Off Broadway Summer Pop Up Promises Family Fun Aug. 15th

Off Broadway Summer Pop Up Promises Family Fun Aug. 15thThe Jeanettes / Facebook
Geri Koeppel
Published on August 08, 2015

North Beach has been a hotbed of community events lately, from the annual North Beach Festival in June to the National Lasagna Day dinner in July and the National Night Out Aug. 4th. Now, look for yet another fun family festival, the free Off Broadway Summer Pop Up, from noon–6pm next Saturday, Aug. 15th, along Kearny Street south of Broadway and around the corner on Pacific Avenue.

Smoker Joe, selling wine barrel furniture, will be among more than 100 merchants. Photo: Courtesy of Smoker Joe

Organizers hope this inaugural event will be the first of many to re-introduce neighbors and locals to an area that's had its challenges. They plan to make it an annual festival, and also want to host more regular, possibly monthly, events.

"It’s not just for people who want to go to strip clubs or nightclubs," said Ben Horne, executive director of the Top of Broadway Community Benefit District. He said the area's rich history (look for historical markers coming hopefully this year), attractions such as the Beat Museum, and acclaimed restaurants such as Tosca Cafe and Tommaso's are good reasons to check out the area again.

Kearny Street at Pacific Avenue. Photo: Geri Koeppel/Hoodline

This festival, hosted by the Top of Broadway CBD in collaboration with Ansanelli Productions, will feature more than 100 local artists, makers, designers, and vintage apparel and antique collectors curated by the Treasure Island Flea and Jack of All Trades Market. Kids can play corn hole and giant Jenga. Live bands will play: Look for Sweet Plot from noon–1:30pm and Dos Four from 2–5pm on the main stage, and The Jeanettes from 1–3pm on the side stage. A beer garden will be set up on Kearny Street.

Sweet Plot will perform. Photo: Courtesy of Sweet Plot/Facebook

Local businesses and nonprofits will participate, too, and Horne said, "In addition to the CBD businesses participating, we’re giving out a discount card that will highlight businesses in the event area." Attendees can enjoy local restaurants or visit the food trucks set up on Pacific Avenue.

Finally, make a day of it and also hit the Festa Coloniale Italiana 2015 at the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club, 1630 Stockton St., from 9:30am–6:30pm featuring Italian food, live performers, a pizza toss, vendors, wine tasting and more.

So mark your calendar for next Saturday, for what's shaping up to be a day-long celebration of the many sights, sounds, and tastes of the neighborhood.