Give me something fun and non-touristy to do in SF in 2 weeks!

July 8, 2009 2:38 PM

San Francisco in 2 weeks! Any events/festivals/galleries/non-permanent attractions the week of July 20th?

I'll be in SF for three days - July 20-23rd, Monday-Wednesday. I've looked up the list of permanent touristy and not-so-touristy things to do in and around the area, but I'm wondering if there will be any events, festivals, galleries, concerts going on during those 3 days that I should check out. Maybe a cool band is playing at a bar or a coffee shop? Amazing drink specials at some bar on Mondays? Or some kind of food tasting street fair? Outdoor movie? Book signing by someone cool? A jam band that gets together and plays outside every Tuesday afternoon? Anything! Free or cheap events would be best, but all suggestions are welcome! Monday-Wednesday is probably not the best day for events, but I hope you all can come up with something specific for those days. Thanks!

posted by KateHasQuestions to travel & transportation (8 comments total)

I hope BART isn't on strike when you're there.
posted by potsmokinghippieoverlord at 2:57 PM on July 8

The Squid List is a good place to start.
posted by bitdamaged at 2:57 PM on July 8

(A Bart strike should only really affect you if you plan to travel to the East Bay)
posted by bitdamaged at 2:58 PM on July 8

upcoming.org has a good list of events in SF.
If you somehow end up here on Sunday the 19th, they are closing the streets in the Mission for Sunday Streets.
posted by bottlebrushtree at 3:22 PM on July 8

The air raid siren on Union Square goes off every Tuesday at noon. If you have a guest with you, it'll be a nice little surprise. The siren is at the NE corner of Powell and Geary.

In addition to the Squid List (bitdamaged's link is broken), you should check out SF Weekly's calendar.
posted by clorox at 3:33 PM on July 8

King Tut exhibit's in town.
posted by flamk at 6:29 PM on July 8

For art events, you can also check Fecal Face. The SF Bay Guardian, the SF Weekly, and the East Bay Express all have event calendars that should cover most of the mainstream events occuring on those days.

One thing that looks like it could be fun: the Independent is doing a screening of the whole first Season of Eastbound and Down on Monday, which you might enjoy if you're a Danny McBride fan.

There's usually drink special nights in the Mission on Mon/Tues, but they're your straightforward cheap wells, $1/2 beers nights. Probably specials somewhere else as well, but it's been a long time since I've been anywhere on a weeknight.

Here's some fun things to google up that aren't 'special' events, but are certainly 'special', if you feel like it (sorry, have to run to work, no time to find suitable links): Bar & Branch, Cask, Foreign Cinema, Weird Fish, Blue Bottle Coffee, the Ferry Building, Bottom of The Hill/Thee Parkside/Slims/Great American Music Hall (smaller concert venues), El Rio/The Attic (used to have a Monday night drink specials), Beauty Bar/Monk's Kettle/City Beer/Toranado/Press Club/The View.

also try freecheapsf.com
posted by fishfucker at 7:49 AM on July 9

Bring a bottle of water and some walking shoes, then visit The Jejune Institute. The total experience should take about 2-3 hours.
posted by chairface at 2:52 PM on July 9