Tomatoes, it’s time for hot fun, summer in the city! Outdoor movies have returned to SF and all around the bay. Find out what’s playing near you. Fans of Lady Thistledown will want to explore Secret San Francisco’s Bridgerton experience next month. Carnavale returns with parades and festivities. Chocolate lovers will definitely want to head to Ghiradelli for their new yummy experience. And a unique Tomato, Sara Shelton Mann brings a new dance experience to Fort Mason. I was delighted to moderate the Hapiness Panel at our recent Renewal Summit in NYC, and I’m sharing the video below.

Happiness at Every Age

I was delighted to host this panel featuring nationally know psychotherapist Dr. Robi Ludwig, and Leslie Gold, aka “the radio chick” and host of a Life’s Story. Click on the video and watch now.

Outdoor Movies are Back

Sundown Cinema has been a favorite local event for 4 years running presenting outdoor movies presenting films at Dolores Park, The Presidio, Union Square and Marina Green. This Friday marks the opening night. Sister Act 2, a sing along is playing at Dolores park.So grab your popcorn and people and enjoy. Perhaps your favorite film is on the schedule. Check it out here.

East Bay folks will want to check out the offerings at Jack London Square and Alameda Landing. They begin showing on June 23^rd with Spider Man, No Way Home, and continue through July. Get details.

Then the good ole drive-in movie experience can be found in San Jose at West Wind Drive In. All the top movies will be shown including a Tomato favorite – Downtown Abby. Get the details.

May 28-29. Carnaval San Francisco

The annual, free, two-day festival and grand parade featuring international music, dance, arts & crafts and cuisine — is making a celebratory return after a two-year pandemic related hiatus. The 44^th annual event will take place this weekend in San Francisco’s Calle 24 Latino Cultural District. Throughout the weekend, hundreds of Carnaval San Francisco artists will transform the district into an enormous celebration featuring music, dance, brilliant costumes and delicious food from Brazil, Mexico, Bolivia, Colombia, Trinidad, Tobago, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Guatemala, Africa, Chile, Haiti and more.

The event’s 2022 theme, “Colores de Amor: Inclusivity, Family and Community” was chosen to highlight care, love and support for a community that has seen challenges and met them, particularly during the pandemic.  Get the details.

Ghiradelli Square’s New Look

It’s not just for tourists, but for all of us who enjoy the deliciousness of the cacoa bean. They have a newly renovated space that sits within the Pioneer Woolen Mill building at the square which was built in 1864 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. As guests walk through the Chocolate Experience Store, they will have the unique opportunity to watch Ghirardelli chocolatiers hand crafting the brand’s signature hot fudge from only three ingredients: pure Ghirardelli chocolate, milk, and vanilla.

Guests can also personalize a tin of signature chocolate squares selected from the brand’s largest Pick & Mix yet and enjoy a World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae in the store’s Alcatraz room while taking in the unobstructed and breathtaking view of San Francisco Bay. So don’t wait for your visitors, go check it out for yourself. Get the details.

Bridgerton is Coming Our Way

Rumor has it Her Majesty the Queen will be looking for her Diamond this July in a secret location in San Francisco. That’s right Bridgerton, The Immersive Experience, is headed our way. They told us in the “ton” that we should get ready for an incomparable evening full of grandeur and unparalleled elegance. We are to put on our most regal ensemble and prepare to be in the presence of the intriguing Queen Charlotte for a night of whimsical surprises and passionate aerial performances with dancers in a fully transformed ballroom. Wear your finest 1813 attire or nab a fan or tiara while you are there to complete the look. We are swooning over here. Get the details.

Sara Shelton Mann 7 Excavations 

Sara Shelton Mann has created a substantial body of work over a 55-year career as a dancer and choreographer. A tomato that keeps on inventing and creating. From 1979 to 1996, She directed the San Francisco-based company Contraband in a series of unique, immersive performances. Now she has returned to Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture (FMCAC) for an open residency and performance called 7 Excavations / at the edge of the shore and the edge of the world.  Mann brings her expansive vision to FMCAC in this 21-day activation of the campus – culminating in a summer solstice performance debut of scores in development for 20 years.

Mann’s residency unfolds through an open process of experimental performance-making as an incredible team of artists collaborate with Mann to develop works across the campus. As the residency progresses, choreographic chalk grids, video, sound, and art installations are constructed on the campus, providing the public with unique insight into the developmental process of making performance. Audiences are invited to witness Mann’s choreographic process via open rehearsals and have opportunities to participate in Mann’s Chi Cultivation practice, her Movement Alchemy physical training, and a writing and movement workshop.

On Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at 8:00 p.m., the residency culminates in a one-night-only Summer Solstice performance featuring a score of solos, duets, and large ensemble performances. The artists perform with the setting sun, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the landscape of San Francisco’s northern waterfront as their backdrop. https://fortmason.org/event/sara-shelton-mann-excavations/