July in the bay means a plethora of street fairs and festivals. Truly something for all Tomatoes, Mr. Tomatoes and your families. We have the Hayes Valley Carnival, Japan Day, Folk Festival, and more. Pets have their own dedicated days at Thrive City’s 2023 “Paws-itively Summer” Fun Activities for Pets. If burgers are your fav food – you must head to Oakland for a burger tasting lasting all summer, passport included! The Asian Art Museum is hosting its first daytime dance and yoga event – namaste – yes please. A different type of dance experience takes place at Tara Firma Farms featuring ballet and a farm to table feast in Petaluma.  

July 8. San Francisco Free Folk Festival 

It’s street fair and festival time, strolling in the sunshine, sampling delicious tastes and learning about new cultures and customs feeds our souls. This Saturday the 8th is the San Francisco Free Folk Festival. The festival is run by the San Francisco Folk Music Club, a non-profit organization that was founded in 1948 and is still going strong. Lots of tomatoes will be sharing their talents. There are five stages featuring folk rock, a cappella, contemporary folk, Irish songs, Women’s history folk songs and more. This is a fully tuned day to make your heart soar. https://sffolkfest.org/

July 15. Hayes Valley Carnival

The infamous Hayes Valley Carnival has returned for its 112th anniversary for a joyous, community-centered celebration.  This is a carnival extravaganza that will have you on the edge of your seat! Kids of all ages will be entertained with a wide variety of activities, including live music, food, and carnival games. The real highlight of the event will be two performances by Circus Bella and the Circus Bella All-Star Band at 1 pm and 3 pm. 

Circus Bella is an open-air contemporary circus that uplifts diverse audiences and engages the community. Their newest production, Bananas! will feature some of the most incredible circus talents from the Bay Area and beyond. Not your typical circus, you will be delighted! Saturday July 15th 12 – 4 p.m.

432 Octavia St. GET THE DETAILS. 

July 8. Fiestas Fridas

It’s all about Frida! Frida Kahlo loved San Francisco, and Fiestas Fridas show how much we have come to love her in return, in our own unique style, of course. San Francisco’s foremost curator of Frida art is back at Puerto Alegre with her 15th annual Pasión De Frida! An Art Show celebrating the life and work of the iconic Mexican artist. Featuring the work of 35+ artist from the bay area & beyond. A mini-Mercado will be set-up in the Puerto Alegre Parklet, which will have hand crafted Frida inspired merchandise for sale, prints and assemblages by participating artists. July 8th 11 – 2 p.m. https://www.fiestasfridas.com/

July 9. Japan Day Festival

This weekend culminates in Japan Town’s cultural festival Japan Day Festival
July 9, 2023 12:00-5:00pm. Activities take place on three stages at the Peace Plaza stage. There will be events, workshops and performances by master artists, musicians and cultural bearers. There will be hands-on activities and demonstrations in origami paper folding, Kimono dressing, Shodo Japanese brush calligraphy, Gidayu Shamisen and Ozashiki Shamisen workshops. https://japanweeksf.com/

Dance Events

Dance delights the soul – at least your SF Editor thinks so. Check out these two very different dance centered events.

Julia Adams at Tara Firma Farms

Experience a very California farm-to-table outdoor feast followed by an open-air performance from Julia Adams and her elite ballet troupe at Tara Firma Farms in Petaluma. Tara Firma is a 250 acre regenerative farm that hosts events in their outstanding acreage.  This weekend and next you can book a Farm to table multi-course feast prepared by their team of chefs from a bounty of local, farm identified ingredients including vegetables, beef, pork and lamb. Local wines, beers and nonalcoholic beverages are available and once satiated, you will transition to their open-air stage to enjoy the world premiere of Julia’s latest ballet with her crew of elite dancers. Get the details. 

Dancing at the Asian Art Museum – why not? 

You are invited to come dressed in gold for a daytime gilded soiree that begins with yoga and continues on with dancing and NA cocktails. Sunday, 10am to 1pm. In honor of the museum’s soon-to-launch “Hell: Arts of Asian Underworlds” (an exhibition of 50 iconic artworks on the afterlife) — comes a celebration of the here and now: a chance to feel more alive than ever on the dance floor on July 9th at “The Golden Soirée.” Come dressed as the goddess/god that you are, either sprinkled in gold, or covered in it from head-to-toe. Tickets at eventbrite.com

Paws-itively Summer

Calling all Pet People – Thrive City welcomes you to their first ever Paws-itively Summer series created for you and your furry best friend! Every Saturday in July, woof forward to pet-friendly activities including a pup park, pup cup bar, and puppy mixers where you can connect with other pet owners. Put on your best outfit and decorate a pet bandana at the craft station, then snap a photo at the paw-parazzi photo opportunity! https://chasecenter.com/thrivecity

Get Your Oakland Burger Tour Passport

Summertime often equals grilling burger time and for those fanatics, Oakland hosts a burger tour now through September 4th. Pick up your Oakland Burger Tour Passport and first stamp when you buy a burger at one of the participating restaurants. Collect stamps by getting any burger at each of the other featured spots. 

Everyone with all five stamps on their passport gets an invite to the end of tour wrap party. Featured burger tour cocktails can be found at each location! Check their website for the locations of the five burger joints! https://www.lowbaroakland.com/oaklandburgertour