The Fillmore Jazz Festival returns in 2016 on Saturday, July 2 and Sunday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Blending art and soul in one of the country's most unique neighborhoods, the Fillmore Jazz Festival is the largest free jazz festival on the West Coast, drawing over 100,000 visitors over the Independence Day weekend.
Published: July, 2016
Jazz in the Fillmore
The Fillmore Jazz Festival returns in 2016 on Saturday, July 2 and Sunday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Blending art and soul in one of the country’s most unique neighborhoods, the Fillmore Jazz Festival is the largest free jazz festival on the West Coast, drawing over 100,000 visitors over the Independence Day weekend. From mid-morning to early evening, visitors can groove to the sounds of live music from multiple stages. The Fillmore Jazz Festival offers 12 blocks of music, fine arts and crafts, gourmet food and beverages. Art and crafts include photography, painting, woodwork, metalwork, jewelry, pottery, clothing, hats and children’s toys—over 200 artists and craftsmen. Delicious street food includes oysters, calamari, fish and chips, grilled chicken, BBQ pork, jambalaya, tri-tip and grilled shrimp accompanied by fine wine and beer. The festival will be located at Fillmore Street between Jackson and Eddy in San Francisco. Admission is free. For more information and a complete line-up of musical acts, visit www.fillmorejazzfestival.com or call (800) 310-6563.
Fourth of July Festival Returns to Alameda
Alameda South Shore Center, a family-friendly destination for shopping, dining and entertainment located on the banks of the San Francisco Bay, is pleased to announce that the annual Fourth of July Festival will take place on Monday, July 4 from 3 to 5 p.m. following the 40th annual Alameda Mayor’s Fourth of July Parade, the largest and longest Independence Day parade in the nation. The free festival will feature an array of fun activities for all ages including a petting zoo, bounce houses, face painting, henna tattoos, games, raffles, live music from the Sun Kings (a Beatles Tribute band) and more. For more information, visit www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com.
Celebrate Independence Day on the USS Hornet
The USS Hornet Museum in Alameda hosts its annual Independence Day party on July 4 from 1 to 10 p.m. Tours of the famous aircraft carrier will be available throughout the day, including the captain’s bridge, sick bay, torpedo room, officers’ quarters, WWII and modern aircraft, Apollo space exhibit and more. The USS Hornet Museum will offer plenty of interactive activities and a variety of carnival and tabletop games will be located inside the hangar deck. Guests can enjoy sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay while listening to live music on the ship’s flight deck from 3 – 9:15 p.m. The musical lineup includes Eddie & the Boppers, Crawdad Republic and Heartless. Following the concert, guests are welcome to remain on the flight deck to watch panoramic views of Bay Area fireworks. A great selection of food, beer and wine will be available for purchase during the event. All-day admission is $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 5-17; museum members receive free admission. The ship is permanently berthed at 707 W. Hornet Avenue, Pier 3 in Alameda and there is ample free parking. For more information, visit www.uss-hornet.org.
Fireworks from the O’Brien
The SS Jeremiah O’Brien, the famous WWII Liberty Ship berthed at Pier 45 in Fisherman’s Wharf, invites you to come aboard to view San Francisco’s July 4th fireworks extravaganza. Many people consider the O’Brien as having the best fireworks seats on the wharf. Events aboard the ship are from 7:30 to 10 p.m. including hot dogs, chips, beverages, live music and a whole lot of fun. For tickets and more details, visit www.ssjeremiahobrien.org.
Impromptu Piano Improvisations
This July, for 12 days only, San Francisco Botanical Garden (SFBG) once again becomes the city’s own outdoor concert hall and everyone is invited to play and listen. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 7 to 18, visitors are encouraged to seek out one of the 12 pianos tucked among the many flower-filled gardens within SFBG’s 55 acres and play what they like, from Bach to boogie-woogie. On select days, professional pianists will be scheduled to perform as well, and the public is welcome to watch the performances. Located at 1199 9th Avenue, SFBG offers free admission with proof of residence in San Francisco. Admission for non-residents is $7, $5 for youth (12-17) and seniors, $2 for children 5-11 and free for kids 4 and under. Families of two adults and one or more children pay $15.
The 15th Annual Breastfest Beer Festival
Northern California’s Premier Beer Tasting Event is returning to Fairground Island at the Marin Center in San Rafael on Saturday, July 16 from 1 to 5 p.m. The Breastfest Beer Festival helps raise funds for the Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Clinic, a nonprofit health center that supports economically challenged women in their fight against cancer. Sample over 35 breweries, several cider houses and wineries while getting your groove on to live music. Tickets are $55 in advance at $65 at the door and can be purchased at thebreastfest.org or at Marin Brewing Company in Larkspur or Moylan’s Brewing Company in Novato. Ticket price includes live music, food, unlimited tasting and a Breastfest commemorative cup. For additional information, call (415) 461-4677.
Pedalfest at JLS
Pedalfest takes over Jack London Square to celebrate all things cycling at the Bay Area’s biggest bicycle festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 23. From hipsters to families, Pedalfest-goers will enjoy cycling daredevils performing in a 30-foot banked wooden drome; a pedal-powered stage featuring live music; pedal-powered food; two penny bicycles; unicycles; dazzling handmade bicycles; vintage bikes; pedal-powered art; bicycle stunt shows and more. Visitors can bike, ferry, BART or drive to Jack London Square where all bicyclists will receive bicycle valet services. For additional information about Pedalfest and/or to volunteer, visit www.pedalfestjacklondon.com.
Cats, Cars and Canines
Whiskers, Tails and Ferals is excited to announce the inaugural “Cats, Cars and Canines” fundraiser car show to be held at the Napa Valley College on Saturday July 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show will include an array of classics, low riders and hot rods of all kinds, along with music, vendor booths, raffles, food, soft drinks and beer. Guest admission is free and family friendly. Registration to show is still open. Please email wtfnapa@gmail.com for more information and to preregister your vehicle.
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