The sailors are coming to town! Fleet week is almost here, so get your ear plugs and binoculars ready! Shark diving? It’s a thing in the Farallon Islands if you are so motivated. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is a comin’ so grab your boots and your dancing partner and head to Golden Gate Park for a foot stomping and free, good time! That rollicking musical “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” will be entertaining SF theatre goers with its charm and big personalities.

Oct. 5-7. Bluegrass at Golden Gate Park

Free, that’s right, three FREE days of foot stomping music and good times returns to Golden Gate Park. What a weekend we have in store. For those of you (like me) who just thought this event popped up out of nowhere, it is actually a gift to the city by late financier and philanthropist Warren Hellman. When Hellman started this event in 2001 he planned to invite only bluegrass musicians. But you know what happened, word spread about a wonderful venue in the bet city in the country and now over 80 eclectic acts will perform on 6 stages on the west end of the park.

Some of the artists are familiar such as Emmylou Harris and Steve Earle and the Dukes, while others are new to me. The best part of this festival is that it is non-commercial. No sponsors!  There will, of course, be over 50 gourmet food trucks serving all of your favorite munchies and non-alcoholic beverages. You can bring your own picnic and beer and wine only – but no glass containers. Break out the cowboy boots and stomp away. www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.com

Sharks

Adrenaline junkie?  Is that you? Love the water, fascinated with sharks? This adventure was custom made for you (or makes a great gift for the shark lover in your circle). The white sharks are back in the area off of the Farallon Islands and Shark Dive Adventures will make your shark diving dreams come true. Head off at dawn from Pier 40, next to AT&T park, and return by 6 p.m. A full day of fun? Yes, say those who have taken the dive. You get breakfast and lunch and education. You will be in a perfectly safe cage, no worries my fearless tomato pals. A trained naturalist will give you the scoop about the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, the Farallon Islands, white sharks and other local wildlife. The Farallon Islands are the winter home to these gorgeous and heart palpitating creatures of the sea. They measure between 15 – 20 feet in length and are great beauties. If you just want to tag along, “topsiders” are welcome. Such an adventure awaits! www.Sharkdiveadventures.com

Oct. 1-8. Fleet Week

Next week don’t be surprised at the handsome sailors in uniform who might be sipping a coffee next to you. Our wonderful armed forces arrive to celebrate Fleet Week. The roar of the engines will soon be heard in the skies. Fleet week is about more than just the glorious and somewhat intimidating blue angels. This annual event began in 1981 to honor the US Armed Forces and to educate civilians and military personnel about best practices in humanitarian assistance. Today it is certainly about the pomp and splendor created by our service men.

Of course the Blue Angels are a highlight and they arrive in the afternoon of Thursday October 4^th between 1 – 5, a great way to watch them as they practice their dips and rolls. They then perform Fri – Sun from 3 – 4 and can be seen from various parts of the city. There are free daily ship tours where visitors can climb aboard amphibious carriers, destroyers and carriers docked at the Embarcadero. A veteran’s art fair at the Cannery will impress art lovers and lastly you can head to Duboce Park to enjoy K-9 heroes at Bark in the Park. www.fleetweeksf.org

Oct. 3-21.  The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

In this age of the # movement, it may seem the title of this musical is inappropriate. I guarantee you it is a surprisingly sentimental story with a message about the strength of family – and you never know where you will find yours! The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas arrives at the Gateway Theatre. There is humor and energy every second of the show. However, even in its irreverence, you will possibly pull out a tissue or two.

Based on the true story of Texas’ Chicken Ranch Brothel, this 1978 Tony nominated musical is a rollicking good time. According to the director “it also makes a poignant commentary on the effect of media and sensationalism in our society and the choices we make.” Talented cast as always in this 42^nd Street Moon Production. http://www.42ndstmoon.org