May 29 2009
Are you ready to kick up your boots, let down your hair, and prepare for the excitement-filled 2nd annual AEF County Fair on May 31st, 2009 – courtesy of the AIDS Emergency Fund? From 3pm to 7pm, the San Francisco County Fair Building/ Hall of Flowers will host an afternoon offering carnival games, local entertainment, tasty fair treats, awards, contests, and a silent auction. Expect close to 600 locals to show their support alongside AEF donors, volunteers and clients.
This community event will feature Pie Baking, Queen of the Fair Pageant, and Decorate Your Denim Contests. It's also the perfect opportunity to:
• Test your sense of adventure on the rock climbing wall.
• Make a pretty gal blush at the kissing booth.
• Fill up on cotton candy and popcorn.
• Take home one of the many prizes from local merchants at the silent and live auction.
• Master nearly 20 carnival games.
Don’t let your chance to rack up karma points pass you by. Do something good by showing your support, as 100% of the proceeds will go towards making a difference. For more information, you can visit http://www.aef-sf.org/. Please note: Advance tickets: $40 At the Door: $50 Added by: TreeHugger
May 22 2009
Perfect for large families and locals on a budget, you can't beat a free ticket into one of the most amazing museums in the United States. This weekend, a handful of neighborhoods and zip codes in the San Francisco region will be able to enjoy the penguin feedings, coral reef dives, and planetarium shows at the California Academy of Sciences – for free.
From May 22 to May 24, Excelsior, Ingleside, Bayview, Hunter's Point, and Visitacion Valley residents (zip codes 94112, 94134, and 94124) will gain free entry. If you miss out this time around, the same opportunity is offered October 9 to 11. Next week, from May 29 to May 30, Russian Hill, Telegraph Hill, North Beach, Cow Hollow, and Marina residents (zip codes 94109, 94133, and 94123) are encouraged to visit the Academy for free neighborhood days.
Keep in mind that in order to enjoy free admission to the California Academy of Sciences, proof of residency is required. This means you must bring along a postmarked envelope, postcard, or magazine label with name and date; driver's license or ID card issued in the past six months; or a utility bill with your name and home address.
For free neighborhood days in June and opportunities offered later on in the year, check out the Free Days page on the California Academy of Sciences website. Added by: TreeHugger
May 13 2009
Looking for a family-friendly event this weekend that doesn’t cost a thing to enjoy? Mark your calendars for the first major festival hosted by the 'Life is Good' crew that will be held on the West Coast – at Speedway Meadow in Golden Gate Park.
On May 16th, 2009 (11am to 5pm), the great outdoors will serve as the backdrop for a live music extravaganza, featuring the talents of Martin Sexton, ALO, and the Sippy Cups. Traditional backyard grub will be on hand, as well as a variety of games and activities – fit for all ages. One moment you could be spitting seeds and the next, engaging in a heated tug-o-war match. Other entertaining opportunities include football flings, soccer kicks, and badminton.
Starting at 10am, registration opens for the Good Walk for Kids fundraising walk with the main festivities kicking off at 11am. Keep in mind that the Main Stage will host musical guests, while the Kids Stage promises an assortment of amusing performances, including:
• Twistyman Balloon Art (12pm)
• Dan the Magic Man (1:30pm)
• Puppet Show: California Puppets (2:15pm)
• Rocky Steady Juggling (3:15pm)
• Bronkar's Circus of Sound (4:15pm) Added by: TreeHugger
May 07 2009
On Saturday, May 9th, 2009, the Golden Gate Park will host the 4th annual International Children's Festival at the Music Concourse Bandshell Area (50 Tea Garden Drive). From 12pm to 5pm, take the time to enjoy an array of appetizing treats, musical performances, live entertainment, and other cultural wonders.
A popular attraction at the Children's Festival is the many dance performances scheduled to take place, which includes representation from the local Turkish, Azerbaijan, Bosnian, Scottish, Indian, Hawaiian, and Korean communities of San Francisco. A vendor marketplace will also charm the masses with traditional goods for sale and authentic Turkish delights, including baklava, stuffed grape leaves, Turkish ravioli, kabobs, and Turkish coffee to warm the soul.
Free and open to the public, you will find this festive gathering located in the grassy area between the California Academy of Sciences and the De Young Museum. For more information, contact Yucel Durak at 408-747-1478. Added by: TreeHugger
April 22 2009
If Earth Day has left a lasting impression of the environment on your mind, it's time to get out there and enjoy the beauty and natural wonder of one of the best public parks in the United States. This Saturday (April 25th, 2009), from 10am to 12pm – the California Academy of Sciences (55 Music Concourse Drive) will provide a guided exploration of the park with the help of a professional naturalist.
While this is the perfect opportunity to get acquainted (or reacquainted) with the Oak Woodland in Golden Gate Park, you'll also learn the importance of park biodiversity, as well as touch upon controversial topics regarding native species. Come prepared for an excursion in the great outdoors, as you meet at the Naturalist Center on Saturday. Hands-on activities will keep you busy, while you become familiar with some of the plants found right in your own regional wonderland.
Keep in mind that this event is free with admission to the Academy. Since only 30 people are admitted per session, it's important to claim your space by RSVP'ing at 800-794-7576 to make arrangements. Added by: TreeHugger
April 01 2009
This Saturday, there are no more excuses for you to ignore the beauty and endless activities waiting for you at Golden Gate Park. Why don’t you come out of hiding and celebrate the start of another six months of car-free Healthy Saturdays at the park on April 4th, 2009 (from 12pm to 2pm).
Thanks to the San Francisco Bike Coalition, the 14th Ave picnic area located west of the Rose Garden will serve as the gathering spot for a potluck picnic. Join your fellow bikers, skaters, and walkers who have been eagerly awaiting the chance to enjoy the scenery and fresh air of Golden Gate Park without the tooting of a horn or exhaust in the lungs.
At this event, kids will take pleasure in the biking opportunities provided by Freedom From Training Wheels. Cyclists will have a chance to indulge in bike-related topics. Snacks, new friends, and good conversation are all promised. All you have to do is bring along a blanket, make your way to the park on Saturday, and don't forget to pack edibles and/or beverages to share. Added by: TreeHugger
March 26 2009
Whether you're studying the Russian language or would love to enjoy the beauty of the San Francisco Botanical Garden in your native tongue, you will certainly appreciate the recent addition of Russian-language tours at the Garden. Offered March 28th, 2009 and every fourth Saturday of each month thereafter, visitors are treated to an enriching exploration of vibrant plants and flowers in Russian. Each tour departs from the Friend Gate at 10:30am.
If you'd like to arrange a special group tour of up to 12 family members and friends, the Garden offers this opportunity for just $6 per person. To book a group outing or RSVP for this Saturday morning adventure, contact the Volunteer Services Manager, Tom Laursen at 661-1316 (ext. 412). Russian speakers may also take advantage of general information written in Russian that details the ins and outs of the Garden, available at the San Francisco Botanical Garden Library.
Upcoming Russian garden tours at the San Francisco Botanical Garden for 2009 include: April 25th, May 23rd, June 27th, July 25th, August 22nd, September 26th, October 24th, November 28th, and December 26th.
Added by: TreeHugger
March 24 2009
Whether you're looking for a cozy, intimate outing or need a little culinary unwinding on the weekend, Golden Gate Park offers two satisfying dining opportunities. With views of the ocean, full bar, and free parking, the Beach Chalet and Park Chalet are undoubted filled with an inviting atmosphere and good times.
The Park Chalet menu is decorated with small dishes, delicious pizzas, sandwiches, and desserts, such as the Caramel Apple with white chocolate and sprinkles. Other delights include Oven Roasted Garlic Prawns with shaved fennel and Pernod liquor, and Mediterranean Pie (spinach, pickled red onion, feta cheese, and marinated tomatoes). On Sundays, don't forget to reserve your space for the Recovery Brunch Buffet from 10am to 3pm – with an omelet station, biscuits and gravy, fruit skewers, and assorted sushi rolls. The Park Chalet also offers Taco Tuesdays with 2-for-1 margaritas.
From cinnamon swirl coffee bread to beer battered fish and chips, the Beach Chalet offers an a la carte brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 8am to 2pm. Any other time, visit the restaurant to enjoy their breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu.
A $5 Happy Hour appetizer menu at the Beach Chalet (B) and Park Chalet (P) includes refreshing handcrafted beer specials that accompany the following tasty edibles:
March 24 2009
Do you have the next Tiger Woods in the making? Perhaps, you're just interested in cultivating your child's interest in scoring a hole-in-one. What better way to expose your child to the game of golf than to surround their budding swing with the beautiful scenery of Golden Gate Park?
With a mission to teach life skills, such as teamwork, focus, and commitment through the game of golf, the San Francisco Jr. Golf League offers after-school instruction, Saturday lessons, and summer camps – all year round at Golden Gate Park.
Junior golf class instruction includes lessons that take place on the course with guidance on the putting green and practice range. Appropriately sized golf clubs, balls, and tees are provided to golfers. Classes are comprised of roughly eight similarly aged students to each instructor. After classes, golfers receive healthy snacks and pro shop tokens for good behavior.
Junior golf at Golden Gate Park goes beyond practicing and learning the game on a recreational sport level, but also involves educational field trips and entertaining birthday parties. For examples, celebrations for junior golfers consist of 90 minutes of instruction, equipment rental, hot foods, and drinks served in a designated party area for $35 per junior golfer.
Contact:
415-751-8987
Address:
970 47th Ave
San Francisco, CA 94122 Added by: Admin
March 24 2009
Providing park visitors with the opportunity to feel the wind in their hair with a set of wheels under their feet is Golden Gate Park Bike & Skate, a family-owned business serving the San Francisco region since 1978. Conveniently located across the street from the main skating area, the formally-known Magic Skates has come a long way from renting equipment from the back of their van.
Today, Golden Gate Park Bike & Skate is known as a valuable fixture in the neighborhood. Boasting the best access to the park on Fulton Street, their roller skates and rollerblade rentals allow visitors to explore the park in a fun and liberating manner. Skating in the park not only delivers a healthy burst of exercise, but also provides an entertaining family outing and allows people to explore a true gem in San Francisco.
With hourly and daily options, skate rentals include helmets and safety gear. For the skating enthusiast, repairs and tune-ups that include wheel rotation are offered at this Golden Gate Park shop for a reasonable fee. The store also sells conventional and in-line skates for visitors that plan on making skating a routine part of their lives.
Rental Prices:
Roller Skates $5.00 (Per Hour) $20.00 (Per Day)
In-Lines Skates $6.00 (Per Hour) $24.00 (Per Day)
Kids' Bikes $3.00 (Per Hour) $15.00 (Per Day)
Mtn. Bikes $5.00 (Per Hour) $25.00 (Per Day)
Tandem Bikes $15.00 (Per Hour) $75.00 (Per Day)
Disc Golf $4.00 (Per Hour) $20.00 (Per Day)
Bike rentals include helmet, lock & map.
Skate rentals include helmet & safety gear.
Group rates available for 10 or more, 2 hour min.
Repairs
Bike Repair/Tune-Up: $40.00 + Parts (Includes rim-truing)
March 24 2009
Biking in Golden Gate Park is not only a satisfying way to exercise, sightsee, and travel, but is also a fun activity that entertains the entire family. But, what happens when you're a bikeless traveler or have left your own set of wheels at home? Offering one of the largest selections of Marin Mountain, Hybrid, Road Racing, and Full Suspension bikes, Blazing Saddles caters to every park visitor – from the beginner explorer to advanced cyclists.
With your choice of hourly or 24-hour rentals, all Blazing Saddles bikes come with maps, helmets, front packs, locks, rear racks, and bungee cords – for no additional charge. Whether you're interested in cozying up with the wildlife found about Stow Lake or exploring Strawberry Hill, a bike ride through Golden Gate Park is an enriching experience.
For a laid-back tour of the park, consider a standard 24-speed bicycle to comfortably explore the awe-inspiring greenery of one of the most visited parks in the United States. Choose a mountain bike with thick tread and front suspension to handle more vigorous pursuits. Rent a trailer or tag-a-long for trips with the kiddies…or you could hop on a tandem bicycle built for two with the opportunity to try out the new three-seater tandem bike at Blazing Saddles.
Location:
2715 Hyde Street in Fisherman's Wharf . We are at the last Powell/Hyde cable car stop near Ghiradelli Square. Parking is available inside the facility!
March 18 2009
Held to benefit the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, the Bouquets to Art at de Young event is an annual affair entering its 25th year. With close to 150 floral exhibitions decorating the galleries of de Young, guests are treated to one of the most exclusive floral events in the country. Bouquets to Art is a rather intriguing event because the impressive talents of assorted Bay Area floral designers are paired with paintings with a goal to produce a floral display influenced by the art.
This weekend, you can look forward to lectures delivered by floral designers and other fun. For example, Friday highlights include:
• 10am: TV film critic and personality Jan Wahl, who is also emceeing and judging a Hat Day celebration at noon, will lead a talk titled "Flowers in the Movies."
• 1:30pm: Style editor of Sunset magazine, Miranda Jones, will offer her expertise during the "Garden to Vase: a Seasonal Tribute to the California Garden" talk.
• The museum will also stay open until 8:45pm.
All in all, the festivities are for a good cause, as you can help raise money for special exhibitions, acquisitions, and education programs. For more details, contact 415-750-3600 or visit www.deyoungmuseum.org Added by: TreeHugger
March 12 2009
This weekend, head for the San Francisco County Fair Building (located at Ninth Avenue and Lincoln Way) to enjoy an explosion of music, art, literature, and engaging speakers at the 14th annual Anarchist Book Fair, located at Golden Gate Park. With two days of festivities, I encourage you to come on two wheels and take advantage of free valet bicycle parking offered at this event (March 14th – 10am to 6pm and March 15th – 11am to 5pm).
As you enter the main hall, prepare yourself to become enchanted with the presence of about 60 local and West Coast vendors, who will gather to sell their wares and educate the masses. With an assortment of t-shirts, books, zines, and other goods, you will encounter an interesting collection of distributors, independent presses, political groups, and booksellers to keep you busy.
Just some of the speakers featured at the Anarchist Book Fair include:
• Judith Levine - activist for sexual liberation and peace
• Diane Di Prima – poet
• Mark Anquoe – activist with the American Indian Movement in San Francisco
• Rachel West –spokeswoman for the US PROStitutes Collective
On Saturday, don’t forget to check out Arizmendi for food and drinks – a local co-op specializing in pastries, artisan breads, and gourmet pizza. For more details on this free event, visit http://sfbookfair.wordpress.com/. Added by: TreeHugger
March 04 2009
Our lifestyle choices, environment, and everyday survival are constantly evolving to adapt with the changing conditions of the world. If you're interested in exploring the evolution of such changes, then join in on the fun of celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin – a man who dedicated his life to the study of evolution. In response, the city of San Francisco is embracing 30 separate events and programs hosted at some of the finest cultural hot spots about town.
Golden Gate Park is pleased to present the following contributions to this citywide extravaganza:
• The Ancient Plant Garden (San Francisco Botanical Garden) – Ongoing
Take a tour of evolution as seen through the eyes of a plant. The San Francisco Botanical Garden has recently revamped what is known as its "primitive" plant garden, which offers millions of years of change – both bizarre and beautiful.
• Collecting Evolution (California Academy of Sciences)
March 10th 2009; 12:15pm
In 1835, Charles Darwin paid a visit to the Galapagos and collected around 75,000 biological specimens. This lecture explores the voyage that has greatly impacted species conservation and DNA studies.
• Darwin, Dover, and Intelligent Design (California Academy of Sciences)
March 24th, 2009; 12:15 & 6:30pm
This lecture presents Dr. Kevin Padian, who will lead a discussion centered on his participation as an expert witness in the 2005 Kitzmiller v. Dover case, which led to a court ruling related to intelligent design – a debate that involves religion and science. Added by: TreeHugger
February 25 2009
This weekend, the de Young Museum will present an evening filled with cultural flashbacks centered on the 60's. If you haven’t already stopped by the museum on a Friday night, then you've been missing out on the live music, poetry, dance, films, and lectures that takes place after the sun has set. The entire museum stays open until 8:45pm, where you can sip a cocktail, enjoy a special Friday Night dinner, or pass the time creating your own masterpiece.
On February 27th, 2009, you will encounter the French flair of Bardot A Go Go, the "longest-running Francophilic swinging sixties experience" in the world. Prepare yourself to enjoy the sounds of frat rock, soul, and of course, French pop. The night also brings a special appearance by the Girls of Go Go Mania, who will certainly inspire you to embrace a 60's dance or two.
Additional festivities include opportunities to create wearable art with Kim Erickson (6pm – 8pm at Wilsey Court) and a film screening of Basquiat (1996), which tells the tale of the unforgettable artist Jean-Michel Basquiat (7pm at Koret Auditorium).
For more details on this exciting Golden Gate Park event, contact Nicole Schach at 415-750-7694. Added by: TreeHugger
February 18 2009
The de Young Museum at Golden Gate Park provides the perfect chance for you to capture your 15 minutes of Andy Warhol-like fame when you attend the Pop Party on Saturday night. On February 21st, 2009, an assortment of specialty cocktails and tasty treats accompany the opportunity to view the Warhol Live exhibition in glamorous fashion, as well as dance the night away to the tunes of The Unauthorized Rolling Stones.
Before you party like a rock star and sip on signature drinks, such as the Nico-tini, Warhol Sour and Velvet Underground Punch – you should know there are two ways to enjoy this party:
• The ArtPoint VIP Pre-Party takes place between 8pm and 9pm with go-go dancers and non-stop access to exclusive VIP lounges. Advance VIP tickets cost $100 for members and $125 for non-members. Additional tickets are available at the door for an additional $25 per ticket.
• The Pop Party bash (9pm to midnight) offers free specialty cocktails, eats, exhibition viewing, and dancing. Advance tickets cost $40 for members and $55 for non-members. Latecomers may purchase tickets at the door for an additional $10 per ticket.
To make sure you enjoy this event, you may want to reserve your tickets ahead of time at http://www.brownpapertickets.com. For additional details, call 415-750-7674. Added by: TreeHugger
February 11 2009
Thursdays at Golden Gate Park's California Academy of Sciences might just become the new hot spot in town. From 6pm to 10pm, adults are invited to kick back and enjoy weekly music, cocktails, food, and we can't forget…science and exploration. The first event planned in this series of nightlife extravaganzas is for February 12th, 2009 with not one, but two DJs alongside a conversation with Keith Thomson. The event will also pay homage to the great Charles Darwin for his 200th birthday.
Tickets cost $10, while Academy members enjoy discounted entry at $8. Keep in mind that your last chance to enter the event is 9pm. Advanced tickets are available for the California Academy of Sciences Nightlife series, but don’t worry if they sell out – a limited number of tickets will be sold at the door. To ensure your attendance, make sure to arrive early before 5:30 pm on the night of the event.
In the coming weeks, the Academy has an array of science-related activities and DJ music planned. Don’t miss out! For more information, check out http://www.calacademy.org. Added by: TreeHugger
February 05 2009
If you're looking for a way to give back to the community and put a smile on a local child's face, why don’t you participate in the docent-training program offered at the San Francisco Botanical Garden? Throughout the year, more than 5,500 schoolchildren from the San Francisco region pay a visit to the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Starting on February 10th, 2009, you could become a master at guiding these children on educational walks that entice their minds with colorful flowers and intriguing plants.
Don't worry if you're not the greenest thumb – it isn’t necessary for you to be a gardening wizard or botany expert. All you have to do is learn the basics and complete docent training for a period of three months. Soon, you'll be able to indulge both a love for the great outdoors and working with children. Your training will consist of learning how to lead three themed walks that cater to kids attending kindergarten through the 5th grade.
Pre-registration is required to participate in the training. A downloadable application is found here. Please note that a $75 fee is expected, which also comes with the perks of a Botanical Garden Society membership. Any questions? Call Tom Laursen (Volunteer Services Manager) at 415-661-1316 (ext 412). Docent-training meets on Tuesdays (9am-12:30pm) at the Golden Gate Park in the County Fair Building – 9th Avenue and Lincoln. Added by: TreeHugger
An important announcement regarding Google Earth took place at Golden Gate Park – right at the California Academy of Sciences. At a February 2nd, 2009 event, former Vice President Al Gore among other speakers, such as the CEO of Google (Eric Schmidt) and the Director of Google Geo (John Hanke), made their way to San Francisco to reveal the launch of Google Earth 5. What’s the excitement about? Google Earth 5.0 allows users to analysis images of Mars, explore the floor of the ocean, and keep an eye out for changes taking place on the Earth’s surface. According to Gore, Google Earth 5 will serve as a powerful educational tool that could shed light on mounting climate issues.
January 21 2009
Are you looking for a little prosperity and good luck to kick off the new year? Consider the Lunar New Year Flower Market, which will make its' tenth appearance at Golden Gate Park. Celebrating the Year of the Ox at the San Francisco County Fair Building, this event will take place on January 24th, 2009 from 10am to 3pm. Thanks to the San Francisco Botanical Garden Society, this annual gathering will provide an opportunity for you to browse and purchase traditional New Year plants that hold symbolic meaning to the Asian culture.
Just some of the plants and flowers to expect include:
• Azaleas
• Narcissus
• Kumquats
• Buddha Hand trees
• Orchids
• African violets
A visit to the Lunar New Year Flower Market doesn’t just introduce you to an array of plants, but also tantalizes you with tasty foods and eye-catching handicrafts for sale. Live entertainment makes this a suitable outing for families, as the West Coast Lion Dance Troupe is sure to please. Children will also enjoy fan painting and origami activities. Don’t forget to take advantage of a docent-guided tour of the San Francisco Botanical Garden. The event also provides exclusive Asian-themed story readings at the Helen Crocker Russell Library.
Admission to the Flower Market is free and everyone is welcome to attend. Added by: TreeHugger
