Last week: Waymos driving like humans, flying cars on pre-order, and a Toronado memecoin; This week: Interview with the first openly gay Black legislator, all-ages show at SOMArts, and the 27th annual Native Contemporary Arts Festival.

Week in Review

Wrapping up the week of June 2-8.

You might want some popcorn while you read the top 10 wildest SF nonprofit scandals. Speaking of popcorn, they’re filming a movie about the firing and re-hiring of OpenAI’s Sam Altman, which is partially set in SF. Or maybe you’ve had your fill of popcorn following The Big Feud.

Waymos are learning to be more human-like by rolling through stop signs and such. (Pretty soon they’ll be blaring “Green-Eyed Lady” whenever the ignition starts, like SFist’s neighbor.)  You can now pre-order a flying car, but you won’t be able to legally drive it very many places. Those speed cameras are all up and running—be prepared for real tickets starting August 5.

Lurie doesn’t sound very keen on Ed Lee-era tax breaks for tech companies. Billionaire-backed California Forever is cozying up to Suisun City with plans to turn its downtown into a “lifestyle and entertainment destination.” A lot of small neighborhood groups have been  left in the lurch by the Parks Alliance closure.

Toronado’s original owner is regretting a deal he made to sell the bar to a crypto bro who aims to  memorialize it via memecoin. SF Art Institute is set to reopen, which will now be known as California Academy of Studio Arts, or CASA. Bay Area icon E-40 appeared on NPR‘s Tiny Desk Concert.

A four-alarm fire destroyed, damaged five row houses in SF’s Richmond District Friday morning, leaving one pet cat dead and 35 people displaced.

Fifteen people were detained at SF immigration court. Two headliners at last weekend’s La Onda Festival in Napa were forced to cancel their sets after the Trump administration denied their visas, claiming their music “glorifies cartel violence.” Pete Hegseth demanded that the Navy take Harvey Milk’s name off one of their ships.

A man was arrested for committing back-to-back assaults in Fort Mason. A 40-minute CHP chase took place from San Ramon to Milpitas.

The Week Ahead

Looking ahead to June 9–15.

Thursday

Join Assemblymember Corey Jackson—California’s first openly gay Black legislator—for an in-depth conversation with KQED’s Otis R. Taylor Jr. The two will discuss leadership, equity, and public service in a live community dialogue open to all. Thursday, June 12, 5:30-7 p.m. // Manny's, 3092 16th St // $15

Friday

Thrive City invites families to a night under the stars with a free screening of The Princess & The Frog. Arrive early for kids’ crafts, games, face painting, and a festive Mardi Gras Princess Parade before the movie begins. Don’t forget a blanket and warm layers—space is first come, first served, and RSVPs get priority! Friday, June 13, 5 p.m. // Thrive City | 1 Warriors Way // free

Close out the Spring Queer Arts Festival with Magical Realism: Queer Caribbean Sounds, an all-ages night of music, ritual, and reggaeton joy. Headlined by genre-defying artist Esotérica Tropical and featuring Batey Tambó and DJ Kayaté, this immersive evening celebrates queer Caribbean resilience through sound, movement, and healing. Come dance, connect, and revel in the magic. Friday, June 13, 7-10 p.m. // SOMArts Cultural Center, 934 Brannan St // $20

Saturday

Don’t miss NorCal’s largest Succulent Expo show and sale, June 13–15. With 40+ rare plant vendors, expert talks, and a members-only preview sale, it’s the ultimate weekend for succulent lovers. Join for just $15 to get early access, skip the line, and support plant education and conservation. Friday, June 13–Sunday, June 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. // County Fair Building, Golden Gate Park, 1199 9th Ave // free, all ages

Join fellow Bay Area Singles in their 30s and 40s for Social & Volunteering, at the San Francisco Food Bank. After sorting produce to music, the group will head to Long Bridge Pizza for food, drinks, and conversation. It’s a low-pressure way to give back and meet new people—no swiping required. Saturday, June 14, 11:30a.m.-3 p.m. // San Francisco Food Bank, 900 Pennsylvania Ave // $20

Sunday

Celebrate Indigenous creativity at the 27th Annual Native Contemporary Arts Festival, featuring Native music, dance, spoken word, and art curated by Janeen Antoine, with performances from Pomo dancers, singers, drummers, and more. Shop handcrafted goods, meet artists, and honor the vibrant cultures of North America’s Indigenous communities. Sunday, June 15, Noon-3:30 p.m. // Yerba Buena Gardens, 750 Howard St // free

Image via Esoterica Tropical on Facebook

Previously: Last Week, This Week: Kabuki Meets Broadway in 'Pacific Overtures' Revival

With the start of May comes the kickoff of street festival and fair season, along with Bay to Breakers and plenty more fun to be had under the sun — when it decides to come out.

You've made it through another winter, San Francisco, and it's once again time to plan out your street fair season. Below, SFist brings you a comprehensive guide to the (mostly) free events and fairs happening just about every weekend between now and October.

MAY 2025 SF STREET FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Downtown First Thursdays (Thursday, May 1)
It's a year-round thing now and will run through at least December, but the Civic Joy Fund's successful activation of Second Street on the first Thursday of every month helps us kick off festival season tonight. And the special guest performers tonight are electronic duo Snakehips, who'll be going on at 7:45 pm at the Howard Street main stage. Look for future Downtown First Thursdays on June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4, and October 2.

San Francisco International Arts Festival (Now Through May 11)
All across the Mission, in galleries, cafes, performance spaces and more, dozens of events are happening daily over the next 11 days, some ticketed and some free (see the full calendar here). The weekend of May 3-4 includes an OG Classic Mission Mural Walk tour with guides from Precita Eyes, jazz performances, and a tribute to Bob Marley. Festival passes can be found here.

Valencia LIVE! Night Market (Thursday, May 8)
The kickoff for this monthly night market, co-presented by the Civic Joy Fund, Into the Streets, and the Valencia Merchants Association, is on May 8, and it will recur on second Thursdays thereafter on Valencia between 16th and 19th streets. Expect happy hours and deals at local businesses, street vendors, and live music curated by Carnaval SF, Blondie's and The Chapel. RSVP here.

Castro Night Market (Friday, May 16)
The bustling Castro Night Market returns this month, closing down portions of 18th Street with vendors, a parking lot dance party, and more.

Bay to Breakers and Bay to Breakers Afterparties (Sunday, May 18)
Yes, there is an official afterparty at the Great Highway, and registered runners usually get a complimentary beer (but the beer usually runs out well before noon). There is also an unofficial gathering this year in the Panhandle, with the park being packed with wacky costumed revelers, and more-than-adequate porta-potties, unlike in years past.

SOMA Nights (Thursday, May 22)
SOMA's own night market of sorts happens the fourth Thursday of every month and presumably will go all summer long. It happens on Folsom between Seventh and Tenth streets, with most of the businesses around there participating, and there's a DJ dance party on Langton Street.

Carnaval (Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25)
The annual, multicultural Mission District celebration Carnaval returns again Memorial Day Weekend, and the theme this year is AfroMundo: African Diaspora in the Americas. The two-day music festival on Harrison Street will feature headliners Wampi and Mexican Institute of Sound, both on Saturday at 5 pm at different stages. The Grand Parade is Sunday, with dozens of local music and dance troupes from around the world, parading from 24th & Bryant Street west to Mission Street then north to 15th Street, which generally goes from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and then more live music and dancing back at Harrison Street for the rest of the day.

Festa Italiana (Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1)
The annual, free, family-friendly North Beach Italian festival, Festa Italiana, is not to be confused with the North Beach Festival that happens two weeks later. This festival promises "Non-stop live Italian music for two days!", a pizza dough-tossing contest with Tony Gemignani, wine tastings and more. Also, the 104th annual Statuto Race will be run on Sunday, commemorating the 1919 signing of the Italian Constitution (it wasn't run during WWII, so the 2021 race was the 100th).

Union Street Festival (Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1)
They’re rolling out the putt-putt turf on Union Street both Saturday and Sunday on the last weekend of May, as the Union Street Festival promises live music, food, and vendors on Union Street from Octavia to Fillmore.

JUNE 2025 SF STREET FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Juneteenth (Saturday, June 14)
Juneteenth in the Fillmore features three music stages, a kids fun zone, and food vendors. Performers for this year haven't been announced yet, but Yolanda Adams was there last year!

North Beach Festival (Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15)
The North Beach Festival is always a fine time, with over 200 vendors, lots of good food, live music, and free performances by the acrobats of Dear San Francisco at Club Fugazi. There is also an interactive arts and crafts area, a kids area, and each day at 1pm is the Blessing of the Animals, so you can bring your pets.

Circus Bella at Yerba Buena Gardens (Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21)
The dynamic, SF-born troupe of acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, and clowns known as Circus Bella, along with their six-piece band, will descend on Yerba Buena Gardens for free performances on June 20 (at noon) and June 21 (at noon and 2:15 pm).

Off the Grid Fort Mason Night Market (June 27)
The monthly markets are back at Fort Mason Center, and now along with the food truck array they come with a whole artists' and makers' market as well with 100+ craft vendors curated by West Coast Craft. Also, there will be cocktails from Rye on the Road, and beer and wine for sale too.

Pride Weekend (June 27-29)
Pride weekend this year will include, as always, the kickoff with the Trans March on Friday evening, the organizers of Dyke March are trying to drum up a bigger showing this year, and there's a new, queer-centric, one-day music festival called SoSF on Pier 80 featuring Kehlani and Kim Petras (which is not free). The festival in Civic Center on Saturday and Sunday is free as always, and, of course, there's the parade, which will wind its way up Market Street most of Sunday morning and afternoon — though with a bit less of a corporate presence than previous years.

JULY 2025 SF STREET FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Fillmore Jazz Festival (July 5-6)
The Fillmore Jazz Festival will be back over July 4th weekend, thanks to a generous donation from Chris Larsen's Avenue Greenlight organization — after an announcement last month that the festival was deeply in debt from last year and unable to afford the event this year. But the 12-block-long festival, the largest free jazz festival on the West Coast, will be happening over two days along Fillmore Street, extening up toward Pacific Heights. Grab a funnel cake, and go listen to some good music.

Three-Legged Dog Picnic (Sunday, July 13)
The beloved tri-pawed picnic for differently abled dogs returns to Little Marina Green this year, and maybe it could top last year's Guinness record-breaking gathering of 94 three-legged pups. As always, there will also be a Three-Legged Dog Tricks contest.

Castro Night Market (Friday, July 18)
The monthly market returns on 18th Street, with over two weeks to recover from your Pride hangovers.

Sunday Streets Mission (Sunday, July 20)
It's the only time of year that Valencia Street gets closed down all the way from Duboce Avenue to 26th Street, and you can expect plenty of fun in the (hopefully) sun with live music, activities and more.

Up Your Alley Fair (Sunday, July 27)
The gayer, arguably even sluttier counterpart to Folsom Street Fair returns, and that weekend in July can sometimes be quite warm, though sometimes gets fogged in. The Stud, The Eagle, Powerhouse and Oasis will be the places to be as the day winds down.

AUGUST 2025 SF STREET FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

23rd Annual Jerry Day (Saturday, August 2)
This year’s Jerry Day coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead, and the renaming of Jerry Garcia Street in the Excelsior District will be part of the celebration. Meanwhile, Melvin Seals & JGB and Stu Allen & Mars Hotel will be jamming out all day at Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park. And like last year, this will be followed by a “Jerry Nite” pub crawl through the Excelsior, with bands performing at each venue. (McLaren Park, 11 am)

Nihonmachi Street Fair (Saturday, August 2nd and Sunday, August 3rd)
The Nihonmachi Street Fair returns to Japantown for its 51st year, showcasing AAPI nonprofit organizations, Asian artisans, Asian food vendors, and more. Highlights include live music, Doggie World, Children’s World, and the annual Sounds of Thunder Car Show. (11:00 am - 6:00 pm both days)

Outside Lands (August 8-10)
We now know that the Outside Lands 2025 lineup features headliners Doja Cat, Hozier, and Tyler, the Creator, with a very impressive undercard that boasts Doechii, Ludacris, and Vampire Weekend. Three-day passes are currently available, with single-day passes likely on sale soon. Or if you’re on more of a budget, the Outside Lands' Night Shows will give you a chance to see individual artists at a local indoor venue at a much lower price point.

San Francisco Pizza, Bagel, and Beer Festival (Saturday, August 16)

After the runaway success of the last two SF Pizza, Bagel, and Beer Festivals, 13-time World Pizza Champion and restaurateur Tony Gemignani brings the annual event back to North Beach, this year with 65 local pizzerias, bagelries, and breweries. The event’s Instagram clarifies that this year’s third annual event will be Saturday, August 16, and tickets are already on sale. (12-4 pm, $90, tickets here)

Stern Grove Big Picnic featuring Diana Ross (Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17)
The Stern Grove Festival goes every Sunday for much of the summer, but this grand finale “Big Picnic Weekend” weekend has Bob Marley’s kids Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Stephen Marley on Saturday, and the incomparable Diana Ross performing Sunday. The shows are free, though this year they’re rolling out a lottery ticket system. By the way, the first lottery starts on May 4 for the June 15 California Honeydrops show, so you’ll want to keep an eye on this schedule if you’re interested in those Sleater-Kinney or Girl Talk shows coming up.  

Zach Bryan and Kings of Leon in Golden Gate Park (Friday, August 15)

That weekend after Outside Lands concert is technically called Golden Gate Park Concerts, and tickets are already on sale for this show with highly tattooed country star Zack Bryan, plus Kings of Leon, Turnpike Troubadours, and Noeline Hofmann. (3 pm)

Hungry Ghost Festival (Saturday, August 23)

Just as the Mission District celebrates Day of the Dead, Chinatown has been celebrating the Hungry Ghost Festival for now the third consecutive year, and streets will be packed with altars and interactive performances paying homage to those we've lost. The proceedings begin with the 14-foot-tall "Ghost King" parading through the streets, followed by live music and art activations throughout Chinatown. (4 pm, free)

Sunday Streets Bayview (Sunday, August 24)
While the 2025 Sunday Streets season runs throughout the summer and fall, Sunday Streets Bayview is on Sunday, August 24, bringing music, dance, and frivolity to some location in the Bayview/Dogpatch that has not yet been announced. (11 am - 4 pm)

Free Shakespeare in the Park, The Two Gentlemen of Verona (Saturday, August 30 - Monday, September 1)

The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival’s California-fied interpretation of The Two Gentlemen of Verona also plays in Cupertino and Redwood City earlier in the summer, but comes to McLaren Park for Labor Day Weekend and the first weekend of September, and will also play at the Embarcadero’s Sue Bierman Park on September 13-14 and September 20 -21 (2 pm, Free)

SEPTEMBER 2025 SF STREET FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Haight Street Fair (Sunday, September 7)
This year’s Main Stage performers have not yet been announced, but the Haight Street Fair has already announced its returning for its 46th year on Sunday, September 7, and they’ve also acknowledged they’ll have the traditional Haight Street Skate Jam at Belvedere Street, and a  Children’s Alley with the “San Francisco Rock Project Stage, Mobile Library & Jumpy House.” (11 am - 5:30 pm)

Duboce Park’s 125th Anniversary Celebration (Saturday, September 13)
The dog-gone fun at the off-leash destination Duboce Park has been going on for 125 years now, and the Friends of Duboce Park will celebrate with food trucks and historical displays, plus other activities like a dodgeball tournament, scavenger hunt, and of course the adorable pooches of Muttville. (11 am - 4 pm)

Flower Piano (September 12-21)
It's the ten-year anniversary of the beloved annual tradition of Flower Piano, in which more than a dozen pianos are scattered through the SF Botanical Garden for anyone to play — and with a bunch of scheduled performances as well — is returning for a full 10-day stint this September. (10 am to 6 pm daily)

Folsom Street Fair (Sunday, September 28)
The big daddy of all kink and fetish fairs, Folsom Street Fair, will be celebrating 42 years of bondage and perhaps a little scat play. The fair typically occupies all of Folsom between 8th and 12th streets, and runs from 11 am to 6 pm, but details for this year have not yet been released.

OCTOBER 2025 SF STREET FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (Friday, October 3 - Sunday, October 5)
We can’t imagine eggs will really be only five cents at this year’s Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, but we do know it’s returning for the first weekend of October. The schedule generally starts dripping out in bits in August and September, so we’ll know the pickin’s around then.  

Castro Street Fair (Sunday, October 5)
"We get better with age!" declares the 51-year-old Castro Street Fair, which Harvey Milk first launched in 1974 to highlight gay-owned businesses in the neighborhood. The festival footprint grew a bit last fall to occupy part of 18th Street again, and the fair always includes a vendor marketplace down Castro Street, food vendors, and performance stages. (11 am to 6 pm)

SF Fleet Week (Friday, October 10 - Sunday, October 12)
Okay, so maybe there was a parachute accident that fractured a teen’s pelvis last year. Still, the Blue Angels and company will return, and the sonic booms will probably start Thursday afternoon and last through the weekend.

Bearrison Street Fair (Saturday, October 18)
The Bearrison Street Fair website does not say on what date this year’s street fair for gay bears and their admirers will be this year. But the fair’s vendor application is pretty clear that the event is returning for its fifth year on October 18, 2025. It usually spans about three blocks around 11th Street and Harrison, extending over to The Eagle Tavern on one side and Lone Star Saloon on the other. (12 pm - 6 pm)

Related: Castro Becomes SF’s Biggest Boozy 'Entertainment Zone’ Where Bars Can Sell To-Go Cocktails During Events [SFist]

Top image: Cheryl L. Guerrero via Hoodline

Jay Barmann also contributed to this list.

• Ben & Jerry’s 46th Annual Free Cone Day is nearly upon us. Get your free scoop of any flavor between Noon and 8 p.m. at the Haight Ashbury and two Fisherman’s Wharf locations in San Francisco and at Jack London Square in Oakland. Be prepared to stand in line, naturally.

Wednesday

• Comedy nights are a dime a dozen these days, but now you can get roasted by some of the Bay Area’s top comedians at Comedians Roasting the Crowd at The Function — where you’re the main course! We recently witnessed audience members at a local show get called, “Cop-faced motherfuckers” who smelled like fleece and resembled “living Patagonia jackets.” So, be prepared to clutch those pearls.

Thursday

• An impressive roster of Bay Area comedians, storytellers, and transit enthusiasts will take the stage at the Rickshaw for Muni Diaries Live: The Wayfinding Show as they share their transit-related experiences. Thursday’s theme is “judging, being judged, choosing a path, moving on, and more.”

Saturday

• Enjoy live performances, arts and crafts, a lowrider car show, and much more at the 2025 Cesar Chavez Holiday Parade & Festival, the largest event honoring the late civil rights and labor movement activist in Northern California. The parade will begin at 11a.m. at Dolores Park and will travel along Mission to 24th and Folsom, followed by the free, day-long festival.
• Vintage fashion and nostalgia buffs will descend upon Fort Mason for West Coast Craft’s WAVES indoor show, featuring 120+ fashion, design, and housewares vendors working in the world of vintage.

There is nothing more American than a demolition derby at a county fair, or a small town Americana festival named after a fruit or vegetable, or an over-the-hill pop band performing a free concert at one of these provincial local celebrations. The Bay Area has many of these to offer this summer, despite the fact that we identify primarily as city slickers. We’ve rounded up the quirkiest, kitschiest, most all-American of these local celebrations that still remain on tap for this summer, beginning with this weekend’s Demolition Derby festivities at the Alameda County Fair.

Demolition Derby at Alameda County Fair
The Alameda County Fair has demolition derbies lined up this whole long holiday weekend at their “Action Sports Arena”, with standard demolition derbies Friday and Saturday night and an RV demolition derby Sunday night. This fair also has free concerts from Expose (July 1) and The Guess Who (July 2).
Friday, July 1, Saturday, July 2, and Sunday July 3 at 7 p.m. at the Alameda County Fair

Foreigner, Sheila E., Kool & The Gang at Marin County Fair
The Marin County Fair has some pretty spectacular washed-up pop acts lined up for free concerts (with fair admission), highlighted by Kool & The Gang (July 1), Sheila E. (July 2) and Foreigner (July 4). You will get a fireworks display after each show.
Friday, July 1, Saturday, July 2, and Monday July 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Marin County Fair

Image: Kevin Y. via Yelp

Sunday Streets in San Francisco
San Francisco does not have a county fair (though we do have a County Fair Building!), but we've got the recurring, nomadic outdoor Sunday Streets festivals taking place a few more times this summer and then monthly all the way through November. Check the Sunday Streets website for dates and locations.
Sunday, July 10 (Tenderloin), Sunday, August 21 (Mission) and one Sunday per month in various San Francisco neighborhoods.

Gilroy Garlic Festival
The grandaddy of all northern California festivals named after a food item, the 38th annual Gilroy Garlic Festival will once again deliciously wreck the breath of more than 100,000 cloven garlic lovers, with garlic ice cream, a pyro chefs flame-up contest and of course the crowning of the Miss Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen.
Friday, July 29 - Sunday, July 30 at Christmas Hill Park, Gilroy

Image: Jussi via Flickr

Elvis Day at the Sonoma County Fair
Elvii young and old can’t help falling in love with the Sonoma County Fair’s annual Elvis-off known as “Elvis Day”, with a $1,500-prize Elvis impersonation contest, Elvis trivia contests, a “Thank you very much contest” and naturally, free peanut butter and banana sandwiches. The following Saturday, the fair features a free concert from the one and only El Vez.
Elvis Day on Saturday, July 30; El Vez on Saturday, August 6, 6:30 and 8 p.m. at the Sonoma County Fair

Demolition Derby, English Beat at the Santa Clara County Fair
When early August rolls around, the Santa Clara County Fair is also busting out a demolition derby, plus the ska-punk-reggae stylings of the English Beat.
English Beat on Friday, August 5 at 7:30 p.m; Demolition Derby on Saturday, August 6 at 5 p.m. at the Santa Clara County Fair

Image: San Jose Tamale Fest via Facebook

San Jose Tamale Fest
Hey, joven! Everyone’s a Tamale Lady at the the San Jose Tamale Fest, a delightfully corn-y festival featuring live music, a tamale-eating contest, and the awarding of the highly coveted Best Tamales title.
Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7 at Emma Prusch Park in San Jose

Hayward Zucchini Festival
It’s a cute name for a festival. I’ll give you that much, Hayward. And I’ll bet there’ll be some good zucchini there.
Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21 at Kennedy Park in Hayward

The Long Shutdown be damned. Let's get this Memorial Day weekend started!

Carnaval lights up the Mission all weekend with two days worth of live music, dancing, drumming and dance lessons, food, and more, along with the Grand Parade on Sunday morning.

On the opposite end of town, tens of thousands will celebrate the Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary on Sunday with festivities taking place in several locations near the bridge, including live music and entertainment, an art exhibition, a sustainability demo, and a vintage boat display. The event culminates in a big fireworks display showcasing the bridge, the bay, and surrounding national parklands. (Note: The bridge will be closed from 9 to 10 p.m. for the show.)

Experience some yo-yo magic at the 15th Annual Bay Area Classic Yo-Yo Championship, featuring lessons by the experts and a fierce competition amongst the world's top players.

Flickr is sponsoring Photobooth's Instant Camera Photo Walk through the MIssion on Sunday. Bring your own camera, or borrow one of theirs. On Saturday, our friends over at Harvey Milk Photo Center are hosting a Harvey Milk Photo Walk through the Castro in celebration of Harvey Milk's birthday, which was on Tuesday.

Spruce up your apartment with some one of a kind deals at the monthly Treasure Island Flea on Sunday, and while you're there check out the line-up of bands performing at the event, including Dogpatch, Cosmic Machine, Paris Musique, and Youth of the Beast.

Check out some free live music on Saturday at Yerba Buena Gardens with Liturgy of Coltrane, featuring the music and life of composer/saxophonist John Coltrane, and on Sunday at Golden Gate Park as the Golden Gate Park Band performs patriotic and American music.

FESTIVAL: Arrive at tonight's Giants game early for The Giants Carnaval Festival at the Park, featuring live 2012 SF Carnaval King Roberto and Queen Ashlee, music, dancing, and food and drink specials. And be sure to grab your limited edition Pablo Sandoval Chia ‘Fro. Partial proceeds from tickets sale go to San Francisco Cultural Arts Traditions (SFCAT). (5 to 7 p.m., AT&T Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza)

PERFORMANCE: As part of the Asian Contemporary Art Consortium, Southern Exposure presents Off the Wall, featuring performances by two Bay Area artists, Mike Lai, who recreates a scene from Kung Fu genre films through sound and vocal performance joined by music ensemble Charming Hostess, followed by comedic performer Jenifer Wofford who examines Filipina stereotypes from an absurdist perspective. (7 to 9 p.m., Southern Exposure, 3030 20th Street)

LITERARY: David Talbot, founder and CEO Salon, celebrates of his new book, Season of the Witch, "recounts the gripping story of San Francisco in the turbulent years between 1967 and 1982 -- and of the extraordinary men and women who led to the city’s ultimate rebirth and triumph." (7:30 p.m., The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street)

Dogfest: Duboce Park will be full of lovable pooches on Saturday for the 5th annual Dogfest, benefiting SFUSD McKinley Elementary School. The fest, which will feature Daniel Handler as the emcee, and celebrity judges including Dave Eggers and Jane Wiedlin of the Go-Go’s, includes a dog parade, a dog comedy and stunt show, and a carnival.

Cherry Blossom Festival: Saturday kicks off the 45th annual Cherry Blossom Festival, which spans two weekends and draws over 200,000 people each year.

Sunday Streets: The forecast looks promising for Sunday, as Sunday Streets hits the Great Highway and Golden Gate Park. Grab your bike, hula hoop, roller skates, or just your feet and get outside.

KUSF Rock 'N' Swap: KUSF's famous Rock-n-Swap, which attracts vendors from all over, is happening on Sunday, featuring vinyl, CDs, DVDs, posters, books and more spanning various genres. Proceeds benefit KUSF. Get there early for half-price admission, plus coffee and a bagel!

Chinese New Year Parade and Festival: Festival-goers might actually enjoy a dry Chinese New Year extravaganza this year. Leave those umbrellas and ponchos as home!

SF SPCA's Be Mine Adopt-a-thon: The SF SPCA hosts a huge Valentine's party this weekend, featuring animal behavior workshops, children's activities, animal-themed tattoos from Frisco Tattoo, reduced adoption fees, and more.

Make It @ MOCFA: Stencil-Style: This month's Make It event will show you how to make super-cool, art-inspired Valentines, in which you can borrow stencils directly from artist Randy Colosky, or make your own, then stencil away on cards.

Macbeth: The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival and the Presidio Trust present a free 55 minute family performance of Macbeth, performed by a cast of professional actors in costume, with set, props, and recorded music, followed by a Q&A and Playshop, a free one-hour, hands-on experience for kids and parents.

San Francisco Mixtape Society: "Under The Covers" is the theme of this month's Mixtape Society event, in which participants' mixes are traded over the course of the evening through a spirited raffle, the best of which are selected by the audience and judges.

FESTIVAL: One of the best Mission events of the year is happening tonight with the annual Dia de los Muertos procession and Festival of Altars celebration. Bring candles in glass containers to honor your loved ones who've passed -- no open flame candles are allowed at the park. (7 p.m., procession starts at 22nd & Bryant, runs down to 24th and over to Mission, then back up to 22nd; 6 to 11 p.m., Festival of Altars, Garfield Park)

LITERARY: MythBuster's Adam Savage will be interviewing Mary Roach, whose latest book, Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void, is this year's One City One Book selection. Before the conversation, there will be a screening of Rockets of Yesterday, curated by writer, archivist and space enthusiast Megan Prelinger. (5:45 p.m., Koret Auditorium, Main Library, 100 Larkin Street)

FILM: Concluding Roxie Theater's Spooktacular event tonight is the world premiere of Mindglow, in which a "tainted burrito leads to a pregnant man leads to INS troubles in this surreal comedy that could serve as an extended warning about dental health, along with live performances by Bay Area bands Bronze (locked-groove panic jams) and Limosine (ritualistic face-melting). (7:30 p.m., Roxie Theater, 3117 16th Street)

The English Beat and My First Earthquake at Stern Grove: The Stern Grove Festival presents yet another stellar show on Sunday. Check out SFist's interview with the English Beat's Dave Wakeling from earlier this year.

Phono del Sol Music and Food Festival: The Bay Bridged and Tiny Telephone present their first annual free, all-ages event at Potrero Del Sol Park on Saturday, featuring co-headliners Aesop Rock and Mirah, as well as Man/Miracle, Magik*Magik Orchestra, Religious Girls, and Appetite. For those who crave expensive truck food, Off the Grid will be at your service.

2011 World Football Challenge: AT&T Park plays host to a match between two top soccer teams from Europe and North America, England's Manchester City versus Mexico's Club América. Expect Muni delays, as the game is expected to draw 15,000 to 20,000 people.

Bay Area Girls Rock Camp Summer Showcase I: We heart girls who rock. This Saturday is the first show in the Bay Area Girls Rock Camp's Summer Showcase series taking place at The Oakland Metro Operahouse, featuring sixteen bands made up of 80 girls performing their original songs written in just one week of camp.

San Francisco Silent Film Festival: The 16th Annual Silent Film Festival, the largest one in the U.S., kicked off last night and runs through the weekend. Camp out at the Castro Theatre and watch these classic and obscure films as they were originally intended to be viewed, complete with live musical scores. Be sure to check out festival highlight, Marlene Dietrich's The Woman Men Yearn For, on Saturday night.

The Rentacular Spectacular: Rentalic, a handy-sounding network of communities for sharing and renting each other's belongings between friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors, is hosting a rental extravaganza, featuring local rental/sharing/eco-friendly businesses, along with a potluck picnic, games, a unisex clothing and toy swap, a fashion show, and prizes.

Tens of thousands of revelers flooded the Mission this weekend for the epic Carnaval Parade and Festival, which was themed "Live Your Fantasy" this year.

A few local photographers were on the scene and swiftly uploaded their shots to SFist's Flickr stream (tag them "sfist!"). Thanks, Photogs!

Carnaval Festival & Grand Parade: Danny Glover is the grand marshal of the 33rd Annual Carnaval Parade. Accompanying him at the helm will be Giants’ mascot Lou Seal and the 2010 World Series trophy. Check out the festival all day on Saturday and Sunday, and the parade starts on Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m.

Treasure Island Flea: This weekend is the grand opening of the flea market extravaganza happening on the lovely Treasure Island, featuring the wares of hundreds of local entrepreneurs, including new and indie designs, vintage clothing, and antique furniture. Enjoy the breathtaking views and some delicious food while you're there.

Push Dance Company's Mixed Messages: Push Dance Company presents Mixed Messages, a two-year collaboration between 3rd St Youth Center & Clinic, featuring performances by youths ages 12-21 and special guests Village Dancers, Dr. Albirda Rose, and Dr. Catherine Macklin. The performance, which takes place Saturday and Sunday afternoon, focuses on the term "mixed," highlighting the vibrant diversity of the multiracial community.

India & Africa - A Tribute to John Coltrane: The sixteen-member ensemble Asian American Orchestra will showcase North and South Indian instrumentalists and African percussion in new arrangements of classic Coltrane compositions including "Living Space," "Olé," "After the Rain," "Liberia," "Dahomey Dance," and the extended works, "India" and "Africa.”

Dance Church: This week's Dance Church, which takes place on El Rio's lovely patio featuring "brunch, bloody mary & mimosa specials, iced vietnamese coffee, and a holy chorus of disco, house, soul, and funk music to groove to," will benefit Dimensions Youth Clinic, whose mission is to increase the physical and mental health and wellness of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex & Questioning Youth youth.

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence's HARE at Dolores Park: It wouldn't be Easter without the Hunky Jesus and Easter Bonnet Contests along with all the other fabulous tongue-in-cheek activities put on by San Francisco's beloved Sisters. There's something for all ages at Dolores Park on Sunday.

Bring Your Own Big Wheel: Rain or shine on Sunday, the giant race of giants on big wheels is on! The race starts off with a kiddie lap! After the race, donate your big wheel to the San Francisco Fire Department -- they'll give it to a kid who needs one.

John Waters' Birthday Weekend: Have a John Waters orgy with three different double features tonight and all weekend. Films include Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, Desperate Living, Polyester, Hairspray, and Serial Mom.

Earth Day: While every day should be Earth Day, here's a chance to commit to doing your part with various Earth Day activities happening throughout the Bay Area, including a day-long Earth Day Celebration at Civic Center and the 41st Berkeley Earth Day on Saturday. Additionally, National Park Week runs through Sunday.

20th Annual Union Street Spring Celebration & Easter Parade: For those looking to indulge their little ones in an all-out Easter celebration, this is your bag. Featuring large inflatable bounces, kids' rides and games, a climbing wall, a hands-on children's activities area, costumed characters, a petting zoo, a pony ride and entertainment from Bay Area musicians.

The Disposable Film Festival kicks off its fourth year celebrating short films made on everyday equipment like cell phones, pocket cameras, and other inexpensive video capture devices tomorrow night. Get your tickets now for the opening night event at the Castro Theatre showcasing the best disposable films of the year, which usually sells out.

The festival continues through Sunday with a line-up that includes an industry panel and "schmoozefest," a filmmaker spotlight with Christopher McManus in conversation with Vimeo's Andrea Allen, a workshop and concert with indie duo, Pomplamoose, who will share methods, tips, and tricks for documenting your work and making your own VideoSongs, a panel on how disposable film is spurring social change, and a workshop featuring the tips and tricks of disposable storytelling, shooting, editing, and distribution.

We just might have to go through our cell phone vids and see if any are worthy for submission to next year's fest!

Disposable Film Festival 2011 - Official Trailer from Disposable Film Festival on Vimeo.