Despite the fact that there’s no proof that Mark Twain actually said the coldest winter he ever spent was a summer in San Francisco, if he had said it, he wouldn’t have been wrong. But we’re San Franciscans, which means we don’t let a little thing like the fact that our summer lacks stereotypically summery things (i.e. high temperatures and sunshine) derail our fun. After all, we don’t need blue skies to be able to enjoy outdoor concerts, street fairs, and food festivals; all we need is a puffy jacket, a few bucks, and a good attitude. So what are you waiting for? Go forth and maximize your SF summer, and just be sure to enjoy that sunshine if and when you can get it.
Go to a pedal-powered celebration
August 3
Jack London Square
Pedalfest brings over 20,000 bike lovers to Jack London Square to check out an amphibious bike race, art bikes, daredevil stunts, live music on a pedal-powered stage, a kid’s bike rodeo, and vintage bikes. There’ll be food too, of course.
Cost: Admission is free
Enjoy a free Brit-rock concert
August 4
Outer Sunset
The Psychedelic Furs and James are both performing at this free concert in the park. Will you know any James songs other than “Laid”? Maybe not, but it will still be a fun show. Bring a picnic, wine, beer, and anything else you need to make the most of your Sunday.
Cost: Free
Celebrate Jerry Garcia’s birthday
August 4
McLaren Park
Jerry Day celebrates one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time with free performances by bands you’ll definitely dig if you’re a fan of Jerry’s music.
Cost: Free
Go to a three-day music festival in the park
August 9-August 11
Golden Gate Park
Paul Simon, Childish Gambino, and Twenty One Pilots are headlining this year’s Outside Lands festival in Golden Gate Park. You’ll also find gourmet eats, great beer, wine, cocktails, comedy, art, and -- if this year is like every other year -- unseasonably cold weather that requires copious amounts of layers.
Cost: Tickets from $155
Watch Pink Martini play at an outdoor concert
August 11
Outer Sunset
Pink Martini is known for its globe-trotting big band sound and features over a dozen musicians who performs songs in 25 languages. This is your chance to see them for free, at the outdoor Stern Grove Festival.
Cost: Free
Wrap up the Stern Grove Festival season with a performance from the Isley Brothers
August 18
Outer Sunset
Get ready to dance as R&B legends The Isley Brothers take the stage to perform hits like “Shout” and “Between the Sheets”. This is the final Stern Grove Festival concert of the season, so make the most of it.
Cost: Free
Go to SF’s premier food, wine, and spirits event
August 24
Dogpatch
Eat Drink SF is changing its format this year with two grand tastings on Saturday at The Midway. Your ticket gets you bites and sips from the city’s best chefs, wineries, and bartenders. Get VIP if you want to go inside 45 minutes early and get access to an area with caviar, premium chocolate, and top shelf spirits.
Cost: GA: $129; VIP: $229
Watch a free performance of 'As You Like It'
August 31, September 2, September 7- September 8
Presidio
All the world’s a stage, especially at this free performance of Shakespeare’s pastoral comedy that takes place on the Main Parade Lawn in the Presidio. The shows all start at 2pm, although like with any free event in SF, you should get there early if you want to find a good spot for your blanket.
Cost: Free
Go to a gala for a very good cause
September 7
Union Square
The GLIDE Legacy Gala, probably SF’s most well-attended young professional gala, takes over August Hall to raise money for GLIDE programs and its 50+ year legacy of love, leadership, and community.
Cost: GA: $80 to $100; VIP: $150 to $170; Legacy: $500
Watch free opera in the park
September 8
Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park
Celebrate the opening of the San Francisco Opera’s 97th season with an afternoon of arias alfresco and other operatic favorites.
Cost: Free
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