Museums, we’ve missed you. Live opera, bravissimo. Spectator sports, welcome back. As the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco put it, “Less scrolling, more strolling.” Refresh your spirit this spring. Events are subject to change.
MAY
Through May 23
de Young Museum | Calder-Picasso
Iconic mobiles, stabiles, standing mobiles, paintings, prints, and drawings by Alexander Calder, juxtaposed with major paintings, sculptures, and drawings by Pablo Picasso. Conceived by the artists’ grandsons, a US museum debut. Deyoungmuseum.org
Through Aug. 9
The Contemporary Jewish Museum | Levi Strauss: A History of American Style |
A pair of 501s from 1890 headlines the collection of 250-plus objects from the Levi Strauss & Co. Archives for a comprehensive look at the life and legacy of a local icon. thecjm.org
Through Aug. 29
Legion of Honor | Last Supper in Pompeii: From the Table to the Grave |
A glimpse inside well-to-do Roman households engaged in eating and drinking at the moment Mount Vesuvius rained down ash in AD79. First and only US museum exhibition. legionofhonor.famsf.org
Through Sep. 5
SFMOMA | Close to Home: Creativity in Crisis
Deeply personal artistic, emotional, and political responses from seven Bay Area artists to the challenges and disruption of social upheaval and the pandemic in 2020. sfmoma.org/exhibition/close-to-home
1, 4, 7, 8, 11, 14, and 15
San Francisco Opera | The Barber of Seville
Live opera returns to the Bay Area with an outdoor production at the drive-in. It’s a zany new 90-minute adaptation of Rossini’s romantic comedy sung in English. Marin Center, San Rafael. SFOpera.com
6 and 13
San Francisco Opera | The Adlers: Live at the Drive-In
Together for the first time, top young artists perform live outdoors at the drive-in. Resident artists, the 2021 Adler Fellows, perform a concert of classic arias, duets, and ensembles. Marin Center, San Rafael. SFOpera.com
6
A Spring Celebration to Benefit the Edible Schoolyard Project
A conversation between Alice Waters and Jane Fonda with opening remarks by Chef José Andrés. Virtual. Private reception with singer Josh Groban at 5 p.m.; Main event 5:30 p.m. edibleschoolyard.org
6 (through May 26)
San Francisco Ballet | Romeo & Juliet
Stream one of the company’s greatest showpieces for Mother’s Day, Shakespeare’s eternal tale of star-crossed lovers. Renaissance Italy comes to life with Prokofiev’s score, passionate dancing, spine-tingling swordsmanship, stunning scenery and costume designs. sfballet.org/productions/digital-program-06
7
Party at the Piers: Emergence
Exploratorium’s annual gala fundraiser will inspire your curiosity and sense of wonder, delight and surprise while raising crucial funds to sustain this unique educational attraction during its prolonged closure. Virtual. 6 p.m. exploratorium.edu/support/party-at-the-piers
8 (through Oct. 3)
SFMOMA | Nam June Paik
More than 200 works in Paik’s first-ever West Coast retrospective. A visionary experimental artist who bridged art, music, performance, and technology in groundbreaking ways; an influence still felt in today. sfmoma.org/exhibition/nam-june-paik-2021
22
San Francisco Decorator Showcase: New Perspectives
Ten leading West Coast interior design firms reimagine rooms, creating exceptional virtual visions for 1080 Chestnut Street, a luxurious Russian Hill penthouse with 360-degree views. Virtual visits are available all summer to benefit San Francisco University High School’s Financial Aid Program. DecoratorShowcase.org
22
A.C.T. World Premiere
A yet-to-be-titled virtual play by Christopher Chen, commissioned by A.C.T. and directed by Pam MacKinnon, is the cornerstone event of the season gala. In a limited run on May 28–June 27, intimately sized audiences “connect” with a celebrated Bay Area actor. act-sf.org
(Photo: Nader Khouri)
JUNE
Weekends in June | San Francisco Pride Month
SF Pride 2021 is in-person and out-of-doors. The theme is “All in This Together,” honoring the people, the history, and the spirit of San Francisco Pride, showcasing the full diversity of the Bay Area’s LGBTQ+ communities since 1970. sfpride.org/2021-celebration
8-13
de Young Museum | Bouquets to Art
A fragrant, fresh start to the summer season. Now in its 37th year, inspired by works of art in the museum’s galleries, a well loved, week-long display of floral installations. Newly added: Bouquets to Art Virtual Visit. Tickets. deyoung.famsf.org/bouquets-to-art
10
Cal Performances At Home
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (Credit: Nicole Tintle)
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in a world premiere of a work commissioned from resident choreographer Jamar Roberts. Also featured, screenings of rare archival repertoire footage. 7 p.m. calperformances.org/at-home-spring
12
9th Annual Yountville Art, Sip & Stroll
Throughout downtown, more than 50 juried artists showcase their work in fine art, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics and photography. Tastings at various wine tasting rooms, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. www.artsipstroll.com
20
SF Giants at Oracle Park | Father’s Day
It’s a match! Orange tier means 33% capacity at Oracle Park, or just under 14,000 fans wearing orange and black.The Philadelphia Phillies are in town for an afternoon game at 1:05 p.m. mlb.com/giants
20
SFGMC Presents Pride Showcase
Season 43 is all virtual. In honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, an uplifting concert by San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus featuring the usual flags, boas, drag, and rainbows. sfgmc.org
Calder-Picasso, through May 23 Levi Strauss, through Aug. 9
Images: Cover – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (Travis McGee), Courtesy of Fine Art Museums of San Francisco, Exploratorium, Levis Strauss Archives