The Bay Area’s social season heats up this summer and early fall. Here, we’ve rounded up the best celebrations and soirees taking over the region.
A jaunty lion dance at the Nihonmachi Street Fair (Aug. 5-6)
Modern Luxury presents the 22nd annual Best of the Bay in celebration of the city’s most renowned chefs, mixologists and more. Sip delicious cocktails, enjoy live entertainment and mingle in one of the exciting interactive lounges. Before heading out, grab a bite or two from some of the most notable chefs in the Bay Area—think Mourad Lahlou, Kathy Fang and Matt Horn. The Conservatory at One Sansome, 1 Sansome St., modernluxuryevents.com/bestofthebay2023
Paul Kremer, “Exchange 01” (2022, acrylic on paper), an example of the exemplary work on show at the SF Fall Show (Oct. 12-15).
Clink glasses and join V Foundation for a three-day series of events featuring intimate winery experiences, exciting auctions, sumptuous luncheons, a cancer research symposium and a lively concert with an incredible lineup. Celebrate with sudsy sips and support V Foundation in raising cancer awareness and funding millions for cancer research annually. 1300 Main St., Ste. 280, 707.963.0611, winecelebration.org
A two-day street festival celebrating Asian-Pacific American cultures in the heart of Japantown, the Nihonmachi Street Fair was founded in 1973 to provide leadership and mentoring opportunities in underserved Asian communities and has grown exponentially ever since. Now, the festival boasts over 30,000 attendees and features live music, cultural performances, festive art and yummy treats. Japantown Peace Plaza, 22 Peace Plaza, nihonmachistreetfair.org
The San Francisco Fringe Festival celebrates the best of live theater, hosting a nine-day fete in the Tenderloin with showstopping performances from theater companies far and wide. Look forward to outstanding performances that inspire laughter, joy and sometimes tears. theexit.org
Mingle with leading industry experts at Dreamforce (Sept. 12-14).
Strike a pose on the red carpet, then sip expertly crafted cocktails and nosh on elegant cuisine at City Hall before heading to the War Memorial Opera House for a jaw-dropping private performance conducted by Eun Sun Kim. Don’t forget dancing shoes—the afterparty at City Hall is sure to be a lively affair. 301 Van Ness Ave., 415.861.4006, sfopera.com
Join the bevy of professionals at Dreamforce, an annual Salesforce Conference dedicated to networking opportunities, workshops and training events. Moscone Center, 747 Howard St., salesforce.com
Wine country sips abound at this year’s Taste of Carmel (Oct. 5).
Save the date for a spectacular evening of fine music exploring themes of love, loss and technology led by music director Esa-Pekka Salonen. The festivities feature two postconcert dining options: a seated Pavilion dinner or a lounge-style Symphony Supper with specialty bites and drinks. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org
Esa-Pekka Salonen leads the concert at San Francisco Symphony’s Opening Night Gala (Sept. 22).
Head to Grant Avenue for this two-day festival with plenty of cultural fun. Presented by the Chinatown Merchants Association, the bustle of festivities includes a lively parade, over 200 arts and crafts booths, inventive cuisine (pass the moon pies, please) and nonstop entertainment, from martial arts to acrobatics and lion dancing. moonfestival.org
Hosted by the Carmel Chamber of Commerce, this must-attend will feature food and drink from 50 local restaurants and wineries, groovy live tunes and a stellar silent auction with top-tier prizes. VIPs can enjoy early access and an exclusive lounge to mingle and more. Carmel Mission Basilica, 3080 Rio Road, Carmel- By-The-Sea, 831.624.2522, carmelcalifornia.com
The longest-running art, antiques and design fair on the West Coast is back and better than ever. Featuring over 50 of the top dealers worldwide and a wide range of extravagant art, this four-day event also hosts glistening art installations, book signings, cocktail hour talks, designer events and so much more. Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd., sffallshow.org
Photography by: COURTESY OF NSF PHOTOGRAPHERS; COURTESY OF BERGGRUEN GALLERY; COURTESY OF SALESFORCE; DMT IMAGING; DREW ALTIZER
