We are the lucky ones to live in such a vibrant and international area. China town and Japan town both have offerings that encourage us to explore other cultures. The dahlias are in bloom, don’t miss the gorgeousness. Don’t be confused when we say mimes…no painted faces. The San Francisco Mime troupe has free performances all over the bay, read on to find out more. Lastly, we admit we have a tomato crush and it’s Matthew McConaughey – he will be live in person at Book Passage!

Sept. 14. Matthew McConaughey at Book Passage

Can you say tomato crush? And I’m not talking about the crushed tomatoes in a can. Matthew McConaughey is heading to Book Passage in the Ferry Building to promote his first picture book, “Just Because.” Billed for children, but we know it’s really for us, this book is filled with his trademark humor and wisdom. We know him as an Academy Award–winning actor and #1 New York Times bestselling author of “Greenlights.” He has crafted a soulful and irreverent collection of life lessons that empowers readers, big and small, to celebrate how we are all full of possibility.  Tickets required – $22 – and yes there will be a photo op! https://www.bookpassage.com/McConaughey23

Little snippet from the book!

Just because I’m in the race,
doesn’t mean I’m fully ready.
Just because I’m shaking,
doesn’t mean that I’m not steady.

Aug. 5-6. The Nihonmachi Street Fair

Japan Town is always a good idea. It is now known as J-town, particularly by the youth for whom this weekend benefits. The 49th Annual Nihonmachi Street Fair takes place this weekend with events on the Peace Stage. The fair evolves to reflect the city it celebrates while staying true to its original mission: Engage and develop young Asian American leaders through the development of building community that celebrates their culture and diversity. What makes this street fair a uniquely San Francisco event is the broader cultural context participants can experience in addition to traditional Asian-Pacific influences. The Nihonmachi Street Fair organizers have a long history of including local entertainment that has spanned genres from Taiko to hip-hop to salsa, rock, and jazz. No food trucks or food festival as they encourage the attendees to visit local restaurants. https://www.nihonmachistreetfair.org

Aug. 12. Chinatown Lion Dance Festival

Pageantry and skill combine for the 2nd Annual SF Chinatown Lion Dance Festival hosted by SF Unified Lions Club. This will be a day filled with cultural festivities.  The event will take place on Grant Avenue in the heart of Chinatown. Experience the excitement of the traditional lion dance, performed by skilled dancers to the beat of the drums.

Watch as they weave through the streets, bringing good luck and fortune to all who witness. To add to the festivities, there will be talented martial arts demonstrations. The goal is to bring people into SF Chinatown to enjoy culture, entertainment and feel the sense of community. Lots of delicious food can be found everywhere, so it’s a good time to appreciate all of the culture in the area. Grant Avenue and Washington Street. Get the details.

It’s Peak Dahlia Season in SF

And we know it’s your favorite flower! See dahlias at their absolute peak in the last week of August and the first week of September at the Dahlia Dell in Golden Gate Park. Due to a cold, wet spring and an extra cool summer, peak dahlia season is finally here for 2023, but a bit later than normal! And there’s no better place in San Francisco to view these gorgeous bulbs than at the “Dahlia Dell” in Golden Gate Park located right next to the Conservatory of Flowers. This “dell” a tribute to the official flower of San Francisco, contains over 700 named dahlia varieties in eye-popping colors and forms. The Dahlia Dell is a free public garden created by the Dahlia Society of California. Dahlia Members grow hundreds of varieties of dahlias for their beauty, competitions, hybridization, and education. Dahlias have been grown in Golden Gate Park for over 100 years. Each summer, on the third weekend in August, the Dahlia Society of California draws thousands of visitors to its annual show in the enormous Hall of Flowers. Growers from all over the state bring their best blooms and compete in all the categories. Free to the public. https://sfdahlias.org/

Now-Sept. 4. The San Francisco Mime Troupe

Thankfully, this has nothing to do with painted faces silently annoying you. The San Francisco Mime Troupe, which started free park performances in 1962, doesn’t do silent pantomime. They ‘mime’ in that they mimic. And it’s all about satire and poking those in power. The cast talks (and sings, backed by a live band), to create a political musical theater show from a worker’s rights point of view. Now through September 4^th you can find them in various parks around the bay. This year’s performance is titled “Breakdown” policital and social commentary –  whether it’s an individual, a bureaucracy, or a national sanity, everything is headed for a… Breakdown. https://www.sfmt.org/