Labor Day Weekend in San Francisco

It cost Caltrans $500,000 to spread the word . . . so if you haven't heard about this weekend's Bay Bridge closure, maybe don't mention it to them. I'll just clue you in.

This Friday, August 31, the Bay Bridge closes at 8pm and won't reopen again until 5am on Tuesday, September 4. What will you get for all of your trouble? A load of seismic upgrades and -- while they've got the bridge closed -- a new Fastrak Lane configuration at the Bay Bridge Toll Plaza.

BART will run all night, hourly, all weekend so there's no need to change any plans you might have to travel in or out of the city. The BART website has a list of the 14 stations that will remain open 24 hours.

Jennifer Alpeche posted a Labor Day Weekend primer for some upcoming holiday goings-on in San Francisco.

Additional events:

Art & Soul - Oakland Summer Festival
September 1, 2 & 3 - 11a to 6p
$10 at door - $5 Youth (13-18) - Kids 12 & under free
Seven stages in downtown Oakland will feature musicians Lucinda Williams, Zydeco Flames, Edwin Hawkins, among many others.

Millbrae Art & Wine Festival
September 1 & 2 - 10a to 5p
On Broadway, one block west of El Camino Real
Live music (with various rock tributes), a kids' stage and playland, food and drink, arts and crafts.

Harry Potter Marathon at the Castro Theatre
September 1, 2 & 3
All four films for $12 (adults) and $7 (kids & seniors)
Special Tickets will be sold at the Castro Theatre box office, allowing customers to return if they prefer to split up their viewings.>

Fourth Annual Hairrison Street Fair
September 2 - 11a to 6p - $5 (free with Charity Bear Tag)
On Hairrison Street between 11th & Division
Gay mens' bear event with three stages, food and drink, exhibitors and shows.

^{Pictured: San Francisco Bay Bridge - East Span
Photo © Ingrid Taylar}