Summer in Frisco: Our Top Event Picks For August in SF

August 13, 2009 at 3:31 PM | by Heidi Atwal | Comments (0)

Last week we brought you a short list of creative ways to explore the Bay Area, and today, we continue our exploration of San Francisco and offer a couple surrounding travel options.

As San Francisco's famed Indian Summer approaches, temperatures are on the rise, making the coming months an optimal time for visiting. Remember, these suggestions are merely a jumping (or jaunting) off point, so feel free to chime in with your favorite Bay Area sights, sounds, and the like.

· The Outside Lands Music Festival
With a lineup of popular artists including Pearl Jam, T.V. on the Radio and M.I.A., Outside Lands returns to Golden Gate Park from August 28-30, and, again, is expected to draw thousands of avid concertgoers to dance, drink (responsibly), and be merry outdoors. We're happy to see shuttle options on the festival's website, including a three-day pass for those attending shows over the entire weekend. As attendees last year, let's just say the taxi/public transportation scene wasn't pretty post-show. If you can swing the extra cost, VIP access is always the way to go, and will entitle you to Polo Club access (think shade and massage service), exclusive viewing areas, a VIP food selection, and much more.

· San Francisco Street Food Festival
For a different festival experience, and one that won't cost you a penny for admission, head to the SF Street Food Fest on Saturday, August 22nd on Folsom Street between 25th and 26th Streets. Presented by La Cocina, it promises to be a block party at its best, with a plethora of the city's talented chefs presenting street cuisine from exotic corners of the globe. Food will be priced at $8 or less, but there are various "Passport" ticket options that will allow you to leave behind the hassle of ATM transactions and get you free drinks, depending on which tier you purchase.

· Summer at SF's MoMA
Falling in the category of "All-Time San Francisco Favorites" is the Museum of Modern Art, which always manages to find a slot on our travel itinerary. The well-curated permanent collection and revolving exhibits are no less than superb, and the overall experience is far more relaxed than other art museums in major metropoles. Make sure you check out the MoMA's "gallery without a ceiling," the Rooftop Garden, providing views of the city skyline and sculptures on display. The Rooftop Coffee Bar is an idyllic place to take a midday break and sample a cup of famed Blue Bottle Coffee, which is also served at some of the Bay Area's most renowned restaurants.

· The Russian River
If it's an engaging, yet relaxing outdoor experience you're craving, our no-fail suggestion is a visit to the Russian River. Last year, when cloudy weather interrupted our Santa Cruz beach excursion plans, the Russian River provided a weather-friendly alternative, offering the same sunbathing options, plus the opportunity to live the lazy river life innertubing along the shore. Sophisticated fun can be had with a visit to one of the Russian River Valley's surrounding wineries, while cinephiles should head to nearby Bodega Bay to see where Alfred Hitchock's The Birds was filmed. We assure you that a Tippi Hedren moment won't ensue.

Related Stories
· Outside Lands Music Festival [Official Site]
· San Francisco MoMA [Official Site]
· The Jaunted Guide to a Creative San Francisco Getaway [Jaunted]

[Photo: San Francisco MoMA]

Jaunted

Select a Destination:

San Francisco Travel / Music Festivals / Museum Travel / California Travel / Food Festivals / Food Travel / Events / → All Tags