Bay Area Events in San Francisco

January Events

Continuing…
"Beach Blanket Babylon" The nation's longest running musical.
Club Fugazi, Website: www.beachblanketbabylon.com

Sept 10, 2011 through June 10, 2012
The Art of Anatolian Kilim: Highlights from the McCoy Jones Collection
de Young Fine Arts Museum
www.famsf.org

Monday Jan 21, 2013
Grand Opening of the SF Jazz Center
The first stand-alone Jazz Center in the nation.
The 35,000 sq foot community and educational center opening at Fell and Franklin Streets in the Civic Center will offer 200 performances a year featuring performances by many of the great jazz musicians of America and the world
Information at www.sfjazz.org/center

February Events

Sept 10, 2011 through June 10, 2012
The Art of Anatolian Kilim: Highlights from the McCoy Jones Collection
de Young Fine Arts Museum
www.famsf.org

Oct 29, 2011 through Feb 12, 2012
Masters of Venice: Renaissance Paintings of Passion and Power
from the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria
de Young Fine Arts Museum
www.famsf.org

March Events

Through June 17, 2012
"The Cult of Beauty: Victorian Avant-Garde 1860 - 1900"
An examination of the British Aesthetic Movement with more than 160 works of art from private collections and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London
This is the sole American venue for this exhibition.
Info at www.legionofhonor.org
and www.famsf.org

Sept 10, 2011 through June 10, 2012
The Art of Anatolian Kilim: Highlights from the McCoy Jones Collection
de Young Fine Arts Museum
www.famsf.org

Through October 16, 2012
"California Dreaming: Jewish Life in the Bay Area from the Gold Rush to the Present"
Contemporary Jewish Museum
Info at www.thecjm.org

April Events

Coming in April 2013
The Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco’s Japantown
A Spring Street Fair featuring traditional Japanese cuisine, arts and crafts.

Through May 26, 2012
"Do Not Destroy: Trees, Art and Jewish Thought"
Exploring the subject of tree imagery through the eyes of an international group of 57 contemporary artists, inspired by the theme of the Jewish holiday 'Tu B'Shevat'
Contemporary Jewish Museum
Info at www.thecjm.org

Through May 28, 2012
Rineke Dijkstra: A Retrospective
The first large-scale American museum show to explore this Dutch artist
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Info at www.sfmoma.org

Through June 17, 2012
"The Cult of Beauty: Victorian Avant-Garde 1860 - 1900"
An examination of the British Aesthetic Movement with more than 160 works of art from private collections and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London
This is the sole American venue for this exhibition.
Info at www.legionofhonor.org
and www.famsf.org

Sept 10, 2011 through June 10, 2012
The Art of Anatolian Kilim: Highlights from the McCoy Jones Collection
de Young Fine Arts Museum
www.famsf.org

March 10 - July 8, 2012
Photography in Mexico: From the Collections of SFMOMA and Daniel Greenberg and Susan Steinhauer
A deep look into the legacy of photography in Mexico
Info at www.sfmoma.org

Through October 16, 2012
"California Dreaming: Jewish Life in the Bay Area from the Gold Rush to the Present"
Contemporary Jewish Museum
Info at www.thecjm.org

May Events

2012 is the 75th Anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge

Come join in the festivities all year round Tributes to the Bridge will include Exhibits, Lectures, Performances, Concerts and Films. For more detailed information please check: www.goldengatebridge75.org

May 26, 27, 2012
The Official Birthday Bash for the Bridge The Real Celebration is on!
This two-day waterfront festival will stretch from Fort Point beneath the Bridge across Crissy Field and Marina Green, and down Fisherman's Wharf to Pier 39.Including a historic watercraft parade, numerous music and dance stages, art installations, history and educational presentations, historic displays of cars from 1937 to the present. More events will take place at Fort Mason Center, Ghirardelli Square, the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Fisherman's Wharf and other sites.

Come Celebrate 100 Years with the San Francisco Symphony

May 5th
Cinco de Mayo Celebration in the Mission
This popular event includes dancing and parades.

May 10 – 12, 2012
Barbary Coast & Beyond:
Music from the Gold Rush to the Panama-Pacific Exposition
www.sfsymphony.org

May 11, 2012
Roger Waters
A virtual re-creation of Pink Floyd's original 1980 arena rock show, shot with new technology and a more grandiose setting than last year's performance.
AT&T Park

May 13 – 14, 2012
The New York Philharmonic and Alan Gilbert Conducting
www.sfsymphony.org

Sunday May 20, 2012
Bay to Breakers Marathon, the 101st Race this year
This 12K foot Race has 100,000+ participants, many in whimsical and wacky costumes. A truly 'only in San Francisco' event. More info at www.baytobreakers.com

Through May 26, 2012
"Do Not Destroy: Trees, Art and Jewish Thought"
Exploring the subject of tree imagery through the eyes of an international group of 57 contemporary artists, inspired by the theme of the Jewish holiday 'Tu B'Shevat'
Contemporary Jewish Museum
Info at www.thecjm.org

Sunday May 27, 2012 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Carnaval Parade in the Mission
The Bay Area’s largest annual event parade celebrating the cultures of Mexico, Central America and South America.
Contact more details at www.carnavalsf.com

Through May 28, 2012
Rineke Dijkstra: A Retrospective
The first large-scale American museum show to explore this Dutch artist
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Info at www.sfmoma.org

Coming in May
San Francisco's 55th Annual Film Festival
More details to be found at www.sffs.org

Continuing through June 22, 2012
SF Jazz Spring Season
"The front rank of Jazz Festivals" SF Chronicle
This spring schedule is highlighted by performances by Tinariwen, Ceu, the Chieftains, Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Rosanne Cash.
Various venues, details at www.sfjazz.org

Through June 17, 2012
"The Cult of Beauty: Victorian Avant-Garde 1860 - 1900"
An examination of the British Aesthetic Movement with more than 160 works of art from private collections and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London
This is the sole American venue for this exhibition.
Info at www.legionofhonor.org
and www.famsf.org

Sept 10, 2011 through June 10, 2012
The Art of Anatolian Kilim: Highlights from the McCoy Jones Collection
de Young Fine Arts Museum
www.famsf.org

March 10 - July 8, 2012
Photography in Mexico: From the Collections of SFMOMA and Daniel Greenberg and Susan Steinhauer
A deep look into the legacy of photography in Mexico
Info at www.sfmoma.org

Through August 19, 2012
The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco present the first major exhibition devoted to the celebrated French designer Jean Paul Gaultier. Dubbed fashion's 'enfant terrible', Gaultier catapulted into the fashion scene of the late 1970's upending the status quo with his unconventional approach and deriving inspiration from television, film, music, and street culture.
De Young Museum More Info at www.famsf.org

Through October 16, 2012
"California Dreaming: Jewish Life in the Bay Area from the Gold Rush to the Present"
Contemporary Jewish Museum
Info at www.thecjm.org

June Events

2012 is the 75th Anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge

Come join in the festivities all year round Tributes to the Bridge will include Exhibits, Lectures, Performances, Concerts and Films. For more detailed information please check: www.goldengatebridge75.org

Come Celebrate 100 Years with the San Francisco Symphony

Stern Grove Music Festival (open dates at this time)
Thousands attend performances of classical, jazz and ethnic music
Picnics encouraged

June 2, 2012
Black and White Ball
Grammy Award-winning recording artist Paul Simon headlines the Symphony's 2012 Black and White Ball, performing in concert with his band and the orchestra. The Ball features 10 bands on five stages, dancing, food and drink in the elegantly transformed War Memorial Performing Arts Center. All proceeds support the Symphony's music education programs in the City's public schools.
Check details at www.sfsymphony.org

Sunday June 3, 2012
Union Street Fair with arts, crafts, food and drink

June 7, 2012
"Idina Menzel" in Concert
Broadway star of Glee and her own PBS Special, Idina Menzel in an unforgettable concert featuring hits from Rent, Wicked, Glee and her new CD Barefoot at the Symphony
San Francisco's Davies Symphony Hall
Tickets available through www.ticketmaster.com

June 8, 14, 17m, 22, 26, 30 and July 3, 2012
"Nixon in China" by John Adams/Alice Goodman
Don't miss "the greatest American opera of the last quarter-century" (Associated Press)
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of an American masterpiece, this moving re-creation of the president's visit to China makes its long-awaited Bay Area debut
Info and tickets at www.sfopera.com

June 9 – 10, 2012
Philadelphia Orchestra and conductor Charles Dutoit
www.sfsymphony.org

Sunday 10th, 2012
Haight Street Fair
Street Party with rock bands and ethnic foods

June 11 - 17, 2012
The US Open
The 112th Golf Championship
At The Olympic Club, San Francisco, (America's oldest athletic club opened in 1860), Hosting it's fifth US Open
Info and tickets at www.usopen.com

June 12, 15, 20, 23, 28 and July 1m, 2012
"Attila" by Verdi
Packed with passionate arias and stirring choruses, Verdi's thrilling tale of the fierce Hun ruler stars the great Italian bass Ferruccio Furlanetto in the title role. A new co-production with Milan's Teatro alla Scala.
Info and tickets at www.sfopera.com

June 13, 16, 19, 21, 24m, 27, 29 and July 6, 8m, 2012
"The Magic Flute" by Mozart
A fantastic tale of love, magic and initiation into adulthood, Mozart's final masterpiece returns in a new production featuring bold, colorful sets and costumes designed by internationally acclaimed artist Jun Kaneko. Sung in English.
Info and tickets at www.sfopera.com

Through June 17, 2012
"The Cult of Beauty: Victorian Avant-Garde 1860 - 1900"
An examination of the British Aesthetic Movement with more than 160 works of art from private collections and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London
This is the sole American venue for this exhibition.
Info at www.legionofhonor.org
and www.famsf.org

June 21 – 23, 2012
Michael Tilson Thomas conducting Bartok's Bluebeard's Castle
A semi-staged concert of Bartok's one-act opera, with mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung as Judith and bass-baritone Alan Held making his SFS debut in the role of Bluebeard.
www.sfsymphony.org

June 21 - July 15, 2012
"The Scottsboro Boys"
Experience the final musical from the legendary team behind Cabaret and Chicago, John Kander and Fred Ebb.
12 Tony Award Nominations, including "the Best New Musical of the Year". Presented by the American Conservatory Theater
Info and tickets at www.act-sf.org

June 27 – 30, 2012
Michael Tilson Thomas conducting Beethoven's Symphony No. 9
www.sfsymphony.org

June 12 – July 8, 2012
Green Day's "American Idiot"
'Being young, independent and American Rocks'
www.shnsf.com

Continuing through June 22, 2012
SF Jazz Spring Season
"The front rank of Jazz Festivals" SF Chronicle
This spring schedule is highlighted by performances by Tinariwen, Ceu, the Chieftains, Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Rosanne Cash.
Various venues, details at www.sfjazz.org

Sunday June 24, 2012
Gay Freedom Day Parade
World famous festivities with 500,000+ attendees

Sept 10, 2011 through June 10, 2012
The Art of Anatolian Kilim: Highlights from the McCoy Jones Collection
de Young Fine Arts Museum
www.famsf.org

March 10 - July 8, 2012
Photography in Mexico: From the Collections of SFMOMA and Daniel Greenberg and Susan Steinhauer
A deep look into the legacy of photography in Mexico
Info at www.sfmoma.org

Through August 19, 2012
The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco present the first major exhibition devoted to the celebrated French designer Jean Paul Gaultier. Dubbed fashion's 'enfant terrible', Gaultier catapulted into the fashion scene of the late 1970's upending the status quo with his unconventional approach and deriving inspiration from television, film, music, and street culture.
De Young Museum More Info at www.famsf.org

Through October 16, 2012
"California Dreaming: Jewish Life in the Bay Area from the Gold Rush to the Present"
Contemporary Jewish Museum
Info at www.thecjm.org

July Events

2012 is the 75th Anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge

Come join in the festivities all year round Tributes to the Bridge will include Exhibits, Lectures, Performances, Concerts and Films. For more detailed information please check: www.goldengatebridge75.org

Wednesday July 4, 2012
Independence Day Festivities
Culminating in a Million Dollar Fireworks Display held off
Fisherman’s Wharf

Continuing until July 8, 2012
Green Day's "American Idiot"
'Being young, independent and American Rocks'
www.shnsf.com

Continuin until July 15, 2012
"The Scottsboro Boys"
Experience the final musical from the legendary team behind Cabaret and Chicago, John Kander and Fred Ebb.
12 Tony Award Nominations, including "the Best New Musical of the Year". Presented by the American Conservatory Theater
Info and tickets at www.act-sf.org

March 10 - July 8, 2012
Photography in Mexico: From the Collections of SFMOMA and Daniel Greenberg and Susan Steinhauer
A deep look into the legacy of photography in Mexico
Info at www.sfmoma.org

July 1m, 2012
"Attila" by Verdi
Packed with passionate arias and stirring choruses, Verdi's thrilling tale of the fierce Hun ruler stars the great Italian bass Ferruccio Furlanetto in the title role. A new co-production with Milan's Teatro alla Scala.
Info and tickets at www.sfopera.com

July 3, 2012
"Nixon in China" by John Adams/Alice Goodman
Don't miss "the greatest American opera of the last quarter-century" (Associated Press)
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of an American masterpiece, this moving re-creation of the president's visit to China makes its long-awaited Bay Area debut
Info and tickets at www.sfopera.com

July 6, 8m, 2012
"The Magic Flute" by Mozart
A fantastic tale of love, magic and initiation into adulthood, Mozart's final masterpiece returns in a new production featuring bold, colorful sets and costumes designed by internationally acclaimed artist Jun Kaneko. Sung in English.
Info and tickets at www.sfopera.com

July 10 – August 5, 2012
The renowned musical "Les Miserables"
'The Epic story of the will to survive'
Details at www.shnsf.com

July 14 - Oct 14, 2012
The Legion of Honor (one of SF's Fine Arts Museums) presents
"Man Ray/Lee Miller, Partners in Surrealism"
This first exhibition explores the creative interaction between these two giants of European Surrealism.
Info at www.famsf.org

Through August 19, 2012
The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco present the first major exhibition devoted to the celebrated French designer Jean Paul Gaultier. Dubbed fashion's 'enfant terrible', Gaultier catapulted into the fashion scene of the late 1970's upending the status quo with his unconventional approach and deriving inspiration from television, film, music, and street culture.
De Young Museum More Info at www.famsf.org

Through October 16, 2012
"California Dreaming: Jewish Life in the Bay Area from the Gold Rush to the Present"
Contemporary Jewish Museum
Info at www.thecjm.org

August Events

2012 is the 75th Anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge

Come join in the festivities all year round Tributes to the Bridge will include Exhibits, Lectures, Performances, Concerts and Films. For more detailed information please check: www.goldengatebridge75.org

August 10, 11, 12, 2012
OutsideLands Music and Art Festival
The 5th Annual Colossal Music Event
Metallica, Steve Wonder, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Jack White, Foo Fighters and a host of other renowned musicians
For a full list of bands and dates go to www.sfoutsidelands.com

Through August 5, 2012
The renowned musical "Les Miserables"
'The Epic story of the will to survive'
Details at www.shnsf.com

August 1 – August 26, 2012
"War Horse"
'A Remarkable story about Courage, Loyalty and Friendship'
Winner of 5 Tony Awards including Best Play
Details at www.shnsf.com

August 21 - 26, 2012
"America's Cup World Series"
The 160 year old world-famous sailing race that competes through 2012 and 2013
More info on charters and tickets to the public by calling 855-227-3201

Through August 19, 2012
The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco present the first major exhibition devoted to the celebrated French designer Jean Paul Gaultier. Dubbed fashion's 'enfant terrible', Gaultier catapulted into the fashion scene of the late 1970's upending the status quo with his unconventional approach and deriving inspiration from television, film, music, and street culture.
De Young Museum More Info at www.famsf.org

Through Oct 14, 2012
The Legion of Honor (one of SF's Fine Arts Museums) presents
"Man Ray/Lee Miller, Partners in Surrealism"
This first exhibition explores the creative interaction between these two giants of European Surrealism.
Info at www.famsf.org

Through October 16, 2012
"California Dreaming: Jewish Life in the Bay Area from the Gold Rush to the Present"
Contemporary Jewish Museum
Info at www.thecjm.org

September Events

2012 is the 75th Anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge

Come join in the festivities all year round Tributes to the Bridge will include Exhibits, Lectures, Performances, Concerts and Films. For more detailed information please check: www.goldengatebridge75.org

Come Celebrate 100 Years with the San Francisco Symphony

The San Francisco Symphony marks its 100th year on the world cultural stage. A celebration of blazing, brilliant artistry – it promises to be the kind of season that only occurs once a century. For Scheduled performances contact: www.sfsymphony.org

Labor Day Weekend Saturday September 1, 2, 3, 2012
San Francisco City and County Fair at Fort Mason

Blues Festival
Three day Blues festival that is one of the largest outdoor festivals of its kind on the West Coast

Opera in the Park
Free Opera Concert in the Sharon Meadows in Golden Gate Park
Kicking off our world famous Opera Season

Chinatown Moon Festival
Held at the end of September in Chinatown

Sunday September 23, 2012
(NOTE: This event is being held one week earlier than previous years)
Folsom Street Fair – An 'only in San Francisco', one of a kind, street fair

Through Oct 14, 2012
The Legion of Honor (one of SF's Fine Arts Museums) presents
"Man Ray/Lee Miller, Partners in Surrealism"
This first exhibition explores the creative interaction between these two giants of European Surrealism.
Info at www.famsf.org

October Events

2012 is the 75th Anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge

Come join in the festivities all year round Tributes to the Bridge will include Exhibits, Lectures, Performances, Concerts and Films. For more detailed information please check: www.goldengatebridge75.org

Come Celebrate 100 Years with the San Francisco Symphony

The San Francisco Symphony marks its 100th year on the world cultural stage. A celebration of blazing, brilliant artistry – it promises to be the kind of season that only occurs once a century. For Scheduled performances contact: www.sfsymphony.org

October 4 - 7, 2012
"America's Cup World Series"
The 160 year old world-famous sailing race that competes through 2012 and 2013
More info on charters and tickets to the public by calling 855-227-3201

Sunday Oct 7, 2012
Castro Street Fair
Popular Street fair organized by the San Francisco Gay/Lesbian Community

Weekend of Oct 6, 7, 8, 2012
Columbus Day Festival,
Celebrating the City’s Italian Community in North Beach

Oct 4 - 7, 2012
The Navy's famous "Fleet Week" besides it fantastic Air show will also feature the America's Cup Exhibition sailing races in preparation for the 2013 Tournament

Through Oct 14, 2012
The Legion of Honor (one of SF's Fine Arts Museums) presents
"Man Ray/Lee Miller, Partners in Surrealism"
This first exhibition explores the creative interaction between these two giants of European Surrealism.
Info at www.famsf.org

Opening in Oct 2012
"Diner"
The movie-to-musical adaption from Barry Levison's screenplay for the popular 1982 film. Score and lyrics are by multiple-Grammy winner Sheryl Crow, joining Levison as a first-time Broadway hopeful.
Diner is hoping to move directly from San Francisco to Manhattan.
Curran Theater, for more info check www.shnsf.com

Through October and December 2012
The 30th Annual San Francisco Jazz Festival
Featuring everything under the sun pertaining to Jazz
Details at www.sfjazz.org

November Events

Come Celebrate 100 Years with the San Francisco Symphony

Friday Nov 2, 2012
Dia De Los Muertos
Mexico's Day of the Dead is celebrated in our Mission District

Opening November 2012
Lion King
Still one of Broadway's biggest moneymakers, well into its second decade, this touring production features the puppetry and stagings that made Julie Taymor the first woman to earn a Tony for directing a musical.
Orpheum Theater, for more info check www.shnsf.com

Opening November 2012
Book of Mormon
The Sensational Broadway Hit
Written by 'South Park' creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone with Robert Lopez ("Avenue Q"), the show is directed by Parker and choreographer Casey Nicholaw
At the Curran Theater, for more info check www.shnsf.com

December Events

Come Celebrate 100 Years with the San Francisco Symphony

The San Francisco Symphony marks its 100th year on the world cultural stage. A celebration of blazing, brilliant artistry – it promises to be the kind of season that only occurs once a century. For Scheduled performances contact: www.sfsymphony.org

Christmas
Come celebrate hundreds of events around our City and Bay Area, leading up to Christmas, San Francisco style.

New Year's Eve
A full day and night of festivities held all over the City culminating in a midnight Fireworks display along the Waterfront/Ferry Building