Happy New Year! I hope 2019 brings you an abundance of joy. Now that the holidays are over, it’s time to get out and enjoy all that beautiful San Francisco has to offer. There are so many wonderful events this month, it would be a shame to miss any of them.
Events in San Francisco this January
ZooLights in Oakland
When: January 2-6, 2019
Where: Oakland Zoo
977 Golf Links Rd.
Oakland CA
Celebrate the holidays at Oakland Zoo amidst a million glowing lights! Soar over the Oakland hills in our festively-lit gondolas and see the Bay Area skyline like never before. New this year, enjoy swirling snowfalls over a dazzling Winter Wonderland attraction featuring Santa in his decked-out workshop for the ultimate holiday experience.
See the Music in Motion laser light shows and stroll through twinkling holiday lights, animal structures and a candy cane lane-themed Adventure Landing with rides your kids will love. Hop on the illuminated Outback.
New Year’s One Day
When: January 5, 2019
Where: 1199 East Beach
San Francisco, CA
Start the New Year running as far as you can or as little as you want. Sign up individually or as a team! The course is a one-mile loop along the popular promenade and around the lagoon at Crissy Field with amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, Alcatraz and the San Francisco Bay.
Carolina Lugo’s & Carolé Acuña’s Ballet Flamenco
When: January 5, 2019
Where: Pena Pachamama
1630 Powell Street
San Francisco, CA
Brace yourself for sultry Spanish night when the floor burns with pulsating sounds of footwork, song, castanets, syncopated hand clapping and guitar for a riveting display of this true Spanish art form. A mother & daughter duo, Carolina’s y Carole’s, high energy and passion defines a new dimension in Spanish dance traditions In the heart of North Beach, Pachamama is a small colorful nightclub, full of charm and known for its tapas and great selections of wine, beer and specialty cocktails.
The 18th Annual SF Sketchfest
When: January 10-27, 2019
Where: Various San Francisco locations
San Francisco, CA
SF Sketchfest was founded in 2001 by David Owen, Cole Stratton and Janet Varney as a way to showcase the talents of six Bay Area sketch comedy groups: The Fresh Robots, Kasper Hauser, The Meehan Brothers, Please Leave the Bronx, Totally False People and White Noise Radio Theatre. The festival debuted in January of 2002 at the Shelton Theatre in downtown San Francisco and has grown rapidly into a nationally recognized comedy festival that mixes national headliners, local favorites and the best up-and-coming groups from throughout North America for a month of sketch, improv, stand-up and alternative comedy. A favorite with audiences, critics, and performers alike, the festival has grown substantially to become a highly anticipated artistic showcase that consistently delivers top quality comedic performances, tributes and panel discussions.
Fungus Fair
When: January 11, 2019
Where: Louden Nelson Community Center
301 Center Street
Santa Cruz, CA
Learn interesting and fun facts about the hundreds of beautiful and fascinating species of mushrooms found in the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay Area. Fungi will be beautifully displayed in a re-created woodland habitat. This unique Santa Cruz tradition features three days of fantastic fun, informative speakers and demonstrations, with fungal activities for the whole family.
No Pants! Subway Ride 2019
When: January 13, 2019
Where: San Francisco Bay Area BART
San Francisco, CA
There are two meeting points this year. Take your pick.
Peninsula (Our main meetup spot): Meet Downstairs (inside) at Daly City Station – https://bit.ly/2SgKOOV
East Bay: Meet Downstairs at (inside) Berkley Station – https://bit.ly/2T4hawh
Everyone should meet at their chosen meeting point at 1:50 PM. Feel free to be early. If you don’t catch the group, just ride around until you spot a group and quietly join them, trying be at city hall by 2:40pm.
All are invited to participate in the 18th Annual No Pants Subway Ride; This is San Francisco’s 11th annual.
Cheesemonger Invitational Winter 2019
When: January 13, 2019
Where: The Midway
900 Marin Street
San Francisco, CA
Come witness Cheesemongers create hundreds of the most perfect bite of cheese while the finest purveyors share their best cheese with unlimited sampling. But that isn’t enough cheese because we are also serving fondue and grilled cheese. And maybe some salad. Bottom line, you might actually eat too much cheese if that is even possible?!?
The main show is a cheesemonger vs cheesemonger battle where they will cut, wrap, and sing the praise of their favorite cheese. These Cheesemongers are playing for the title of Champion Cheesemonger with cash, prizes and a trip to see cheese makers up for grabs. Purchasing a ticket gets you into the event where it is all you can eat. While enjoying cheese nirvana, you watch the Cheesemonger Battle. This event is 21 and older. Drinks are not included in ticket price.
Zinfandel Experience
When: January 17 – 19, 2019
Where: One Market Pavilion
1 Market Street
San Francisco, CA
Dine, Learn, Enjoy, Taste with legends and emerging rock stars of Zinfandel. ZinEX is a three-day wine and food extravaganza attracting wine lovers from around the world. Experience the classic character of Zinfandel at four extraordinary events featuring a diverse selection of wines and styles. The weekend includes a Welcome event Dine-Around at One Market , Flights seminar, Winemakers Auction & Dinner, and Grand Tasting. ZinEX 2019 features access to winemaker celebrities at three impressive venues, showcasing the talents of winemakers, chefs, and artisanal food purveyors. Your VIP package includes Heritage Club membership, tickets to each of these events and so much more.
BCAF 2019
When: January 19-21, 2019
Where: San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA
The Black & Brown Comix Arts Festival (BCAF) celebrates the creativity of people of color in the comic arts and popular visual culture and is dedicated to the notion that all audiences deserve to be subject in the culture in which we participate. Our three-day event includes a grand expo, kids activities, film screenings, panels and conversations, cosplay events and much more.
A partnership with the San Francisco Public Library, BCAF is a festival of the Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Foundation and is part of the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrations in San Francisco. In 2015 USA Today’s editors and readers selected BCAF as one of the ten best art festivals in the U.S. So, join us at San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Gardens, and experience the Black & Brown Comix Arts Festival!
Bringing the Noise for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
When: January 21, 2019
Where: Nourse Theater
275 Hayes Street
San Francisco, CA
Come through to 6 FREE writing workshops from 5:30-8pm Tuesday 10/16-11/27 at the Youth Speaks Office (1663 Mission St. #604, SF), where we will put pen to page exploring themes related to one of the most poppin’ shows in The Bay. Anyone that attends TWO workshops will also receive a free ticket to this year’s show. Snacks will also be provided.
MLK|2019 San Francisco
When: January 18-21
Where: Various SF Locations
The theme for MLK2019 is We Are In This Together.