Discover the best things to see and do in San Francisco this spring.
Performing Arts
Maya Beiser: “All Vows”
March 21-22; Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Experience the original compositions of Maya Beiser in the world premiere of “All Vows,” in which the musician incorporates acoustic and electric cellos along with cutting-edge technology, representing the merging of spiritual and contemporary cultures. Filmmaker Bill Morrison, meanwhile, has provided evocative imagery and multimedia displays to accompany the dramatic performance. (415-978-2787; ybca.org)
“The Suit”
April 23 – May 18; American Conservatory Theater
Set in apartheid-era Johannesburg, director Peter Brook’s fascinating musical production “The Suit” reveals the oppression-driven story of a wife forced by her husband—who catches the woman with another man—to treat a suit left behind by her lover as an “honored guest” and profound reminder of her infidelity. The play integrates musicians into the story with African melodies and jazz standards. (415-749-2228; act-sf.org)
“The Weighing of the Heart”
June 12; Exploratorium at Pier 15
Colleen, the alias of French musician Cécile Schott, performs selections from her latest album, “The Weighing of the Heart,” in this fifth event of the Exploratorium’s “Resonance” series. Combining percussion instruments with her own vocals, the musician creates mysterious and exciting sounds throughout the performance. (415-528-4444; exploratorium.edu)
“Once”
June 17 – July 13; SHN Curran Theatre
Actors and musicians play their own instruments onstage throughout this Broadway exploration of captivating music, ambitious dreams and the complexities of love. The award-winning musical tells the tale of a Dublin street musician whose music reaches new heights with the help of a young woman who shows interest in his love songs. (888-746-1799; shnsf.com)
Exhibits
“Designing Home”
April 24 – Oct. 6; Contemporary Jewish Museum
This exhibit features household items constructed by Jewish architects, designers and artists throughout the mid-20th century. Works from contributors such as Anni Albers, Joseph Eichler and Richard Neutra, along with myriad lesser-known designers, showcase these artists’ roles in the development of a new aesthetic for domestic America. (415-655-7800; thecjm.org)
“Public Intimacy: Art and Other Ordinary Acts in South Africa”
Through June 29; Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
An exploration of South African interpersonal relationships, encounters and exchanges in everyday life, “Public Intimacy” includes paintings, print-making, sculpture, media arts, graphic design and a series of integral live art projects, all curated by the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in partnership with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. A majority of the works in the exhibit were produced over the past five years, with the exception of about 25 photographs that highlight the era of apartheid. (415-978-2787; ybca.org)
Bouquets to Art
March 18-23; de Young Museum
Experience the beauty of the 30th annual Bouquets to Art festival, which invites floral designers to create custom arrangements honoring the museum’s permanent collections. The weeklong festival also includes floral design demonstrations, catered lunches, hands-on creative activities and a benefit raffle that rewards winners with prizes such as a Cabo San Lucas vacation package, a private luncheon at a Napa Valley winery or a style consultation with a renowned San Francisco image consultant. (415-750-3600; deyoung.famsf.org)
“Full-Spectrum Science with Ron Hipschman: The Science of Lasers”
March 23, 27; Exploratorium at Pier 15
Exploratorium scientist Ron Hipschman shares his knowledge of laser light, including how it’s made and its impact on everything from DVD players to eye surgery to fusion energy research. The educational presentation also includes interactive activities and demonstrations. Seating is determined on a first-come, first-served basis as there is limited capacity for the program. (415-528-4444; exploratorium.edu)
Events and Activities
Union Street Spring Celebration and
Easter Parade
April 20; Union Street
Known as the “biggest little parade” in San Francisco, the 23rd annual procession celebrates springtime with an extravagant assortment of family activities. Dine at Union Street’s bistros, enjoy live entertainment and admire the creative sights of the parade. (800-310-6563; sresproductions.com)
Bay to Breakers
May 18; Citywide
This spirited 12K race, a beloved San Francisco tradition, takes contenders on a scenic route up the Hayes Street Hill, along the Panhandle and through Golden Gate Park, giving participants a chance to explore the city from a new perspective. (415-231-3130; baytobreakers.com)
San Francisco International Beer Festival
May 24; Fort Mason Center
Beer enthusiasts can sample hundreds of creations from local and international breweries—with a bottomless mug in hand—as well as delicious bites from San Francisco restaurants. Proceeds will benefit the Telegraph Hill Cooperative Nursery School. (sfbeerfest.com) B
Earth Day San Francisco
April 19; Civic Center Plaza
The theme of this year’s Earth Day San Francisco festival is “A Call to Action,” encouraging attendees to rally in solidarity for all things green and sustainable. The event features inspirational speakers, do-it-yourself workshops and demonstrations, and more than 80 environmentally friendly vendors. (415-272-8889; earthdaysf.org)
