There’s so much to do around the Bay Area this summer! Here are our picks for some summertime fun this weekend. SF Pride takes pride of place this week, naturally, but there are selections for East Bay and South Bay play, too, plus options for music lovers and for those who’d rather escape the crowds for some stargazing away from the urban light pollution.
Have a great weekend and look for Hoodline’s Summertime Happenings series all summer long. (Got an event tip? Let us know! Note “Summertime Happenings” in your message.)
Join in San Francisco Pride
The city’s legendary Pride parade and celebration returns in-person this year for its 52nd run with a theme of “Love Will Keep Us Together.” Two-time Grammy Award nominee Martha Wash will headline the main stage, and celebrity Grand Marshals will include actor Sherry Cola (“Good Trouble”) and recent “Jeopardy” champion Amy Schneider.
When: Saturday, June 25, parade begins 10:30; Saturday & Sunday, June 25–26, celebration 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco
Information: sfpride.org
Check out Lakefest Oakland
In 2018, Lakefest Oakland debuted as Northern California’s newest daytime summer festival with an emphasis on celebrating community and culture. This wonderfully diverse summertime gala adorns the nature-rich, three-mile shoreline of Lake Merritt and promises lots of fun with live music, artists, and entertainers; a kids’ fun zone; food vendors; a beer garden; and an artisan marketplace. Expect crowds: Lakefest attracted over 15,000 attendees in 2019.
When: Saturday, June 25, 12-8 p.m.
Where: Lake Merritt, Oakland
Information: lakefestoakland.com
Head for the Heat at Danville Summerfest
Danville’s summertime street festival is back this year, with two days of events in the historic downtown of this East Bay enclave. Danville Summerfest will feature live music, local food and beverages, area artists, a classic car show and more — plus loads of fun for kids, like pony rides, bungee jumping, and a petting zoo.
When: June 25 & 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Historic downtown Danville
Information: www.danvillesummerfest.com
Stargazing in Morgan Hill
Escape urban light pollution to view the wonders of the universe at a community star party at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve, just 30 minutes south of downtown San Jose, but with night skies dark enough to see the band of the Milky Way galaxy in summertime. Co-hosted by the San Jose Astronomical Association and the Open Space Authority, the event will include provided telescopes and docent astronomers to help you spot astronomical sights. The event is family-friendly and free, but you’ll need to register to attend.
Guests are requested not to bring their own telescopes (binoculars are ok), and to avoid flash photography. Bring warm layers and water. Note: The star parties are scheduled monthly, weather permitting, so check for future events, too!
When: Saturday, June 25, 9:30-11 p.m.
Location: Rancho Canada del Oro Open Space Preserve, 4289 Casa Loma Rd., Morgan Hill
Information & registration: www.meetup.com/sj-astronomy/events/286099358/ or www.eventbrite.com/e/starry-nights-tickets-339493994677
(Separate registrations are available on the sites, so if one site fills up, check the other!)
Enjoy live music at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bandshell
Live music has returned to the Bandshell in Golden Gate Park with another season of free outdoor performances. The music lineup is diverse and promises lots of fun for all. This weekend features Soul/Jazz/R&B Happy Hour Friday with Razteria and special guests; Saturday in the Park the next day with the Trombone Shorty Foundation, a youth ensemble from New Orleans; and Reggae Sunday with DJ Irie and more.
When: Friday, June 24, 4:30-7 p.m.; Saturday, June 25, 12-4 p.m.; Sunday, June 26, 4:20-7 p.m.
Where: Golden Gate Bandshell, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Information: goldengatebandshell.org
