Though it's only Thursday, it's time to start planning for the weekend, which promises activities for folks of all ages around the Inner Sunset.
Take note: the SF AIDS walk will be making its way through Golden Gate Park Sunday morning, so expect an influx of people and road closures inside the park from 6am to 2pm. Taking Muni to the neighborhood is recommended, as parking spots are expected to be scarce. Check here for a full map of the route and road closures.
Friday, July 17th
Friday Nights at the de Young
Tomorrow night's after-hours event, Revisiting South of Market: A Multigenerational Conversation About Change in the Bay Area, features talks and books signings by artist Wendy MacNaughton, photographer Janet Delaney, and author/historian Chris Carlsson, whom we profiled a couple of months ago. If you haven't caught Delaney's highly praised photography exhibit, South of Market, this weekend is your last chance. Beer, wine, cocktails, and food will be available for purchase, 6pm to 8:30pm.
Circus Skills Jam
Always wanted to try unicycling or tightrope walking in a safe, supportive, and playful environment? Circus Center's your place. Every Friday (and Wednesday) night from 7pm-9pm, it offers a free, all levels circus jam with activities like cigar box juggling, feather balancing, and rolla bolla (balance board). Register here if you're 8 or older; those under 15 should bring a parent. (755 Frederick St.)
Photo: Circus Center
Saturday, July 18th
Volunteer Neighborhood Clean-up
Throw on your work clothes, lace up your closed-toed shoes, and join your neighbors this Saturday from 9am-1pm for the Community Clean Team. This volunteer outing is organized by the Department of Public Works, which provides the equipment. Meet in the parking lot at 9th and Irving, and RSVP to walter_van_riel [at] att [dot] net.
Flower Piano
If you've yet to experience the magic of Flower Piano in the Botanical Garden, this weekend is your final chance, as the exhibit closes Monday. Artists Mauro ffortissimo and Dean Mermell have placed 12 pianos throughout the garden for anyone to play. They've also scheduled concerts, including Steinway artist Lara Downes on Saturday at 11am, and a piano extravaganza, from noon to 2pm, where all 12 pianos will be played simultaneously. For the full list of weekend concerts, check here. It's free for SF residents, or between $2 and $7 for out-of-towners. (9th Avenue at Lincoln Way.)
Photo: Caitlin Harrington/Hoodline
Talk to Me Day 2015
Take a break from your smartphone to talk with strangers—or not-yet friends—at 2015 Talk to Me Day at the Pioneer East Meadow in Golden Gate Park from 11am to 2pm. The event is part of a global movement to get strangers conversing and connecting and to "build a greater sense of community in the world by talking, listening, and understanding each other." Bring a blanket or beach chair, a snack if you like, and of course, stuff to talk about. You can read more and RSVP here.
Sunday, July 19th
AIDS Walk
The 2015 San Francisco AIDS walk kicks off from Sharon Meadow Sunday morning and winds its way through Golden Gate Park. Last year's walk brought out 20,000 people and raised $2.2 million for local AIDS service organizations. Festivities begin at 8:35am and the 10k walk starts at 10:30am, followed by a 12:30pm concert. For information about registration, volunteering, or donations, visit the website.
Local Author Marta Lindsey Talks Whales at the Cal Academy
Local author and Sunset resident Marta Lindsey will be reading from her children's book, Little Gray's Great Migration on Sunday at the Cal Academy of Sciences. The reading coincides with the museum's exhibit Whales: Giants of the Deep, and a special program about whales and a book signing will follow. The members program starts at 10:45am, and a second non-members program will begin at 11:45am.
Photo: California Academy of Sciences
Soccer Camp
United Soccer Coaching Academy is holding a seven-week soccer training camp for kids aged 6-12 starting on Sunday from 11:30 to 12:30 at the Midtown Terrace playground (Clarendon Avenue near the rear of Laguna Honda Hospital). Budding athletes will learn technical skills, coordination, and psycho-motor skills, then play small 2x2 to 4x4 games. It's $80 for the seven weeks, and you can sign up here.
Enjoy the weekend, Inner Sunset residents!
