The Bay Area's shelter-in-place order has brought countless events usually held as in-person gatherings online. We're aiming to support local businesses in San Francisco and Oakland by highlighting five of these events each day.
Got a suggestion for an online event based in SF or Oakland? Email our events reporter, Teresa Hammerl.
Here's your San Francisco and Oakland online event calendar for Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16. Learn floral arranging techniques, boogie down in a digital dance party or join a guided meditation for beginners.
Floral Arranging Workshop
Participate in an online floral arranging workshop with Ricci Candé of Rust & Flourish Florals. Candé will walk the class through the basic elements of design, from how to properly clean flowers, to the mechanics of making an arrangement, to color theory and placement.
Once you learn this skill, you'll be able to make arrangements for your home or for special events. Flowers and centerpiece supplies will be provided, and must be picked up in Oakland at 421 40th St. today, Friday, between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. or tomorrow, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
When: Saturday, August 15, 1 p.m.
How to join: Via Gather
Price: $100
OurTownSF LGBTQ Nonprofit Expo 2020
Then, join the "largest LGBTQ resource fair in the world," according to event organizers, with 155 participating groups. Hear about a wide range of topics including art, fundraisers, health, athletics, law, politics, recovery and spirituality.
Mayor London Breed and District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman will open the event with an introduction, with entertainment by The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band and a member of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus.
When: Saturday, August 15, 12:30 p.m.
How to join: There will be different links, learn more here
Price: Free
The Harvey Milk Club's 44th Annual Gayla
Tune in as the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club celebrates its 44th annual "Gayla," held online this year. District Attorney Chesa Boudin will make a guest appearance.
The event features drag performances by Alex U. Inn, Betty Fresas and Mocha Fapalatte.
When: Saturday, August 15, 7 p.m.
How to join: Via Zoom
Price: Free, sponsorships encouraged
The 11th Annual GLIDE Legacy Gala
Later, join the Glide Legacy Committee as it celebrates the 11th annual Legacy Gala, this time as a virtual gathering. Expect a panel discussion and live Q&A with the 2020 Legacy Award Honorees: musician, activist, and filmmaker Michael Franti and poet, activist, and changemaker Amanda Gorman.
The evening’s master of ceremonies will be Glide's minister of celebration Marvin K. White. He will host a digital dance party set to beats by DJ KingMost. Glide is aiming to raise $100,000 to help support the organization's work.
When: Saturday, August 15, 8 p.m.
How to join: Via Glide
Price: A donation of any amount will grant you access to the 11th annual Glide Legacy Gala live stream.
Taste of Buddhism - The Dalai Lama's "Simple Meditation"
On Sunday, join the Tse Chen Ling Center for Buddhist Studies "Taste of Buddhism" program, for a guided meditation session for beginners offered by presenter Scott Snibble.
The "simple meditation" for beginners is a guided meditation based on two morning meditations recommended by the Dalai Lama — one meditating on the mind, followed by meditating on the kindness of others.
When: Sunday, August 16, 10:30 a.m.
How to join: RSVP online
Price: $10 – $25 (sliding scale)
