Chili – who makes it the best? Find out and decide for yourself at the SF Chili Cook off. Cyclists this one is for you, or anyone who likes to pedal. Pedalfast is a riotous good time at Jack London Square. Espadrilles that you design for an excellent cause – a win for everyone. Omakase style dining is a rare treat – and a new restaurant has opened in SF serving the freshest sushi. Who doesn’t love a little ukulele?  The SF Uke jam has arrived.

July 27-28. Ukulele Festival

The ukulele is truly the people’s instrument, and SF Uke Jam is the Bay Area’s leading force bringing fans of the diminutive instrument together. Whether you play or just enjoy hearing the ukulele being strummed by trained fingers, come join the SFUJ community for an afternoon uke-apalooza in the summer sun (we hope) with a program showcasing the region’s foremost ukulele talent, a community strum-and-sing-along (bring your uke!), and special hula performances. Hosted by popular YouTube stars Ukulenny and Cynthia Lin (Check them out, so fun!) this ukadacious celebration creates an island of aloha in our foggy city by the bay. http://www.ybgfestival.org

Money Talk wtih NBC Today show’s JEAN CHATZY. Listen in.

Aug. 3. Chili Cook-Off

Ward off the fog and drizzle of August by joining The Guardsmen for amazing food, fun, and entertainment, at The Great San Francisco Chili Cook-Off from 11AM – 5PM at the marina green. You can enjoy craft beer and wine, music, and outdoor games as you taste a variety of chili from 30+ professional and amateur teams competing for the Best Chili in the Bay! 

Local restaurants such as Original Joe’s, Credo, and Palm House (to name a few) will be present among local food trucks to satisfy the hungriest of foodies. Enjoy the sun and fun right by the bay as you take in picturesque views of sailboats and the Golden Gate Bridge. Prefer the finer things in life? VIP tickets are available for purchase, providing an area to enjoy the sights and relax while sipping specialty drinks. The best part, in addition to the spicy deliciousness, is that all proceeds from this event support at-risk Bay Area youth. Chilicookoff.guardsmen.org

Aug. 3. Pedalfest

Pedalfest is a free annual festival, bringing together an estimated 20,000 bike lovers and bike-curious people to Jack London Square. A celebration of bikes, food, and family, Pedalfest is produced by Bike East Bay to promote bicycling and bike-friendly communities across the East Bay. August 3rd at Jack London Square from 11 – 5 you will witness bicycle shenanigans, an amphibious bike race, dare-devil stunts, art bikes, pedal-powered live music and a carnival.

PLUS: the first 1,000 people get a free ice cream cone from Ben and Jerry’s Jack London Square. All proceeds benefit Bike East Bay – makes bicycling safe, fun and accessible. Pedalfestjacklondon.com

Afridrilles

Redwood City–based Zazzle teamed up with Ubuntu Life, Kenya’s largest employer, to bring customizable espadrilles made in Africa to the world. Meet the Afridrille. Here’s how to get a pair: Hit up Zazzle’s website, select your outer canvas color (so many mouthwatering shades), pattern (choose from the likes of cacti, elephants, ikat, and more) and inner kanga lining.

You can even find a pair for Mr. Tomato (Jimmy Kimmel is a fan). Each pair—sourced with natural, local materials—is hand-sewn by skilled Kenyan artists and Maasai tribes-women employed by Ubuntu, which pays them above-market wages. They’re referred to as Maker Mums, as they’re all mothers to children with special needs. All proceeds from the $90–$99 shoes go directly to the mamas. Totally change up your outfit with a pair of these comfy and stylish shoes while making a difference.

Get more details and design your own Afridrilles at zazzle.com/heart