When it’s spring in San Francisco, everybody gets an extra bounce in their step. Head to Golden Gate Park for two special exhibitions at the de Young and make time to admire the magnificent magnolias in bloom at San Francisco Botanical Garden. This season, everything from ballet to basketball to baseball is in full swing.
P.S. Spring is also for Springsteen.
MARCH
Through May 6
Asian Art Museum | Japanese Tastes in Chinese Ceramics
Exquisite Chinese and Chinese-influenced ceramics from the Kyoto National Museum demonstrate the importance of Chinese art to Japanese tea culture. First project born from a collaborative partnership agreement between the two museums. 200 Larkin St. exhibitions.asianart.org
Through Aug. 11
de Young | Fashioning San Francisco: A Century of Style
One hundred collection highlights, plus local loans of high fashion and haute couture, in the first major presentation of the costume collection in over 35 years. Showcasing designs from French couturiers, Japanese avant-garde designers, and other pillars of the fashion industry. Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr. famsf.org/exhibitions/fashioning-san-francisco
2–3
Barrel Tasting Weekend
See you in the cellars! This annual 3-day event is an opportunity to buy “futures” in wine while learning about the process directly from winemakers representing 60+ Sonoma County wineries. On March 1, a new VIP sunset experience at CAST Wines. WineRoad.com
4 and 25
Opera House Tour
In a once-a-year event, book to go behind the scenes. Dennis Hudson, former SF Ballet master electrician, escorts a tour of the War Memorial Opera House, a 1932 Beaux-Arts building designed by Author Brown. Tickets are limited. Meet promptly at 4 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. 455 Franklin St. sfballet.org/productions/opera-house-tour
7
Festival Napa Valley | Angels of the Arts Gala
The festival’s highest honor, now in its second year, celebrates outstanding contributions to the arts. For a lifetime of contributions to the world of classical music, the distinction goes to Gordon Getty, a legend in the arts world and a founding benefactor of the festival. The Green Room at War Memorial, 401 Van Ness Ave. festivalnapavalley.org
7–24
SFJAZZ | Women’s History Month Celebration
Female artists: pianist Lisa Hilton Quartet, saxophonist Caroline Davis, bassist and vocalist Katie Thiroux, blues singer Pamela Rose, pianist and songwriter Christina Galisatus, and vocalist and composer Jacqui Naylor. 201 Franklin St. sfjazz.org
8–9
Presidio Theater | New Century Chamber Orchestra
Playing with Structure: American cellist Sterling Elliott joins Daniel Hope and New Century for Joseph Haydn’s beloved first cello concerto, a virtuoso showpiece for the instrument. 99 Moraga Ave. presidiotheatre.org
12–23
San Francisco Ballet | A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Enter Shakespeare’s enchanted forest of whimsy, mistaken identity, and jest—where fairies rule and love (eventually) reigns supreme. A delight for all ages, the Shakespearean favorite is choreographed by George Balanchine, set to music by Mendelssohn, with costume and set designs by Christian Lacroix. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfballet.org
14–24
Oakland Restaurant Week
Eat. Drink. Stay. Repeat. From neighborhood gems and food trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants, explore the town’s global culinary offerings. Participating restaurants offer special lunch and dinner menus to showcase the diverse culture and cuisine. VisitOakland.com
14–17
Cal Performances | The Joffrey Ballet
Anna Karenina is a ravishing, full-length story ballet based on Tolstoy’s timeless novel. Featuring an original score by award-winning composer Ilya Demutsky, performed live by the Berkeley Symphony in a Bay Area premiere. Zellerbach Hall, calperformances.org.
16–July 21
de Young | Irving Penn
Irving Penn Foundation. © The Irving Penn Foundation
One of the 20th century’s greatest photographers was Vogue’s longest-standing contributor, revolutionizing fashion photography in the postwar era. Using neutral backgrounds, Penn emphasized models’ personalities through their gestures and expressions. Approximately 175 photographs spanning a nearly 70-year career. Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr. famsf.org/exhibitions/irving-penn
20–24
27th Annual Sonoma International Film Festival
Dive into the best in film, food, wine, and fun. The nonprofit event, dedicated to promoting independent film, supporting filmmakers around the world, and inspiring film lovers, is spread around venues in Sonoma. sonomafilmfest.org
21
29th Annual American Red Cross Gala
In support of its humanitarian mission, “Building Bridges of Hope” is the theme for this year’s signature fundraiser in a new venue. Pier 27. The Embarcadero. redcross.org/redcrossgalasf
22–24
18th Annual California Artisan Cheese Festival
Say cheese! Three full days of tasting, education, and celebration bringing together farmers, cheesemakers, chefs, brewers, winemakers, distillers, and cheese enthusiasts. Sonoma County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa. Artisancheesefestival.com
28
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus | Drag Me To the Movies!
The 300-member group, under the baton of artistic director Jacob Stensberg, performs a one-night special premiere that brings together iconic film scores and pop culture anthems. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. sfgmc.org
28 and 31
Chase Center | Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
With more than 140 million records sold, “The Boss” is one of the world’s best-selling artists. Also, with 20 Grammy Awards®, two Golden Globe® awards, an Academy Award, and a Special Tony Award®, Springsteen is in the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. chasecenter.com
APRIL
2
San Francisco Symphony | Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Storr
Described as “bucket list brilliance in singular concerts by sublime artists,” longtime friends cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Kathryn Stott join forces for a spectrum of music across the ages. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. sfsymphony.org
2–7
Cal Performances | Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
A 55-year relationship brings the renowned dance company back for its annual residence. The best seats in the house are reserved for guests on April 4, when the 2024 Cal Performances Gala is an evening of cocktails, dinner, and live music. calperformances.org
4–14
San Francisco Ballet | Dos Mujeres
A world premiere of Carmen by Cuban-born choreographer and Laurence Olivier Award winner Arielle Smith, plus the North American premiere of Broken Wings, a mini masterpiece exploring the life and art of the celebrated Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfballet.org
4–7
Pebble Beach Food and Wine
One of the nation’s premier culinary experiences returns. The 4-day epicurean experience is California’s premier celebration of gastronomy, fine wines, and community spirit, bringing together over 150 acclaimed wine and spirits producers and more than 100 distinguished chefs. pebblebeachfoodandwine.com
5–7
Presidio Theatre | Disney’s The Little Mermaid
SFArtsED Players present a musical tale about Ariel who makes a choice to leave her undersea family and explore what life and love are like for humans on dry land, featuring songs from the beloved 1989 animated film. 99 Moraga Ave. presidiotheatre.org
7
San Francisco International Chocolate Salon
Because the Bay Area loves chocolate, it’s the (sweet) 16th annual curated selection of premium and award-winning chocolatiers and confectioners. County Fair Building, 1199 9th Ave. sfchocolatesalon.com
7
San Francisco Symphony | Joshua Bell
The celebrated Grammy Award-winning violinist performs in a program with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields in a program of favorites. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. sfsymphony.org
8–9
Stanford Live | Winter Concert
Stanford Symphony Orchestra and Stanford Symphonic Chorus present a joint concert featuring special guests soprano Maya Kherani and baritone Kenneth Goodson. Bing Concert Hall, 327 Lasuen St., Stanford. live.stanford.edu
11–13
San Francisco Symphony | The Lord of the Rings
The Fellowship of the Rings: Film with live orchestra performing an Oscar-winning score, a Hobbit and companions set out on a journey to destroy the powerful One Ring and save Middle-earth. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. sfsymphony.org
12–14
International Ocean Film Festival
Make waves at the 21st annual event. Groundbreaking films, mingling with filmmakers and ocean experts. Cowell Theater, Fort Mason. intloceanfilmfest.org
13–14
Presidio Theatre | Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana
One of America’s leading flamenco companies presents a new work choreographed by José Maldonado and Karen Lugo, with an original score by Jose Luis de la Paz. 99 Moraga Ave. presidiotheatre.org
13–14 and 20–21
Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
Since 1968, Japantown has been the place to be on two weekends in April. This is one of California’s most prominent celebrations of Asian traditions and the largest Cherry Blossom Festival on the West Coast. sfcherryblossom.org
16
MICHAEL KORS Collection: Fashion Show and Luncheon
San Francisco Opera Guild and Neiman Marcus brings you the spring/summer 2024 Michael Kors collection, with a special appearance by designer Michael Kors himself at Neiman Marcus, San Francisco. sfopera.com/fashionshow
16-28
San Francisco Opera Guild Online Auction
The online auction is much more than a chance to win; it’s an opportunity to help K-12 students in the Bay Area develop confidence, compassion, critical thinking, and many other life skills through our award-winning music education programs. Don’t miss the chance to get an early start on these luxurious packages! sfogauction24.ggo.bid
16–21
BroadwaySF | Hairspray
Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy hit. In 1960s Baltimore, a 16-year-old sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams (and big hair) change the world? Recommended ages 8+. Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St. Broadwaysf.org
19–20
Presidio Theatre | Patricia Sings Piaf
Grammy Award-winning soprano Patricia Racette conjures the timeless power and viscerally authentic impact of French singer Édith Piaf, whose music gave voice to the mid-20th century. 99 Moraga Ave. presidiotheatre.org
20
The Mascot Dawn Patrol
Join Amanda Harlan Maltas for an early morning vineyard walk during Oakville’s golden hour with breathtaking views of the Napa Valley. Guests will gather for a tasting of The Mascot wines, accompanied by specially prepared bites by celebrated Chef Kevin O’Connor. Exclusive library vintages will be accessible for guest acquisition. Reserve your tickets HERE. Space is limited.
24
SFMOMA | Art Bash
To support the museum’s education and community programs, this year’s party kicks off with cocktails, dinner, and an art auction. All seven floors of the museum provide surprising encounters, musical performances, and immersive art experiences until 1 a.m. sfmoma.org/event/series/artbash
26–28
7th Annual Sonoma Valley Authors Festival
Catch up on your reading list before a remarkable roster of speakers appears in person. The festival brings people together to hear acclaimed authors from a variety of literary genres, including David Grann, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Amy Tan, Colm Tóibín, and others. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn. svauthorsfest.org
27–May 27
San Francisco Decorator Showcase
Catch up on your reading list before a remarkable roster of speakers appears in person. The festival brings people together to hear acclaimed authors from a variety of literary genres, including David Grann, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Amy Tan, Colm Tóibín, and others. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn. svauthorsfest.org
April 27
Vitamin String Quartet
OLIVIA DECKER POWER OF MUSIC SERIES
Returning to the Festival stage by popular demand at the Palace Hotel, the Vitamin String Quartet blends cutting-edge renditions of classical, rock, and pop. With over 2 billion streams and counting, the quartet is currently one of the most popular contemporary string ensembles in the world, familiar to many for their music on Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton. festivalnapavalley.org
28
Opening Day on the Bay
“Rockin’ on the Bay” is the music theme for the annual parade of decorated boats, a tradition since 1917. Organized by the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association. All registered vessels are welcome. picya.org
30–May 5
San Francisco Ballet | Swan Lake Encore
In case you missed it, the quintessential classical ballet returns. Set against Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, Tomasson’s strikingly visually stunning modern production updates this story of love and betrayal featuring sleek and elevated designs by Tony Award–winning Jonathan Fensom. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfballet.org
30–May 26
Broadway SF | Funny Girl
The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade” and “People.” A bittersweet comedy about the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side dreaming of a life on the stage. Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St. Broadwaysf.org