With warmer weather and longer nights approaching, it’s time to step outside for alfresco events and festivals – KQED and BOOK FEST are coming right up. Speaking of steps – Walk SF hosts its first SF Step challenge – physically demanding but oh so fun. Our museums always keep us entertained with a one-of-a-kind interactive exhibit at SFMOMA through May 11 and make sure to visit the DeYoung for its annual ART WEAR event. Love the outdoors, GLAMPING is always a good idea and we have a location you won’t want to miss.

Glamping

Glamping season is officially open at Mendocino Grove. Work from the forest or unplug at the chic coastal destination with 60 fully furnished safari-style tents (some are dog-friendly!) with redwood decks. This is a sophisticated camping experience for those of us who prefer a real bed. Watch the sunset from a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean on the 37-acre property. Then retreat to your safari-style tent and keep warm under your down comforter. The property has some new amenities this season including reliable WIFI zones, a cedar wood sauna, and daily yoga. Reservations are currently being accepted through November 26th. Get the details.

April 29. KQED Fest

Go behind the scenes of the Bay Area’s beloved public media station at KQED Fest. KQED has teamed up with Noise Pop for a block party and open house at their Mission HQ. Groove all day to live music, taste local bites, take newsroom tours, test your skills in media-making workshops, and mingle with KQED journalists and personalities. Try being on mic or on camera with the producers and discover the behind-the-scenes tricks. Learn about the community with KQED shows live on stage featuring: Boots Riley with Forum, Sister Roma with political breakdown and NPR’S Alisa Chang. Saturday April 29^th  11am to 6pm. KQED HQ. Get the details.

May 6-7. Bay Area Book Fest

We tomatoes love our books and what a wonderful place to gather and meet up with like-minded readers. Indoor and outdoor festival activities abound. The festival’s free Outdoor Fair is a lively, immersive experience jam-packed with fun and exploration for festivalgoers of all ages and interests. The heart of Northern California’s largest weekend literary event beckons book lovers to meet favorite authors spanning myriad genres, discover new reads, catch live performances on four outdoor stages, relax and unwind in an outdoor reading lounge, and enjoy delectably fresh food sourced locally. Some of you “wannabe” authors may want to try your hand at the Flash Fiction Writing Workshop on Saturday where you are led to pen a “very” short story. Many other indoor workshops and talks will keep you busy and your brain full all day on the 6^th. All events take place at various locations in Berkeley. Get the details.

Now-May 11. Sadie Barnette’s “The New Eagle Creek Saloon”

Pull up a stool: Sadie Barnette’s “The New Eagle Creek Saloon” is “open” for business at SFMOMA. In this innovative installation, the Oakland artist reimagines SF’s first Black-owned gay bar, which was opened by her father in 1990. While on view, the installation will be brought to life with performances, storytelling, and open “happy hours” for dancing and enjoying a drink. Viewers are encouraged to interact with the immersive artwork, take a seat at the bar, and flip through archival materials that offer connections to reawakened histories. As the artist describes: “Glowing somewhere between a monument and an altar, the glittering bar structure is not only a place but is at once an invocation and an invitation…to call the names of those lost and to see one another as we are in the glow of our own small moments of freedom.” The experience will come to life with performances, storytelling, and bar service every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday through May 11th. Get the details.

May 5-6. Artwear at the DeYoung

Celebrate artisanal wearable art with an exciting lineup of 15 top California designers and their exceptional products. Meet the makers and shop one-of-a-kind collections at the premier shopping event of the spring. Just in time for Mother’s Day or to treat yourself, supporting local artists is always a good idea. You will find jewelry to die for, unique accessories, hand crafted pottery and textiles (featuring a favorite tomato – Ellen Brook – who creates lavish hand painted silk ponchos and more). Then head into the DeYoung to see the Ansel Adams exhibit that opened this month – breathtaking images! Friday and Saturday May 5^th and 6^th, 9:30 – 5:00 p.m. Free event admission

May 6. The SF Stair Challenge

Where are my walking tomatoes?  Lace up your comfiest walking shoes and try out the first annual SF Stair Challenge, presented by Walk San Francisco. Saturday, May 6^th . The 2023 route, crafted by the mastermind team of WalkLab volunteers, goes through the iconic neighborhoods of North Beach, Russian Hill, and Telegraph Hill. The total length is approximately 4.25 miles with about 2,000 stair steps. This supported walk will have timed releases onto the route from 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM. Participants will enjoy snacks and encouragement along the way, plus enjoy a mini-celebration at the end and a special keepsake for completing the first-ever SF Stair Challenge. GET THE DETAILS.