Festival season is finally upon us. Here, we’ve rounded up the best Bay Area activities you need to know.
Bottlerock Napa Valley is back and better than ever.
THROUGH 5/11
SF INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL
Experience thought-provoking performances from over 60 dance, music and theater ensembles across the Bay Area and beyond for three weeks. This major art exhibition brings together a global community of artists by presenting innovative projects that increase human awareness and understanding across cultures. sfiaf.org
THROUGH 5/30
GIANT PAINTINGS FROM NEW ENGLAND, CALIFORNIA AND NEWFOUNDLAND
Bay Area artist Mitchell Johnson, whose work is in the permanent collections of 35 museums, showcases seven large paintings in the lobby of a skyscraper’s public exhibition spaces. The popular mid-career artist is “a devoted colorist able to extract visual tension from the world around him,” according to art critic Susan Emerling. 425 Market St., @mitchell_johnson_artist
5/8-11
CAAMFEST
The Center for Asian American Media hosts the annual CAAMFest, the largest festival celebrating years of Asian American stories. Since 1982, this showcase has been a pivotal launching point for Asian American independent filmmakers and new Asian cinema. caamedia.org/caamfest
Mitchell Johnson’s piece “The Presidio” is on view at the 425 Market Street skyscraper.
5/10
TAIWANESE AMERICAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL
The West Coast’s largest Taiwanese American celebration, drawing over 10,000 visitors yearly, is back and better than ever. Head to Union Park and delight in lion dances, acrobatic troupes, culinary delights, artists and vendors. tap-sf.org/tacf
5/10
THE FUR BALL
Human Society Silicon Valley’s signature annual gala welcomes high-profile guests and their well-dressed canine companions for a night of fine dining and entertainment under the stars. This year’s event honors Sue and John Diekman for their unwavering commitment to the cause. PayPal Park, 1123 Coleman Ave., San Jose, 408.942.3003, thefurball.org
5/10
YERBA BUENA GARDENS FESTIVAL
From May through October, the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival presents 100 artistic, cultural and community events, from concerts and festivals to visual arts exhibits and spoken word performances. The festival kicks off with La Santa Cecilia, an LA-based band playing a hip blend of cumbia, Bossa nova and boleros tunes. Mission St. between 3rd and 4th Streets, 415.543.1718, ybgfestival.org/events
Humane Society Silicon Valley’s The Fur Ball (5/10) is full of furry four-legged friends.
5/23-25
BOTTLEROCK NAPA VALLEY
Don’t miss this year’s Bottlerock Napa Valley, with headliners like Green Day, Justin Timberlake, Benson Boone and more. Myriad experiences include the Williams Sonoma culinary stage, peppered with star chefs and celebs, the BottleRock spa, wine cabanas and The Culinary Garden. 575 3rd St., Napa, bottlerocknapavalley.com
5/24-25
CARNAVAL SF
This two-day festival and grand parade is taking over The Mission, showcasing the best in Latin American and Caribbean cultural arts and traditions. This year’s theme is Afro Mundo: African Diaspora in the Americas. carnavalsanfrancisco.org
5/29-6/8
SF DOCFEST
Each year, SF IndieFest organizes a 10-day celebration of the best documentary filmmaking, including hybrid and live presentations at the Roxie Theater. This festival is unforgettable, attended by over 9,000 devoted film lovers yearly. 3117 16th St., 415.662.3378, sfindie.com
