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EXPLORE LOCAL AREA | | | | | | | San Francisco International Film Festival | | | | | Description: When you've tired of studio blockbusters and the dearth of engaging storytelling, this long-lived film festival restores your faith in film. Each year, the nonprofit organization regales audiences with some 200 films from 50 countries, showcasing international and sometimes unexpected perspectives on love, loss, war, and all sorts of universal topics. Movies are screened throughout the city, and tens of thousands of people take in the bounty annually. An astounding array of formats and styles is evident.
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| Harrison and 22nd Sts
San Francisco,
CA
94110
415-920-0125 | | | | | Description: A multicultural celebration of life and community, Carnaval gives hundreds of thousands of folks a chance to take in the energy of different populations from around the globe, especially those of Latin America. Rhythmic music, international cuisine, exotic crafts, visual art, dancing, and a children's area are among the myriad attractions, which also include a dramatic parade on Sunday, full of costumes and spectacle. Great for the family and for a real sense of America's melting-pot components. NB 2008 marks the event's 30th anniversary.
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| San Francisco Waterfront FestivalBeach St and the Embarcadero
San Francisco,
CA
94133
415-391-2000 | | | | | Description: Start with a picturesque waterside location, add a strong dose of patriotism and family-friendly atmosphere, and you've got a terrific recipe for summertime fun. Each Independence Day, bustling Fisherman's Wharf gets an added measure of festivity when local bands perform, arts and crafts are exhibited, and lots of good food tempts passers-by with intoxicating aromas. Spend the day browsing and people-watching, and don't forget to catch the incredible display of fireworks over the Bay, beginning at 9pm.
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| San Francisco Shakespeare Festival
San Francisco,
CA
415-422-2222 | | | | | Description: The most prominent aspect of this much-loved festival is its Free Shakespeare in the Park performances. Held during late-summer weekends on the Presidio grounds, the shows have first-come, first-served seating and are a great source of pleasure for local audiences, bringing Shakespeare to more than 50,000 people annually. The history plays and the comedies are most frequently produced, and food, drink, and restrooms are available. This year, Pericles, a rarely produced drama is featured.
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| San Francisco Fringe Festival
San Francisco,
CA
415-931-1094 | | | | | Description: Fringe festivals are known for their experimental tendencies, and San Francisco's version is no different. Unencumbered by any sort of juried system, the festival brings in performances from all around the world, presenting a wide variety of subject matter and theatrical styles and giving directors and performers loads of artistic license. As a result, the 12-day event presents the good and the bad, the polished and the raw, and practically assures a cutting-edge experience. Ticket prices vary, and most go on sale 30 minutes prior to performances.
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| Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival900 N Point St
San Francisco,
CA
94109
| | | | | Description: Chocoholics, steel yourselves! This yearly festival builds on the tradition of hometown enterprise Ghirardelli, and tempts visitors with dozens of booths that present chocolate-inspired dishes from local restaurants. Browse for your favorites, or simply enjoy cooking demonstrations, live music, and other activities. A children's area is also available so that the whole family can be entertained. The event benefits Project Open Hand, which serves meals to sick and aged clients.
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| San Francisco Blues FestivalMarina Blvd and Laguna St
San Francisco,
CA
94123
415-979-5588 | | | | | Description: This long-running blues-fest is a huge favorite. Not only does it book terrific performers, but its location affords fabulous views of the Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and beyond. Folks who have played the Grand Meadow include B.B. King, Etta James, Carlos Santana, Bonnie Raitt, and John Lee Hooker. Good food, beer, and wine are available, and a free Friday concert at the waterfront kicks off the weekend festivities. Gates open at 10am daily, and reserve tickets are available in advance.
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| San Francisco Jazz Festival | | | | | Description: A strong presence in the world of jazz performance, SFJF showcases the musical genre in myriad ways throughout the year. However, this annual festival is one of its most prominent efforts. Performers hail from across the globe and from the area, representing what's best in traditional jazz and what's emerging in new movements. Aside from the weeks-long festival, the organization presents free outdoor concerts each summer, hosts educational programs, and works to build audience appreciation.
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| 17th and Castro Sts
San Francisco,
CA
94114
| | | | | Description: A terrific neighborhood party for one of San Francisco's prominent gay districts, this annual event also benefits a wealth of local charities. The festivities take place the first Sunday of October, and a number of streets are co-opted by dance stages, music performances, arts and crafts exhibits, and food vendors. Outdoor pavilions play country, house, and other types of music to get people dancing, and even after the fair ends officially, many local businesses keep the party going until the wee hours.
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| Chinese New Year Festival & ParadeKearny and California Sts
San Francisco,
CA
94109
415-982-3000 | | | | | Description: Begun in the 1860s to instruct the city about Chinese culture, this parade now ranks as one of the largest Asian celebrations outside of Asia. It's also one of the most prominent parades in the world. That's no surprise given the passion with which it's regarded and produced. The nighttime event is a riot of color, pageantry, and richness, full of music, costume, and fireworks. Hundreds of thousands of spectators show up regularly to get a glimpse of all the drama, which includes a Golden Dragon brought to life by 100 people and the showcasing of Miss Chinatown USA. The parade begins at Second and Market Street; bleacher seats are located at two different locations on Kearny Street.
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