SF LIFE: Theatre, Festivals, Animal Yoga, Flower Piano and More
We’re into the most glorious month of all Tomatoes— the beauty and bounty found in September in the bay is inspiring. There are classics being reimagined in theatre, GYPSY and LITTLE WOMEN, there are festivals galore, food, art and even the sea! Puppy yoga, what could be cuter? Flower Piano returns to Golden Gate park, observe or join in. Let’s enjoy all things fall together.
Two Great Classic Shows Have Returned to the Stage
Now – Sept. 21. Gypsey in Palo Alto. Mother of All Musicals! Regarded by many as the finest musical ever created, Gypsy is the ultimate tale of an ambitious stage mother fighting for her daughters’ success – while secretly yearning for her own. Suggested by the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, set across America in the 1920s and 30s, when vaudeville was dying and burlesque was born. This landmark show explores the world of two-bit show business with brass, humor, heart, and sophistication. GYPSY
Sept. 24-Oct. 12. Little Women at Theatre Works. Pragmatic Meg. Fiery Amy. Sweet Beth. And ambitious, complicated, beloved Jo. The four March sisters have been cherished for generations. In this new adaptation of Little Women Lauren Gunderson breathes new life into the story of the March sisters in 19th century New England, exploring their relationships with each other, and the ways they rise through hardships and celebrate good times together. This classic family story stands the test of time—a jewel of a show that will be beloved by all ages. LITTLE WOMEN
Sept. 5-Oct. 5. The Day the Sky Turned Orange
Remember September 2020’s ominous sky day? See the all new R&B and hip-hop musical The Day the Sky Turned Orange a bold, emotionally resonant new musical premiering in San Francisco, co-produced by SFBATCO and Z Space. It’s set against the surreal backdrop of September 9, 2020, when wildfire smoke turned the Bay Area sky an eerie, apocalyptic orange.
Sept. 13. The Noodle Fest is here!
Noodle lovers – this one is for you. Get ready to slurp your way through the ultimate noodle extravaganza on Saturday September 13th from 11 – 3 on Kearny Street. For $23 you can eat your way through Chinatown. The price includes tasking from 4 food booths, complimentary soft drinks, a thrilling “Fish Meat Dim Sum” eating competition and more! NOODLE FEST
Sept. 13. SF Festival of the Sea
Set sail for a full day of music, maritime fun, and waterfront festivities at the 2025 San Francisco Festival of the Sea! Join us at the scenic San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park to celebrate the city’s rich maritime history with a lively mix of entertainment and activities. There will be outdoor live music and dance performances inspired by sea traditions from around the globe. Watch sea chantey performances inside the historic Maritime Museum Building. Enjoy a sandcastle building contest on the beach and watch the parade of boats across Aquatic cove. And if you get hungry our iconic food trucks are there to serve. Whether you’re a maritime enthusiast, music lover, or just looking for a fun day by the water, Festival of the Sea has something for everyone! SEA FEST
Did Someone Say Animals & Yoga?
Animal yoga is a surefire way to pump up your endorphins. Sign up and settle in for these classes where comical, clumsy four-legged friends bounce around and snooze next to you in savasana (or sometimes on you).
Puppies & Yoga. Stretch and do basic, introductory yoga with the cutest pups in the city. All-level classes are 45 minutes with the puppies in the studio, followed by 30 minutes of dedicated puppy playtime. Classes are offered on weekends, and breeds are announced about a week prior to the session (the pups are volunteered for classes by local breeders working to socialize their litters before adoption). Private events are available. 201 Jackson St. puppies-yoga.com
Enter the Puppy Sphere, a paw-sitive way to be healthy and help others. One dollar from every ticket sale at this studio goes directly to local rescues and mental health organizations. Beginner-level classes include 45 minutes of yoga with the puppies, followed by a 30-minute play session. Wellness drinks and mats are included. 2146 3rd St. thepuppysphere.com
Yoga at the Zoo
Perfect your tree pose in the middle of the African Savanna—well, the public viewing area that sits in the middle of the Leanne B. Roberts African Savanna enclosure at the San Francisco Zoo. You are sure to find inner peace at this outdoor class but be sure to dress accordingly. Mats are not provided. Show off your skills to grazing zebras and gentle giraffes during a 45-minute yoga and mindfulness session before the zoo opens for the day. Zen at the Zoo tickets include full-day admission after class. Information about monthly sessions is available on the website. sfzoo.org
Sept. 12-21. Flower Piano is Back for it’s 10th Year
In the final days of summer and celebrating its 10th anniversary, Flower Piano will fill San Francisco Botanical Garden with music for everybody. Flower Piano is a musical event and attraction that provides open access to music and pianos within the natural, outdoor environment of San Francisco Botanical Garden. Back again this year during Flower Piano is the Flower Piano Lounge.
The Celebration Garden in the Botanical Garden will be transformed into an upgraded musical landscape where guests will enjoy priority entry to the festival, special performances from local headliners, access to premium bars, food from local makers, lounge seating, dedicated restrooms, and flexibility to relax and enjoy all areas of the festival at will.
Participants are invited to explore and enjoy the Botanical Garden’s plant collections as they seek out approximately a dozen pianos spread out across the 55-acre living museum. At each of the pianos, there will be scheduled professional and community partner performances as well as open play time for anyone to sit down and play. FLOWER PIANO
Sept. 26-28. Fall Open Studios
We love watching local artists at work, and The Bryant Street open studios offers us the chance to visit these hard-working creatives. The Fall Open Studios is the biggest event of the year and so important to the artists. Free to the public, visitors may explore multiple floors of painters, sculptors, fiber artists, photographers, jewelry makers and more.
The iconic 1890 Bryant building, once a mayo factory, now stands as a pinnacle of artistry, housing over 100 passionate artists ready to share their vibrant creations and unique processes. You will discover three floors of studios, including painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics, fiber-art, fabric design, collage, letterpress, and more! September 26 – 28. OPEN STUDIOS
Kim Selby, the SF life editor of The Three Tomatoes, is your gal for info on what’s hot and happening in the beautiful bay area. Having lived on the Left Coast for 27 years, after almost a decade in NYC, she has explored and continues to have adventures all over the San Francisco area. Passionate about fashion, formerly with GLAMOUR magazine and Fashion Director at Saks Fifth Avenue , Palo Alto, Kim produced fashion shows in the bay area for over 20 years. She now creates events to empower, delight and inspire women, aka “Tomatoes”. Learn more about Kim at www.kimduffselby.com
Listen to her podcast, "Ignite Your Spark" wherever you listen to podcasts.
