Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [24]
Opera in the Park, usually in Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park. Each year the San Francisco Opera launches its season with a free concert featuring a selection of arias. Call 415/861-4008 to confirm the location and date. Usually the Sunday after Labor Day.
Folsom Street Fair, along Folsom Street between 7th and 12th streets, the area south of Market Street (SoMa), from 11am to 6pm. This is a local favorite for its kinky, outrageous, leather-and-skin gay-centric blowout celebration. It’s hard-core, so only open-minded and adventurous types need head into the leather-clad and partially dressed crowds. For info call 415/861-3247 or visit www.folsomstreetfair.org. Last Sunday of September.
OCTOBER
Fleet Week, Marina and Fisherman’s Wharf. Residents gather along the Marina Green, the Embarcadero, Fisherman’s Wharf, and other vantage points to watch incredible (and loud!) aerial performances by the Blue Angels and other daring stunt pilots, as well as the annual parade of ships. Call 650/599-5057 or visit www.fleetweek.us for details and dates.
Artspan Open Studios, various San Francisco locations. Find an original piece of art to commemorate your trip, or just see what local artists are up to by grabbing a map to over 800 artists’ studios that are open to the public during weekends in October and May. Call 415/861-9838 or visit www.artspan.org for more information.
Castro Street Fair, the Castro. Celebrate life in the city’s most famous gay neighborhood. Call 415/841-1824 or visit www.castrostreetfair.org for information. First Sunday in October, from 11am to 6pm.
Italian Heritage Parade, North Beach and Fisherman’s Wharf. The city’s Italian community leads the festivities around Fisherman’s Wharf, celebrating Columbus’s landing in America with a parade along Columbus Avenue. But for the most part, it’s a great excuse to hang out in North Beach and people-watch. For information, call 415/587-8282 or visit www.sfcolumbusday.org. Observed the Sunday before Columbus Day.
Exotic Erotic Halloween Ball, the Cow Palace, on the southern outskirts of San Francisco. Thousands come here dressed in costume, lingerie, and sometimes even less than that. It’s a wild fantasy affair with bands, dancing, and costume contests. Beware: It can be somewhat cheesy. Advance tickets range from $60 to $125 per person. For information, call 415/567-BALL (2255) or visit www.exoticeroticball.com. Mid-October weekend.
Halloween, the Castro. This once huge street party has been tamed down by city officials in recent years to curb violence and prevent the increasing influx of out-of-towners into the neighborhood. Castro denizens still whoop it up with music and drag costume contests, but if you go to gawk, you’ll be disappointed. October 31.
San Francisco Jazz Festival, various San Francisco locations. This festival presents eclectic programming in an array of fabulous jazz venues throughout the city. With close to 3 weeks of nightly entertainment and dozens of performers, the jazz festival is a hot ticket. Past events have featured Herbie Hancock, Dave Brubeck, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Wayne Shorter, and Bill Frisell. For information, call 800/850-SFJF (7353) or 415/788-7353 or visit www.sfjazz.org. Also check the website for other events throughout the year. Late October and early November.
Treasure Island Music Festival, Treasure Island. Bands and crowds take over this East Bay landfill island (and former U.S. Navy base) for the weekend. Free shuttle from AT&T Park. Visit www.treasureislandfestival.com. Mid-October.
The Treasure Island Music Festival rocks in October,