Our contributor Laura, from SFMamaKoala.com, created this month’s guide. She’s a San Francisco native who’s in the know on all things family-friendly around the city. Check out her big list of events below!
May is the calm before the storm of summer day camps, vacations, and festivals. Enjoy some downtime with the family, and hopefully get pampered for Mother’s Day, too! With the finale of Bay Area Dance Week and the launch of the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, expect a lot of art and music in your month! Some of the big events in May include Cinco De Mayo, Children’s Day, SFMade Week, Bay to Breakers, Carnaval, and of course, Memorial Day.
When you find yourself on the Peninsula, check out things to do in the area from Mid-Peninsula Moms Blog, and Wine Country Moms Blog has you covered for trips up north.
Know of something else fun going on around town? Email us at info@SanFranciscoMomsBlog.com or leave a comment below!
Tuesday, May 1
C5 Children’s School’s 14th Annual Festival of Learning
9:30 am to 10:30 am
The Great Hall – 455 Golden Gate Avenue
“150 toddlers through pre-K students comprising 13 learning groups will sing and debut artwork and learning projects aligned with this year’s theme, relationships. Guests and members of the community are invited to attend the performance and official ribbon cutting kicking off to the school’s first-ever, month-long digital exhibit. A Q & A and brief school tour for prospective parents will also take place.” Free.
Wednesday, May 2
10am – 5pm
Last admission into the Zoo is one hour before closing time. For SF residents (proof required).
Thursday, May 3
4pm – 8pm
Bartlett at 22nd Street
“The MCM celebrates the Mission by combining a farmers market with community space for family health programs, emerging businesses, and after-school activities.” Free admission.
Friday, May 4
Rotunda Dance Series – LINES Dance Center
12pm
City Hall
“The Rotunda Dance Series brings many of the Bay Area’s most celebrated dance companies to San Francisco City Hall for free monthly noon-time performances.“ Free.
7:30 pm
Randall Museum
“Based on the beloved Peanuts comic strip by Charles Schulz, the show sparkles with wit and warmth as it depicts life as seen through the eyes of Schulz’s unforgettable characters focusing more on the life of Snoopy.” Adults $10/Students $10. Also showing May 5 and 6.
2 Marina Blvd
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Come for an early dinner with the kids. They’ll love the music and lively setting. You’ll love the good food and drinks. This year, OTG gets an upgrade with a “VIP Tasting Ticket,” the innovative Cubert Cold Prep, new branding, and an elevated, streamlined event layout that includes communal-style seating such as beer garden tables and benches, and more
Saturday, May 5
2018 SF Cinco de Mayo Festival
10am – 6pm
Valencia Street between 21st and 24th Streets
Cultural foods, performances, and artistry.
11am – 4pm
Japantown’s Peace Plaza
“Bring out the whole family for a fun day in Japantown! Come out and enjoy: Cultural arts and crafts activities; Bounce houses; Games and prizes; Cultural performances” Free admission.
Sunday, May 6
8am
“Take a walk on the wild side at this family-friendly event and enjoy a 5K course that takes you through the “jungle” which is home to over 2,000 endangered and rescued animals representing more than 250 species and lovely peaceful gardens full of native and foreign plants. Race entry fees include admission to the Zoo so you are free to enjoy and explore for the rest of the day at your leisure.” $60 adult race entry/$25 children’s fun run/$20 spectator.
Asian Heritage Street Celebration
11am – 4pm
Civic Center
Live performances, arts and crafts, free admission to the Asian Art Museum, and more, in conjunction with Sunday Streets Tenderloin.
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival 2018 Kick-Off: All-Female Mariachi
1pm – 3pm
Yerba Buena Gardens (Esplanade)
“As the first all-female mariachi ensemble, Mariachi Flor de Toloache blazes a brilliant pioneering path for women in a traditionally male world of Mexican music.” Free.
Off the Grid – Presidio Picnic
Main Parade Ground
11:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The picnic season is open! Bring your blanket and hang out. With so many delicious food trucks to choose from, you’ll want to spend time sampling them all. Free admission.
Monday, May 7
10am – 12pm
Bayview Library
“Dads, moms, and caregivers, join us for a workshop on the benefits of infant massage and techniques to practice with your child. You will receive a certificate and free gift at the end of workshop.” Free.
Tuesday, May 8
6pm – 9pm
Urban Putt
Ghost Tour is a public art project to be installed in San Francisco, documenting the collective memory of our city. Enjoy a raffle with awesome prizes, a polaroid photo-booth with handpainted SF-themed props and backdrops, and free pizza. No cover (mini golf not included).
Wednesday, May 9
Village Artist Corner: SFPL Urban Upstarts
1pm – 3pm
Corner of Larkin and Fulton Streets
“Barakah Aly, of the SFPL Board of Advising Youth Urban Upstarts project, hosts a collaborative art making experience every second Wednesday of the month. Each activation features SF Coffee Cruisers, a youth-owned micro-business that specializes in pour over Ethiopian coffee.” Free.
Thursday, May 10
Dandelion Chocolate Factory Tour
1pm – 2pm
740 Valencia Street
“Join us for a tour of Dandelion Chocolate, a bean-to-bar chocolate factory in the Mission District of San Francisco. Special dates added for SFMade Week!…For safety reasons, closed-toed footwear is required and we ask that all guests be over 8-years-old.” $5/person.
Friday, May 11
Feve Artisan Chocolatier Factory Tour & Sale
1pm and 4pm
2210 Keith Street
“Join us for a tour of our workshop: you will learn the basics of chocolate making and how a subtle chemistry is involved in this professional art. We will show you how we melt, enrobe and airbrush our chocolates. We will offer samples for tasting and a factory discount on your purchase.” $5.
2 Marina Blvd
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Come for an early dinner with the kids. They’ll love the music and lively setting. You’ll love the good food and drinks. This year, OTG gets an upgrade with a “VIP Tasting Ticket,” the innovative Cubert Cold Prep, new branding, and an elevated, streamlined event layout that includes communal-style seating such as beer garden tables and benches, and more
Saturday, May 12
Taiwanese American Cultural Festival
10am – 4pm
Union Square
Over 10,000 people from all across the Bay Area attend this event annually to enjoy mouth-watering Taiwanese food, rock out to live performances and experience the vibrancy of Taiwanese culture.
Family Matinee with Doug Goodkin & The Pentatonics
11am
SF Jazz Center
“Both fun and educational, Family Matinees provide a window into the exciting world of live jazz. Each one-hour matinee features live performance, audience participation, Q&A, and amazing music.” Tickets $5 – $23.
Sunday, May 13
Mother’s Day Marina Green 5K & Kids Run
9am – 9:45pm (Kids Run (1/2 mile) begins at 9:45 AM – Same Start/Finish location as adult race)
Little Marina Green
Ages up to 12 years old: free; 13-17 years: $3 dollars; 18 and over: $3 dollars for members and $5 dollars for non-members.
Exploratorium Community Mother’s Day
10am – 5pm
“All visitors can pay-what-you-wish on our yearly Community Days, when museum entry is on a first-come, first-served basis.”
Mother’s Day Family Dance Class
12-1PM
ODC Dance Commons
Celebrate the breadth of what family can mean with a special FREE family dance class on Mother’s Day. Everyone gets to move in this fun, wacky, and laid-back dance class suitable for ages 3 and up. Free.
Off the Grid – Presidio Picnic
Main Parade Ground
11:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The picnic season is open! Bring your blanket and hang out. With so many delicious food trucks to choose from, you’ll want to spend time sampling them all. Free admission.
Monday, May 14
Alemany Farm Community Workday
1pm – 5pm
“Everyone, young or old, experienced or still learning, is welcome to join our community workdays. New volunteers are encouraged to take an orientation tour of the farm at the beginning of the workday.” Free.
Tuesday, May 15
Japanese Taiko Drumming with Kristy Oshiro
10am – 10:30am
Parkside Library
“Come and learn about the Japanese art of taiko! Feel the thunderous sounds of the drums vibrating through your body as language, culture, and history combine into an exciting educational experience. You will even get a chance to play the drums yourself!” Free.
Wednesday, May 16
4pm – 5pm
Noe Valley Library
“Local treasures Keith Terry and Evie Laden make music out of anything and everything! — bells and banjos, boxes, bouncing balls, and most of all, using their bodies as dynamic percussive powerhouses. For all ages.” Free.
Thursday, May 17
6:30pm
1021 Sanchez Street
“Bay Area Vocal Academy ends its season with an original retelling of the Cinderella story, replete with intrigue, romance, humor, and fairytale magic….A light reception follows each performance.” General Admission $20/Students $5. Additional show May 19.
Friday, May 18
2 Marina Blvd
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Come for an early dinner with the kids. They’ll love the music and lively setting. You’ll love the good food and drinks. This year, OTG gets an upgrade with a “VIP Tasting Ticket,” the innovative Cubert Cold Prep, new branding, and an elevated, streamlined event layout that includes communal-style seating such as beer garden tables and benches, and more
Saturday, May 19
Recess’ 10th Anniversary Party
9am – 12pm
470 Carolina St.
“Don’t miss this morning of festivities including live music, face painting, special activities, and of course lots of play.” Suggested $10/person donation.
10am – 12pm (includes access to playspace after event until 1pm)
STEMful SF
“Meet other families with food allergies or come support your little friends who do. The family event sponsored by De Fonte Law will include Little Bears Music, a SunButter storytime, and crafts provided by Artist & Craftsman Supply, Gluten Free & Allergy Friendly Expo, and Pocket Chefs. We’ll have raffle prizes from GF & AF Friendly Expo, Habitot Children’s Museum, Hilary’s Eat Well, Peekadoodle Kids Club, and Urbansitter.” $5/child.
Music for Families: The Bold and the Brave
2pm
Davies Symphony Hall
“What happens when composers think outside the box to create music with completely new and surprising sounds? The history of classical music is full of adventurous artists who did exactly that, from Haydn to Stravinsky to John Cage! This concert explores how these brave thinkers paved the way for future musical innovators, and even invites the audience to help the orchestra create a brand-new musical spectacle together! Come early and collect stamps for your musical passport, enjoy lobby activities such as the instrument petting zoo, coloring stations, and our conductor photo station.” Recommended for ages 5 and older. Tickets $13.50 – $32.
Sunday, May 20
Alaska Airlines Bay to Breakers
Starts at 8am
Main St. & Howard St.
“Thousands of costumed participants join with families, weekend runners, and walkers. As they make their way through the heart of San Francisco, energized by continuous bursts of live music, they are cheered on by thousands of spectators lining the route.” Adults $69.99/Children 3 – 17 $34.99/Children 2 & under free.
11am – 5pm
SPARK Social SF
“Spend the day in a matcha mirage, eating green caffeine on the GIANT green astroturf field. Enjoy sunshine, additional savory food trucks, and oversized lawn games that are fun for everyone!” Adults $7.82/Children 10 & under free admission.
Off the Grid – Presidio Picnic
Main Parade Ground
11:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The picnic season is open! Bring your blanket and hang out. With so many delicious food trucks to choose from, you’ll want to spend time sampling them all. Free admission.
Monday, May 21
Teddy Bear Program with Lynn Bali!
10:30am – 11:30am
Ingleside Library
“Lynn Bali will entertain the children with exciting Teddy Bear storytelling character adventures. An exciting musical program of historical Teddy Bear Stories, Musical Songs and Games awaits your child as the Beary Godmother Lynn brings them on a special Teddy Bear Picnic Party!” Free.
Tuesday, May 22
9:30am – 12pm
Helen Wills Playground
“Come to the playground and hit the swings with a good book
or take some books home to cuddle up with later.” Musical outdoor storytime 10:30am – 11am. Free.
Wednesday, May 23
3:30pm – 4:30pm
Noe Valley Library
“It’s Yoga Kids is healthy fun! We prepare kids for life on and off the mat with real yoga: movement, meditation and mindfulness. Touching toes is not required! 😉
For ages 5 and up. Please bring a towel or mat.” Free.
Thursday, May 24
French Storytime at Charlie’s Corner
3pm – 3:30pm
“Joignez-nous pour chanter et lire en francais…Join us while we sing songs and read stories in French.” Free.
Friday, May 25
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt
6:30pm
Children’s Creativity Museum
“Ahoy! Join the race as Judy and Stink follow clues in their quest for doubloons. Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt brings Megan McDonald’s delightful story to the stage for the first time.” Adults $27/Children 2 – 14 $22. Includes other dates in May.
2 Marina Blvd
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Come for an early dinner with the kids. They’ll love the music and lively setting. You’ll love the good food and drinks. This year, OTG gets an upgrade with a “VIP Tasting Ticket,” the innovative Cubert Cold Prep, new branding, and an elevated, streamlined event layout that includes communal-style seating such as beer garden tables and benches, and more
Saturday, May 26
TreasureFest 7 yr. Birthday Bash!
10am – 4pm
DIY community workshops & carnival games; 25+ Food Trucks & Food Tents; Scavenger hunts; Kid zone with games for all ages; 2+ local bands each day. $5 Entry, kids 12 & Under Free. Also on May 27.
Inflatable: Expanding Works of Art Opening
10am – 5pm
Exploratorium
“Step inside and wonder at gigantic, fantastical air-filled artworks at Inflatable. Spread across our indoor and outdoor galleries, these ephemeral sculptures include otherworldly organisms by Jason Hackenwerth and Shih Chieh Huang, a forest of cushiony columns by Jimmy Kuehnle, an inflatable insect-eye room from Pneuhaus, and Amanda Parer’s monumental humanoid figures peeking around corners. Fueled by the whimsy and lightness of balloons, the artists of Inflatable have infused their creations with a technology, scale, and creative complexity that expands our vision of what contemporary art can look like.” Adults $29.95/Youth 13 – 17 $24.95/Youth 4 – 12 $19.95/Children 3 & under Free.
Family Summer Movie Night: Coco
5pm
Rossi Playground, 600 Arguello Blvd.
“Join the Richmond District YMCA for our 2018 Family Movie Nights! This year we are excited to have two dates to kick off Summer! We will be screening Pixar’s Coco (PG) on Saturday, May 26th and Screening the Original Jumanji on Saturday, June 16th. This event is free and open to the public. Bring the entire family, snacks, lawn chairs and blankets and join us for what is sure to be a fun evening. Arts and Crafts for the kiddos and some treats.”
Sunday, May 27
The 40th Annual Carnaval San Francisco
10am – 6pm
Harrison Street between 16th and 24th Streets.
“Experience global cuisine, international music, dance, arts & crafts, and other fun activities and entertainment on every street corner for the entire family to enjoy.” Also on May 26. Free admission.
Off the Grid – Presidio Picnic
Main Parade Ground
11:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The picnic season is open! Bring your blanket and hang out. With so many delicious food trucks to choose from, you’ll want to spend time sampling them all. Free admission.
Monday, May 28
150th Anniversary Memorial Day Commemoration
10:30am – 2pm
Presidio Officer’s Club
“The ceremony will honor the one million Americans killed while serving in the U.S. armed forces and will connect the public to the commitment and sacrifices made by military personnel, veterans, and their families.” Includes Parade with Veterans and the South San Francisco High School Marching Band, Community Picnic Gathering with children’s activities (12pm – 2pm Main Parade Ground), and more. Free admission.
Tuesday, May 29
10am – 2pm
“Stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables for the week at our vibrant Tuesday market, which features more than 20 farms and prepared food options.” Free admission.
Wednesday, May 30
Breads of the World: Scallion Pancakes
3:30pm – 5pm
North Beach Library
“In this hands-on class we’ll make a favorite breakfast or snack from China, cong yu bing. This flakey, layered bread is seasoned with scallions and sesame seeds then griddled until crisp. We’ll make a simple hot water dough then learn the tricks for transforming our dough into this delectable treat. Limited to 10-12 youth participants. Please call the North Beach Branch at 415-355-5626 to reserve a spot!” Free.
Thursday, May 31
Kitty Pak at Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
Yerba Buena Gardens (Esplanade)
“Led by Dakini Star, vocalist for Goddess Alchemy, Kitty Pak usually features a disparate array of women, and for this YBG Festival show the lineup is a veritable supergroup.” Free.
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Thanks for letting me guest post this month’s kid-friendly event guide! I am obsessed with discovering all the hidden gems for families in the city. Read more about SF family adventures at SFMamaKoala.com.
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