San Francisco knows spring has sprung when the magnificent saucer-sized pink, white, and magenta magnolias burst into bloom at San Francisco Botanical Garden. Across the city, a busy social calendar also blossoms this spring, including fashion highlights: Dress for Success Gala, SF Ballet Auxiliary Fashion Show, and the Guo Pei exhibition at the Legion of Honor.
#BreakTheBias: International Women’s Day is March 8.
MARCH
Select dates
Ninety-minute magnolia curated tours through the Botanical Garden (March 3, 12, 17, and 26) at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Or, hear from botany experts (webinars on March 3 and 17). Learn the ancient art of grafting (March 26) or take a garden docent tour. More information at sfbg.org
Through March 27
Imagine Picasso: The Immersive Exhibition
The U.S. premiere of a multi-sensorial celebration of 200+ works depicting Picasso’s evocative images from the Blue and Rose periods, to forays into Cubism, and on to the prolific output of his mature years. Skylight at the Armory, 1800 Mission St. imagine-picasso.com
4-6
Cal Performances | The Joffrey Ballet
A crown jewel of America’s homegrown dance companies, the esteemed Joffrey Ballet returns to Berkeley to conclude its six-year campus residency. Calperformances.org
7
San Francisco Performances | Isata Kanneh-Mason
Recipient of the 2021 Leonard Bernstein Award, the internationally acclaimed pianist performs in her SFP solo debut at Herbst Theatre. 7:30 p.m. sfperformances.org
13
Joshua Bell & Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Bell leads the ensemble in violin concertos by Bach and Barber, closing with Beethoven’s Third Symphony, Eroica. Louise Davies Symphony Hall, 7:30 p.m. sfsymphony.org
15
San Francisco Opera Center and Merola Opera Program | Taube Atrium Theater
The 38th Schwabacher Recital Series kicks off 2022 with the first of four recitals highlighting global emerging artists and unique musical programs in an intimate setting. Additional dates: April 6, April 27 and July 28. sfopera.com/srs
16-17 and 18-19
San Francisco Symphony | Films With Live Orchestra
The sensuous score of this James Bond spy thriller features the Academy Award- winning title song as the action unfolds on the big screen in Skyfall. The Disney and Pixar film Toy Story features an Oscar®- and Grammy® Award-winning score. sfsymphony.org
18
Dress For Success Sweet 16 Event
“Casino Royale” is the theme. More than 9,000 clients have been served over the past 16 years. This annual gala helps empower and support women so they may develop and thrive. Palace Hotel. sfdress.org/sweet16
18 – 27
Oakland Restaurant Week
Eat. Drink. Repeat. From neighborhood gems to food trucks to Michelin star restaurants, “Feast Your Way Through the East Bay.” Participating restaurants offer special lunch and dinner menus to showcase the city’s diverse cuisine. VisitOakland.com
19
27th Annual Red Cross Gala
“Heroes Unmasked” is the theme as this signature black tie event returns to its iconic setting at San Francisco City Hall. rdcrss.org/3As0mXd
19 and 20
Cal Performances | London Symphony Orchestra
Sir Simon Rattle conducts the LSO in a rare Bay Area visit. Bing Concert Hall on the Stanford University campus is the first night’s venue followed by Zellerbach Hall at UC Berkeley the following evening. calperformances.org
23-27
Sonoma International Film Festival
The 25th Annual Sonoma International Film Festival presents the best in 100+ films, food, wine, and fun for five days. Downtown venues are entirely walkable in person and completely accessible online. Special culinary guests: Chef Jacques Pépin and Chef Joanne Weir. sonomafilmfest.org
24
San Francisco Ballet 89th Repertory Season Gala
La Grande Fête, curated by Artistic Director & Principal Choreographer Helgi Tomasson is performed at the magnificent War Memorial Opera House. At 5 p.m., a gala sparkling wine reception precedes the performance (rescheduled date). sfballet.org
24 and 26
Chase Center | March Madness
On the road to the Final Four, 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship West Regional marks the first time the event is in San Francisco since its inaugural at California Coliseum on Treasure Island in March 1939. chasecenter.com/2022-ncaa-tournament-west-regional
26-27
United States Sail Grand Prix
The final action is in San Francisco, hosting a $1 million winner-takes-all Grand Final as SailGP Season 2 concludes. The eight-nation fleet of high-flying F50s battle it out in San Francisco Bay. bit.ly/3FT3IUc
29
Chase Center | Billie Eilish
“Happier Than Ever, The World Tour” comes to San Francisco for one show performed by the 19-year-old sensation from Los Angeles, youngest-ever winner of a Grammy for Album of the Year. chasecenter.com
29 – April 3
Cal Performances | Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Zellerbach Hall at UC Berkeley is like a second home to this world-famous modern dance ensemble founded in New York City in 1958. Under the leadership of artistic director Robert Battle, expect daring new works. bit.ly/3KBQy1u
30
San Francisco Ballet Auxiliary Fashion Show
A long-awaited return features the stunning designs of Haute Couture designer Maison Rabih Kayrouz in a San Francisco debut. Presenting sponsor Sam Malouf Authentic Luxury. Fairmont Hotel and Saint Joseph’s Arts Society. sfballet.org/support-us/special-events/fashion-show
29 – May 8
San Francisco Ballet | Swan Lake
Timeless and achingly beautiful, Tchaikovsky’s classical ballet Swan Lake has been beloved for more than a century since its American premiere by the San Francisco Ballet. Helgi Tomasson’s Swan Lake includes set and costume designs by Tony Award–winner Jonathan Fensom; choreography by Tomasson. sfballet.org
APRIL
6 and 27
San Francisco Opera Center and Merola Opera Program | Taube Atrium Theater
The 38th Schwabacher Recital Series performs the second and third in a series of four recitals highlighting global emerging artists and unique musical programs in an intimate setting. Additional date: July 28. sfopera.com/srs
8
SFMOMA Art Bash
Netting $2+ million to support the museum’s education and community programs, this year’s party kicks off with cocktails, dinner, and an art auction. After dinner, all seven floors of the museum will burst to life to welcome guests for surprising encounters, musical performances, and immersive art experiences until 1 a.m. sfmoma.org/event/series/artbash
16 – Sept. 5
Legion of Honor | Guo Pei: Couture Fantasy
Extraordinary designs from couturier Guo Pei, known for blurring the lines between fashion and art. Exquisite craftsmanship, lavish embroidery, and unconventional dressmaking techniques define works that are like artistic sculptural statements. First major museum exhibition to show the Chinese designer’s work. legionofhonor.famsf.org/guo-pei
18
An Evening With Itzhak Perlman
Learn more about the legendary violinist, the “man behind the music” and music-making with Perlman’s longtime pianist and friend, Rohan De Silva. The Great Performers Series at Davies Symphony Hall. sfsymphony.org
21 -24
Dudamel Conducts Mahler
Gustavo Dudamel leads the SF Symphony in a program that balances Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s dramatic Symphony No. 38, Prague and Gustav Mahler’s masterful Fifth Symphony. At Davies Symphony Hall. sfsymphony.org
22 – 24
Vineyard to Vintner
Hosted by Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association, a weekend of “backstage” access to the district’s vintners, wineries, and homes for a series of intimate multi-vintner hosted dinners prepared by celebrated chefs. Plus curated seminars, tastings, luncheons. stagsleapdistrict.com/V2V
24
Orpheum Theatre | Il Volo: Sings Morricone
The Italian pop-opera trio is touring America in a moving celebration of the famous composer, Ennio Morricone. Expect to hear some of the greatest hits from their repertoire, including ‘My Way’, ‘Grande Amore’ and of course, ‘O Sole Mio!’ orpheumtheatersanfrancisco.org
30
Golden Gate Theatre | RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles
RAIN has mastered every song, gesture, and nuance of the legendary foursome, delivering a note-for-note live performance that’s infectious. Get back to where you once belonged. One night only. Broadwaysf.com