This Sunday is the 75th birthday of a stalwart, timelessly stylish native that is synonymous with San Francisco: the Golden Gate Bridge.

Like the "Little Engine That Could," the GGB faced a lot of nay-saying and criticism from the time it was conceived. But it's become an internationally recognized icon, a magnet for countless tourist dollars and a vital artery of the Bay Area's transportation system. Sunday's birthday bash runs along the waterfront from the bridge to Fisherman's Wharf and culminates in a grand fireworks show; read about the highlights in our guide to the Golden Gate Festival. And check our collection of Golden Gate bridge trivia and stats for nuggets you can drop into your conversation as you raise a glass to the bridge.

When you tire of seeing International Orange, take a look at the other Memorial Day weekend happenings in San Francisco.

Movable feasts at Bay to Breakers.
Photo courtesy of Zazzle Bay to Breakers.

San Francisco's season of street fairs, festivals and block parties begins ramping up in May, and this week is chock-a-block with 'em. The city's first Asian Contemporary Art Week has talks by curators and artists, performance art in action, parties and exhibits, and is just one of many events for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Civic Center, the Asian Art Museum, and Little Saigon will be taken over on Saturday by the Asian Heritage Street Celebration. The San Francisco International Art Festival and Young at Art Festival continue through Sunday, and if you're a DIYer, you shouldn't miss the Maker Faire; our May events calendar has details on all of them.

Sunday, of course, is the incomparable Bay to Breakers.  Find out the essentials, whether you're a Bay to Breakers runner (official or unofficial) or you're a sideline spectator.

This portrait of Liz, a first-time-mom,
is one of many that'll go on display on
May 12. Photo by Margaret Silverman/IMOW

They are, whether we'd like to admit it or not.  Tomorrow, May 12,  you can see this literally outside the San Francisco Public Library:  Photos of San Francisco moms, ranging from 5 to 15 feet tall, will be glued onto the building walls (the photos, not the mothers).  Some of the mothers will be there in person, too, and as the artwork is installed, youngsters and adults can do arts and crafts activities. The photos are part of a global project by the online International Museum of Women.

Get the details on the installation, and other ways to honor moms, in our guide to Mother's Day in San Francisco.

Mother's Day is a week away--but it's never too early to start showing gratitude to moms, who drive us crazy but are under-appreciated workhorses and cheerleaders, too.  In fact you can begin today, by treating Mom to some comic tributes at the Shelton Theater, and continue with flowers and more tributes on Thursday.  By Sunday, Mom may well be rendered speechless by your consideration and thanks.  Just follow our  guide to Mother's Day in San Francisco, and you're golden.