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San Francisco Event Calendar
January 2009
Re-Cycle — Jan 2009 (monthly) Space 550Don't expect to remain stationary for long when you visit Re-cycle - this is high-energy clubbing to what's billed as "great dance music spun by the professionals." | |
Mass — Jan 2009 (monthly) 1015 FolsomThis Sunday T-dance leaves the lads gagging for the next monthly onslaught of hard house, trance and techno at Club 1015 Folsom. | |
Anniversary of the Sea Lions' Arrival — Jan 2009 (annual) Pier 39San Francisco's Pier 39 celebrates the anniversary of the arrival of a troupe of sea lions in the Bay. Visitors can get up close to hundreds of sea lions and talk with experts from the Marine Mammal Center. | Pier 39's famous inhabitants. Photo courtesy of Jack Hollingsworth, San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau |
Dine About Town San Francisco — 15 - 31 Jan 2009 (various dates) San FranciscoSan Francisco's Dine About Town event takes place twice a year. Many of the city's best restaurants offer prix-fixe lunches at US$21.95 and dinner at US$34.95. | Fine dining, San Francisco-style. Photo courtesy San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau |
FIM World Championship Supercross: San Francisco — 31 Jan 2009 (annual) AT&T ParkFIM World Championship Supercross comes to AT&T Park in San Francisco. The series combines outrageous jumps with flat-out speed, making each and every race a spectacular event. | James Stewart catches some serious air during the Amp'd Mobile Supercross Series. Copyright Steve Bruhn, Motonews.com |
Yves Saint Laurent — 1 Nov 2008 - 1 Mar 2009; not Mon de Young MuseumYves Saint Laurent was undoubtedly one of the greatest designers of the 20th century. San Francisco's de Young Museum celebrates his unique vision with over 100 accessorised garments and sketches illustrating the lines, colours, and fundamentals of his work. | Evening Gown in Tribute to Georges Braque. Spring-Summer 1988. Foundation Pierre Bergé - Yves Saint Laurent. Photo: Alexandre Guirkinger |
Golden Gate Bridge — Daily Golden Gate BridgeMillions of people visit the iconic Golden Gate Bridge each year and walk along the entire 2.7km-long span to take in the beautiful views of the city and bay. Wrap up though as it can be windy and cold. | Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco. Courtesy of San Francisco Convention Visitors Board |
Exploratorium — Daily; not Mon ExploratoriumThe Exploratorium houses over 600 interactive exhibits exploring the science of light, colour, sound and more. Founded in 1969 by physicist Dr Frank Oppenheimer, this museum in the Marina District is widely considered the finest science museum in the world. | Exploratorium, San Francisco. Photo by Amy Snyder, © The Exploratorium |
Fisherman's Wharf — Daily Fisherman's WharfFisherman's Wharf is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. Highlights include the Pier 39 amusement park, submarine tours, seafood street vendors, a two-story aquarium, and hundreds of sea lions basking and barking on the docks. | Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco. Courtesy of San Francisco Convention Visitors Board |
Lombard Street — Daily Lombard StreetThe winding one-block stretch of Lombard Street on Russian Hill is famously known as the "crookedest street in the world" and draws hundreds of visitors daily. Visitors can either drive down the brick-lined street or walk along the flower-lined staircases. | Lombard Street, San Francisco. © Tobias/Paraflyer, Germany |
San Francisco Zoo — Daily San Francisco ZooLocated in the south-west corner of the city, San Francisco Zoo's 405m² space is home to over 250 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The Bear Grotto is mesmerising and there's a wonderful Children's Zoo as well. | San Francisco Zoo, San Francisco. Courtesy of San Francisco Zoo |
Cable Car Museum — Daily Cable Car MuseumAlong with historic displays, the Cable Car Museum in Russian Hill also houses the massive engines and repair facility for the entire cable car system. The lower-level viewing room displays the huge pulleys and gears that move the underground cables. | Cable Car Museum, San Francisco. Photo by Judith (Yud) Zer-Aviv |
111 Minna Gallery — Daily 111 Minna GalleryThe 111 Minna Gallery offers a unique opportunity for San Franciscans to dance, drink and take in some art - all under one roof. | San Francisco from above, USA |
Amoeba Records — Daily Amoeba RecordsThis cavernous Amoeba Records store on upper Haight Street houses one of the US's best selections of new and used records and CDs, including many independent labels. The heavily tattooed staff are happy to recommend some great music for you. | Amoeba Records, San Francisco. Photo by Jade H |
City Lights Books — Daily City Lights BooksFounded in 1953, this literary landmark in North Beach is owned by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, the renowned Beat Generation poet. Three-level City Lights Books carries a comprehensive collection of world literature, art and political paperbacks, as well as more mainstream books. | City Lights Books, San Francisco |
Biordi Art Imports — Daily; not Sun Biordi Art ImportsFor more than 60 years the owner of Biordi Art Imports has been importing decorative Italian Majolica-style ceramics to sell at his store in North Beach. These exquisite hand-painted collectibles range from coffee cups and vases to 12-piece dinner sets. | Biordi Art Imports, San Francisco |
Li Po's Cocktail Lounge — Daily Li Po Cocktail LoungeAn eerily dim cave-like Chinatown dive bar that was once an opium den, Li Po's Cocktail Lounge has an alluring character with a dusty clutter of Asian furnishings and exotic mementos. Try the Special Mai Tai cocktail. | Li Po's Cocktail Lounge, San Francisco. Photo by Sean Clare |
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art — Daily; not Wed San Francisco Museum of Modern ArtThe Mario Botta-designed US$65-million San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, a landmark in the SoMa District, houses the West Coast's most comprehensive collection of 20th-century painting, sculpture and photography. Be sure to visit the MuseumStore for fine gifts and souvenirs. | San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco. Photo by Richard Barnes, © San Francisco Museum of Modern Art |
The Stud — Daily The StudSomething of a San Francisco institution, gay club The Stud has been running for a whopping 35 years and the fun shows no sign of abating. | The Stud |
Golden Gate Park — Daily Golden Gate ParkThe enormous Golden Gate Park is San Francisco's largest urban park and a magnet for those looking for a spot of outdoor activity. Arranged in a long rectangle, the park contains a beautiful Japanese tea garden and two lakes. | Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. Courtesy of San Francisco Convention Visitors Board |
AT&T Park — Daily AT&T ParkHome of the San Francisco Giants Major League Baseball team, the AT&T Park in South Beach is considered one of the finest ballparks in America. Baseball season runs April to October, but daily guided park tours are available year-round. | AT&T Park, San Francisco. Courtesy of San Francisco Convention Visitors Board |
Alcatraz Island — Daily Alcatraz IslandThe 2.5-hour Alcatraz Island excursion is a major attraction in San Francisco. The headphone-audio tour inside the infamous prison is exceptional, and the boat ride offers beautiful views of the bay. Purchase tickets as far in advance as possible. | Alcatraz Island, San Francisco. Courtesy of National Park Service |
Zeum — Daily; not Mon or Tue ZeumLocated within SoMa District's Yerba Buena Gardens, Zeum is an innovative multimedia, arts and technology museum designed just kids. Highlights include an animation studio, music lab and digital workshop, as well as a 1906 carousel, bowling alley and ice-skating rink. | Zeum, San Francisco. Courtesy of Zeum |
Coit Tower — Daily Coit TowerLocated atop Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower offers the best panoramic views of the city. Inside the 64m tower is a rotunda with several murals of California. Take the elevator to the top floor observation area for even better views. | Coit Tower, San Francisco. Courtesy of San Francisco Convention Visitors Board |
China Beach — Daily China BeachChina Beach (Chinese fishermen have camped here since Gold Rush times) is in the Seacliff neighbourhood of San Francisco. Tucked away and secluded, a trip here is a laid-back affair, so don't expect the California beach scene from further south. Don't let that put you off - it's still a great place to come to relax. | Details of the architecture in San Francisco's famous Chinatown, USA |
Trannyshack — Tue only The StudCrossdressing gets a trashy, alternative twist at Trannyshack, taking place on Tuesdays at The Stud. Image © © Whatsonwhen | Drag |
Muir Woods — Daily Muir WoodsMajestic Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) trees soar into the sky at Muir Woods. Named after conservationist John Muir, this park is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and contains many fine specimens of these magnificent trees; one of the last remaining stands in the San Francisco area. The area is great for walking, hiking and nature-spotting. | The soaring coast redwoods of Muir Woods, San Francisco, USA |
Cherry Bar and Lounge — Daily Cherry Bar and LoungeA new dance club, the Cherry Bar and Lounge has been a long time coming for San Francisco's lesbians. Entertainment varies nightly, ranging from strip shows and wine tastings to network nights and comedy. The music is diverse and covers oldies, pop music and hip-hop. Video games and pool tables make this a good place to chill out too. | |
Brought to Light: Photography and the Invisible, 1840-1900 — 11 Oct 2008 - 4 Jan 2009; not Wed San Francisco Museum of Modern ArtWith instruments such as microscopes, scientists have captured many hidden realms. Brought to Light at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art explores the role of photography in science with examples of early scientific (and pseudoscientific) photography.
Double down: Two Visions of Vegas — 18 Sep 2008 - 4 Jan 2009; not Wed San Francisco Museum of Modern ArtKnown as Sin City, Las Vegas was founded on the lure of conspicuous consumption. In Double Down at San Francisco's Museum of Modern Art, artists Olivo Barbieri and Stephen Dean offer video visions of the notorious city.
Red Melon — Jan 2009 (monthly) DNA LoungeFamed for their Water Melon boat parties in San Francisco Bay, the Melon crew have now set up a monthly house night at the DNA Lounge.
Martin Puryear Prints — 13 Sep 2008 - 11 Jan 2009; not Mon de Young MuseumInsights acquired from one medium can influence the manner in which one approaches another, as this retrospective at de Young Museum shows. Celebrating artist Martin Puryear, the display showcases a collection of his prints created after years of exploring sculpturing.
Maya Lin: Systematic Landscapes — 25 Oct 2008 - 18 Jan 2009; not Mon de Young MuseumTalented American artist Maya Lin is best known for her 1981 minimalist Vietnam Veterans Memorial sculpture. Systematic Landscapes, at San Francisco's de Young Museum, showcases her new drawings, sculptures and installations, which address our fragile connection to the environment.
Asian/American/Modern Art: Shifting Currents, 1900-1970 — 25 Oct 2008 - 18 Jan 2009; not Mon de Young MuseumThe first comprehensive survey of artists of Asian ancestry who lived and worked in the USA in the 20th century, Shifting Currents at San Francisco's de Young Museum is a multi-medium exhibit comprised of around 100 works by 60 artists.
Passageworks: Contemporary Art from the Collection — 25 Oct 2008 - 19 Jan 2009; not Wed San Francisco Museum of Modern ArtIt's the predicament of in-betweens, be it straddling the line between belonging and exile or navigation and translation that is explored in Passageworks, a multi-medium exhibit at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Highlights include works by Tacita Dean.
Berlin and Beyond Film Festival — 15 - 21 Jan 2009 (annual) Castro TheatreSan Francisco's Castro Theatre hosts the annual Berlin and Beyond Film Festival, a unique event allowing Californians to enjoy new cinema from Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Word — Jan 2009 (monthly) Rawhide IIBrought to you by Massive Selector, this club night features some of the finest hip-hop, original breaks, reggae dancehall and funky house from resident DJs the Unsung Heroes (PantyROBber, D-soul-IV-reel, and DJ Politik), along with 100-Proof, Malex and special guests.
Miss Chinatown USA Pageant — 31 Jan 2009 (annual) Palace of Fine ArtsA highlight of San Francisco's Chinese New Year festivities, the lavish annual Miss Chinatown USA Pageant at the Palace of Fine Arts welcomes contestants from all over the US, and the winner is flown to Hong Kong to challenge for the Miss Asia title.
Sketch Fest — 15 - 31 Jan 2009 (annual) San FranciscoHeld at venues around the city, including the Eureka Theatre and the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, San Francisco's 17-day Sketch Fest presents around 50 artists, so no matter what tickles your funny bone, something will suit your taste.
Noir City — 23 Jan - 1 Feb 2009 (annual) Castro TheatreEach year the Castro Theatre hosts Noir City, a celebration of Film Noir and period cinema. The Castro digs deep to find these films, many of which are unavailable in any home format.
In the Name of God: War, Religion, and the Reliquaries of Al Farrow — 8 Nov 2008 - 15 Feb 2009; not Mon de Young MuseumThe intertwined links between religious institutions and political, cultural and military goals are central to this exhibition at San Francisco's de Young Museum. It showcases artist Al Farrows' beautifully crafted and thought-provoking replicas of various religious iconography.
Shimon Attie Sightings: The Ecology of an Art Museum — 25 Oct 2008 - 22 Feb 2009; not Mon de Young MuseumIt is easy to simplify the structure of an exhibition. Artist Shimon Attie sheds light on complexity of a display by exploring relationships between works of art and museum visitors and staff at this exhibit at the de Young Museum.
New Work: Mai-Thu Perret — 21 Nov 2008 - 1 Mar 2009; not Wed San Francisco Museum of Modern ArtNew Work: Mai-Thu Perret is a multi-dimensional exhibition at San Francisco's Museum of Modern Art featuring new sculptures and ceramics by the talented Swiss artist. The show is an extension of her Crystal Frontier project.
Transpop: Korea/Vietnam Remix — 6 Dec 2008 - 22 Mar 2009; not Mon Yerba Buena Center for the ArtsThought-provoking and innovative art by 16 artists from Vietnam, Korea and their respective Diasporas in the United States makes up Transpop, an exhibition exploring the representations of modernity at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.
San Francisco Graphic Design 2009 — 16 Jan - 12 Apr 2009; not Mon San Francisco Museum of Craft & DesignFrom Barbara Vick to Philippe Becker, San Francisco Graphic Design 2009 at the San Francisco Museum of Craft & Design showcases works by leading-edge San Francisco and Bay Area-based graphic designers, juxtaposing iconic images with revolutionary 21st-century designs.
Through Future Eyes: YAAW Students Select — 24 Apr 2008 - 5 Jul 2009; not Mon Yerba Buena Center for the ArtsThrough Future Eyes: YAAW Students Select at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts presents work chosen by Young Artists at Work (YAAW), the centre's innovative educative programme that offers hands-on experience in curating, art-making and art criticism.
Release — Sat only 1015 FolsomSaturday's Release at 1015 Folsom is the longest-running club in San Francisco, with a state-of-the-art sound and light system, a staggering six floors of music and an excellent DJ line-up. Deep Dish head a group of resident DJs bringing you some of the finest deep house and trance.
La Rosa — Daily La RosaOf the many vintage clothing shops along upper Haight Street, La Rosa offers the best selection of high-quality, upscale and dry-cleaned second-hand goods. Formal suits and dresses are its speciality, but you'll also find sport coats, slacks and shoes.
Gimme Shoes — Daily Gimme ShoesGimme Shoes in Hayes Valley is the city's trendiest footwear emporium, selling the latest boots, heels, athletic shoes, loafers, sandals and accessories for both men and women. Brands range from Paul Smith and Puma to many lesser-known European designers.
The Mint Karaoke Lounge — Daily The Mint Karaoke LoungeThe Mint Karaoke Lounge is the best-known karaoke bar in the Castro, with over 3000 song selections and a crowd as diverse in their looks as their taste. The martinis here are wickedly large, liquid courage for approaching the microphone.
The End Up — Daily The End UpMany San Francisco clubbers party at The End Up until early in the morning. In the SoMa District, it programmes world-class DJs who spin dance tunes for a diverse clientele. There's a different nightclub every evening, so check their website.
Mezzanine — Daily MezzanineMezzanine, located in the SOMA District, is one of the most modern dance venues in San Francisco with state-of-the-art laser technology. A diverse crowd dances to live music from various genres, as well as some of the world's best DJs.
Devotion — Sun only The End UpOne of San Francisco's premier clubs, The End Up, hosts the deep house night Devotion, a classic on the Bay Area club scene. Attracting a soulful and sophisticated crowd, the night boasts a roster of distinguished guests to keep the spirit of Sunday partying alive. Ruben Mancias is the resident DJ.
Sugar — Sat only The StudOn Saturdays San Francisco queer clubbing gets sweet with Sugar, the mixed gay and lesbian night at The Stud.
The Cafe — Daily The CafeOne of San Franciso's most popular clubs, The Cafe is a Castro classic. Frequented by boys and girls, young and tanned, who jive away to Hi-NRG top 40 tunes, the three dance floors are always rammed. There are three bars, pool tables, a heated patio and a great balcony overlooking Market and Castro.
Aquarium of the Bay — Daily Aquarium of the BayFrom rays and leopard sharks to tide pool animals and starfish, San Francisco's Aquarium of the Bay, adjacent to the buzzing Pier 33, showcases the diverse local aquatic life and distinctive ecosystems through a range of activities and exhibits.
Shreve — Daily ShreveDo you need a trinket or bauble that makes a statement? Shreve, in the heart of the city's shopping and retail district, is the place to pick up everything from diamond solitaires to jewel-encrusted watches. You'll look like a million bucks.
Sonic — Fri only 1015 FolsomStalwarts of the San Fran clubbing scene, event promoters, label producers and retailers, Spundae know how to put on a party, and the regular Sonic night at the excellent 1015 Folsom is no exception.
The Red Room — Daily The Red RoomIt's hip, it's packed, and it's all red. Perfect cocktails - especially the Cosmopolitan - are the Red Room's calling card. You'll find it in the TenderNob area, and if you can get in the door you just might meet the boy or girl of your dreams - just don't wear sunglasses or you'll probably knock them over.
Abstract Rhythms: Paul Klee and Devendra Banhart — Daily; not Wed San Francisco Museum of Modern ArtA permanent exhibit at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Abstract Rhythms highlights the importance of music in the art of renowned Swiss painter, Paul Klee and includes new drawings by musician and visual artist Devendra Banhart.
Club Faith — Thu only 715 HarrisonClub Faith, held every Thursday at 715 Harrison, is a truly eclectic addition to San Francisco's gay scene, aiming for inclusiveness and diversity both in its clientele and music.
Popscene — Thu only 330 Ritch StreetSan Francisco's premier club for the queer indie kids still in love with Britpop, Popscene takes place every Thursday at 330 Ritch Street and is friendly, with a diverse clientele. Music includes Britpop, indie, mod, 60s soul, new wave and synth.
Beach Blanket Babylon — Daily; not Mon or Tue Club FugaziA San Francisco institution, the zany, spoofy Beach Blanket Babylon combines satire, songs, outrageous costumes and top-notch comic turns.
El Rio — Daily El RioThe huge El Rio bar also has a large leafy patio area which helps to attract a very mixed and friendly crowd of all genders and types. The club also organises a programme of special events, including a Latin house club night, salsa classes, belly dancing, free oysters on the half shell, punk, funk and soul nights and outdoor film screenings.
Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center — Daily Precita Eyes Mural Arts CenterThe Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center in San Francisco's Mission District is one of only three community mural centres in the United States, dedicated to infusing colour to urban landscapes by sponsoring and implementing ongoing mural projects throughout the Bay Area and internationally.
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