That publication named San Francisco to its "World's Greatest Places" list of 50 extraordinary destinations to explore, noting the city's “incredible scenery, cultural institutions, and diverse culinary offerings are all making major strides this year.”
Below you’ll find news of recent developments in this City by the Bay, along with information on some upcoming musical events. Of course, there’s more to see and do in San Francisco and a good source for background on what might be of interest is San Francisco Travel.
Presidio Tunnel Tops, San Francisco's Newest Urban Oasis, Opens
More than two decades in the making, Presidio Tunnel Tops opened on July 17 in the Presidio of San Francisco. Built over the tops of the Presidio Parkway highway tunnels, the Presidio Tunnel Tops site comprises 14 acres of new national parkland, adding to the Presidio's existing 1,500 acres and connecting the Presidio's historic Main Post and Crissy Field for the first time in 86 years. Thoughtfully designed by James Corner Field Operations (the firm behind New York's High Line), shaped by community input and funded by $98 million in philanthropic gifts, the $118 million Presidio Tunnel Tops features scenic overlooks with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city, paths and gardens, a welcome plaza with food and visitor services, a campfire circle, picnic grounds, a nature play area, and more. It starts its opening season with free family-friendly events and activities and an inaugural art exhibition from Favianna Rodriguez honoring the Ohlone Ramaytush and their ancestral homeland. Presidio Tunnel Tops is an instantly iconic “must-see” San Francisco destination for visitors from across the country and around the world.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area Turns 50
Established in October 1972 to bring national parks to the people, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) is one of the largest national parks adjacent to a major metropolitan area. It is the third most-visited national park in the U.S. It spans over 82,000 acres in Marin, San Mateo and San Francisco, where it includes the Presidio of San Francisco, Crissy Field, Fort Point National Historic Site, Alcatraz, Fort Mason, Ocean Beach, and Fort Funston.
Golden Gate Park's Skatin' Place Goes Psychedelic
Golden Gate Park spruced up its Skatin' Place with a large-scale, 28-by-93-foot colorful mural on new asphalt, paying homage to the area's decades-long history as a meeting place for skaters and rollerbladers. Bay Area artist Aimee Bruckner painted the mural “Psychedelic Golden Gate Skate,” which debuted in June. The design, which is geometric in nature, is meant to support spatial orientation for skaters so that they can maintain their balance while gliding over it. The popular destination for local and visiting roller skaters is located on JFK Drive near 6th Avenue and Fulton.
MUSIC
Annual Stern Grove Festival Finishes Its 10-Week Run on Aug. 14
One of the nation's oldest running music festivals, Stern Grove is celebrating its 85th summer concert season this year with acts including Taj Mahal and the San Francisco Symphony. The beloved free San Francisco festival features different bands each Sunday during its 10-week run at the Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove, a historic park and concert meadow in the city's Sunset District. Grateful Dead founding member Phil Lesh will help close out the concert series on Aug. 14. Although admission is free to the shows, fans must first RSVP in advance to reserve their spot. At 2 p.m. PT precisely 12 days before each event, an online portal through www.sterngrove.org opens to offer free passes on a first-come, first-served basis.
Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival in Golden Gate Park
One of the top music festivals in the U.S. (and the world, according to Billboard), Outside Lands boasts a lineup of the hottest music on seven stages and cutting-edge food, beverage and cannabis programming. Taking place from Aug. 5 to 7, festival headliners include Bay Area pop-punk dynamo Green Day, rapper, singer and songwriter Post Malone and recent GRAMMY winner SZA. The diverse lineup features a mix of genres and more than 90 artists from all over the world. The festival also has a record 91 restaurants participating in its Taste of the Bay Area program and 35 wineries and 30 breweries at Wine Lands and Beer Lands. For the second year, it is offering an ultra-luxe festival experience. Ken Fulk's Golden Gate Club includes dedicated viewing areas, a private lounge, concierge service, and hosted premium food and beverage offerings. For more information and tickets, visit https://www.sfoutsidelands.com/.
San Francisco Opera Celebrates Its Centennial 2022/2023 Season
San Francisco Opera celebrates its first 100 years with a blockbuster 2022–23 opera season. The centennial will be marked by activities designed to commemorate the past and welcome the community into the exciting new era just beginning under the baton of Caroline H. Hume Music Director Eun Sun Kim. SF Opera's Centennial Season begins with an event-filled opening weekend that includes the Opera Ball: The Centennial Celebration (Sept. 9), the world premiere of John Adams' new opera Antony and Cleopatra (Sept.10) and the free Opera in the Park concert at Golden Gate Park (Sept. 11). On Oct. 23, the Company will open its doors for Community Open House, when families, music fans and the opera-curious can witness the magic of opera from behind the scenes.
San Francisco Symphony's Kicks Off the 2022/2023 Season
For the San Francisco Symphony's 2022–23 Season, Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen and eight collaborative partners will cultivate vibrant musical experiences. The season begins with the All San Francisco concert on Sept. 22 and the Opening Night Gala concert on Sept. 23. Both will feature the complete incidental music to Felix Mendelssohn's A Midsummer Night's Dream, performed in collaboration with San Francisco-based African-American Shakespeare Company. Actors from the company and other special guests will perform scenes from William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream interspersed between movements of Mendelssohn's incidental music.
Inaugural Portola Music Festival Takes Over Pier 80 Sept. 24 to 25
The inaugural Portola Music Festival at San Francisco's Pier 80 brings together new, buzzing electronic artists, metaverse pop stars, and legendary names all over the same weekend, including Flume, Kaytranada, Jamie xx, The Chemical Brothers, James Blake, and Lane 8. It's presented by Goldenvoice, creators of the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Returns from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2.
Back for the first time in three years, this annual free celebration of music in the park includes a who's who of top entertainers in the heart of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. The festival features a lineup of country, soul, folk and more performing across stages. Visit the website for updates on performers.