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summer in san francisco

photo courtesy lacocinasf.org

photo courtesy lacocinasf.org

Mark Twain is credited with never saying ‘the coldest winter I ever spent was the summer I spent in San Francisco‘. A cute saying that was never said and with good reason. Summers in San Francisco may lean toward the chilly, so do bring a sweater, but there is plenty of sunshine to go around. And plenty to do once you arrive. Summers in San Francisco begin (at least as far as I’m concerned) with the Union Street Festival which occurred last weekend. So now that it is officially summer, here is your to do list. Best part, it’s all free….except for the beer and food you’ll be purchasing. And that cheesy sweatshirt if you forget a sweater.

North Beach Festival, June 14-15
The aforementioned beer and food, plus street painting, music, wine, people watching. This is where I first heard one of my favorite a capella groups so many years ago: The House Jacks. You never know what greatness you might discover.

Alice’s Summerthing, June 22
Radio Alice’s free summer concert in Golden Gate Park’s Sharon Meadow featuring live bands, food trucks, good old 97.3 fun.

Stern Grove Music Festival, Sundays June 22-August 24
Music every Sunday at 2pm by some of the greats: Smokey Robinson, Rufus Wainwright and Sergio Mendes are three on the docket this year. Bring your blanket and picnic basket, leave Fido at home, and enjoy some of the best music SF has to offer for free!

Fillmore Street Jazz Festival, July 5-6
Always the weekend nearest July 4, this is where I spent the day before my daughter was born, consuming anything spicy that I could get my hands on. I credit this festival for an early delivery! Great food, the very best jazz you’ll find anywhere, more people watching….

Street Food Festival, August 16
La Cocina’s final (at least for now) Street Food Festival in the Mission District. Amazing food from every corner of the globe served up to benefit one of the greatest service organizations in the City. The best people watching last year included a big strong man riding a Segue holding a tiny dog and blasting music from the 70s. Where else but San Francisco?

Opera in the Park, September 7
Bring a picnic blanket, some food and the family and enjoy opera in Golden Gate Park’s Sharon Meadow. One of my very favorite events as I feel like I’m getting a little cul-chah while I party with my pack.

Comedy Day, September 14
Golden Gate Park’s Sharon Meadow hosts 5 hours of comedy, 40 comedians. My stomach already hurts. Bring the kids, a blanket, Fido (unless you take MUNI which you really should do….or walk), buy beer, wine and food on site.

Folsom Street Fair, September 21
Don’t bring the kiddies and come with an open mind checking all judgment at the door…then expect to be surprised.  Fetishists galore will show you things you have never even considered. You’ve gotta go at least once.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, October 3-5
Bring the family, a blanket, get on MUNI and join about a million of your friends at Warren Hellman’s best ever party in Golden Gate Park. No tickets needed, no sponsors present….just great music thanks to Warren.

Castro Street Fair, October 5
Started by Harvey Milk in 1974, the Castro Street Fair raises money via donations for benefiting organizations that contribute to running the fair. Music, food, diversity galore in a family friendly environment.

Fleet Week, October 9-13
The Blue Angels are back! Need I say more?

Anything I missed that you absolutely love? Tell me in comments. Here’s hoping for an awesome summer in the city,
Leslie