Archive for the culture category
April 29th, 2008 by susan j
Castro Theatre interior photo uploaded by
Looking for something to fun to do in San Francisco? The San Francisco International Film Festival runs now through May 8 and features close to 200 films and live events with more than 100 filmmakers in attendance. The longest-running film festival in the Americas, the San Francisco International Film Festival attracts more than 80,000 film patrons annually.
This year’s lineup of films include works by Japanese director Hitoshi Matsumoto, Norwegian director Bård Breien, Spanish director Ventura Pons, and dozens of other film luminaries from around the globe. Screenings are at the Sundance Cinemas Kabuki, Castro Theatre (pictured above), the Pacific Film Archive Theater, and Landmark’s Clay Theatre. In addition, satellite venues are set up at the California Culinary Academy, Mezzanine, and Kanbar Hall.
For more information, check out the .
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March 21st, 2008 by amy c
San Francisco’s Castro Theater Photo uploaded by
San Francisco’s pride and commitment to community oozes out of every bar, restaurant, hangout, and street fair in the Castro, most well known for its accepting and liberal politics and environment. The Castro community represents the epitome of San Francisco flair from the steep streets and brightly colored Victorians to the large gay community and liberal feel.
In fact, the San Franciscan liberalness is a main tourist attraction in of itself. The streets are also sprinkled with funky boutiques and lively bars. Home to the most beloved street fairs in the Bay Area and perhaps beyond, the area attracts 500,000 participants and spectators at the annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Celebration Parade every June and at the Castro Street Fair every October.
As seen through its popular annual parades, the Castro has a rich history of activism and a sense of community that dates back to the 1960’s and 70’s. Home to one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S., Harvey Milk, the area is well known for its revolutionary strides and commitment to AIDS research. To learn more about how the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community has influenced San Francisco, check out the GLBT Museum. (more…)
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February 26th, 2008 by jamie a
The Band “Golem” Performing at Noise Pop Photo uploaded by
From February 26 through March 2nd, the best indie artists descend upon the city of San Francisco for the .
Since 1993, this festival has featured the best in alternative and independent music, film, education, art, and culture. Distinguished guests of the past with incredible musical talent include Wilco, The Flaming Lips, The Shins, and The White Stripes. The festival has been named one of the country’s top independent music festivals, showcasing what San Francisco and the rest of the independent world has to offer.
Rolling Stone writes that the festival is “…One of the best ways to see punk legends, indie darlings and the best local upstarts in one extended weekend. It’s meant to be a nonstop party… You can taste each and every intelligently booked showcase.”
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February 7th, 2008 by amy c
Chinatown photo uploaded by
In honor of the Chinese New Year, we’re kicking off our series highlighting San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods with a look at its world-famous Chinatown…
San Francisco’s has come to be known as “a city within a city” for its ability to transport you to another world. Not only is it the oldest Chinatown in America, but it is still one of the largest and most culturally authentic in North America. The best way to enjoy Chinatown is to just walk. By wandering aimlessly, you’ll be sure to pick up on the aspects of Chinatown that are uniquely San Francisco and those that attract billions of tourists each year.
The best time to explore Chinatown is Saturday afternoons when the live markets take over Stockton Street. Fresh produce, Chinese delicacies, and live animals turn this San Francisco Street into an Asian Mecca. Tourists should definitely stroll Grant Avenue if looking for souvenirs and the classic Chinatown experience.
However, a look into Chinese heritage is best found off the main drag, where you can try the best outside of Asia, learn how they make fortune cookies, and glimpse the inner workings of this amazing community.
For those of you looking for more advice than “walking aimlessly,” here are a few tips and must-see spots to experience both the classic and off-the-beaten-path Chinatown. (more…)
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January 28th, 2008 by jamie a
Jazz Club in San Francisco Photo uploaded by
During your visit to San Francisco, why not enjoy a candlelit evening at one of the city’s famed jazz clubs? If you’re a fan of sipping drinks while listening to the smooth sounds of the saxophone, these clubs will be perfect for your night out on the town.
Start with , named “San Francisco’s Best Jazz Club” by the New York Times. With 14 shows a week, it’s a great place to catch the best in jazz. Advanced tickets are recommended, so just make sure to book ahead to secure one of their 25 beautiful tables. Enjoy their candlelit atmosphere while your cocktails are delivered right to your table.
There’s also , featured in the photo above, which resides in Union Square. In a bistro-style setting, this place is perfect for a cozy night full of French and Mediterranean cuisine, great music, and delicious drinks, making this a favorite spot in the city for 23 years.
Finally, there’s , featuring two shows a night and amazing Japanese sushi. According to Fortune magazine, “Yoshi’s has the best talent, the best acoustics, the best atmosphere in the Bay Area.” Yoshi’s welcomes guests of all ages to enjoy great music in their 320 seat capacity jazz venue, which makes it a great stop on your trip.
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January 17th, 2008 by susan j
Friday, January 18 (5 pm-10 pm)
The de Young Museum presents Friday Nights the de Young featuring live music, poetry, films, dance, tours, lectures, plus hands-on art activities for children and adults.
Friday, January 18-Sunday, January 20 (various times)
Lamplighter Music Theater presents a musical adaptation of the classic children’s story, The Secret Garden.
Saturday, January 19 (8 pm-10 pm)
The 24Hour Art Show is an annual gathering of Bay Area artists. The venue is announced on Friday, so text the phrase “24hour” to the number “41411″ to get the inside scoop.
Through Sunday, January 27 (various times)
The 7th annual San Francisco Sketchfest brings 17 days of comedy to San Francisco.
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January 11th, 2008 by jamie a
Dragon at the Chinese New Year’s Parade in San Francisco
Photo uploaded by
If you’re in San Francisco this January or February, you should certainly head over to the oldest in the United States to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Along with dazzling arrays of food and fun, will be held on February 23rd (5:30 - 8 pm) as the crowning event of the celebration.
The parade is the largest of its kind outside of Asia, complete with a 201 foot-long Golden Dragon, carried by a team of over 100 men and women. The dragon is crafted out of rattan, bamboo, colored lights, silver rivets, and white rabbit fur. There will also be fireworks, acrobatics, the newly crowned Miss Chinatown, high school bands, and many elaborate floats.
If you love flowers and other exotic plant life, there’s also the , held on February 2 & 3. There will be gorgeous peach blossoms, orchids, narcissus, tangerines, chrysanthemums, and snap dragons for sale, along with a Children’s Fair.
From January 23- 26th, you can also catch the , who “…bring (their) audience the essence, the true spirit of the Chinese culture expressed in the forms of classical performing arts, giving people a deeper understanding and connection to the Chinese culture.”
To learn even more about Chinatown and the Asian cultures of San Francisco, check out our blog post entitled
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January 10th, 2008 by susan j
Sunday, January 13 (various times)
The city of San Francisco presents with special activities and prizes for kids at 35 of the Bay Area’s best museums and attractions. Get in free to places like de Young Museum, ZEUM at Yerba Buena Garden, and others!
Through Sunday, January 27
Catch an at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The exhibit features more than 40 images by this prolific photographer.
Ongoing
The Chabot Space & Science Center presents , a “global adventure of science and discovery.”
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San Francisco?
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December 13th, 2007 by susan j
Friday, December 14 and Saturday, December 15 (8 pm)
Relive the highs and lows of the teen years at , a hilarious series of readings from real people’s journal and diaries.
Now through January 6, 2008
Learn about the intersection between science and art at , a special exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences’ Natural History Museum.
Saturday, December 15
Browse for unique holiday gifts at the or the .
Saturday, December 15 (5: 15 pm)
Watch the battle the Cincinnati Bengals at Monster Park.
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San Francisco?
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November 27th, 2007 by jamie a
Photo uploaded by
Attention chocoholics! From old-fashioned Ghirardelli to the modern Scharffen Berger, San Francisco can fulfill your wildest chocolate dreams.
Founded in 1852 by Italian immigrant , Ghirardelli Chocolate Company went on to become America’s longest continually operating chocolate manufacturer. Starting with the finest in carefully selected cocoa beans, they roast the beans in-house in order to ensure their signature flavor. To savor their luxurious intense dark chocolate or their smooth and creamy hot chocolate blends, visit their main location in , which was declared a San Francisco landmark in 1965.
For the more modern palate, , another great chocolate establishment, was founded in 1996. Using only a coffee grinder, mortar and pestle, an electric mixer, and a hair dryer, John Scharffenberger and Robert Steinberg made their first batch of chocolate. Specializing in the finest blends of dark chocolate, Scharffen Berger even offers free public !
Planning a trip to
San Francisco?
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