Weather:
The weather is mostly warm during the days, but the summer fog by now has fully arrived. July 4th's fire-works are likely to go off on a chilly night.The Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
Photo reprinted with permission of Shu-Hwei Alpeche.
When: May 3 - Oct. 18
Cost: Free
Now in its third month, the annual Yerba Buena Gardens Festival stages nearly 100 artistic, cultural, and community events during its course. From operatic concerts to spoken-word recitals, the festival is an educational (and fun) way to spend an afternoon in the city. July events include the Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra July 12th and the San Francisco Theater Festival July 27th.
71st Annual Stern Grove Music Festival
When: June 15 - August 17, 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Happening at Sigmund Stern Grove, this music festival features a great history of music and continues its tradition with each new line-up. July's calendar includes four concerts: July 6, Allen Toussaint; July 13, Rachid Taha; July 20, Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet; and July 27, Voices of Latin Rock. Concerts are held on Sundays at 2 p.m. Get there early and find your spot!
Fourth of July Waterfront Festival
When: July 4, 1-9:30 p.m. (fireworks cap off the day!)
Cost: Free
The fun all starts at 1 p.m., when Big Bang Beat performs a three-hour set, followed by another popular local band Tainted Love, performing 6 p.m - 9:30pm. The dazzling fireworks display in honor of the Fourth of July is scheduled to begin soon after.
* Read about other events happening along Fisherman's Wharf for the Waterfront Festival.
Fillmore Jazz Festival 2008
When: July 5-6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
July 1st will be the second day of this year's Fillmore Jazz Festival, an event that goes back in time with the free flow sound of jazz, and each year, more than 90,000 people visit the historic neighborhood to hear it. This is the largest free jazz festival on the West Coast, and along with the great music (the lineup is set), there's also the eight blocks of art, crafts, and fine food. Reach the festival with public transportation.
Summer in the City 2008
Location: Davies Symphony HallWhen: July 9-26
Cost: Varies; $15-$64
Presented by the San Francisco Symphony (SFS) and the San Francisco Arts Commission, Summer in the City is an awesome three weeks of musical treats. Listen to classics and popular favorites from stars Stefan Jackiw, Natasha Paremski, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and Bernadette Peters. Listen to Rodgers & Hammerstein, Mozart (with present-day prodigies Peng Peng and Conrad Tao), and Tango.
12th Annual San Francisco Silent Film Festival
Photo reprinted with permission of the S.F. Silent Film Festival, courtesy of George Eastman House.
When: July 11-13
Cost: $12-$20. Festival passes for non-members cost $120.
True art transcends time. Celebrating "the art form of silent film," the San Francisco Silent Film Festival will present 11 silent treasures accompanied by live music. The festival opens Friday, July 11, with The Kid Brother (1927) and closes two days later with The Patsy (1928).
34th Annual Midsummer Mozart Festival
Location: Herbst Theatre (and various locations throughout the Bay Area)When: July 17 - August 3
Cost: Save with a Passport Package; single tickets are available for $30-$80
Founded in 1974, the Midsummer Mozart Festival was intended to bring the heart and soul of Mozart to a wider audience. It is the only North American fest devoted exclusively to the composer.
28th Annual San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
Location: Castro Theater and other Bay Area venuesWhen: July 24 - August 11
Cost: Order tickets in advance, now up until the festival.
The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival presents films from American and int'l film-makers exploring the diversity, vitality, and history of Jewish culture. This year's festival program is being set now. It all begins in San Francisco for eight days (July 24-31).
Film Night in the Park
Poster reprinted with permission of the S.F. Neighborhood Theater Foundation.
When: July 26, 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Presented by the San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation, this outdoor film series debuted only three years ago, but is already a popular (and anticipated) neigh-borhood event. Join in on the fun. This year's schedule combines classics with recent hits. For July, The Breakfast Club brings back the memories (last year it was Sixteen Candles).
14th Annual North Beach Jazz Festival
Location: North Beach venuesWhen: July 20-27
Cost: Free to $10; purchase online
Note: Age restriction for some events.
This neighborhood-wide festival is all about jazz and North Beach -- with local musicians performing in bars, cafes, and restaurants. Beginning Wednesday and continuing on through the weekend, the festival welcomes over 50,000 fans each year.
