Fun Things to Do in San Francisco This Weekend
Peruse Oakland’s newest night market, stop to smell the magnolias, celebrate the Noise Pop Festival’s 30th anniversary, and more in San Francisco this weekend.
Time flies, especially during the shortest month of the year, which means March is nearly upon us, which serves as a small reminder to have the most fun now because 2023 is in full effect. You can do that in a ton of ways this weekend. See a fantastic new play set in San Francisco at A.C.T., go to several dance parties, look at the magnolias in bloom, enjoy a ton of indie bands perform at Noise Pop, eat a bunch of delicious food, peruse Oakland’s newest night market, drink wine in Napa, and more.
Friday, February 24 – Sunday, February 26
Tony Rembe Theatre, Union Square
“The Headlands,” a new play from Christopher Chen, is an homage to film noir, a love letter to the San Francisco only true locals understand, and a compelling look at what happens when children grow up and begin to understand the complicated lives of their parents outside of them. It all unfolds as a murder mystery as the protagonist, Henry, an SF native with a love of true crime, sets out to solve a cold case involving his father's death. Follow the clues as they take the characters to iconic spots in the City, all while life-changing truths begin to unravel. The Headlands is gripping, heart-wrenching, and full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final scene. Don’t sit on this one; it only runs through March 5.
Cost: Tickets start at $52
Friday, February 24 – Sunday, February 26
Various venues in SF
The Noise Pop Festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a lineup of “iconic indie-rock darlings, boundary-defying up-and-coming acts, rare reunion shows, anniversary album plays, and Bay Area debuts from international performers, along with more than 100 local performers found here in the Bay Area.” Check out the schedule to fill your weekend with amazing music, including some free happy hour shows.
Cost: Free to $40
Friday, February 24 – Sunday, February 26
Marin Center Exhibit Hall, San Rafael
The exhibitors for this arts and crafts festival, which celebrates handcrafted design, are carefully curated, so you’ll find only the best products, including textiles, stained glass, furniture, ceramics, metalwork, jewelry, recovered architectural objects, repurposed wood and iron, clothing, artifacts, estate finds, photography, paintings, and sculpture.
Cost: Free
Friday, February 24 – Sunday, February 26
Downtown Napa
WineD is celebrating the mustard season in Napa with three days of sips and bites. Your passport gives you a glass-and-bite pairing at over 20 Napa tasting rooms, including California Brandy House, JaM Cellars, Robert Craig, WALT Napa, and more.
Cost: $125
Friday, February 24 – Sunday, February 26
Ferry Building, Embarcadero
Every year, a group of local Bay Area artists creates heart sculptures that are auctioned to support SF General Hospital and Trauma Center and the promise of accessible and equitable health care for all in our city. The hearts are only on display for a few more days, so go check them out and maybe even bid on one that hasn’t sold yet.
Cost: Free
Friday, February 24 – Sunday, February 26
SF Botanical Garden, Golden Gate Park
Peak bloom season is here, people. Don’t miss your chance to see one of the most significant collections of Magnolias in the US doing their thing on the branches of more than 200 trees throughout the Botanical Garden. These beautiful trees only bloom when they bloom, so grab your proof of residency if you live in SF and get there ASAP. Don’t worry; there’s a map, so you won’t miss a single bloom.
Cost: Free for SF residents
Friday, February 24 – Sunday, February 26
Town Fare Cafe, Lake Merritt
Town Fare Cafe is hosting a four-day “Feeding the Culture” Black History Month celebration organized by Chef Michele McQueen to gather people and connect over food and wine, culture, entertainment, and education by spotlighting Black chefs, restaurateurs, entertainers, and musicians. The fun and food start Thursday with a 7-course dinner ($125) and a Shrimp & Grits taste-off on Friday ($40). On Saturday, there’s a “Live Conversation with Astor Chambers of Culture Raises Us,” which includes an honest and challenging conversation about how to get smart on taking action as empowered stewards of culture with drinks and bites available for purchase (free). The celebration closes Sunday with a Sunday Soul Jazz Brunch ($59) featuring Southern soul food and live jazz.
Cost: Free to $125
Friday, February 24
Bayview Opera House, Bayview
Spend Friday evening at an event focusing on reparations and Afro-Futurism at the Bayview Opera House. Traversing Worlds: Our Lives In The Absence of Justice is a free Afatasi Experience that includes a panel on reparations, an art exhibition, and an Afro-Futurist fashion show.
Cost: Free
Friday, February 24
Agency Oakland, East Oakland
From the folks behind Agency Oakland and Black Joy Parade comes Oakland’s newest all-ages night market. “Bricktown Nights” will have something for everyone, including 100 vendors selling food, drinks, handmade products, and more, DJs on two stages, wellness gurus, free yoga and pilates classes, a kid-centric space with face painting and a bouncy house, and more.
Cost: Admission is free
Saturday, February 25
The Midway, Dogpatch
Paul Oakenfold is taking his place behind the decks this weekend for a late afternoon, early evening set at The Midway. The show starts at 2 pm, but there are many other DJs on the lineup, so expect this dance party to go into the evening with enough time to grab dinner and be home at a reasonable hour!
Cost: $30
Sunday, February 26
The parade starts at 14th and Franklin, Downtown Oakland
The Black Joy Parade is a parade and festival celebrating the Black experience past, present, and future. This all-day event starts with a parade at 12:30 pm and is followed by a festival where you’ll find 200+ Black-owned vendors selling food, drinks, clothing, handmade items, and more; two stages with Black performers; and activities for the whole family.
Cost: Admission is free
Sunday, February 26
Terrene, Embarcadero
Beloved Bay Area chef Tanya Holland has a new cookbook, California Soul. To celebrate its arrival, Terrene at 1 Hotel San Francisco is hosting a brunch and book signing event from 10 am to 2 pm. Cocktails and signed copies of the book will be available to purchase at the event.
Cost: $85