While there promises to be little to no sun this Labor Day Weekend, that doesn't mean you should lie around all weekend mainlining Netflix. And if you didn't plan anything, here are five choice things to do should you need inspiration over the three-day weekend.
Go on an urban hike in an undiscovered neighborhood
Get out. Seriously. Make the bold move to step outside of your comfort zone—i.e., the Castro, Marina, or the Mission. Those neighborhoods, while beloved by far too many, are a tad tired. Plus, they tend to require spending money on food and drink for fun. Instead, slap on some SPF 50, grab your comfiest (albeit chicest) shoes, and check out the Eichers of Diamond Heights, the Beaux Arts mansions in Presidio Heights, or Sherwood Forest, the smallest neighborhood in San Francisco featuring houses by Timothy Pflueger and Julia Morgan.
Other areas of San Francisco you’ve probably been neglecting for far too long include Telegraph HIll’s Filbert Street steps (Napier Lane is a must), Outer Sunset, and—stay with us here—the FiDi on a weekend.
Art and Architecture City Festival
Billed as "one of the nation's largest architectural festivals of its kind," AIASF and the Center for Architecture + Design's monthlong celebration boasts tours, films, exhibitions and more that touch on different aspects of the city’s design and planning process. Opening night party kicks things off tonight at Heath Ceramics in the Mission.
This year’s lineup includes includes Star Wars’ Ian McDiarmid, Jessica Jones breakout star Krysten Ritter (who will be doing $50 photo ops), and Janet Varney. It will be fun for fans of comics and other nerdy fantasies. "But the vibe of a good convention is created by the people who attend," notes San Francisco Chronicle’s Peter Hartlaub. "Hope for a lot of good fans and great costumes—all the better if they spill into the streets near the Marriott Marquis."
Speaking of which, the Marriott made our map of SF's ugliest buildings, so be sure to check that jukebox-esque beast out while readjusting your Daenerys outfit.
Davenport. Port Costa. Marshall. These small towns are just a few that you need to check out. From sleepy fishing villages to tony wine country towns, there’s a tiny city to fit everyone’s personality. Some of them are even accessible via BART and/or bike, too.
Look, it’s not going to be sunny this weekend. So any plans of a Dolores Park barbecue should include a thick pullover. However, this is the perfect chance to take in the city’s nightlife. While it’s gone dormant over the last few years, clubs like Oasis have reignited a resurgence in the club scene. (Because, really, do you want to go to yet another artisan cocktail bar? Didn’t think so.) This Saturday, Heklina and her crew will pay tribute to the Pulitzer- and Tony-winning musical Hamilton. Expect SF drag queens performing one of the best scores to emerge from Broadway in eons.
Also, this is a great chance to check out Oasis. In the heart of SoMa, it shows how a nightclub should be done right. Gorgeous interiors, ample space, and a friendly vibe.
- Getting to Know Sherwood Forest, SF's Smallest Neighborhood [Curbed SF]
- Map of SF's ugliest buildings, according to Curbed readers [Curbed SF]