Kick off the holiday season at the 38th Annual Building Lighting Ceremony and watch as Embarcadero Center illuminates the San Francisco skyline with 17,000 holiday lights!
Lighting takes place “as the night draws to a close” after the SF’s Embarcadero Center so we expect the lighting to be around 5:30pm or 6pm
Celebrate the official start of the holiday season with the 38th Annual Building Lighting Ceremony at Embarcadero Center! The excitement begins at 4:00pm on Thursday, November 21st, with the Holiday Market.
Dive into the festive spirit as you shop local artisans and retailers, groove to live music, sip on delightful drinks, and savor tasty lite bites. Plus, discover the mystique of tarot readings to add a dash of intrigue to your night! As the night draws to a close, be captivated by the breathtaking sight of Embarcadero Center lighting up the sky with 17,000 dazzling lights outlining the building.
Arrive early! The first 200 attendees at the Holiday Market (4-6p) will receive a drink token for a complimentary cocktail or mocktail. Plus, the first 300 guests who purchase a drink will be treated to a complimentary caramel apple. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the season!
For more information please click the following link
The Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) in San Francisco has, unfortunately, announced it will temporarily close its galleries for at least one year, beginning December 16, 2024, due to financial challenges.
The good news is that in order to give the public an opportunity to experience the museum before the closure, CJM is offering free admission through December 15, 2024 waiving the usual $16 entry fee.
Contemporary Jewish Museum Visit for free through December 15, 2024 Open Thursdays through Sundays | 11a-5p (closed Thanksgiving)
Please note that free tickets seem to be available starting November 17, 2024
Current Exhibitions
California Jewish Open – Transdisciplinary artist Nicki Green’s first museum solo exhibition delves into questions of identity, transformation, and reinvention of Jewish traditions through new and existing artworks in ceramic, installation, fiber, and more. Nicki Green: Firmament – Marking the first time the space has been activated in this way since the building’s opening, Bay Area artist Leah Rosenberg transforms The CJM’s Yud Gallery through light and color, creating a welcoming environment for visitors to reflect, rest, and wonder. L’Chaim: Celebrating Our Building at 15 – This exhibition delves into the deep symbolism imbued in The CJM’s iconic building, inspired by the Hebrew phrase l’chaim (“to life”).
The CJM’s current home, designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, opened in 2008 and uniquely combines the historic 1881 power station with a bold blue geometric structure. This architectural fusion, inspired by the Hebrew word “chai” (meaning “life”), has made the building a recognizable part of San Francisco’s cultural landscape. With free admission through mid-December, visitors can explore both the exhibits and this distinctive building before the temporary pause.
The museum’s Board of Trustees emphasized that this closure is a proactive measure to stabilize finances and plan for the future, rather than a permanent shutdown. The Board has likened this period to a “Sabbath” pause, giving time for planning and exploration of new ways to reach audiences and ensure long-term sustainability.
Since its founding, the CJM has worked to foster understanding of Jewish culture, counter antisemitism, and serve the Bay Area community. As the museum prepares for its sabbatical, it encourages visitors to enjoy its galleries, exhibitions, and architecture at no cost through December 15.
Thanks to an optical illusion in the sky, the moon will appear bigger and brighter than normal in the San Francisco Bay Area in the night, during what astronomers call a “supermoon.”
Because the sun is about 50,000 miles closer to the earth than at its furthest point – and it’s a full or new moon – the moon will appear larger and brighter than most full moons. To be considered a supermoon, it has to be within 224,851 miles (361,863 kilometers) of our planet, as measured from the centers of the moon and Earth.
The best time to observe the supermoon is when the moon is near the horizon during eithermoonrise or moonset, thanks to having objects in the foreground (like buildings or trees) to provide reference points for estimating the moon’s size.
2024 Supermoons & Rare Full Moons
August 19 – “Blue” Supermoon
September 17 – Super Harvest Moon plus a partial lunar eclipse
October 17 – Super Hunter’s Moon and the closest full supermoon for 2024
November 15 – Full Moon, Supermoon
For more information please click the following link
MCD’s Pay What You Can Wednesday initiative strives to keep art accessible to all by giving visitors the opportunity to experience the latest exhibitions for whatever amount they wish.
Museum of Craft and Design’s Pay What You Can Wednesdays Every Wednesday* | 10am to 5pm Museum of Craft and Design 2569 Third Street (between 22nd and 23rd), San Francisco Pay What You Can
How to get “Pay What You Can” Tickets? Admissions for Pay What You Can Wednesdays may only be purchased at the front desk and are not available online. Learn more about “Pay What You Can Wednesdays“
For more information please visit the links bellow:
Each year, since 1918, the United Veterans Council of Santa Clara County has produced a Veterans Day Parade with support from the City of San Jose, Santa Clara County, and contributions from many individuals and organizations.
This parade, thelargest Veterans Day Parade in Northern California, honors all who served or are currently serving their country.
Veteran’s Day Parade 2024
Downtown San Jose
Monday, November 11, 2024
Pre-Parade Ceremony: 11:00 am at Plaza de Cesar Chavez
Downtown San Jose Parade begins at Noon
2024 Parade Route
Start at the intersection of Almaden Boulevard and Santa Clara Street
Proceeds east on Santa Clara Street
Turns right onto Market Street passing Plaza de Cesar Chavez
Ends at San Carlos Street
The parade will start at 12:00 p.m. sharp. It steps off on Santa Clara Street at the 87-freeway overpass.
How long is the parade? The parade route is .9 miles long. It will take one- and one-half hours to pass. It will take participants approximately 20 minutes from start to finish.
Where does the parade end? The parade officially ends at the corner of San Carlos and Market Streets, close the San Jose Convention Center.
For more information please click the following link
The 8th Annual San Francisco Coffee Festival® kicks off Saturday, November 9, 2024 and Sunday, November 10, 2024.
Try the best coffee in town – all under the same roof: Top specially curated roasters and exhibitors share with you their unique beans and flavor profiles, with a soundtrack provided by live entertainment at the Festival Pavilion at the arts nonprofit Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture (FMCAC). This is a fun environment for coffee lovers & friends with a limited ticket capacity. Think about your ideal coffee event experience: this is it.
Get ready for an immersive coffee experience when the 8th annual San Francisco Coffee Festival® kicks off. Enjoy specially curated exhibitors, including the Bay Area’s top coffee roasters, as they share with you some of the best coffee, teas, eats, and more, in the country. Want to learn more about coffee? Just ask the master roaster at their booth, or attend one of the many educational panels. But it’s all about the coffee vibes, right? Sway along to a soundtrack provided by some of the best bands and entertainment in the Bay, while you taste endless coffee at the iconic Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture’s Festival Pavilion. Think about your ideal coffee event experience: this is it.
Difference between Early Admission and GA ticket:
You have a choice between VIP Early Admission tickets (VIP EA) and GA tickets. Early Admission tickets get you in an extra hour earlier than GA (General Admission) tickets, and you get to continue to enjoy the event during the GA session. YES, if you buy an Early Admission ticket, it includes the GA time too. That’s the only difference between the two ticket choices per Session. VIP Early Admission does not entitle pass holder to skip lines once inside event.
Session Times:
SATURDAY: Session 1 Early Admission : 9am – 10am
Session 1 GA: 10am – 1pm
Service Break
Session 2 GA: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
SUNDAY Session 1 Early Admission : 9am – 10am
Session 1 GA: 10am – 1pm
Service Break
Session 2 GA: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Difference between Saturday and Sunday: You can chose to attend Saturday or Sunday. There is no difference in the vendors for each day. The only substantive difference is some of the panel talk topics and entertainment performances.
All Day Passes: Don’t want to miss a thing? We wouldn’t want to either. A limited number of All Day passes are available for purchase. All Day passholders are allowed to enjoy BOTH sessions of the event day. They have in and out privileges, and are given the exclusive opportunity to remain inside the venue during the Service Break between the two sessions. Please note: It’s important to make sure roasters are afforded the Service Break as an opportunity to rest and have a breather(!) between the two sessions. So, while there is not service between session times, we encourage you to use this time to chat with roasters and learn more about them and the coffee you’ve been enjoying, or grab a bite to eat from one of the many amazing food trucks outside!
Coffee: yes, coffee tastings from coffee vendors are INCLUDED. Find your favorite!
Eats: food is not included, but is available for purchase.
Non-coffee-drinkers: we’d love to have you, and have non-coffee options for you to drink. Due to venue capacity, each entry requires a ticket.
Reusable cups: Yes, you are permitted to bring your favorite coffee mug!
Children: We LOVE kids, but we discourage their attendance due to the dangerous nature of the event for a child: hot beverages all over the place. It’d make us nervous for a child to be present and we disclaim all responsibility for a child’s presence at the event. If you still want to assume the responsibility for bringing along your child, PLEASE keep a close eye on them. It is your responsibility to keep them safe. All children under the age of 13 do not need a ticket, but must be accompanied by an Adult. Please note that this is a special accommodation and can be changed at any time. Please also note that if you purchased a ticket for your little one and mistakenly took up capacity for another attendee, we won’t be able to refund you if we’re outside of the refund window.
Pets: we love pets too but, unfortunately, federal law prohibits animals inside the building, except qualified service animals.
Health Protocols: We follow any applicable city, state, and federal guidelines that exist at the time of the event. If you’re feeling sick, please sit this one out.
For more information please visit the links below:
One of San Francisco’s favorite holiday traditions returns for the 2024-25 holiday season. Since 2008, The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square has delighted children and adults with its holiday-themed ice park located in Union Square.
First (100) guests skate for free during the 5:30pm and 7pm sessions for opening night – November 6, 2024!
Enjoy ice skating in San Francisco’s iconic plaza surrounded by festive lights and the sights and sounds of the season. From November 6, 2024, through January 20, 2025, locals and visitors alike can enjoy this cherished holiday tradition as it returns for its 17th season. The grand Opening Celebration on November 6 at 5 p.m., will provide a magical start to the city’s most anticipated winter attraction.
Tickets and Hours The rink will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., with a special early closure at 9:30 p.m. on December 31, 2024. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children 8 and under, including skate rental. All tickets must be purchased in advance. A portion of ticket proceeds benefits the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.
SKATING SESSIONS AND HOURS (2024-25)
The ice rink will be open to the public daily from November 6, 2024, through January 20, 2025.
1-hour skating sessions start at 10 am, every 90 minutes until 11 pm daily.
ADMISSION/TICKETS
Tickets for The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink are $20 for adults and $15 for children 8 and under, with skate rental included in the cost of admission. All tickets must be purchased in advance by visiting unionsquareicerink.com. A portion of ticket proceeds benefit the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.
General Admission including skate rental: $20
Children 8 and under including skate rental: $15
Locker Rental: $5
Skate Helper: $6
Gloves: $5
Socks: $5
Figure and hockey skate sizes range from toddler’s size 8 to adult’s size 15
Marigold Project invites you to the 32nd annual Festival of Altars.
On November 2nd, Day of the Dead Festival of Altars will be held in Potrero Del Sol Park aka La Raza Park. Please come and participate in building an altar or come to view the community altars.
Plus, every November 2nd at 12pm and 5pm, you’re welcome to join the Ritual Circle. The Ritual Circle is a ceremony created to take time among the altars to honor all of our ancestors, our environment, and our connection to the earth and each other. All are invited to participate.
Together we hold space for healing and reflecting on our ancestral roots in a beautiful community of heart connection. This event is comprised of poetry performances, dance, music, and ritual ceremonies. Performers of all backgrounds and faiths come together to be inspired by Mesoamerican Day of the Dead traditions and to make this community event relevant to the San Francisco Bay Area as a whole.
Day of the Dead Festival of Altars in San Francisco November 2, 2024 @ Potrero Del Sol Park Installation begins @ 8am | Ceremony begins @ 12pm | Performances begins @ 5pm You can build your own Personal Altar. To RSVP an altar space please signup. The making and viewing of traditional, contemporary, or experimental altars is a uniquely transformative experience connecting us closer to our Ancestors. Bring flowers, 8-inch glass prayer candles, and mementos of loved ones to contribute to the Community Altars. All are welcome to participate.
BART riders can walk to Potrero del Sol from the 24th Street Mission Station, while MUNI riders can use the 9, 10, 19, 27, 33, and 48 lines. A limited amount of first-come, first-served bike parking will be available at the festival entrance at 25th Street and Utah Street. Please note: no vehicles will be permitted in the park.
Cost: FREE
Address: 25th St. & San Bruno Ave., San Francisco, CA
The Japanese Tea Garden provides visitors from around the world with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, tranquility, and harmony of a Japanese-style garden in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.
Originally created as a “Japanese Village” exhibit for the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition, the Japanese Tea Garden endures as one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco, featuring classic elements such as an arched drum bridge, pagodas, stone lanterns, stepping stone paths, native Japanese plants, serene koi ponds, and a zen garden. Cherry blossom trees bloom throughout the garden in March and April.
Admission to the Japanese Tea Garden is free for San Francisco residents with valid ID. Free hours for everyone (even non-residents) are 9-10 am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Please note that hours and costs change frequently.
Japanese Tea Garden 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden, Golden Gate Park, SF FREE for San Francisco Residents w/ ID FREE for Everyone from 9-10 am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Non Resident Fees Adults: $12-16 (depends on season)
Seniors (ages 65+ w/ID) $7 Youth (ages 12-17) $7 Children (ages 5-11) $3 Children (under 5) FREE
Hours Of Operation Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Last entry changes seasonally.
Free Hour Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00am – 10:00am
For more information please visit the link bellow:
Calling all Mission Bay residents! Celebrate the season with your neighbors at the Mission Bay Harvest Festival – a day filled with family-friendly fun, festive activities, and autumn magic! Connect with the community and enjoy your parks while getting into the Halloween spirit!
Mission Bay Harvest Festival Saturday, October 26th, 2024 | 11AM – 4PM
SPARK Social SF | 601 Mission Bay Blvd North, San Francisco, CA 94158
Free Admission | Open to everyone –Kids, Pets, Locals, and Visitors!
Pumpkin Patch – Explore our festive pumpkin patch! Free gourds for ghouls under 8! Costume Contest – Show off your creative costumes for a chance to win amazing prizes. S’mores & Fire Pits – Gather ‘round cozy fire pits to roast marshmallows and make s’mores! Free S’mores kits for Mission Bay locals! Trick-or-Treating – There will be plenty of opportunities to trick-or-treat, so don’t forget to bring your buckets or bags for all those treats! Games & Activities – A lineup of classic fall games and activities perfect for all ages!
Live Music – Dance, sing along, and do the Monster Mash to your favorite halloween hits!
This is more than just a festival – it’s an opportunity for Mission Bay to come together, celebrate the season, and strengthen our community spirit. So throw on your costumes, bring the family, and get ready for an unforgettable day of autumnal delight in your own neighborhood!
Costume Contest Judging
Join in the fun as we showcase the spirit of our community through a lively costume contest! Costumes will be judged by you, our Mission Bay neighbors, through a fun and interactive cloud of applause! Categories include
Family/Group Costumes – The most imaginative and coordinated group or family outfits.
Kid Costumes – The cutest and most creative costumes worn by the little ones.
Most Creative Costume – The most innovative costumes that stand out from the crowd.
Get daring and let your costumes shine! It’s time to bring your A-game and rally your neighbors to cheer the loudest for you!
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