Whether you’re rocking out in the park, indoors playing with flowers, or ready to nosh some of some of nature’s sweet bounty, there’s plenty of things to delight around the neighborhood this Mother's Day weekend.
Saturday, May 9th
16th Annual San Francisco Oysterfest, Sharon Meadow
The West Coast’s largest oyster festival returns to Golden Gate Park on Saturday. If you’re willing to shell out $45 for a ticket, you’ll get to see a musical lineup that includes Thievery Corporation and Warren G, an art exhibition, cooking demos and a chance to slurp your way to glory in the Shuck and Suck competition.
Although oysters are the main event, the festival will feature food from other SF restaurants and several beer options. It runs from 11am -6pm and you can see the full lineup and purchase tickets on Eventbrite.
San Francisco Bicycle Coalition group ride: Bike to Paradise
May is Bike Month, so celebrate with a 35-40 mile ride along Marin’s Paradise Loop with the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. Although the route will be on the longer side, organizers say the pace won’t be too intense and the route is “targeted for advanced beginners who want to try longer distance riding.”
The group will meet in front of the California Academy of Sciences (55 Music Concourse Dr.) at 9am, and the ride should finish by 2pm. RSVP via the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition to reserve a spot.
Outdoor Volunteer Opportunities
Help care for some of San Francisco’s oldest Coastal Live Oak trees at the Oak Woodlands Volunteer Project. The group meets at the bottom of the steps to the Conservatory of Flowers at 10am and light refreshments are provided. Wear close-toed shoes, long pants and layers, and let them know you’ll be dropping by so organizers can bring enough tools (you can email them at recparkvolunteer [at] sfgov [dot] org).
If winged wildlife is more your thing, head to the Stow Lake Boathouse at 10am for the Strawberry Hill Butterfly and Trail Project, which is seeking long-term volunteers. Learn about the natural and cultural history of Strawberry Hill while weeding and planting butterfly-friendly plants. RSVP to Julia Brashares at Julia [at] sfparksalliance [dot] org to let her know you plan to attend.
Prefer to sleep in? The Hidden Garden Steps community cleanup meets from 1-3pm on 16th Ave. between Kirkham and Lawton Streets. Help maintain the stairs and gardens around this 148-step mosaic tile staircase and community art project. Work includes sweeping, weeding and planting, no reservation is required, and gloves and tools will be provided.
Sunday, May 10th
Inner Sunset Farmers Market
Sunday is Mother’s Day, so call your mom and head over to the Inner Sunset Farmer’s Market (Irving St. between 8th and 9th Aves.) between 9am and 1pm. Go early for your pick of favorite fruits and veggies and to get home in time to whip up a delicious breakfast in bed for Mom (or yourself).
May is cherry month, so sample the Bing, Ranier, Burlat, and Brooks varieties before their short season ends next month. For recipes featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients, visit Cookin’ the Market’s website for ideas like this halloumi and strawberry salad.
Arizmendi Bakery’s Mother's Day Menu
Rather leave the cooking (and baking) to the pros? Swing by Arizmendi Bakery for their Mother’s Day specials. According to their website, “we’re baking Julia’s Tears, a crème fraiche, custard-filled brioche," a coffee cake made with fresh fruit, and a "decadent" chocolate fudge cake. Their doors open at 7:30 m, but make sure you call ahead to place your order.
DIY Bouquets and Arrangements at Urban Bazaar
Local fair trade gift shop Urban Bazaar hosts a Mother’s Day edition of its crafty workshops. Attendees will “learn to make a beautiful flower and succulent arrangement perfect for a Mother’s Day gift.” The class is $60 and includes all the materials you’ll need. It takes place from noon to 2:30pm and will be outdoors, so dress accordingly. 1371 9th Ave. For tickets, visit Urban Bazaar's website.
San Francisco Rose Society’s Annual Rose Show
The San Francisco Rose Society’s Annual Rose Show kicks off at 12:30pm on Sunday at the Hall of Flowers/County Fair Building near 9th and Lincoln in Golden Gate Park. Society members will be on hand to answer all your rose-related questions.
Admission is free, but if you spy any beauties you’d like to bring home to Mom, roses go on sale at 4:30pm.
Concert Sundays with the Golden Gate Park Band
Concert Sundays with the Golden Gate Park Band are in full swing at the Spreckles Temple of Music in the park’s Music Concourse. All concerts “feature music of specific nationalities or cultures” and include costumed guest dancers, singers and speakers. This Sunday’s theme is “The Musical Inspiration of Latin America!” Concerts start at 1pm, last about two hours and are open to the public.
Looking ahead to next week, take note that Chris Carlsson, cofounder of city history site FoundSF (among many other accomplishments), will be giving a talk about San Francisco in the 1970s. It'll be at the SHARP meeting room on the ground floor of 1736 Ninth Ave. this coming Tuesday at 6:30pm. More details here.
