July 2016: All the Can't-Miss Parties, Performances, Exhibits + More in the Bay Area
06 July 2016
With so many excellent art exhibits, tasty foodie events, awesome concerts, and more, July is shaping up to be a very busy month. Here's your curated guide.
July 1st: Fashion In Flight: A History of Airline Uniform Design, SFO Museum
Forever first-class, Fashion in Flight celebrates 85 years of airline fashion with an exhibition of female flight attendant attire from 1930 to the present. The creations of over 30 renowned fashion houses and designers are represented in the exhibition, including Balenciaga, Balmain, Yves Saint Laurent (pictured above), and Vivienne Westwood. Check out these gems (for free) and leave with some fall wardrobe inspiration. // July 1st - January 8th, SFO Museum: International Terminal (Level 3), flysfo.com
July 8th: Sarah Shourd, Released Iranian Prisoner, Debuts New Play "The Box", Z Space
"The Box", a play about solitary confinement written by Sarah Shourd and directed by Michael John Gracés, is based on Shourd's traumatic 410-day confinement experience. In 2009, while Shroud was hiking in the Middle East, she was captured and taken as a political hostage by the Iranian government. "The Box" is Shroud's attempt of overcoming the trauma with a plot that offers a rare glimpse into the innate resilience of the human spirit and a deep look into our prison system. The play will be running through July 30th. Tickets range from $20-75. // July 8th-30th, Z Space: 450 Florida St. (Mission), aplaycalledthebox.com
July 10th: A Great Day in the Tenderloin: GLIDE Sunday Streets Block Party , Ellis Street (between Jones and Leavenworth)
GLIDE will host a special day of activities in conjunction with Sunday Streets in the Tenderloin this weekend, open to the public and free of entry. The party will feature a giant LEGO build of the Tenderloin hosted by Play-Well TEKnologies, dance party with DJ KINGMOST, a giant Jenga tournament hosted by GLIDE Pastor Theon Johnson III, face painting, games, edutainment, prizes, giveaways and more. // July 10th, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Ellis Street: between Jones and Leavenworth Streets (Tenderloin), glide.org/Celebrations
July 13th: Oakland, I want you to know..., Oakland Museum of California
Oakland, I want you to know... is a community-driven exhibition that explores the impacts of gentrification and growth in West Oakland, acting as a microcosmic example for issues that affect the greater Bay Area. This exhibition features environments inspired by iconic West Oakland buildings and artwork that inspires provocative questions about who has the right to space and how land is used. Come add your voice to the conversation about how to shape the identity of this rapidly changing area while preserving West Oakland's vibrant and unique essence. // July 13th, Oakland Museum of California: 1000 Oak St. (Oakland), museumca.org
July 14th: Tabitha Lahr'sart exhibit:"Facial Recognition: The Divisadero Corridor", Mini Bar SF
Local painter Tabitha Lahr combines detail, intricate lines and bold color with gouache paint to create her exhibition "Facial Recognition", a self-portrait series and study of long-term residents and newcomers from the Divisadero Corridor area. Her goal is to portray these individuals as equal members of the community, while promoting discussion about gentrification in neighborhoods across SF. // July 14th, 7 p.m., Mini Bar SF: 837 Divisadero St. (NoPa), tabithalahr.com
July 16-17: Renegade Craft Fair, Fort Mason
Renegade Craft Fair returns to San Francisco this summer, bringing the best in modern craft and design to the Fort Mason Center's Festival Pavilion July 16 and 17 for a weekend of music, food, DIY workshops, breathtaking views of the Bay, and more! Visitors will have a chance to browse and discover unique handcrafted goods from nearly 300 makers and artisans. Explore the mezzanine for vintage Americana treasures, an assortment of tasty food and beverage options, DIY workshops by Bullseye Glass Co., live poetry courtesy of White Cotton Rose, and instant prints by Magnolia Photo Booth Co. // July 16-17, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Fort Mason's Festival Pavilion: 2 Marina Blvd., renegadecraft.com/fairs/sanfrancisco-2016-summer
July 16th: Ed Ruscha and Great American West Exhibition, de Young Museum
The exhibition will feature 99 works focused on Ruscha's engagement with the American West and its starring role in our national mythology. Ruscha left his home in Oklahoma at the age of 18 on a road trip to Los Angeles, where he hoped to attend art school. The exhibition will reveal his fascination with the evolving landscapes of the "Great American West" including works that depict gasoline stations and his famous technicolor images of the Hollywood sign. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance. // July 16th- October 9th, de Young Museum: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr. (Golden Gate Park), deyoung.famsf.org
July 22nd: The Marin Shakespeare Company Presents "Twelfth Night", Forest Meadows Amphitheater
Enjoy the Bard's infamous "Twelfth Night" as the talented Marin Shakespeare Company continues its 2016 season. Exploring gender identity and sexual attraction in this historical comedy with a modern twist. The show kicks off on July 22nd, and you can buy your tickets here. // July 22nd, Forest Meadows Amphitheater: 890 Belle Ave. (San Rafael), marinshakespeare.org
July 22nd-24th: San Francisco's First Art Book Fair, 1275 Minnesota Street
Minnesota Street Project is filling the street with over 70 publishers, artists, and booksellers for the first ever San Francisco Art Book Fair. The Art Book Fair will be selling a wide range of items such as limited edition works, art books miniature maquettes and pins. Entry is free and the fair will open with a preview Friday night from 6-10 p.m. On Saturday, the Art Book Fair will run from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Come out to support the unique art publishing community of Bay Area. // July 22-24, 1275 Minnesota St. (Dogpatch), sfartbookfair.com
July 26th: Is Dating Dead? With Author Moira Weigel, 555 Post Street
Join Mora Weigel, author of Labor of Love: The Invention of Dating, as she takes a retrospective look at dating in order to analyze the current status quo. Bring a date, roll solo, or take some pals to travel across the centuries with. Tickets are available here. // July 26th, 5:30 p.m., 555 Post St. (Union Square), commonwealthclub.org
July 29th: Big Picture Exhibit, California Academy of Sciences
BigPicture is California Academy of Science's third annual natural world photography exhibit, open through October 30th. The exhibit will feature nature, wildlife, and conservation photographers from all over the world and display winning images from the Natural World Photography Competition, which uses photography as a means to honor the rich diversity of life on earth and foster a movement for a sustainable future. // July 29th-October 30th, California Academy of Sciences: 55 Music Concourse Dr. (Golden Gate Park), calacademy.org/exhibits/bigpicture
July 30th: Quiet Please: The Mental Game of Art and Tennis, Berkeley Art Center
Using tennis as a metaphorical platform, Quiet Please examines the call and response relationship between artist and viewer. Artists Libby Black, Jennie Ottinger, George Pfau, and Andrew Witrak present tennis-based drawings, sculpture, and animation as a commentary on the multi-faceted nature of human psychology. // July 30th, 6-8 p.m., Berkeley Art Center: 1275 Walnut St. (Berkeley), berkeleyartcenter.org
July 9th: Woods Island Club, Treasure Island
Woods Island Club, a new treasure on the island, is Wood Beer Co.'s newest project complete with sand, palm trees, and beach chairs for enjoying the view of the Bay. Part beach camp, part country club, with an indoor bar inside an old airplane hangar, Wood Island Club will also have a tasting room and barrel aging facility. The club is scheduled to have its first soft opening on July 9th from 1-6 p.m. and then only be open on select weekends. The updated schedule can be found here. // July 9th, 1-6 p.m., 440 California Ave. (Treasure Island), woodsbeer.com/woods-island-club
July 10th-16th: Café Claude, Gitane and Gaspar Brasserie Honor Bastille Day, San Francisco
Bastille Day has been extended to Bastille Week, thanks to this French-cuisine trio. With week-long celebrations, ranging from prix-fixe menus, to speciality cocktails for just $8, live jazz, and more, this is one La Fête Nationale celebration that can't be missed. Take advantage of the 7 day celebration and hit each spot - more than once if necessary! // July 10th-16th, Café Claude: 7 Claude Lane, Gitane: 6 Claude Lane, Gaspar: 185 Sutter Street (Union Square)
July 12th: Txikito Chefs Take Over Octavia, Octavia SF
Octavia's Executive chef, Melissa Perella, will be preparing a one-night-only, prix fixe menu inspired by acclaimed chef, Alex Raij of Txikito, and her new cook book The Basque Book: A Love Letter in Recipes from the Kitchen of Txikito. The Basque region is distinguished by simplicity and quality in both ingredients and techniques. Thse special menu and dinner experience at Octavia includes a wine pairing, a copy of The Basque Book, and an opportunity to meet these world-class chefs. Reservations can be booked via email through contacting samantha@octavia-sf.com. // July 12th, Octavia: 1701 Octavia St. (Japantown), octavia-sf.com
July 13th: Pop-Up BBQ & Beer Garden, Presidio Social Club
Presidio Social Club is partnering up with local Fort Point Beer Company to host a summer beer garden on the restaurant's outdoor patio. The garden features communal seating, an rotating Texas-style barbecue menu, and and special cans and pitchers of Fort Point beers. Sounds like paradise, right? This event is offered every Wednesday until August 31st, so be sure make a reservation! // July 13th, Presidio Social Club: 563 Ruger St. (Presidio), presidiosocialclub.com
July 14th: Pisco Party on the Patio, La Mar
La Mar Cebichería Peruana is celebrating summer with an exclusive Peruvian themed party with live salsa music from the Grammy-award winning band Somos el Son at the restaurant's scenic back patio. The dinner will have an unlimited access to a Peruvian appetizer bar by Chef Victoriano Lopez alongside festive pisco cocktails served from a dedicated patio bar. Tickets are $35 if you buy them in advance and $40 at the door. // July 14th, 7-10 p.m., La Mar Cebichería Peruana: Pier 1.5 (Embarcadero), lamarsf.com
July 16: Robert Mondavi Winery Turns 50, Robert Mondavi Winery
Robert Mondavi Winery is turning 50 and hosting an anniversary party that is open to the public and free of an entry fee! Admission, however, is on a first come first served basis until the event reaches full capacity so make sure you get there early. The event begins at noon with live music performances by Ballet Folklorico el Valle St. Helena, followed by River School World Percussion, Shelby Lanterman and Full Chizel. Food vendors will also be on site offering a range of food tastes. // July 16th, 12-4 p.m., Robert Mondavi Winery: 7801 St. Helena Hwy, (Oakville), robertmondaviwinery.com/50
July 16: Ramen and Beer Pairing, Shiba Ramen
Shiba Ramen, located in Emeryville Public Market, is partnering with Fieldwork Brewery, founded in Berkeley, to pair together beer and ramen. The afternoon will include tastings, beer flights and lots of ramen noodles. Shiba will be offering a small snack of either Shiba wings, salad ramen or okonomiyaki (a Japanese savory pancake) to pair with three five-ounce beer pours for around from $12 to $13. // July 16th, 2-5 p.m., Emeryville Public Market: 5959 Shellmound St. (Emeryville),publicmarketemeryville.com
July 21st: Wine Like a Pro, Press Club
Join Press Club and internationally renowned Sommelier and beverage director Mauro Cirilli, for an evening of educational(!) wine tasting. Guests will learn how to describe, taste, pair, and analyze wine with finesse. The intimate, quiz-free setting provides an enjoyable wine education with personal guidance from Cirilli. Each class includes six wines including two reds, two whites, one sparkling and one sweet varietal. Wine lovers of all levels welcome! Tickets are $75 and available here. // July 21st, 6-7:30 p.m., Press Club: 20 Yerba Buena Lane (SoMa), pressclubsf.com
July 22nd-24th: J Pop Summit, Fort Mason Center
J Pop Summit, held every summer since 2009 to celebrate Japanese culture, returns this year with a new offering: The Ramen Summit – featuring five top-rated ramen restaurants. The three day event will open at the Regency Ballroom and then be located at Fort Mason Center for the remaining two days. In addition, the film festival will run from July 23rd to 31st at NEW PEOPLE cinema. The popular Sake Summit will be returning with over a dozen sake tasting options. The weekend schedule is packed with music and art performances, unique exhibitions, exclusive meet & greets and delicious food trucks. Don't miss out on this cultural experience. Tickets for one day are $25 and $40 for two days. // July 22nd-24th, Fort Mason Center: 2 Marina Blvd, (Marina), The Regency Ballroom: 1290 Sutter St.,(TenderNob), NEW PEOPLE Cinema:1746 Post St. (Pacific Heights),j-pop.com
July 7th: Flower Piano, SF Botanical Garden
The Flower Piano project returns to SF Botanical Garden this month to transform the garden into an outdoor concert hall with 12 pianos in various flower gardens for 12 days. The pianos will be available for anyone to play with scheduled performances by brilliant local musicians on the weekends. This event is free with regular admission into SF Botanical Garden and free for SF residents! // July 7th-18th, SF Botanical Garden (Golden Gate Park), sfbotanicalgarden.org
July 9th: Phono del Sol Music & Food Festival, Potrero del Sol Park
It's that time again! This year's Phono del Sol Music & Food Festival includes the best of Bay Area's onsite food trucks and a finest-to-date artist lineup, including Chairlift, Alvvays, Born Ruffians, and the She's. Kick back and enjoy the sunshine with a Lagunitas - or whatever! - in hand. Tickets range from $40 (general) to $240 (producer's experience) and are available here. Come hungry and ready to groove! // July 9th, 12 p.m., Protrero del Sol Park (Festival Entrance at 25th & Utah Street), phonodelsol.com
July 21: "An Evening in Paris with Madeleine Peyroux and the San Francisco Symphony", Davies Symphony Hall
American-born jazz singer and songwriter Madeleine Peyroux, whose vocal style is often compared Billie Holiday, will be collaborating with the San Francisco Symphonylater this month. Peyroux is well known for performing classic songs such as La Vie en rose and J'ai deux amours. Tickets can be purchased here. // July 21st, 7:30 p.m., Davies Symphony Hall: 201 Van Ness Ave. (Hayes Valley), sfsymphony.org
July 28th: Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Rickshaw Stop
Benjamin Francis Leftwich is an English singer-songwriter known for his hypnotic, ethereal vocals and indie-folk tunes. After playing at festivals such as Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds, Leftwich is on tour and making a stop in San Francisco this month. Don't miss the chance to hear him perform live! Tickets start at $13. // July 28th, 8 p.m., Rickshaw Stop: 155 Fell St. (Hayes Valley), rickshawstop.com
July 28th: Brand New & Modest Mouse, Greek Theatre
Alt-rock greats Brand New and Modest Mouse are pairing up for a 24-city tour, during which Modest Mouse will promote their most recent LP, Strangers to Ourselves, and featuring Brand New's critically-acclaimed single "I Am A Nightmare" (the band's first new music in over a year!). Throw on your favorite flannel and embrace the angst. // July 28th, 7 p.m., Greek Theatre: 2001 Gayley Road (Berkeley), tickets at ticketmaster.com
July 31st: Weezer w/ Panic! At the Disco, Shoreline Amphitheatre
Fan-favorite Weezer is headed to the bay with pop-oriented rock band Panic! At the Disco in tow. The two bands will reach the Bay towards the end of their summer 2016 tour with special guest (and former frontman of both Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin) Andrew McMahon, who will be performing his solo project, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. // July 31st, Shoreline Amphitheatre: 1 Amphitheatre Parkway (Mountain View), tickets available at songkick.com
July 4th-10th: 71st U.S. Women's Open Championship, CordeValle
For the first time in U.S. history, the world's premier women's golf championship will take place in the San Francisco Bay Area. Experience first-hand the best players in the world (such as Michelle Wie, Inbee Park, Lydia Ko, Lexi Thompson, Paula Creamer) as they compete for the $4.5 million dollar purse from the comfort of CordeValle's on-site winery. Tickets range from $20 - $250 and are available here. // July 4th-10th, CordeValle: One CordeValle Drive (San Martin), 2016uswomensopen.com
July 15-17th: Street Soccer USA Cup Series, Union Square
Over the weekend of July 15th, a street soccer tournament will take over Union Square with a kick-off party on Friday. U.S Men's National Team and San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski, a Street Soccer ambassador, will host a celebrity match and meet with tournament participants. Teams can register to compete in a 15 minute four versus four soccer match in a specially built Street Soccer Stadium in Union Square. // July 15th-17th (Union Square) streetsoccerusa.org/street-soccer-usa-cup
July 31: San Francisco Marathon
Prepare for major street closures as the Bay Area's elite runners carve their way through 26.2 miles of the city. // July 31, thesfmarathon.com