Outdoor festivals, silent and Jewish films, ambulating for good causes and San Francisco’s labor history are in July’s motley mix of events--find out when and where below. For Independence Day fireworks, picnics, parades and concerts, see our separate guide to July 4 festivities in San Francisco and the Bay Area.
LaborFest
July 1-31
This annual commemoration of the 1934 San Francisco general strike--and tribute to the working masses generally--has events almost daily: Films; tours of Mare Island Naval Shipyard, a strawberry farm, Bay Bridge construction and other work sites; a concert featuring Ry Cooder; plays and readings; exhibits; panel discussions about labor issues; and architectural and history walks. In San Francisco on July 5, 1934, two workers supporting a longshoremen’s strike were shot and killed. That sparked a paralyzing general strike, and San Francisco developed into a union town.
At various venues in San Francisco and the Bay Area. Most events free or by donation.
Summer & The Symphony
July-August 3, various dates
The San Francisco Symphony's playful summer includes teaming up with salsa band Tiempo Libre, accompanying acrobats and circus performers, and playing the scores to accompany screenings of The Wizard of Oz and Pixar hits. It also presents free outdoor concerts at Stern Grove and Dolores Park.
Most concerts at Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco; tickets $15-$90 (and half-price for ages 17 and under). Info: (415) 864-6000.
Fillmore Jazz Festival
July 7 & 8, at 10 am–6 pm
Sets on several stages by Kim Nalley and other musicians, swing dance lessons, and gourmet food and drink for sale.
On Fillmore Street between Jackson and Eddy, San Francisco. Free.
Bank of the West Classic
July 7–15
Serena Williams defends her 2011 championship against the likes of Angelique Kerber and Marion Bartoli. Qualifying rounds on July 7 and 8 are free and open to the public. This women's tournament gives a nod to men by including exhibition matches with male greats Pete Sampras, Jim Courier and Michael Chang.
At Taube Family Tennis Stadium, Stanford University, Stanford 94305. Individual tickets $21-125.
Sam Shepard Festival
July 9-August 12
Stanford Summer Theater dedicates its season to the great American actor and screenwriter. It shows Shepard films for free on Mondays at 7 pm from July 9 through August 6. It performs Curse of the Starving Class on Thursdays through Sundays from July 19-August 12. A day-long symposium addresses "Shepard and the Eclectic American West" on July 28.
Films at Annenberg Auditorium, Cummings Art Building, Stanford University, Stanford 94305; free.Curse of the Starving Class at Pigott Theater, Memorial Auditorium, Stanford University; tickets $15, 25. Symposium registration: $90.
Life 3.0
July 11, at 6:30-9:30 pm
Got the next Facebook but no money? Got money but nowhere to put it? You could find the missing link at this monthly mingle of start-up upstarts, deep pockets, early adopters and techies. Start-ups show off their products, attendees vote, and the top three vote-getters pitch on stage to angel investors.
At Fairmont Hotel 950 Mason St., San Francisco 94108. Registration fees vary.
San Francisco Silent Film Festival
July 12-15
Black-and-white classics from the 1910-1930s with live musical accompaniment. Includes films from China, Germany, Britain and the former USSR, and films starring Buster Keaton, Louise Brooks, Felix the Cat and Douglas Fairbanks.
At the Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St., San Francisco 94114. Ticket prices vary.
Festival del Sole
July 13–22
A festival of the fine things in life (fine arts, food, wine), with a gala concert and dinner in a castle, yoga sessions and gourmet meals at vineyards, performances by American Ballet Theatre and Bolshoi Ballet dancers, and Naomi Watts, Chris Noth, Hugh Dancy and other actors pulling off a marathon of creating, rehearsing and presenting four plays in 24 hours. Most of the events are predictably pricey, but there are a few free concerts by young musicians.
At vineyards, wineries and other venues in and near Napa, CA. Ticket prices vary.
