Eight Weekend Events to Beat the Rain

Holiday Movie Screening: “A Christmas Story”
What: Free screening of the 1983 classic with special guest appearances by Zack Wark (Scut Farkus) and Scott Schwartz (Flick).
Where: The Orinda Theatre, Orinda
When: Thursday December 11, 7 pm
Cost: FREE
Why: Amid all the holiday parties, a calmer alternative.

SantaCon 2014
What: Love it or hate it (Ed note: Hate it.), SantaCon is back, ready as ever to clog our streets and confuse our kids. Revelers dress in Santa suits and stage a massive bar crawl across the eastern part of the city.
Where: The party starts in Union Square, San Francisco
When: Saturday December 13th, 12 pm
Cost: Depends on how much you drink. (Ed note: Drink lots.)
Why: Think of it as the new LoveFest: definitely obnoxious, but kind of worth trying at least once.

The Wonderful World of LEGO
What: Free Family Fun Day and the opening of “The Wonderful World of LEGO” exhibit.
Where: Napa Valley Museum, Yountville
When: Saturday December 13th, 10 am-4 pm
Cost: FREE
Why: Who doesn’t like LEGO?

Beginner “Urban Ninja” Class
What: An entry level Parkour class – that is, the military-like practice of jumping and climbing over random objects to get from one place to another. Hosted by SF Parkour.
Where: Memorial Park, Cupertino
When: Saturday December 13th, 12 pm
Cost: FREE
Why: Hey, any chance to up your ninja game, right?

Unsilent Night
What: The 12th annual “participatory sound sculpture” involves bringing your own boombox or speakers to blast the free CDS and cassettes handed out at this art party in the Mission.
Where: Meets near the Dolores Park tennis courts, San Francisco
When: Saturday December 13th, 7 pm
Cost: FREE
Why: “Think of it as a block-long stereo system.” Sweet.

Winter Wonderland 2014
What: A community celebration featuring $1 ice skating, Santa’s village, live music, and a local vendors.
Where: Bayview Opera House, San Francisco
When: Thursday December 18th, 5–8:30 pm
Cost: Free, but a RSVP is required

Free Parking Day (!)
What: Free parking at city-owned meters and parking kiosks (lengths of time posted on each meter).
Where: All over Oakland!
When: Saturday December 20th, all day
Cost: FREE
Why: Because now there’s really no excuse not to do your holiday shopping.

Beatles Volunteer Sing-a-long
What: Take a break from all the holiday music and get back to the classics with this volunteer choir that brings cheer to residents of Laguna Honda Hospital, a long-term nursing and rehabilitation center.
Where: Laguna Honda Hospital, San Francisco
When: Saturday December 20th, 1-4 pm
Cost: FREE
Why: What better reason to imitate Paul and the gang if not to brighten someone else’s day?

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