Street Fest Season Kicks Off in San Francisco

Written by Arizona Expert: Jojo, USA, April 2011

RECOMMENDATION Keywords:

Holiday Activity, Live Music, Popular with Locals, Festival

Comment from Arizona Expert: Jojo

It wouldn't be San Francisco if this year's start into her street fair and festival season wasn't about celebrating diversity. The 12th annual HOW WEIRD STREET FAIRE on Sunday, May 1st, "envisions a place of peace, where all people can come and find some similarities and common interests among diverse music and art, building bridges of understanding and friendship". Within nine city blocks you are invited to join a colorful (costume) celebration of ethnically diverse creativity featuring 9 stages of performances and diverse electronic music genres, 60 vendors offering unique clothing, arts and crafts from around the globe and, of course, an array of food and drinks. "All ages are welcome, and costumes are highly encouraged" - which clearly spells b-r-i-n-g-y-o-u-r-c-a-m-e-r-a.
This local non-profit project/fundraiser is easily accessible by public transportation. A donation is requested, $10 will buy you a Magic Sticker which gets you discounts on food, drinks and merchandise around the faire and at the after parties. For more info please visit: http://howweird.org/

A true San Francisco icon also involving numerous costumed participants is commemorating its 100th edition on Sunday, May 15th. BAY TO BREAKERS was originally intended as one of several community activities to boost civic morale after years of painstaking cleanup and reconstruction efforts following the devastating earthquake of 1906. First held in 1912, this 12k race served as a forerunner to the upcoming athletic meets at the Pan Pacific International Exposition. The 1915 expo was supposed to showcase San Francisco's progress after the horrible disaster and put her back on the map of international relevance and recognition. Setting a Guinness book record in 1986, Bay To Breakers evolved into one of the largest and most colorful footraces in the world. Celebrating the City's unique spirit and flavor, the race regularly draws more than 100,000 spectators lining up along the course from the bay to the ocean. Don't miss Footstock, the post-race festival in Golden Gate Park. Free of charge and open to the public, the post-party features plenty of activities and entertainment. From 8:30am to 1pm you are welcome to enjoy exhibitions, music, food and beverages or chill out in the beergarden. For further details and the best spots to view the race please go to http://zazzlebaytobreakers.com/

On Memorial Day weekend, the San Francisco CARNAVAL FESTIVAL AND GRAND PARADE is the event to check out. A two day (May 28 & 29) mutli-cultural celebration presenting "the very best of Latin American, Caribbean, African and fusion cultures and traditions with a diverse array of food, music, dance and artistry." This non-profit project started out over 30 years ago as a true community effort and still showcases works of local talent from the Mission District as well as artists from the Bay area. Today the Carnaval, and especially the Grand Parade on Sunday morning, draws a crowd of 400,000. So put on your dancing shoes, get in the rhythm and join in on a weekend of salsa, samba, mambo, merengue, reggae, hip-hop...you name it! Find more info on this event here: http://www.carnavalsf.com/

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Reply by Beach Girl, June 2011

I have toured with Jojo before and he always great suggestions, extensive knowledge, and is up to date on anything and everything happening in San Francisco on any given day!