Spring has sprung. Colorful and collectible, there are 80,000 free-for-the-taking tulips blanketing Union Square on March 22. At Queen Wilhelmina Garden beside the windmill, admire Dutch bulbs in bloom to herald spring. Japantown is all about cherry blossoms. “Magnificent Magnolias” are on view through March at San Francisco Botanical Garden inside Golden Gate Park.
CURRENT
Through March 30
A.C.T. | Nobody Loves You
The madcap comedy is described by Tony Award winner and A.C.T. Artistic Director Pam MacKinnon as “a hilarious and heartfelt musical quest for authenticity through the ridiculously inauthentic world of a reality dating show.” Toni Rembe Theatre, 415 Geary St. act-sf.org
Through April 7
Asian Art Museum | Qi Baishi: Inspiration in Ink
An intimate look at a modern master whose work revitalized traditional Chinese ink painting. By capturing everyday scenes and familiar moments, the artist evoked the essential beauty of nature and joy of life’s simple pleasures. 200 Larkin St. exhibitions.asianart.org
Through May 11
Legion of Honor | Dress Rehearsal: The Art of Theatrical Design
photo: Laurie Jo Miller Farr
In celebration of the museum’s 100th anniversary, a selection of outstanding costume and set designs through two intertwined stories: the history of theater and dance, and the founding of the Legion of Honor. Lincoln Park, 100 34th Ave. famsf.org
MARCH
March 1 – 8
San Francisco Ballet | Raymonda
A woman ahead of her time, Raymonda embodies resilience and compassion. The backdrop is set against the 19th-century Crimean War in an adaptation by Artistic Director Tamara Rojo. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfballet.org
March 4 – 9
BroadwaySF | Chicago
Broadway’s longest-running musical has been razzle-dazzling audiences for 27 years with one show stopping song after another and astonishing dancing. Winner of six Tony Awards®, two Olivier Awards, and a Grammy®. Golden Gate Theatre, 1 Taylor St. broadwaysf.com
March 6 – 9
SFJAZZ | Brandee Younger
Resident Artistic Director and forward-thinking harpist Brandee Younger presents an exciting new set of compositions accompanied by the 19-piece New Century Chamber Orchestra. 201 Franklin St. sfjazz.org
March 7
Cal Performances 2025 Gala
Cocktail reception and dinner plus performance featuring the Vienna Philharmonic, conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, and pianist Yefim Bronfman. 101 Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley. calperformances.org
March 12
Stanford Live | An Evening with Branford Marsalis
The award‐winning artist is a saxophonist, band leader, classical soloist, film and Broadway composer who has received three Grammys and a citation by the National Endowment for the Arts as a Jazz Master. Bing Concert Hall, 327 Lasuen St., Stanford. live.stanford.edu
March 15
174th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Hosted by the United Irish Societies, this is one of the city’s most popular parades. events. Kickoff is Market and 2nd streets at 11:30 a.m. to Civic Center Plaza for live music from 2 p.m. facebook.com/SaintPatricksDaySF
March 19 – 23
28th Sonoma International Film Festival
Dive into the best in film, food, wine, and fun. The nonprofit event is dedicated to promoting independent film, supporting filmmakers around the world, and inspiring film lovers, is spread around venues in Sonoma. sonomafilmfest.org
March 20 – April 19
San Francisco Playhouse | Fat Ham
Northern California premiere of 2022 Pulitzer Prize-winning play that turns William Shakespeare’s Hamlet on its head, transporting the drama to a modern-day barbecue in the American South. 450 Post St. sfplayhouse.org
March 20 – 26 and April 26 – May 4
San Francisco Ballet | Frankenstein
A captivating production breathes new life into Mary Shelley’s classic tale, it’s an emotionally charged journey into life, death, love, and identity, enhanced by a hauntingly evocative score. Recommended for ages 14+.War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfballet.org
March 20 – 30
Oakland Restaurant Week
Eat. Drink. Stay. Repeat. From neighborhood gems and food trucks to Michelin star restaurants, explore The Town’s global culinary offerings. Participating restaurants offer special lunch and dinner menus to showcase diverse culture and cuisine. VisitOakland.com
March 21 – 23
19th 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
March 22 – Aug. 17
Legion of Honor | Wayne Thiebaud: Art Comes From Art
A hidden world of art history. Sixty quintessential works include paintings of people (alone and together); still lives of cakes, tabletops, and other ordinary objects; cityscapes featuring soaring buildings; and mountain landscapes. 100 34th Ave., Lincoln Park. famsf.org
March 22
30th Annual American Red Cross Gala
In support of its humanitarian mission, a black tie benefit evening. “A Pillar of Hope and Resilience” is the theme for this year’s signature fundraiser in a new venue, The Conservatory at One Sansome. redcross.org/redcrossgalasf
March 27
The Bay’s Stage Arts Soirée
Special one-night-only showcase to spotlight the strength and creativity of the performing arts community. Festival Napa Valley, ODC, SFJAZZ, SF Opera, SF Community Music Center, and One Found Sound. Comments by Mayor Daniel Lurie. Hosted by Red Curtain Addict at Local Edition, 5:30 p.m. 691 Market St. redcurtainaddict.com
March 29
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus | Broadway, Our Way!
The 280-member group, under the baton of Artistic Director Jacob Stensberg, performs two special concerts with music from hit shows including Wicked, Ragtime, and Dear Evan Hansen. Curran Theatre, 445 Geary St. sfgmc.org
March 30
Olivia Decker Power of Music: MusiKaravan | Festival Napa Valley
Proceeds from this concert will go to Southern California wildfire relief efforts.
Violinists Étienne Gara and Yu Eun Kim’s program features French chansons; Monti’s Czardas; Brahms’ Hungarian Dances; Vivaldi; Brazilian and Korean pop hits; and even Charlie Chaplin. Blending music with storytelling, the musicians share tales from their travels—including a playful performance for an audience of ostriches! A spontaneous, interactive musical picnic filled with surprises and joy. Bouchaine Vineyards, 1075 Buchli Station Rd., Napa at 11 a.m. festivalnapavalley.org/calendar/musikaravan