But maybe that’s just San Francisco being San Francisco. Fogust is finally over, and hopefully our real summer is about to begin.

And of course, the irony is that I’m going to be away for a big part of September... so the FOMO has already started. There are SO many things on this list I’d go to if I were here. If you’re staying in SF and the Bay Area this month, I’m a little jealous - but also very happy for you. You have a lot to choose from.

As always, I’ll keep sharing new finds throughout the month. And scroll to the end if you want to see which September events I’m personally most excited about :)

Don’t Miss Out

Sept 3, Downtown First Thursday, More info 📍2nd St between Market and Howard, DJs, dancing, food, art, and downtown SF turning into one big street party

Sept 10-12, Crushing live show, More Info 📍The Strand Theater, A live show where writers tell true stories about their love lives - sounds intriguing to me 👀

Sept 10–20, Flower Piano 2026, More info 📍Golden Gate Park, 12 hidden pianos throughout the park with live performances :)

Sept 12, Annual SF Drag King Contest, Tickets 📍Great American Music Hall, one of those very SF events that deserves a spot on your September calendar.

Sept 18, Oktoberfest on Front, RSVP 📍Front Street, a free Oktoberfest block party taking over downtown SF.

Sept 18–20, SF Greek Food Festival, More info 📍245 Valencia St, three days of Greek food, music, dancing, and culture.

Sept 20, Daytime Disco, More info 📍Union Square, because dancing outside in the middle of Union Square on a Sunday afternoon sounds pretty fun to me.

Sept 25, Project Hail Mary Outdoor Movie Night, More info 📍PROXY SF, if you haven’t seen this movie yet you definitely should go - it’s such a beautiful story.

Sept 25, Sundown Cinema: School of Rock, More info 📍Ferry Building, one more outdoor movie night before the season ends - and School of Rock feels like a very good choice.

Sept 26, Earthling Music Show, More info 📍Golden Gate Park, I went there last time and it was such a beautiful experience, you can hear some music that was last time here

Sept 26–27, Portola Music Festival, Tickets 📍Pier 80, one of the biggest music weekends of the year in SF

Sept 27, SCBC’s 5th Annual Oyster Festival, More info 📍Sausalito, oysters + Sausalito sounds like a pretty good Sunday combination

Free Museum Days

Sept 1, SF Botanical Garden — Free admission, More info

Sept 1, Conservatory of Flowers — Free for everyone, 10am–4:30pm, More info

Sept 1, de Young Museum + Legion of Honor — Free for everyone, 9:30am–5:15pm, More info

Sept 2, SF Zoo — Free for SF residents, 10am–4pm, More info

Sept 3, Museum of Craft and Design — Free for everyone, 10am–5pm, More info

Sept 3, Berkeley Art Museum — Free admission, 11am–7pm, More info

Sept 5, 12, 19 & 26, de Young Museum + Legion of Honor — Free for Bay Area residents, 9:30am–5:15pm, More info

Sept 6, Asian Art Museum — Free admission, 10am–5pm, More info

Markets & Fairs

Sept 5–7, Kings Mountain Art Fair, More info 📍Kings Mountain Fire Station, Woodside, an art fair surrounded by redwoods sounds like a pretty beautiful Labor Day weekend plan.

Sept 6, HEAD WEST Marketplace, More info 📍Ferry Building, local makers + one of my favorite SF locations.

Sept 10, Valencia Live Monthly Street Party, 5–10pm, More info 📍Valencia St between 18th and 21st, music, art, local businesses, and one of SF’s most fun neighborhoods.

Sept 11, Chinatown Night Market, 5–9pm, More info 📍Grant Ave between California and Pacific, come for the food and stay for the atmosphere.

Sept 13, Inner Sunset Flea Market: A Taste of Comedy Day, 10am–4pm, More info 📍9th Ave and Irving St, vintage shopping + comedy sounds like a good Sunday to me.

Sept 13, Art Over AI Market, More info 📍San Jose, a market dedicated to human-made art and creativity.

Sept 18, Castro Night Market, 5–10pm, More info 📍18th St & Castro St, food, local vendors, performances, and Friday night in the Castro.

Sept 18, Fort Mason Night Market, 5–10pm, More info 📍Fort Mason, one of my favorite places in the city.

Sept 19, Secondhand Saturday “Welcome fall”, 10am–4pm, More info 📍1994 37th Ave, it can be your secondhand treasures Saturday :)

Sept 20, Haight Ashbury Street Fair, More info 📍Haight Street, one of SF’s classic neighborhood street fairs.

Sept 25, Sunset Night Market, More info 📍Irving St & 22nd Ave, one of the biggest neighborhood night markets in SF.

Concerts

so many cool concerts this month ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡

Sept 2, LP, Tickets @ The Castro Theatre

Sept 5, Brandon Flowers, Tickets @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Sept 6, Alan Walker, Tickets @ Discovery Meadow, San Jose

Sept 9, Weezer + The Shins + Silversun Pickups, Tickets @ Chase Center

Sept 11, Foster the People, Tickets @ The Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Sept 22, Lily Allen, Tickets @ Paramount Theatre, Oakland

Sept 22, Melanie C, Tickets @ The Castro Theatre

Sept 25–26, Beck, Tickets @ The Masonic

Festivals

Sept 3, SF Zine Fest: Zine Reading Night, More info 📍SF Public Library, a night dedicated to independent publishing, zines, and the people who make them.

Sept 4, Oakland First Fridays Street Festival, 5–9pm, More info 📍Telegraph Ave & 27th St, art, food, music, local vendors, and one of Oakland’s best monthly street parties.

Sept 5, Millbrae Art & Wine Festival, More info 📍Broadway, Millbrae, art, wine, food, music, and a classic Bay Area street festival.

Sept 5, SF Chinatown Hungry Ghost Festival, More info 📍Portsmouth Square, a celebration of Chinese culture, tradition, performances, and community.

Sept 5–6, Belmont Greek Festival, More info 📍Belmont, Greek food, dancing, music, and a whole weekend of festivities.

Sept 6, Bizerkeley Vegan Food Festival, Tickets 📍Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park, Berkeley, a full day dedicated to vegan food and community.

Sept 12, SF Richmond Autumn Moon Festival, More info 📍Richmond District, a neighborhood celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Sept 12–13, Mountain View Art & Wine Festival, More info 📍Mountain View, another excuse for a little weekend trip down the Peninsula.

Sept 27, Bay Area Queer Zine Fest, More info 📍Oakland Asian Cultural Center, independent queer art, publishing, and community.

Sept 27, SF German Day Festival, More info 📍Golden Gate Park, German music, food, dancing, and culture in the park.

Fun Stuff

Sept 4, South First Fridays Art Walk, More info 📍San Jose, galleries, art, and a good excuse to explore downtown San Jose.

Sept 5, Outdoor Movie Night: Black Panther, More info 📍Yerba Buena Gardens, a free movie under the stars in downtown SF.

Sept 5–27, Free Shakespeare in the Park: Antony and Cleopatra, More info 📍McLaren Park & Sue Bierman Park, free Shakespeare theatre throughout September.

Sept 6, Chinatown Car Show & Car Parade, Tickets 📍1138 Grant Ave, cars taking over Chinatown for the day.

Sept 11, Friday Nights at OMCA, More info 📍Oakland Museum of California, DJs, food, museum galleries, and a Friday night in Oakland.

Sept 12, Google’s Endless Summer Festival, RSVP 📍Mountain View, a free festival with DJs, magic, activities, and giveaways.

Sept 12, Hayward Metalfest, More info 📍Hayward, seven bands and a full day for metal fans.

Sept 12, Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema: Under the Stars, More info 📍Precita Park, one of those neighborhood SF events that makes a warm September evening even better.

Sept 12, Orinda Classic Car Show, More info 📍Orinda, classic cars and a reason to spend the day in the East Bay.

Sept 12, Kite By The Bay, Tickets 📍400 Hunters Point Expressway, hundreds of colorful kites over the Bay sounds pretty magical.

Sept 19, Let’s Glow BART Anime Festival, Tickets 📍Warm Springs/South Fremont BART, probably one of the more unexpected events on this month’s list.

Sept 27, Game Market West: Fall 2026, RSVP 📍Guildhouse, San Jose, one for gamers and anyone curious about indie games.

My Favorite Picks for September 2026

At least for now :) With this many events happening, I’m sure I’ll find more.

Sept 5–27 - Free Shakespeare in the Park

Sept 10-12 - Crushing live show

Sept 10–20 - Flower Piano

Sept 18–20 - SF Greek Food Festival (I went last year and honestly food was super goood)

Sept 25 - Project Hail Mary Outdoor Movie Night @ PROXY SF

Sept 26 - Earthling Music Show

So I'm definitely not ready to say goodbye to summer yet. This week we've got live music in the redwoods, art, books, paddle gathering, Pokémon fest, roof show in North Beach, and even a workshop about hormones.

My personal picks this week:

• The Anatomy of a Love Letter

• Real Neato Music Fest in the Redwoods

• Bay Paddle Day

• Private Art Walk & Cocktail Reception with Big Art Loop

• Free Pet Adoption Fest

• Hormones, Explained

• Hellmans Hollow Rooftop Show

Monday, August 24

The Anatomy of a Love Letter • RSVP
Honestly, I think we could all learn something from this one :) A whole evening dedicated to the art of writing a love letter sounds pretty cute to me.

Wednesday-Thursday, August 26-27

Muse & Portugal. The Man • Tickets
I don’t usually include big concerts in my weekly lists, but this lineup felt worth mentioning. Muse + Portugal. The Man at Shoreline sounds like a pretty solid night.

Thursday, August 27

Hormones, Explained: From Your First Period to Menopause • RSVP
This one looks genuinely interesting to me. I’d personally love to understand more about how our bodies change over time and how much hormones can affect the way we feel.

Friday, August 28

Ocean Beats Vol. 2 • Join waitlist
DJs + Ocean Beach sounds like a very SF Friday night. It’s currently waitlisted, though, so your best bet might be finding a friend who already RSVP’d :)

Friday, August 28 – Saturday, August 29

Pokémon XP + Pokémon World Championships • Tickets
I know there are a lot of Pokémon fans out there, so I couldn’t leave this one off the list. A whole Pokémon fan festival + World Championships taking over Moscone Center sounds pretty wild.

Saturday, August 29

Bay Paddle Day (Oakland) • RSVP
Looks like this is going to be one big paddle gathering on the Bay :) Definitely something different if you want to spend your Saturday on the water.

Real Neato Music Fest in the Redwoods • Tickets
I love the russian River area, and spending a Saturday there listening to live music surrounded by redwoods sounds pretty perfect to me.

Free Pet Adoption Fest • More info
More than 300 animals, 30+ shelters, and DJs all in one place. If you’ve been thinking about adopting a pet, maybe this is the day you meet your future best friend.

Hellmans Hollow Live at Maggie’s • RSVP
A rooftop show in North Beach? That’s already enough to get my attention. This looks like a cool one.

Private Art Walk & Cocktail Reception with Big Art Loop • RSVP
Have you noticed all those fun sculptures popping up around the city? This is a chance to actually learn more about them on a private art walk - with a cocktail reception afterward. Art + cocktails sounds like a good combination to me.

Sunday, August 30

Park Swap / Sell / Sounds • RSVP
Have something you don’t need anymore? Bring it, swap or sell it, and maybe go home with something new. I love the idea of giving things a second life instead of buying new.

SF Book Club at Washington Square • RSVP
Books, homemade dishes, and good company in Washington Square. If you’re looking for a relaxed Sunday with new people, this sounds like a lovely option.

it feels like there’s so much cool stuff happening in the city this week: night markets, outdoor movies, museum nights, street festivals, creative pop-ups, and a few events that are a little harder to explain - which usually means they’re worth checking out :)

there are also a lot of good options if you feel like crossing the bridge and spending some time in Oakland.

My personal picks this week:

• Rooftop Rhythms at Salesforce Park

• SFMOMA’s Floating Kites Canopy

• Tomato Party Pop-Up

• Magazine Sundays

• Gantri Archive Sale

  ---

Thursday, August 20

Downtown SF’s Free Outdoor EDM Party • More info
why wait until Friday to start the weekend? free outdoor EDM in the middle of downtown sounds like a good excuse to start early.

Late Night Editions: Treasures of the Pharaohs • More info
I went to one of the Late Night Editions in June and had such a good time. the de Young after hours is always fun, and this time it’s all about Treasures of the Pharaohs. here’s a little video from the last one.

SF Fragrance Sample Swap • RSVP
are you into fragrance? bring some samples you don’t use anymore, swap them for something new, and maybe discover your next favorite scent.

Friday, August 21

Sundown Cinema: The Parent Trap • More info
another outdoor movie night in the city, and this time they’re showing The Parent Trap with Lindsay Lohan at Marina Green. Such a cute movie for a summer night.

Castro Night Market • More info
Castro is always fun, and the night market is a good excuse to spend your Friday evening there.

Fort Mason Night Market • More info
one of my favorite night markets in the city. Come for food, local vendors, music, and a Friday night by the water.

Friday Nights at OMCA • More info
a friday night at a museum with DJs, food, and cool people? Oakland knows how to do museum nights.

Friday, August 21 – Sunday, August 23

Rooftop Rhythms: Free 3-Day Music Festival • Tickets
Salesforce Park is already such a cool space, and now they’re turning it into a three-day music festival. Definitely worth checking out if you’re downtown this weekend.

Gantri Archive Sale • RSVP
designer lighting for 50–80% off. If you’ve been looking for something cool for your apartment, this might be dangerous for your wallet :)

Saturday, August 22

Rockridge Rock-N-Stroll • More info
more than 20 bands and 50+ local artists taking over Rockridge. if you like live music, art, and neighborhood street festivals, this might be for you.

SFMOMA’s New Floating Kites Canopy More Info
I’m super curious about this one. a massive canopy made from thousands of floating kites is debuting at SFMOMA, and I really want to see what it looks like in person.

Tomato Party Pop-Up • RSVP
it’s a tomato party in Alamo Square Park. I don’t think I need to explain much more than that :) sounds like you should probably bring a tomato.

Saturday, August 22 – Sunday, August 23

Oakland Chinatown StreetFest • More info
Oakland is one of my favorite places in the Bay Area for good food, so Chinatown StreetFest feels like a very good opportunity to try something new and yummy.

Summer of Love at PIER 39 • More info
PIER 39 will have live music and activities all weekend. I’d probably use it as an excuse to go see the sea lions again :)

The San Francisco Historium Spotlight • More info
are you into Renaissance fairs? imagine something with a similar immersive feeling, but built around San Francisco history. this one sounds pretty unusual - in a good way.

Sunday, August 23

Magazine Sundays at City Lights • RSVP
for anyone craving a slower Sunday: magazines, books, a picnic, and some nice company around one of SF’s most iconic bookstores. sounds like a good way to end the week.

My personal picks this week:

• Muse Markets

• Pizza, Bagel & Beer Festival

• Floating Handpan Concert

• Public Sounds

• 2 Years of Charm

• Perseid Meteor Shower

Wednesday, August 12 – Thursday, August 13

Perseid Meteor Shower Peak
This is supposed to be an especially good year for the Perseids because the peak coincides with a new moon = much darker skies. If you’re willing to drive away from SF lights, this might be worth staying up late for. Under really dark skies, you could potentially see dozens of meteors per hour around the peak. Probably will write an additional post about it.

Thursday, August 13

Valencia Live Monthly Street Party • More info
One of those events that reminds me why Valencia is still one of the most fun streets in SF. Music, local businesses, art, creative people, and lots happening on the street.

Friday, August 14

Chinatown Night Market • More info
Come for the food, stay for the atmosphere. I’ve been a few times and Chinatown at night just hits differently.

Saturday, August 15

Muse Markets (Los Gatos) • More info
If you’re into cute things, local makers, and browsing markets without necessarily needing anything, I feel like you’ll love this one.

Pizza, Bagel & Beer Festival • Tickets
I love pretty much every festival that happens in North Beach, and this one is no exception. Pizza + bagels + beer sounds like a very solid Saturday plan.

Secondhand Saturday: Annual Surf Swap • More info
Always a good place to find something you didn’t know you needed - or convince yourself it’s going to make a perfect gift for someone :)

Glen Park Night Market • More info
I don’t spend enough time in Glen Park, so a neighborhood night market sounds like a fun excuse to change that.

Saturday, August 15 – Sunday, August 16

West Coast Asian Foodie Fest • Tickets
Are you a foodie? Because I definitely am :) Two days dedicated to Asian food sounds like a pretty convincing reason to head to San Mateo.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live • Tickets
Do you like ridiculously huge trucks doing ridiculous things? I feel like this could actually be super fun even if monster trucks aren’t normally your thing.

Sunday, August 16

Floating Handpan Concert (Alameda) • RSVP
A friend of mine is organizing this one, and I know it’s going to be magical. A floating handpan concert in the morning sounds like such a peaceful way to start Sunday. I might check it out myself too.

2 Years of Charm • More info
I’ve never been here, but now I want to check it out. Birthday cake, a DJ, art, jewelry, vintage — lots of cute things happening in one place.

Public Sounds: Performance by Geller • More info
This one really caught my attention. Music and sound performance at a secret location? If you’re looking for something a little more creative and unusual this Sunday, I’d check this one out.

See you around the city!
Nastya

Outside Lands weekend is almost here, and I’m still deciding if I’m going or not.

Long story short: I applied for a media pass a while ago and never heard back. It happens, no hard feelings :) I’ve seen some tickets on Facebook Marketplace, but I’m still deciding if I actually want to pay for one.

The good news? You definitely don’t need Outside Lands tickets to have a fun weekend.

I found 16 other things to do around San Francisco and the Bay Area this week - from jazz and street festivals to an apple fair, flea markets, art, yoga, and even photography embroidery.

My personal picks this week:

• San Jose Jazz Summer Fest

• Gravenstein Apple Fair

• Downtown First Thursday

• Cole Valley Pop-Up

• Craft Night: Photography Embroidery

• Hillwide Garage Sale

Wednesday, August 5

Art Gallery Yoga • RSVP
Yoga inside an art gallery sounds like such a nice midweek reset. Art + movement + a beautiful space is a great combination.

Thursday, August 6

Downtown First Thursday • More info
If you’ve never been, this is a good week to check it out. DJs, dancing, food, drinks, art, and lots of people taking over the streets of downtown SF.

Craft Night: Photography Embroidery • RSVP
This one immediately caught my attention. You’ll be embroidering directly onto photographs - such a cute idea if you’re looking for something creative instead of another night at a bar.

Friday, August 7

Oakland First Fridays Street Festival • More info
If you’re in the East Bay, Oakland First Fridays is always a good option. Art, music, food, local vendors, and a lot happening along Telegraph.

Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 9

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest • Tickets
One of my top picks this weekend. Three days of live music and a very good reason to make the trip down to San Jose - especially if Outside Lands isn’t happening for you this year.

SF Aerial Arts Festival • Tickets
Something completely different: three nights of aerial performances at Fort Mason. If you’ve never seen aerial arts live, this could be a fun one to try.

Saturday, August 8

Hillwide Garage Sale: Bernal Heights’ Biggest Treasure Hunt • More info
Basically one giant neighborhood treasure hunt. If you love finding random vintage pieces, home decor, clothes, and things you absolutely didn’t plan to buy, go explore Bernal Heights.

Creative Growth Summer Studio Sale • More info
A good one for art lovers. Head to Oakland to browse original work and support Creative Growth artists.

Laurel StreetFair World Music Festival • More info
Live music, food, vendors, and a full day in Oakland. Another solid option if you want a festival atmosphere without going anywhere near Golden Gate Park.

Victorian Days at the San Mateo County History Museum • More info
Free Victorian Days at a history museum? Definitely one of the more niche options on this week’s list, but that’s also why I’m including it.

Coffee & Climb • RSVP
Coffee + climbing + meeting new people. A pretty good Saturday morning combination if you want to do something active in Oakland

Cole Valley Pop-Up • RSVP
I love a cute neighborhood pop-up, and Cole Valley is such a nice place to spend a Saturday morning. This one is on my list.

Saturday, August 8 – Sunday, August 9

53rd Annual Gravenstein Apple Fair • Tickets
This one sounds so wholesome in the best possible way. Apples, local food, music, Sonoma County, and peak summer-in-Northern-California energy. Definitely one of my picks.

Bay Area Aloha Festival • More info
A little taste of Hawaii in the Bay Area with music, dance, food, and cultural performances. And it’s free.

Pistahan Parade & Festival • More info
A huge celebration of Filipino culture right in SF with performances, food, art, and community at Yerba Buena Gardens. If you’re staying in the city this weekend, this is a great alternative to Outside Lands.

Sunday, August 9

Inner Sunset Flea Market: Dog Days of Summer • More info
Vintage finds, local vendors, and lots of dogs in the Inner Sunset. Honestly, sounds like a very good Sunday to me.

So yes, Outside Lands is happening - but not having a ticket definitely doesn’t mean you have to stay home.

Pick an apple. Listen to jazz. Hunt for treasures in Bernal. Learn photography embroidery. Go to a Filipino festival. Or just spend Sunday looking at cute dogs and vintage stuff in the Inner Sunset.

See you around the city,

Nastya
SF Girl Chronicle

Of course, the biggest event this month is Outside Lands, but even without it, there are SO many cool things happening around San Francisco and the Bay Area.

Here are some of the best events I found for August - and, of course, I’ll keep sharing my weekly finds throughout the month.

And if you’re curious which ones I’m personally most excited about, scroll to the end for my favorite August picks :)

Don’t Miss Out

Aug 6, Downtown First Thursdays, 5–10pm, More info 📍2nd St between Market and Howard, SF’s monthly downtown street party with DJs, live music, art, food, and lots of people.

Aug 7–9, Outside Lands 📍Golden Gate Park, Waitlist probably THE biggest event happening in San Francisco this month. Three days of music, food, fashion, and thousands of people taking over Golden Gate Park.

Aug 7–9, San Jose Jazz Summer Fest, Tickets 📍Plaza de César Chávez, San Jose, $44+, a full weekend of jazz, R&B, funk, Latin music, and more across multiple stages.

Aug 7–16, Sonoma County Fair, Tickets 📍Santa Rosa, $18, rides, food, animals, entertainment, and all the classic county fair energy.

Aug 8–9, Gravenstein Apple Fair, 10am–6pm, Tickets 📍Sebastopol, $25+, apples, local food, live music, drinks, and a very Sonoma County way to spend a summer weekend.

Aug 15, Pizza, Bagel & Beer Festival, 12–4pm, Tickets 📍1630 Stockton St, it’s always fun in North Beach :)

Aug 21, Sundown Cinema — Outdoor Movie Night, More info 📍Marina Green, another chance to grab a blanket, bring some snacks, and watch a movie outside with one of the best backdrops in SF.

Aug 29, Russian River “Real Neato” Music Fest, 2–10pm, Tickets 📍Rio Nido Roadhouse, $73, live music surrounded by redwoods sounds like a pretty great reason for a weekend trip. Looks super cool to me

Free Museum Days

Aug 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, de Young Museum + Legion of Honor (Free for Bay Area Residents) 9:30am–5:15pm, More info

Aug 2, Asian Art Museum, - Free Admission, 10am–5pm, More info

Aug 4, SF Botanical Garden - Free Admission, More info

Aug 4, Conservatory of Flowers - Free for Everyone, 10am–4:30pm, More info

Aug 4, de Young Museum + Legion of Honor - Free for Everyone, 9:30am–5:15pm, More info

Aug 5, SF Zoo - Free for SF Residents, 10am–4pm, More info

Aug 6, Museum of Craft and Design - Free for Everyone, 10am–5pm, More info

Aug 6, Berkeley Art Museum - Free Admission, 11am–7pm, More info

Markets & Fairs

Aug 8, Bernal Heights Hillwide Garage Sale, 9am–2pm, More info 📍515 Cortland Ave, basically one giant neighborhood treasure hunt through Bernal Heights.

Aug 8, Creative Growth Summer Studio Sale, 12–5pm, More info 📍355 24th St, Oakland, a great chance to discover art and support Creative Growth artists.

Aug 9, Inner Sunset Flea Market: Dog Days of Summer, 10am–4pm, More info 📍9th Ave and Irving St, vintage finds, local makers, and apparently dogs too. Sounds like a good Sunday to me.

Aug 13, Valencia Live Monthly Street Party, 5–10pm, More info 📍Valencia St between 17th and 20th, live music, local businesses, food, and Valencia Street turning into one big neighborhood party.

Aug 14, Chinatown Night Market, 5–9pm, More info 📍Grant Ave between California and Pacific, food, performances, local vendors, and such a fun vibe

Aug 15, Secondhand Saturday + Annual Surf Swap, 10am–4pm, More info 📍1994 37th Ave, secondhand shopping plus surf gear in the Sunset.

Aug 15, Richmond District Night Market, 4–8pm, More info 📍Clement St between 22nd and 25th Ave, local food, vendors, music, and Richmond vibes.

Aug 15, Glen Park Night Market, 3–8pm, More info 📍Kern St and Diamond St, another neighborhood night market to add to your summer list.

Aug 20, Cole Valley Nights: State Fair, 4–9pm, More info 📍Cole and Parnassus, a little neighborhood state fair right in Cole Valley.

Aug 21, Castro Night Market, 5–10pm, More info 📍18th St and Castro St, local vendors, food, performances, and Friday night in the Castro.

Aug 21, Fort Mason Night Market, 5–10pm, More info 📍Fort Mason, food vendors, local makers, music, and waterfront views.

Concerts

Aug 5, AC/DC, Tickets @ Levi’s Stadium

Aug 17, Cat Power, Tickets @ The Guild Theatre, Menlo Park

Aug 20–21, Daniel Caesar, Tickets @ Chase Center

Aug 21, Noah Kahan, Tickets @ Oracle Park

Aug 21, MOUNT WESTMORE — Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, E-40 & Too $hort, Tickets @ SAP Center, San Jose

Aug 26–27, Muse + Portugal. The Man, Tickets @ Shoreline Amphitheatre

Aug 28–29, Usher, Tickets @ Levi’s Stadium

Festivals & Fun Stuff

Aug 7, Oakland First Fridays Street Festival, 5–9pm, More info 📍Telegraph Ave and 27th St, art, food, music, local vendors, and one of Oakland’s best monthly street parties.

Aug 7–9, SF Aerial Arts Festival, 6:15–10pm, Tickets 📍Fort Mason, $15, aerial performances in one of SF’s coolest spaces.

Aug 8, Laurel StreetFair World Music Festival, 11am–7pm, More info 📍4222 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, a full day of world music, food, community, and dancing.

Aug 8–9, Bay Area Aloha Festival, 10am–5pm, More info 📍San Mateo County Event Center, Hawaiian and Pacific Islander music, dance, food, arts, and culture.

Aug 8–9, Pistahan Parade and Festival, 11am–5pm, More info 📍Yerba Buena Gardens, Filipino culture, food, performances, art, and community right in downtown SF.

Aug 8, Victorian Days, 10am–2pm, More info 📍San Mateo County History Museum, Redwood City, a free day of Victorian-era activities inside one of the Bay Area’s most beautiful historic buildings.

Aug 14, Free Summer Outdoor DJ Dance Party with P-Lo, 5–10pm, More info 📍Thrive City, free outdoor music and dancing on a Friday night.

Aug 15–16, West Coast Asian Foodie Fest, 10am–5pm, Tickets 📍San Mateo County Event Center, come hungry because this one is basically an entire weekend dedicated to Asian food.

Aug 22–23, Oakland Chinatown StreetFest, 10am–5pm, More info 📍Harrison St and 11th St, food, vendors, performances, and a huge celebration of Oakland Chinatown.

Aug 28–29, Pokémon XP + Pokémon World Championships, Tickets 📍Moscone Center, $90+, Pokémon is taking over San Francisco for its official fan festival and World Championships.

My Favorite Picks for August.
At least for now :) I’m sure I’ll discover more fun events throughout the month.

Aug 7–9, Outside Lands.
Aug 8–9, Gravenstein Apple Fair
Aug 8, Bernal Heights Hillwide Garage Sale
Aug 29, Russian River “Real Neato” Music Fest

This week feels a little more chill than usual. Maybe the city is saving its energy for Outside Lands next weekend - or maybe we all just need a small break. Either way, there are still some really fun and unusual things happening around SF and the Bay Area.

My personal picks this week:

• House of Joy DJ Set with Sanjoy

• World Dog Surfing Championship

• Camp Scrap: An Upcycling Day Camp

• Nihonmachi Street Fair

• Page to Stage

Thursday, July 30

Astrophotography 101: Shoot the Milky Way • Tickets
Are you into space or photography? This workshop at Chabot Space & Science Center looks super interesting to me. You’ll learn how to photograph the Milky Way using a star tracker.

Friday, July 31

House of Joy: Sanjoy + ARINI, Seth Finken & Lychy Jelly • Tickets
If you’re looking for an epic dance party this Friday, this one might be for you. Sanjoy recently performed the FIFA anthem Siir Siir at the World Cup opening ceremony, and now he’s playing at The Midway :) You’ll also hear ARINI, Seth Finken, and Lychy Jelly.

Saturday, August 1

World Dog Surfing Championship • More info
This might be the most fun event on this week’s list. I’ve never been, but friends who have seen it told me it’s hilarious and adorable. Maybe this is finally the year I get to see surfing dogs with my own eyes :)

Bayside Lands: A Daytime DJ Party • RSVP
Daytime parties always sound fun to me. This one feels like a little warm-up for Outside Lands next weekend.

Saturday & Sunday, August 1-2

Renegade Craft Summer Fair • More info
Renegade is always a good place to find something beautiful for yourself—or convince yourself you’re shopping for someone else :)

Nihonmachi Street Fair • More info
One of my favorite SF neighborhoods is throwing a street fair. That’s enough of a reason for me to include it.

Sunday, August 2

Camp Scrap: An Upcycling Day Camp • RSVP
Just a really cute free event in Fremont focused on creativity and upcycling. I saw it and immediately thought I needed to share it with you :)

Page to Stage • RSVP
Write a movie scene, choose your actors, and then watch them perform it at Dolores Park. Sounds like a lot of fun to me—and definitely not your usual Sunday activity.

HEAD WEST Marketplace at the Ferry Building • More info
What could be better than browsing a nice market at the Ferry Building on a Sunday? Local makers + waterfront views = always a good combination.

Sip & Paint at Battery Bluff Park • RSVP
Another cute Sunday activity. Painting outside at Battery Bluff sounds like a pretty lovely way to spend the afternoon.

Unplug & Play: Offline Hangout • RSVP
Struggling to actually be here and now without checking your phone every five minutes? This one’s for you. Or just come if you want a few hours to hang out, play, and meet people offline.

See you around the city
and happy August!
Nastya

Here are the events I’d add to my calendar.

My personal picks this week:

• Playa Social: Burners & Future Burners (I’m co-hosting this one!)

• SF Art Book Fair

• Meet Cute Sunset Cruise

• Vesuvio Summer Market

• Sip & Paint Tomatoes

  ---

Thursday - Sunday, July 23 - 26

SF Art Book Fair • More info
I went last year and absolutely loved it (you can see my last year reel). If you’re into art, photography, illustration, graphic design, or beautiful independent publications, this is one of those events you shouldn’t miss.

Thursday, July 23

Playa Social: Burners & Future Burners • RSVP
I’m co-hosting this event! I’ve been to Burning Man twice, and every time I come back I realize how many stereotypes people have about it. If you’ve ever been curious about the playa - or you’re already part of the community - come hang out. I’ll be sharing my experience, tips for preparing for your first Burn, and we’ll also have DJs, Rising Spark, vendors, camps and plenty of time to meet fellow Burners and future Burners. All of this is happening at the beautiful Fold space.

Friday, July 24

Fort Mason Night Market • More info
Good food, local artists, live music, and shopping - all with views of the Bay. Sounds like a pretty great Friday night to me.

Sundown Cinema: Inside Out • More info
Outdoor movies are one of my favorite summer traditions in San Francisco. Bring a blanket, grab some snacks, and enjoy Inside Out under the stars. Such a great date idea - or just a fun evening with friends or family.

Saturday, July 25

Meet Cute Sunset Cruise • Tickets
Single? Love sunsets and being on the water? This sounds like such a fun way to meet new people. I’d definitely be there myself if I weren’t leaving the city this weekend. Use code SFGIRL for 20% off.

Alameda Rock & Roll Flea Market • Tickets
What could be better than wandering through a flea market on a Saturday? Maybe wandering through one with live rock & roll and a brewery.

Sip & Paint Tomatoes • RSVP
Looking for a creative Saturday activity? You'll be guided by an artist, paint your own tomatoes, and leave with a cute piece of art. Use code SFGIRL10 for 10% off.

Union Square Outdoor Movie Night: The Princess Diaries • More info
Another outdoor movie night! If you’re in the mood for a little princess energy, this one’s for you.

Free Repair Café • More info
Bring your broken clothes, bike, or household items and learn how to repair them with the help of local volunteers. I love community events like this that help reduce waste and teach practical skills.

Free Pup Crawl • More info
A fun afternoon for dog owners... and honestly, for anyone who just enjoys seeing lots of happy dogs.

Sunday, July 26

SF Marathon • More info
Whether you’re running or cheering from the sidelines, this is one of San Francisco’s biggest community events of the year. If you’re not participating, come support the runners - they’ll appreciate it.

Stern Grove Festival with Suki Waterhouse • More info
Suki Waterhouse is such a vibe. The only question is... did you win the lottery?)

Vesuvio Summer Market • More info
Vesuvio is one of those classic San Francisco spots that never gets old. I love this bar, and this weekend they’ll have DJs, local vendors, and a fun summer market. Sounds like the perfect excuse to spend an afternoon in North Beach.

Weekend, July 25-26

Museum of Craft and Design – Free Summer Weekend • More info
If you’re already planning to visit the SF Art Book Fair, I’d also stop by the Museum of Craft and Design. Their new Video Craft exhibition looks really interesting.

See you around the city!
Nastya

Looking for something fun to do this week? I spent way too much time looking through event calendars again... so you don’t have to. 😄

Here are my favorites:

My personal picks this week:

• Summer Vibe Art Fair

• Third Thursdays on Treat

• Date My Friend

• Castro Night Market

• Playa Social: Burners and Future Burners (next week)

  ---

Thursday, July 16

Third Thursdays on Treat • More info

Local makers, a DJ pop-up, food, drinks, and even a petting zoo. Sounds like a pretty fun way to spend a Thursday evening.

Friday, July 17

Castro Night Market • More info
One of my favorite recurring events in the city. It’s always a fun evening with food, vendors, music, and lots of people.

Date My Friend • RSVP
This concept sounds so fun. If you’ve ever wanted to play matchmaker - or just watch your friends pitch each other to strangers - you should check this one out.

Saturday, July 18 – Sunday, July 19

Summer Vibe Art Fair • More info
Over 125 artists, makers, and creatives from across the U.S. If you’re into art, this one is a must. I’m definitely planning to check it out.

Hot Air Balloon Festival (Sonoma County) • Tickets
Another chance to catch the balloons if you’re willing to make the early morning drive.

National Caviar Day • More info
Free caviar tasting and an ice cream cart? That’s not a combination you see every day.

Saturday, July 18

Secondhand Saturday: Summer of Love • More info
Looking for something unique for your wardrobe? This is one of my favorite markets in the city.

Richmond District Night Market • More info
A great excuse to spend an evening exploring Richmond.

International Chess Day Tournament • More info
Calling all chess lovers.

Car Meet & Craft Market • More info
Classic cars and local makers? Sounds like a fun Saturday in Berkeley.

Sunday, July 19

Finals Watch Party at Yerba Buena Gardens • More info
We’ve all been waiting to find out who takes the championship this year. Watching it outdoors with other fans sounds like a great way to spend Sunday.

Free Outdoor Grateful Dead Tribute • More info
If you miss Grateful Dead music - or just want to spend an afternoon in Haight-Ashbury - this one’s worth checking out.

Thirst Draft: Write Drunk, Edit Never • RSVP
For writers (or aspiring writers) looking to write, meet people, and not take themselves too seriously.

Looking Ahead, July 23

Playa Social: Burners and Future Burners • RSVP
I’m co-hosting this event next week! Whether you’ve been to Burning Man many times or you’re just curious about going there, come meet other Burners, ask questions, and hear about my experience and tips for preparing for the playa.

PS: Have you seen this sky?

Need help deciding what to do this week?

I’ve rounded up some of my favorite events happening around San Francisco and the Bay Area - from street fairs to vintage markets, Shakespeare in a trash yard (yes, really), and one very mysterious pirate invasion 🏴‍☠️

My personal picks this week:

• Ferry Fest

• The Pirates Have Taken Over a Painted Lady

• Oyster Rave

• Dogpatch Music Series

• Summer Vintage Market

• Dracula Ballet

Wednesday, July 8

The Pirates Have Taken Over a Painted Lady • RSVP
Honestly... I have no idea what’s happening here, but the title alone convinced me. I’m planning to check it out myself.

Thursday, July 9

Valencia Live Street Party • More info
Valencia Street closes to traffic once a month, and it’s always great atmosphere, local businesses, and lots of people out enjoying the evening.

Oyster Rave Vol. 3 • RSVP
Oysters and electronic music? Somehow it works. If you love oysters as much as I do, this one’s worth checking out.

Friday, July 10

Chinatown Night Market • More info
I went last time and had such a good time. Come hungry and don’t leave without dessert.

Shakespeare in the Trash: Bard Goes Rubbish • More info
Shakespeare performed in a trash yard? That’s exactly the kind of weird San Francisco event I love finding.

Saturday, July 11

Temescal Street Fair (Oakland) • More info
If you’re in the East Bay, I’d definitely recommend checking this one out. One of Oakland’s best neighborhood festivals.

Dogpatch Music Series • More info
I love Dogpatch, so I couldn’t not include this one. A perfect excuse to spend an afternoon in one of my favorite neighborhoods.

Patiyochella 2026 • Tickets
Live music, local makers, wine tasting, and Berkeley. Sounds like a pretty good Saturday to me.

Shallou • Tickets
I know a lot of you love Shallou, so I had to include this one.

Sunday, July 12

Ferry Fest • More info
Live music, DJs, local food, and one of the best waterfront locations in San Francisco. This is probably where you’ll find me.

Summer Vintage Market (Lafayette) • More info
Thirty vintage dealers, live music, and a beer garden. If you’re into vintage shopping, just try not to spend all your money.

July 3 - 12

Dracula Ballet • Tickets
I’m actually going to this one! It looks like a fun twist on the classic story.

Looks like it will be one more fun week! I hope so.
See you around the city

Xo Xo,
Your SF Girl Chronicle (Nastya)

Here’s everything worth knowing about July in SF and the Bay:

Don’t Miss Out

• Jul 2, Downtown First Thursdays, 5–10pm, More info📍2nd St between Market and Howard - SF’s monthly outdoor gallery and street party, good energy and great excuse to be downtown

• Jul 3–12, Dracula Ballet, Tickets the one I’ve been telling you to grab tickets for a month ago 🧛‍♀️

• Jul 4–5, Fillmore Jazz Festival, 10am–6pm, More info one of SF’s most beloved summer traditions. free, iconic, and Fillmore Street at its best

• Jul 5, 12, 19, 26, Stern Grove Festival @19th Ave and Sloat Blvd More info free outdoor concerts every Sunday in July. this SF summer tradition is the best

• Jul 11, Oakland’s 20th Temescal Street Fair, 11am–7pm, More info📍49th Street and Telegraph, one of Oakland’s best neighborhood festivals

• Jul 12, Ferry Fest: Concerts, Art + DJs @ Ferry Building, 12–6pm, More info
  the Ferry Building throws a summer festival: music, art, bay views.

• Jul 18–19, Summer Vibe Art Fair @ Pier 27, 11am–5pm, RSVP
  125+ artists at Pier 27. the kind of art fair where you actually want to buy something

• Jul 18–19, National Caviar Day 12–4pm, More info 📍The Caviar Co., 1954 Union St, free caviar tasting, yes really

• Jul 23–26, SF Art Book Fair, More info📍1150 25th St / 1275 Minnesota St
  artists, zines, books, and the kind of weekend you’d spend all your money at

• Jul 26, SF Marathon, 5:15–11:15am, More info running or cheering — either way it’s one of the most beautiful races in the country

Free Museum Days

• Jul 1, SF Zoo — Free for SF Residents, 10am–4pm, More info

• Jul 2, Museum of Craft and Design — Free for Everyone, 10am–5pm, More info

• Jul 2, Berkeley Art Museum — Free Admission, 11am–7pm, More info

• Jul 4, 11, 18, 25, de Young Museum + Legion of Honor — Free for Bay Area Residents, 9:30am–5:15pm, More info

• Jul 5, Asian Art Museum — Free Admission, 10am–5pm, More info

• Jul 7, SF Botanical Garden — Free Admission, More info

• Jul 7, Conservatory of Flowers — Free for Everyone, 10am–4:30pm, More info

• Jul 7, de Young Museum + Legion of Honor — Free for Everyone, 9:30am–5:15pm, More info

Markets & Fairs

• Jul 10, Chinatown Night Market, 5–9pm, More info📍Grant Ave between California and Pacific, Chinatown after dark: food, vendors, and that particular Grant Ave energy

• Jul 12, Inner Sunset Flea Market - Garden Party, 10am–4pm, More info📍9th Ave and Irving St, summer edition of the flea market

• Jul 12, Summer Vintage Market (Lafayette), 10am–3pm, More info📍Vintage Vida, 3581 Mt. Diablo Blvd, 30 vintage dealers, live music, and a beer garden

• Jul 17, Castro Night Market, 5–10pm, More info📍18th St & Castro St queer joy, local vendors, good food. the Castro doing what it does best

• Jul 18, Secondhand Saturday - Summer of Love Edition, 10am–4pm, More info,📍1994 37th Ave, the Sunset neighborhood secondhand sale with a summer of love theme

• Jul 18, Richmond District Night Market, 4–8pm, More info📍22nd to 25th and Clement, the Richmond night market is back, always a good time

• Jul 24, Fort Mason Night Market, 5–10pm, More info local makers, handmade finds, and the bay right there

• Jul 25, Alameda Rock & Roll Flea Market (Alameda), 10am–6pm, Tickets📍Faction Brewing, vinyl, vintage, and a beer garden

Concerts

• Jul 6, Rosalía @ Oakland Arena, Tickets
  one of the most exciting artists in the world right now. do not miss

• Jul 7, Kurt Vile @ The Castro Theatre, Tickets
  intimate, iconic venue, great artist. perfect Tuesday evening

• Jul 10–11, Olivia Dean @ Chase Center, Tickets
  soulful, joyful, and one of the best live performers right now

• Jul 11, Shallou @ Pure Nightclub (Sunnyvale), Tickets
  dreamy electronic music in Sunnyvale. worth the trip south

• Jul 25, Ed Sheeran @ Levi’s Stadium, Tickets
  the biggest show of the month. Ed at Levi’s is going to be massive

• Jul 26, Suki Waterhouse @ Stern Grove Festival, More info
  free outdoor concert at Stern Grove. Suki Waterhouse in one of SF’s most beautiful natural amphitheaters. go

• Jul 30, St. Vincent @ Davies Symphony Hall, Tickets
  St. Vincent at Davies Symphony Hall is the kind of show you’ll talk about for months

Festivals & Fun Stuff

• Jul 8, The Pirates Have Taken Over a Painted Lady @ 714 Steiner St, 8am–4pm, RSVP pirates. painted ladies. 8am. only in SF 😄

• Jul 9, Valencia Live Street Party @Valencia St between 17th and 20th, 5–10pm, More info Valencia Street closes down once a month and it is always a good time

• Jul 10, Shakespeare in the Trash: Bard Goes Rubbish @ SOMA West Trash Yard, 129 14th St, 6:30–9pm, More info Shakespeare performed in a trash yard, I love it

• Jul 11, Dogpatch Music Series @ Minnesota St + 20th St, 2–5pm, More info free outdoor music in Dogpatch. low key and lovely

• Jul 11, Sip + Savor: Cline Bluegrass Fest @ Cline Cellars(Sonoma), 1–8pm, Tickets, $41, bluegrass, wine, and Sonoma. a perfect Saturday

• Jul 11, Patiyochella (Berkeley), @ Donkey & Goat Winery, 1–9pm, Tickets $45 live music, maker pop-ups, and wine tasting in Berkeley

• Jul 18, International Chess Day Tournament @ Berkeley Public Library, Claremont Branch, 11am–5:30pm, More info free chess tournament at the library. bring your game face

• Jul 18–19, Hot Air Balloon Festival (Sonoma County), 4–10am, Tickets
  hot air balloons at sunrise over Sonoma. one of those experiences that actually takes your breath away

• Jul 24, Sundown Cinema — Outdoor Movie Night @ 📍Presidio Civil War Parade Ground, More info, outdoor movie in the Presidio. bring a blanket, bring snacks, bring everyone

• Jul 25, Free Outdoor Movie Night: The Princess Diaries @ Union Square, 6–10pm, More info The Princess Diaries outdoors in Union Square, free and fun

• Jul 25, DIVA or Die 2026: Sequins, Laughter + Summer Chaos @ Lost Church, 988 Columbus Ave, 7:30pm, Tickets $40 sequins, comedy, summer chaos. the Lost Church delivers every time

Say hi if you see me around the city :)
Xo Xo,
Your SF Girl Chronicle (Nastya)

Need help deciding how to celebrate the 4th of July weekend?

I’ve put together my favorite events happening around San Francisco and the Bay Area, and don’t worry if fireworks aren’t your thing - there’s plenty more to do this weekend.

My personal picks this week:
- SF fireworks over Golden Gate Bridge
- Fillmore Jazz Festival
- Future of Us: A Celebration of Community Voices
- Ocean Beach Bonfire Day
- USS Hornet Independence Day Celebration (Alameda)

Friday, July 3 – Sunday, July 5

Free National Parks Admission • More info

Going to a National Park is always a good idea. Just keep in mind it’ll probably be a busy weekend, so expect extra traffic on the roads.

Saturday, July 4

July 4 Community Parade @ Sunset Dunes • 11.30 am - 2 pm • More info
Ocean views, a community parade, and fresh apple pie. Sounds like a pretty great way to start the Fourth of July.

Ocean Beach Bonfire Day • 6-9.30 pm • More info
Bonfires always make me feel cozy. If you’re planning a chill evening with friends, this is a classic SF experience.

San Francisco Fireworks • Places to watch
Probably the event of the weekend. I’m already excited for this one - are you? The fireworks over the Golden Gate Bridge are expected to be extra special this year.

Future of Us: A Celebration of Community Voices • 11:30 AM - 10:30 PM • RSVP
A day of conversations, art, music, and community celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. Sounds like a thoughtful alternative to the usual Fourth of July celebrations.

Rose, White & Blue Parade & Festival (San Jose) • 9.45 am - 2 pm • More info
If you’re in San Jose, this looks like a fun community celebration.

USS Hornet Independence Day Celebration (Alameda) • 10 am - 5 pm • More info
A Steel Beach Party & BBQ aboard a historic aircraft carrier. Sounds like a pretty unique way to celebrate.

SF Giant Rainbow Laser Light Show • More info
July 4 is the last chance to see the Giant Rainbow Laser Light Show above Civic Center before it’s gone.

Saturday, July 4 – Sunday, July 5

Fillmore Jazz Festival • More info
One of San Francisco’s biggest street festivals. If you’re a jazz fan or just looking for a fun neighborhood festival I’d definitely recommend checking it out.

Sunday, July 5

Stern Grove Festival: Major Lazer • More info
Stern Grove is always a good idea, and this one should be especially fun for electronic music lovers.

Happy 4th of July! It’s been 250 years!

Pride Weekend 🌈 is here, and the city is packed with things to do: concerts, open mics, outdoor movies, bike rides, design meetups, and of course, Pride celebrations.

My personal picks this week:

• Pride Kick-Off Celebration
• Pomplamoose at The Fillmore
• Stern Grove Festival
• Pontica’s First Pop-Up
• Cinema on the Square

Thursday, June 25

55b + JIJI’s Jazz Tour • RSVP
📍Arcana, 2512 Mission St • 9-12 pm

Looks like a great way to spend a summer evening if you’re into live music and discovering new artists.

Friday, June 26

Pride Kick-Off Celebration • More info
📍Embarcadero Plaza • 8–10pm
If you’re looking for a fun Pride event with lights, music, and lots of people, I’d recommend this one. I went last year and had a great time. You can see a short video I took here

Pomplamoose at The Fillmore • Tickets
📍The Fillmore • 8pm
I originally thought they were French, but they’re actually an American husband-and-wife duo. Their covers are fantastic, and The Fillmore is always a fun venue.

World’s Largest Design Picnic • RSVP
📍Alamo Square Park • 9 am - 12 pm
I don’t usually share professional events, but I couldn’t skip this one. I know quite a few designers read this newsletter.

Saturday, June 27

Cinema on the Square • More info
📍Union Square • Pre-show: 6:30pm. Film starts: 8:45pm
This week’s movie is The Birdcage with Robin Williams. If you’ve never seen it, it’s a classic.

Bicycle Film Festival San Francisco • Tickets
📍Gray Area Theater • 3pm/ 5 pm/ 8 pm
For people who love bikes, films, or both.

World Naked Bike Ride SF • More info
You don’t have to participate, but you should probably know it’s happening. Expect to see a lot of naked cyclists around the city.

Pontica’s First Pop-Up • RSVP
789 6th Ave Backyard • 1pm
A backyard pop-up featuring profiteroles. Honestly, the photos alone convinced me.

Sunday, June 28

SF Pride Parade • More info
📍Market St • 10:30am
One of San Francisco’s most iconic events and one of the biggest Pride celebrations in the world.

Pride Weekend Open Mic Jam • RSVP
📍The New Farm SF, 10 Cargo Way • 4–8pm
Bring your guitar, poetry, jokes, dance moves, or whatever creative project you’ve been working on.

Ongoing

Stern Grove Festival • More info
📍19th Ave & Sloat Blvrd
Japanese Breakfast is playing this weekend, which sounds like a pretty perfect Sunday plan. Quick tip: if you didn’t win tickets through the lottery, try the Community Box Office every Saturday at noon.

SF’s Giant Laser Light Show
📍Civic Center • June 21 – July 4
If you’re downtown in the evening, don’t miss it. One of those things that’s hard to explain but very fun to stumble upon.

See you around the city,

Nastya
SF Girl Chronicle

This time I ended up at Rose’s Cafe in Cow Hollow.

When I arrived around noon, the cafe was quite busy but I was seated immediately.

After looking through Google reviews, I decided to order the French toast with strawberries (it looked beautiful in photos) and a decaf latte.

Atmosphere

The first thing I noticed was the temperature.

Both entrance doors were open, creating a constant draft. Several people, myself included, kept their jackets on the entire time.

That said, the interior is lovely.

The pink walls, colorful chandeliers, wooden furniture, and large mirrors make the space feel more European than Californian. Honestly, every time I visit I feel like I’ve somehow ended up in a small cafe in France.

One thing that surprised me: there was no music playing. Personally, I think even subtle background music would add a lot to the atmosphere.

Food

The French toast looked gorgeous and definitely lived up to expectations.

Not only was it photogenic, but it was genuinely delicious.

The latte was good too, though not particularly memorable.

Service

Overall, the staff were friendly.

One small moment stood out: I asked for a menu, and it seemed to be forgotten initially. When it finally arrived, the interaction felt a bit rushed.

Nothing dramatic, but it did slightly affect the experience.

Cost

• French Toast: $17

• Decaf Latte: $6

Total after fees and tax: around $30

Would I come back?

Yes.

Would it make my personal Top 10 breakfast spots in San Francisco? Probably not.

But it’s still a charming neighborhood cafe with a beautiful interior and good food, and I’d happily come back to try other items on the menu.

My rating: 7/10

Things I’d improve:

• Temperature inside the cafe

• Background music

• A little more attentiveness from staff

Have you been to Rose’s Cafe? What did you order?

This week feels very San Francisco: night markets, outdoor music, dragon boats, vintage finds, jazz, and a movie made by an SF native.

My picks this week:

• Isabelle Movie Screening
• Castro Night Market
• North Beach Festival
• SF Dragon Boat Festival
• Around the Tea Table

Thursday, June 18

Isabelle Movie Screening • RSVP
📍Alamo Drafthouse
A rom-com written and directed by SF native Leah McKendrick, featuring beautiful scenes of San Francisco. Going to go, fill out the form if you’d like to join too :)

Downtown SF Free EDM Party • More info
📍63 Ellis St • 5–10pm
If dancing after work sounds like your idea of a good Thursday, this one’s for you.

Jazz in the Neighborhood: Henry Hung • RSVP
📍Arcana • 9–11:30pm
A cozy jazz night is rarely a bad decision.

Friday, June 19

Castro Night Market • More info
📍18th St & Castro St • 5–9pm
It’s Pride Month, so expect extra energy, extra people, and extra reasons to stay out later than planned.

Off the Grid @ Fort Mason • More info
5–10pm
Good food, bay views, and an excuse to spend a summer evening outside.

Friday Nights at OMCA • More info
📍1000 Oak St, Oakland • 5–9pm
Museum, live music, food trucks, and that Oakland vibe that always feels a little different from SF.

Saturday, June 20

Secondhand Saturday • More info
📍1994 37th Ave • 10am–4pm
A great place to hunt for something unique for your wardrobe.

Richmond District Night Market • More info
📍22nd–25th Ave & Clement • 4–8pm
One of the city’s best neighborhood events. Come hungry.

Fête de la Musique: Summer Solstice Fest • RSVP
📍Donkey & Goat Winery, Berkeley • 1–8pm
Live music, wine, food, and summer solstice energy. What else do you really need?

Around the Tea Table: Warm Cup, Open Heart • RSVP
📍308 Page St • 1–3pm
I’m definitely a tea person, so this one immediately caught my attention.

Berkeley Nights • RSVP
📍1919 Fourth St, Berkeley • 4–7pm
I always enjoy an excuse to spend an evening in Berkeley, and this looks like a fun one.

BTS in the Park (Special Edition) • RSVP
📍Golden Gate Park • 2–4pm
For the BTS fans out there.

Saturday & Sunday

North Beach Festival • More info
📍Columbus Ave & Green St • 11am–7pm
One of my favorite neighborhoods in San Francisco hosting one of the city’s oldest street festivals.

SF Dragon Boat Festival • More info
📍Lake Merced • 8am–5pm
How often do you get to watch dragon boats race in San Francisco? Not exactly an everyday activity.

Sunday, June 21

Stern Grove Festival • More info
A San Francisco summer classic. The annual question remains: did you get tickets, or do you know someone who did?

Looking Ahead, June 25

Booked, Busy & Buttered – Book Club • RSVP
📍945 Market St • 6–8pm
For people who are into cooking and reading :)

See you around the city,
Nastya
SF Girl Chronicle 🙃

• Jun 8, Save Me SF - Film Premiere***, 7:30pm, RSVP 📍Marina Theatre SF film premiere worth showing up for

• Jun 11, Late Night Editions: The Etruscans*** @ Legion of Honor, 6–10pm, More info the Legion of Honor goes late, art, drinks, and one of the best views in the city after dark

• Jun 11, Valencia Live Street Party, 5–10pm, More info 📍Valencia St between 16th and 19th, Valencia Street closes down once a month and it is always a good time

• Jun 12, Drag Me Downtown, 4:30pm, More info 📍various locations, SF drag performances around the city, free and fabulous

• Jun 12, Sunset Night Market: Dragon Boat Festival***, 5–10pm, More info 📍Irving St between 20th–25th Ave, food, vendors, neighborhood energy

• Jun 12, Chinatown Night Market***, 5–9pm, More info 📍Grant Ave between California and Pacific. Chinatown after dark with food, vendors, and that Grant Ave energy

• Jun 12, Mahjong Party at Chinatown Night Market, 5–9pm, More info 📍Waverly Place

• Jun 12, Sundown Cinema — Outdoor Movie Night***, 6pm, More info 📍Mission Dolores Park, bring a blanket, bring snacks, bring everyone

• Jun 12, SF Story Fest @ Herbst Theatre, 8pm, Tickets storytelling on one of SF’s most beautiful stages

• Jun 13, Northern California Soy and Tofu Festival***, 11am–5pm, More info 📍Gough & Geary, yes this is a real festival and yes it’s going to be delicious

• Jun 13, Bay Area Carnivorous Plant Festival (Alameda), 12–4:30pm, More info 📍1011 Chestnut St, Alameda venus flytraps, pitcher plants, and the people who love them

• Jun 13, Summer Games + DJ pop up by Outies @ Ocean Beach***, RSVP via app meet new people, play games and listen to a cool DJ with a view

• Jun 13–14, West Coast Craft*** @ Fort Mason, 10am–6pm, More info handmade goods, local makers, and Fort Mason on a beautiful June weekend

• Jun 14, Free National Parks Day, 7am–9pm all national parks free today - it's Flag Day 🇺🇸 Yosemite, Muir Woods, Point Reyes - pick one and go

• Jun 14, Inner Sunset Flea Market, 10am–4pm, More info 📍9th Ave and Irving

• Jun 14, Trinket Trade @ Mission Dolores Park, 1pm, RSVP bring your trinkets, trade your trinkets, meet people who also have trinkets

• Jun 14, Stern Grove Festival, More info 📍19th Ave & Sloat Blvd free outdoor concerts in one of SF’s most beautiful natural amphitheaters

  ---

Say hi if you see me around the city
Xo Xo,
Your SF Girl Chronicle (Nastya) 🙃

San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in this country. Sure, summer here doesn’t exactly look like LA or San Diego summer… but honestly? It still has its own magic.

Excited for June? Here are 50+ cool events I found for you ✨

Don’t Miss Out

• Jun 4, Downtown First Thursdays, 5–10pm, More info 📍2nd St between Market and Howard SF’s monthly outdoor gallery and street party

• Jun 6–7, Union Street Festival, 11am–7pm, More info Union Street closes down and the whole city shows up

• Jun 6, BART Prom — All-Ages 80s Dance Party (Oakland), 6–10pm, Tickets 📍Rockridge Station, $15 an 80s dance party at a BART station.

• Jun 11, Late Night Editions: The Etruscans @ Legion of Honor, 6–10pm, More info the Legion of Honor goes late: art, drinks, and one of the best views in the city after dark

• Jun 12, Sundown Cinema — Outdoor Movie Night, 6pm, More info 📍 bring a blanket, bring snacks, bring everyone

• Jun 14, 21, 28, Stern Grove Festival, More info 📍19th Ave and Sloat Blvd free outdoor concerts in one of SF’s most beautiful natural amphitheaters.

• Jun 27, LakeFest (Oakland), 11am–7pm, Tickets 📍Lake Merritt Boathouse, $23 music, food, good vibes by the water

• Jun 28, SF Pride Parade, 10:30am, More info 📍Market St, if you’ve never been to SF Pride you have to experience it at least once

Free Museum Days

• Jun 2, SF Botanical Garden — Free Admission, More info

• Jun 2, Conservatory of Flowers — Free for Everyone, 10am–4:30pm, More info

• Jun 2, de Young Museum + Legion of Honor — Free for Everyone, 9:30am–5:15pm, More info

• Jun 3, SF Zoo — Free for SF Residents, 10am–4pm, More info

• Jun 4, Museum of Craft and Design — Free for Everyone, 10am–5pm, More info

• Jun 4, Berkeley Art Museum — Free Admission, 11am–7pm, More info

• Jun 4, Cartoon Art Museum — Pay What You Want, 11am–5pm, More info

• Jun 6, 13, 20, 27, de Young Museum + Legion of Honor — Free for Bay Area Residents, 9:30am–5:15pm, More info

• Jun 7, Asian Art Museum — Free Admission, 10am–5pm, More info

Markets & Fairs

• Jun 6–7, Festa Italiana Street Fair, 11am–5pm, More info 📍Stockton and Fillmore St, Italian food, music, and culture in the streets

• Jun 12, Sunset Night Market: Dragon Boat Festival, 5–10pm, More info 📍Irving St between 20th–25th Ave, food, vendors, neighborhood energy

• Jun 14, Inner Sunset Flea Market, 10am–4pm, More info 📍9th Ave and Irving St, free to browse, dangerous to your wallet

• Jun 19, Castro Night Market, 5–9pm, More info 📍18th St & Castro St, queer joy, local vendors, good food

• Jun 19, Off the Grid @ Fort Mason, 5–10pm, More info food trucks, bay views, Friday evening

• Jun 20, Secondhand Saturday, 10am–4pm, More info 📍1994 37th Ave, the Sunset neighborhood secondhand sale

• Jun 20, Richmond District Night Market, 4–8pm, More info 📍22nd to 25th and Clement, the Richmond gets its own night market and it is going to be good

• Jun 27, FoodieLand Night Market (San Jose), 1–10pm, Tickets 📍344 Tully Road, $12 food vendors, night market energy, and eating way more than planned

Concerts

• Jun 6, Louis Tomlinson Tickets @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

• Jun 6, 9, 10, Ariana Grande (Oakland), Tickets 📍Oakland Arena

• Jun 11, James Blake Tickets @ The Greek Theatre

• Jun 13–14, Bob Dylan Tickets @ The Greek Theatre

• Jun 19–20, Shakira Tickets @ SAP Center

• Jun 23, Madison Beer — The Locket Tour Tickets @ Bill Graham Civic

• Jun 25, A$AP Rocky Tickets @ Chase Center

• Jun 26, Khalid Tickets @ The Greek Theatre

Festivals & Fun Stuff

• Jun 6–7, Big West Wine Fest (Guerneville), More info wine, redwoods, and a very good weekend excuse to get out of the city

• Jun 5, 12, 19, 26, Drag Me Downtown, 4:30pm, More info 📍 drag performances in different neighborhoods around the city, free and fabulous

• Jun 8, Save Me SF — Film Premiere, 7:30pm, RSVP 📍Marina Theatre, SF film premiere and the kind of event worth showing up for

• Jun 12, SF Story Fest @ Herbst Theatre, 8pm, Tickets storytelling on one of SF’s most beautiful stages

• Jun 13, Northern California Soy and Tofu Festival, 11am–5pm, More info 📍Gough & Geary yes this is a real festival and yes it’s going to be delicious

• Jun 14, Trinket Trade @ Mission Dolores Park, 1pm, RSVP bring your trinkets, trade your trinkets, meet people who also have trinkets

• Jun 19, Friday Nights at OMCA (Oakland), 5–9pm, More info 📍1000 Oak Street Oakland Museum goes late on Fridays with food trucks and live programming

• Jun 11, Valencia Live — Monthly Street Party, 5–10pm, More info 📍Valencia St between 16th and 19th Valencia Street closes down once a month and it is always a good time

• Jun 20–21, North Beach Festival, 11am–7pm, More info 📍Columbus Ave and Green St one of SF’s oldest street festivals

• Jun 20–21, SF Dragon Boat Festival @ Lake Merced, 8am–5pm, More info 📍1 Harding Rd dragon boat racing at Lake Merced, free to watch and genuinely exciting

• Jun 27, VIOLET: Art x Tech Exhibition, 1–5pm, RSVP 📍Jettison Creative art meets tech in an intimate exhibition

Heads up for July 🎟️ If you're planning ahead - grab tickets for the Dracula Ballet before they sell out. Tickets - this one looks stunning and July will come faster than you think 🧛‍♀️

People often ask me how I make these lists. It’s actually a lot of work - going through different sources, getting messages from event hosts, filtering through everything… and in the end, trying to create a list of the most fun events I’d genuinely go to myself :) Hope you enjoy it 💛

Say hi if you see me around the city
Xo Xo,
Your SF Girl Chronicle (Nastya)

Took this photo a year ago at Union Street Festival :)

Here’s my curated list just for you:

• May 27, The Last Dinner Party @ Fox Theatre (Oakland), Tickets one of the most exciting bands right now

• May 28, Chinatown After Dark Meets SOMA Nights, 5–9pm, Tickets 📍1145 Folsom St Yuka Yu, Syd Gris, Kazukat and more.

• May 28–June 7, SF Documentary Festival***, More info documentaries that actually make you think

• May 29, Scottish Ceilidh Dance + Live Music (Berkeley), 7:30–9:30pm, RSVP $12 live music and traditional dancing, isn’t this fun?

• May 29–31, San Jose Greek Festival (San Jose), More info food, dancing, and the best spanakopita you’ll have this year

• May 29–31, Velocity Invitational*** @ Sonoma Raceway, Tickets I’m going to this one and I cannot wait 👀 historic cars, incredible racing, Sonoma for the weekend

• May 30, SF Porchfest — 90+ Bands on Every Porch, 12–6pm, More info just walk around neighborhoods and music finds you

• May 30, Earthling*** — Experimental Outdoor Listening Party, 11am–3pm, More info outdoor, experimental, and sounds like nothing else on this list. I’m going 👀

• May 30, Parks4All Brewfest, 12–4pm, Tickets beer, the Presidio, and a good cause

• May 30, Lakeshore Spring Festival (Oakland), 11am–7pm, More info one of Oakland’s best neighborhood festivals

• May 30, FuelFest (Pleasanton), 2–9pm, Tickets $54, 700+ cars and drifting action

• May 30, Patchwork Craft Fair (Redwood City), 11am–5pm, More info handmade goods, local makers, and a beautiful outdoor square

• May 30, Prom Ball Night*** by Outies @ In-N-Out, RSVP via app dressing up sounds very fun and also very chaotic (if you know what I mean)

• May 30–31, Bay Area Book Festival*** (Berkeley), More info Downtown Berkeley taken over by books and the people who love them. I want to check this one out — free and genuinely great

• May 30–31, SJMADE Fest (San Jose), 11am–6pm, More info handmade, local, and worth the trip

• May 31, The Labyrinth*** + Moulin Rouge! @ The Castro Theatre, Tickets & Tickets Iconic films at one of SF’s most beautiful theaters

• May 31–June 7, SF Queer Art & Music Festival, More info kicking off Pride month the right way

  ---

  Say hi if you see me around the city
  Xo Xo,
  Your SF Girl Chronicle (Nastya) 🙃

  SF Girl Chronicle is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.

  

After Bay to Breakers it looks like everyone decided to take a little rest, but there are still some really fun things happening this week. Here’s my curated list just for you:

• May 19, BØRNS @ The Guild Theatre, Tickets, dreamy, cinematic, and best heard live

• May 20, BØRNS @ The UC Theatre (Berkeley), Tickets second night, better price, great venue

• May 21, Third Thursdays on Treat, 5–9pm, More info 📍957 Treat Ave, local vendors, good energy, free neighborhood street party in the Mission

• May 21, 1st Annual Cole Valley Nights Short Film Fest, 4–9pm, More info 📍Cole St & Parnassus St - first edition of a film festival on the street.

• May 22, Wild Nothing @ Great American Music Hall, Tickets dreamy indie at one of SF’s best venues

• May 22, Lenny Kravitz @ Thunder Valley Casino Resort, Tickets

• May 22, Fort Mason Night Market, 5–10pm, More info local makers, handmade finds, and the bay right there

• May 22–24, BottleRock Napa Valley (Napa), Waitlist sold out but there’s a waitlist 🥲

• May 22–24, FoodieLand Night Market (Daly City), 1–10pm, Tickets 📍Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave, $20 three days of food vendors, night market energy, and eating way more than planned

• May 23, San Francisco Fashion Week, 1pm, Tickets 📍Open Air Gallery at AAACC, 762 Fulton St, $12 SF does fashion week and it’s going to be a moment

• May 23–24, Carnaval Festival, 11am–6pm, More info 📍Harrison St & 24th St one of SF’s most vibrant festivals. music, dancing, color everywhere. free and unmissable

• May 24, SF MoMA — Free Community Day, 10am–5pm, More info one of SF’s best museums and it’s free, no excuse not to go

Say hi if you see me around the city
Xo Xo,
Your SF Girl Chronicle (Nastya)

P.S. small ask — reply to this email with "hi" (or anything really) and move it to your main inbox if it landed in Promotions. Google has trust issues and this helps a lot 🙏

This week is serving concerts, markets, festivals, and a hat party at MoMA. Oh and Bay to Breakers is this Sunday. Not bad for a random week in May.

Here's my carefully gathered list for this week:

• May 11, Demi Lovato — It’s Not That Deep Tour 📍 Chase Center, Tickets

• May 12–June 7, Shakespeare Over My Shoulder, Tickets 📍533 Sutter intimate Shakespeare in a small space.

• May 14, Valencia Live — Monthly Street Party, 5–10pm, More info 📍Valencia St between 16th and 19th. food, music, that Mission energy

• May 15, Florence and the Machine — Everybody Scream Tour 📍 Chase Center, Tickets

• May 15, Castro Night Market, 5–9pm, More info 📍18th St & Castro St queer joy, local vendors, good food, and a street that knows how to throw a party

• May 15–17, The Promenade of Mermaids: Flash Mob, Parade & Dance Party (Sacramento), 4–7pm, More info 📍1110 Front Street mermaids, parade, dance party - worth the drive

• May 16, Cat Power @ The Masonic, Tickets

• May 16, Yumi Zouma @ The Independent, More info

• May 16, The Oaklash Festival (Oakland), 1pm–1:30am, Tickets 📍485 9th St, Oakland’s drag extravaganza

• May 16, The Wardrobe Project Flea (Oakland), 10am–5pm, More info 📍Rockridge BART pre-loved fashion at the BART station.

• May 16, Secondhand Saturday, 10am–4pm, More info 📍1994 37th Ave the Sunset does its neighborhood secondhand sale. free to browse, dangerous to your wallet

• May 16, Art Swap: Coqtail Hour Launch 📍 Kindred Studio, 6–8pm, RSVP — swap art, drink cocktails, meet creative people.

• May 16–17, Annual Berkeley Himalayan Fair (Berkeley), 10am–7pm, More info 📍1301 Shattuck Ave. Himalayan food, crafts, and culture in Berkeley.

• May 16–17, Marin Irish Festival (San Rafael), 10am–6pm, Tickets 📍Lagoon Park, $30–50 a proper Irish festival across the bridge.

• May 16, Bus Stop 126th Anniversary Block Party, 12–8pm, More info 📍Bus Stop Saloon, 1901 Union St one of SF’s oldest bars turns 126 and throws a block party

• May 17, SFMOMA Hat Party for Matisse Exhibit Opening, 11am–3pm, Tickets — wear a hat, see Matisse, drink something nice

• May 17, Vintage Popup + Closet Sale, 11am–4pm, RSVP 📍1206 Fulton St vintage finds and closet cleanouts in one place. free and always good

• May 17, Bay to Breakers, 8am–1pm, Tickets — SF’s most chaotic and beloved race.

Say hi if you see me around the city

Xo Xo,
Your SF Girl Chronicle (Nastya)