After months, upon months, upon months of staying home, staying close to home, and being overly creative, finally, events, activities, and places are opening! And we can start exploring the many great things the Bay Area has to offer again. Hooray!

Ah, but have you forgotten some of the fun things to do with things being closed for so long? Or perhaps you picked up a new interest over the last year?  Maybe you would like to explore a different aspect of the Bay Area? Not to worry, we have you covered with loads of ideas and things to do over the wonderful summer months!

Festivals

Yep, festivals are back. And while some are still determining the best way to host (understandably so), a few others are ready to go. Consider these options:

• 28th Annual Labor Fest: Throughout July, Labor Fest is hosting a variety of in-person and online events that focus on the issues working people face today. Examples of the events include the Film-The Gig Economy by Keif Roberts, a book reading “Mobilizing in OUR OWN NAME: Million Worker March” by Clarence Thomas, and an Irish Musical Event – Matt Seidel & others. There are plenty of events, so check out their website to learn about the multitude of options.
• Festival Napa Valley Summer Concert Series: A variety of outdoor concerts from July 16-25. There are a number of free concert options, including a Chamber Series and concerts for kids.
• 2021 Gilroy Garlic Festival: During the weekends of July 23-25 and July 30 – August 1, enjoy socially distanced and virtual events that showcase the food from Gourmet Alley. This festival will feature drive-thru events at Gilroy Presbyterian Church, a Farm-to-Table dinner at Fortino’s Winery, and a Golf Tournament at Gilroy Golf Course.
• Stern Grove Festival: A free concert series that runs now through the end of August. Although concerts are free, reservations are required to ensure the safety of all guests. A few of the concert options include Saint Paul & The Broken Bones on July 18 and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts on August 1.
• Yerba Buena Gardens Festival: This festival features music, dance, theater, children’s and family programs, and a variety of cultural events that reflect the cultures and creativity of the region. The festival takes place now through August.

Sporting Events

If you’ve been missing baseball and football, you are in luck!

• SF Giants: There are plenty of home games scheduled in July and August, making this a great way to get your baseball fix.
• Oakland A’s: If you’re more of an A’s fan, they are stacked with home games in July and August as well.
• SF 49ers: If you’re a football fan, the 49ers have pre-season games on August 14 and August 29 that you might want to check out.

Museums, Exhibits and Clubs

There is just so much to experience when it comes to museums, exhibits, and clubs!

• Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit: An opportunity to experience 300,000 cubic feet of projections animating Vincent Van Gogh’s oeuvre. If you like Van Gogh’s work, this is a great way to see his pieces come to life. This exhibit is happening now through September 6.
• Cobb’s Comedy Club: Laugh it up throughout the summer with comedy shows from Brent Terhune, Moses Storm, Sydnee Washington and a variety of other comedians.
• Broadway SF: The shows are back, and the line-up is amazing! Hamilton, Jesus Christ Superstar and more are listed for the 2021-2022 season.
• deYoung Museum: Visit and check out their permanent collections which feature American art; art from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas; as well as costume and textile arts.
• Asian Art Museum: Home to one of the finest collections of Asian art, this museum features more than 18,000 works including ancient jades, ceramics and video installations. The museum also houses special exhibitions, like Zheng Chongbin: I Look for the Sky.

Outdoors and More

Of course, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors as well!

• The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: Open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; this market is a great opportunity to experience fresh farm products as well as artisan and prepared foods.
• SF Crosstown Trail: A 17-mile trail that takes you through a variety of San Francisco neighborhoods on paved roads, trails, and paths. Enjoy the outdoors while enjoying a new neighborhood.
• City Parks: With 220 city parks in San Francisco, there is bound to be one that you haven’t visited yet! Trails, hiking areas, garden spots, and a variety of interest points along the way. Consider checking into 10, 20 or more of these parks throughout the summer!

Is this an exhaustive list? Nope! But, it’s a great starting point to let you know what is beginning to open. If you have a favorite location that you’re looking forward to going back to, keep an eye on them. More places/events are likely to open up over the coming months.

Happy Summer. Happy Exploring!

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