There are plenty of ways to stay active around the neighborhood this weekend, but runners who use the newly renovated track at Kezar Stadium should be advised: the stadium will be closed from Tuesday, August 17th to Monday, August 24th, for repainting. So get your laps in this weekend, then relocate to Golden Gate Park, Mount Sutro, or someplace more far-flung for next week's jogs.
Friday, August 14th
Teen Science Night at Cal Academy
Tonight, teens are taking over the California Academy of Sciences for Teen Science Night 2015. Bay Area youth ages 13-18 are invited to explore the world of science at this free event, planned by and for teens. It's from 6:30-9pm, and no adult chaperones are required. The event may fill up, so reserve your spot here.
Photo: California Academy of Sciences
Musical and Art Exploration at the deYoung
The parents of those teen scientists, along with other art-lovers, can head across the way from 5pm to 8:30pm for Friday Nights at the deYoung. Tonight's theme is Musical and Art Exploration, with live Mediterranean music by Agapi Mou, hands-on art activities. They'll have beer, wine, specialty cocktails, and a special cafe menu as well. Local artist Jeremy Sutton will be doing an art performance and demonstration at 6pm, inspired by the museum's current J.M.W. Turner exhibition. Admission to the permanent collections is free, and the special exhibits are discounted to $15.
Saturday, August 15th
420 Games
The 420 Games kick off on Saturday morning in front of the Spreckels Temple of Music. Their aim is "to show that cannabis users are not lazy, unmotivated, or 'stoners,'" and to destigmatize responsible cannabis use. That includes a Saturday run in which racers are "going the extra mile," bumping up a standard 5K (3.1 mile) race to a 4.20-miler. There's also a 10K option. Participants who finish the race will be treated to two hours of beer from Lagunitas and a concert from reggae artist Pato Banton.
The race starts at 8:30am, and the concert's from 10:30am-12:30pm. The run, beer tasting, and concert are $60 (or $75 the day of the event), and you can register here. If you'd like to forgo the run, the beer tasting and concert are $40, or $20 for the concert only.
Photo: 420 Games
Yoga in the Park
Every Saturday morning, Purusha Yoga offers donation-based yoga at 11am in Golden Gate Park. Roll out of bed, roll up your mat, and meet them at the Big Rec baseball fields near the park entrance at 9th and Lincoln. Your donations will benefit the Purusha Seva Project, a nonprofit that brings yoga, art, and health education to at-risk and underserved Bay Area populations.
Bay Area Vintage Base Ball's Golden Gate Cup, Season Closer
The Bay Area Vintage Base Ball League wraps up their season this weekend with a two-day championship tournament at the Big Rec Baseball fields. On Saturday afternoon, four teams will battle for a spot in Sunday's championship game; game times are noon and 3pm. The championship game kicks off Sunday at 12:30pm, after a musical performance by jazz and blues artist Kim Nalley, and an all-star game follows at 3:30pm. Keep your eye out for period uniforms, and listen for players shouting "Good hurl!"
Photo: Bay Area Vintage Base Ball
Candle Making 101 at Urban Bazaar
Feeling crafty? Fair trade boutique Urban Bazaar (1371 9th Ave.) is offering a candlemaking 101 workshop from noon to 2:30pm. $40 gets you all the materials you'll need to make three clean-burning soy candles, including fragrance oils, essential oils, dried flowers, and herbs.
Summer Youth Skateboard Contest
The inaugural summer youth skateboard contest, sponsored by FTC Skate Shop, gets rolling at noon at the Waller and Stanyan skate plaza. The window for registration has ended, but you can still come watch and cheer as skaters as young as age five compete. The event lasts until 5pm.
Sunday, August 16th
Zumba in the Park
Dance your way into shape on Sunday morning at Zumba in the Park, sponsored by the SF Rec and Park Department. They describe it as a "Latin-inspired, easy-to-follow calorie-burning dance-fitness party." The class is free, and no registration's required. Just show up at the Golden Gate Park carousel (198 JFK Dr.) at 10am, ready to shake.
Photo: SF Rec and Parks Department
Children's Story Time at the Botanical Garden
On the first and third Sundays of the month, the Botanical Garden holds storytime in their library for children ages 4-8. The reading starts at 10:30am, lasts 30 minutes, and is followed by a docent-led tour of the gardens. This week's featured book is Redwoods by Jason Chin, about a boy who is transported from a subway station to a redwood forest. Storytime is free for all, and admission to the garden is free for SF residents.
Lindy in the Park Anniversary Potluck
It's the 19th anniversary of Lindy in the Park, the weekly outdoor swing dance party, and they're celebrating potluck style. Bring main dishes, side dishes, salads, desserts, or drinks; they'll have utensils and food warmers. The dance floor is open from 11am to 2pm, and instructor Hep Jen teaches a free beginner lesson from noon to 12:30pm. They're located on the JFK Drive sidewalk, between the de Young Museum and the north entrance to the Music Concourse. It's free, fun, and no partner is required.
Photo: Lindy in the Park
The Golden Gate Park Band Celebrates Hungary
In celebration of the upcoming St. Stephen's Day, which marks Hungary's founding, the Golden Gate Park Band will feature Hungarian music, singing, and dancing at their weekly free outdoor concert. The music begins at 1pm at Spreckels Temple of Music.
Have a great weekend!
