Whether you’re a North Beach native, a recent transplant or just passing through town, it's a nearly sure bet you'll find something to fill your weekend in the neighborhood. From bars and restaurants (many with live music) to comedy clubs and art exhibits, the area is bursting with entertainment of all types. Yes, there are strip clubs and nightclubs, too, but did you know this weekend there’s a sea shanty sing-along and an appearance from comedian Tommy Davidson?
So if you’re sticking around the next few days, here are a few reasons to grab an extra layer and head out of the house.
Culture
First Fridays Art Crawl: 6–9pm Friday
If you’re a big fan of free, this one’s for you. Fifteen local stores and galleries throw open their doors for the public the first Friday of every month. This month’s highlights include “Exposed Foundations” by Dawline-Jane at Art Attack SF, a sale on handmade jewelry by local artists at Modern Eden Gallery and “Trunks”, an up-close and personal series of paintings of SF tree trunks, by Megan Posas at Sweeties Art Bar. A full list of venues and events can be found at northbeachfirstfridays.com.
San Francisco International Arts Festival: Ending on Sunday
Located at Fort Mason (close enough to count as North Beach if you don’t mind a bit of a stroll) is the annual San Francisco Arts Festival, a two-week event full of programs, exhibits and performances. It ends on Sunday, so be sure to check out the events this weekend (note: some events are open to the public while others require tickets).
Sea Shanty Sing Along: 8pm Saturday
The National Park Service hosts an evening of traditional sea-faring tunes aboard a historic ship the first Saturday of every month at the SF Maritime National Historical Park. Be sure to RSVP at (415) 561-7171 before heading out.
Steinbeck - The Art of Fiction: 5pm Friday
Doc's Lab is hosting this exhibit showcasing artistic interpretations of Steinbeck’s most memorable characters and images.
Laughs
Cobbs Comedy Club: Tommy Davidson with Trenton Davis will be performing Friday through Sunday. Tickets are $25, more info can be found at www.cobbscomedy.com.
Punch Line San Francisco
Of Deuce Bigelow fame, Rob Schneider along with SF natives Larry "Bubbles" Brown and Trevor Hill will be performing Friday through Sunday, tickets can be purchased at www.punchlinecomedyclub.com
Sounds
Bimbos 365 Club: One of San Francisco’s oldest nightclubs will feature Mustache Harbor with Atta Kid performing on Friday (Doors open at 8:00 PM).
Docs Lab: Local psychedelic rockers the Jugtown Pirates perform on Friday (Doors open at 8:00 PM), the Lisa Engelken Quintet take the stage on Saturday (Doors open at 8:00 PM) and the Electric Squeezebox Orchestra with John Santos and Erik Jekabson’s Jazzschool Tuesday Night Hall School Combo will perform on Sunday (Doors open at 5:30 PM).
Photo: Gabriel Rojas, courtesy of Doc's Lab
Maggie McGarry’s: Apple Z will be performing on Friday (9:00 PM) and SF locals The Cocktail Monkeys on Saturday (10:00 PM).
Rose Pistola: In honor of Jazz Month, the Italian restaurant will feature Jason Bodlovich on Sunday at 8:00 PM.
The Condor: San Francisco's original strip club will feature The Funky Beats on Friday, Tommy D’s Band on Saturday and Groovy Judy on Sunday.
The Saloon: The city’s oldest bar is a jazz fanatic’s dream. They will host Lisa Kindred (4:00-8:00 PM) and Cathy Lemons (9:30 PM – 1:30 AM) on Friday, The Jukes (4:00-8:00 PM) and Daniel Castro (9:30 PM – 1:30 AM) on Saturday and Blues Power (4:00-8:00 PM) and P.A. Slim (9:30 PM – 1:30 AM) on Sunday.
Tupelo: SF native Jinx Jones and the Kingtones will be performing on Friday (9:30 PM) and Shantytown hits the stage at 9:00 PM on Saturday.
Photo: Geri Koeppel/Hoodline
Sports
Baseball (Games should be on in every North Beach bar with a TV which basically eliminates Specs)
Oakland takes on the Red Sox on Friday (4:10 PM), Saturday (1:05 PM) & Sunday (11:35 AM). If you’re a Boston fan, try Tupelo’s which is unapologetically slanted towards Beantown.
The Giants play the Phillies on Friday (4:05 PM), Saturday (12:05 PM) & Sunday (11:35 AM).
Belmont Stakes: Saturday, post time is 3:50 PM
American Pharaoh has a chance to be the first Triple Crown winner since 1978. You’ll want to find a decent cocktail bar in order to enjoy the official drink of the race.
NBA Championship: Warriors vs. Cavaliers, Game 2: Sunday, 5:00 PM
Same rule as baseball above: it’ll be on anywhere that has a TV and a power supply. Be sure to take a picture of Coit Tower lit up in Warrior blue while you’re at it.
NHL Stanley Cup Championship: Blackhawks vs. Lightning, Game 2: Saturday, 4:15 PM
The Boardroom and neighboring Northstar Cafe are good spots for puckheads.
UEFA Champions League Final: Barcelona vs. Juventus: Saturday - 11:45 AM
If it’s a big football soccer game, the place to be is Maggie McGarry’s. Show up early to grab a seat and don’t be shocked if there are dozens of new Juventus fans either.
Photo: Geri Koeppel/Hoodline
If all else fails...
The weather looks as promising as possible for this time of year in San Francisco, so hit up a park or two.
Did we miss anything? Let us know events or venues worth including in the comments.
