By: Kat Bein By: Kat Bein | September 28, 2023 | Lifestyle Feature
Hey, San Francisco! What’s shakin’?
We’re so lucky to live in a city brimming with culture, food, art, music, business, and community. There’s always something interesting to learn, a new exhibit to check out, a cutting-edge performance to see, and a new menu begging to be savored.
See also: 10 Must-See Art Exhibits This Spring & Summer In San Francisco
We want you to get the most out of your weekend, so we’ve gathered a few choice options to fill your calendar. Whether you’re looking to hit the road on a small adventure or stay close to home, this weekend’s activities are sure to inspire!
Christopher-Clark Fine Art, 377 Geary St.; 415-397-7781 / Website
It may be hard for modern generations to understand just how groundbreaking and energized the art scene became in the wake of WWII. From the frenzied riffs of American jazz to the explosion of abstract art, the era brought a renewed search for the meaning and excitement of life, backed by awe-inspiring breakthroughs in science and all the carnage the world had survived. That’s the story to be discovered via Cristopher Clark Fine Art’s new exhibit The Post War Era: Innovations in American Art, which commemorates its opening this Friday with a lecture from Gabrielle Selz, author of Light on Fire: The Art and Life of Sam Francis. Francis was one of the most important artists of the post war era, and he was born in San Mateo. This year marks the centennial of his birth, and his work is central to the new exhibit, which runs now through Oct. 29.
Pier 1½ The Embarcadero N / Website
This Friday marks the 15 years of La Mar, one of the city’s premiere Peruvian restaurants, and chef/owner Gastón Acurio is marking the milestone with a big party—and you’re invited! Chefs from La Mar locations in Miami, Dubai, Doha, Santiago and of course Lima will be on site to cook up the finest of Peruvian flavors. There will also be an open bar serving pisco cocktails and Champagne, aerial dancers, a magic show, live music and dancing on the waterfront patio. The event begins at 7 p.m. and runs through 11 p.m., and the $220 ticket includes all food, drink and entertainment.
Pier 80 / Website
Coming back for its second year, Portola Festival brings a stacked lineup of electronic music acts your cool friend swears are the best in the business. The two-day event brings a headline set from Eric Prydz on Saturday, who’s bringing his awe-inspiring Holo audio-visual performance to the big stage, and a closing set from Grammy-winner Skrillex on Sunday (who earlier this year sold out Madison Square Garden in three minutes and headlined Coachella). The undercard is just as massive, so if you’re looking to dance, this is the spot.
2501 Monarch St., Alameda / Website
Alameda’s favorite brewer turns 10 this Saturday with a celebration sure to make for a very hoppy birthday. DJs and food trucks will turn the patio into the perfect hangout spot from noon onward, and the warehouse comes to life with live music at 3 p.m. with funk rockers Big Sticky Mess. Pacific Vibration, Jazz Mafia’s Grateful Brass and Wolf Jett round up the live music entertainment, and there will be quite a few new brews to be tasted, including Bornday 10 and collaborations with Boneyard, Cellarmaker, Private Press and StillWater.
3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley / Website
For the first time since March of 2020, Los Cilantros’ flagship location in Berkeley is back and ready to serve its beloved neighbors with top-shelf Mexican delights. The newly-renovated space boasts 1200 square feet of space and a refreshed menu inspired by chef/owner Dilsa Lugo's favorite dishes from her hometown of Cuernavaca. This weekend marks the return of Los Cilantros brunch service as well, so make some time and stop on by.
Looking for even more fun in our city by the sea? Read our full list of awesome art exhibits to see this season, or make reservations at one of the five new restaurants you must try this fall.
Photography by: Alexander Spatari