Area Cheesecake Factory nearest you.
Tuesday: Get up close and personal with Nemo
On Tuesday, visit the East Bay Regional Park’s 26-foot aquarium on wheels for an up-close, fin-to-hand experience with local sea creatures. The interactive tank will be set up on the basketball court at Dimond Park in Oakland from 10 am to 3 pm. Remember, fish are friends, not food.
Tuesday: Learn all about the art at Burning Man
Ever wanted to know the backstories to those larger-than-life Burning Man installations? Join in on a conversation between Burning Man: Art on Fire author Jennifer Raiser and artist Michael Garlington.
Tuesday: Have a adults-only Nerf war
Take part in a real-life Nerf war with Jericho, an urban game group. Everyone assumes the role of an "agent" with the mission to capture the hidden flag in the area for the win. The war is free with an RSVP, but be sure to BYO Nerf gun.
Thursday: Run a 5K and admire SF street art
This relaxed 5K winds through the Dogpatch, including some of the 'hood's most vibrant street art. Afterward, treat yourself to free eats and drinks at 111 Minna. Proceeds, including race administration fees ($10 per runner), goes toward Youth Speaks.
Thursday: Learn about the dessert at Cal Academy
Ever wonder how animals like fennec foxes are able live in the desert or just how Mezcal is grown under such harsh conditions? Stop by the California Academy of Sciences NightLife this Thursday night (August 2nd) to learn all about the dessert’s many wonders, while also seeing jaw-dropping desert landscapes projected across the museum’s walls. Drinks, live music, and finger-friendly foods are all included with purchase of a ticket ($12).
Friday: Get crafty at the American Craft Show
Find your next favorite handmade gadget, centerpiece, or novelty item at the American Craft Show, which runs Aug 3–4. Over 250 makers from across the country will be selling everything from embroidered jackets to bejeweled earrings. Tickets ($11-$46) can be purchased online at fortmason.org or at the door.
Saturday: Cheer on your favorite pooch at the World Dog Surfing Competition
Watch some very good boys (and girls) catch a wave this Saturday at Linda Mar State Beach. If your pup has a knack for surfing, you can enter him or her into the competition for $10–$15.
Saturday: Honor a late feminist hero
Celebrate the 111th birthday of Frida Kahlo and her love affair with San Francisco during Fiestas Fridas, an annual festival taking place at various venues throughout the Mission District. Admission is free, but just make sure to bring cash for the on-site food vendors.
Sunday: Shuck it on National Oyster Day
End the week with another food holiday—National Day! Stop by the SoMa StrEat Food Park Park this Sunday to enjoy oyster mac n’ cheese, bivalve fries, and of course, raw oysters. Tickets ($25) include bottomless mimosas.