SF Life: Magic, Dragon Boats, Festivals, Jazz
Magic surrounds us every day – but sometimes we need a celebrated magician to make us stop and go WHOA! That is Andrew Evans appearing at the Presidio. Of course, festivals and fairs are on the horizon—see what’s coming up this month. It’s also Pride month, so let us celebrate love in all forms. The Healdsburg Jazz Festival returns for year 28—time to stomp your feet!
June 26-28. Andrew Evans: Magical Origins
Internationally celebrated magician and mentalist Andrew Evans (Magic Patio, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) returns to the Presidio Theatre with a brand-new all-ages show. Journey through Evans’ magical beginnings, San Francisco roots, and the creation of The Magic Patio in this 75-minute performance featuring brand-new illusions alongside audience favorites. June 26 – 28. The Presidio Theatre is a gem. Head to the show early and wander through the tunnel tops and grab a bite to eat at my favorite restaurant there. Fresh Mexican food just steps from the theatre at Colibri. MAGIC
The Sunset Night Market Returns
A popular night market is returning this week for a special celebration with local vendors, music, and more. The second Sunset Night Market of the year is returning this week, on Friday, June 12, this time to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival. The Sunset Night Market first debuted in 2024, drawing thousands of people to the neighborhood to sample local food, shop, and enjoy live performances. This week the market celebrates the Dragon Boat Festival. The market is the second of four scheduled for 2026 and will take place between 5 pm and 10 pm on Irving Street, between 20th and 25th Avenues, in the Sunset District. Night Market
Starts June 13. The San Francisco Dragon Boat Festival
The two-week festival brings vitality to the city’s waterfront, activating public spaces and supporting local businesses through a shared passion for historic sport. Featuring over 30 teams and 1,000 paddlers, the festival connects corporate groups, youth programs, and competitive athletes across the Bay Area. The annual friendship races are held at Lake Merced, featuring exciting cultural programming, food vendors, and family activities. Dragon Boats
More festivals and celebrations bring the community together.
- SF Pride Celebration & Parade (June 27–28): The largest LGBTQ+ gathering in the nation transforms Civic Center Plaza into a two-day hub of live music, community pavilions, and world-class speakers. The massive parade marches up Market Street on Sunday morning, June 28 SF PRIDE
- North Beach Festival (June 20–21): Spanning 11 blocks of historic Columbus Avenue, this iconic event features over 200 arts and crafts booths, gourmet food vendors, the famous “Waiters Race”, and outdoor beer gardens. North Beach Festival
- Golden Gate Park Band Festival (June 13–14): A daytime tradition held at the Spreckels Temple of Music, featuring free outdoor performances by the historic 30-piece Golden Gate Park Band. Golden Gate Park Band
- Native Contemporary Arts Festival (June 20): A Father’s Day weekend tradition at Yerba Buena Gardens honoring America’s Indigenous peoples with live music, NATIVE CONTEMPORARY ARTS
June 26-28. Hillsborough Concours
The Hillsborough Concours celebrates 70 years of honoring and celebrating excellence in automotive design and engineering. It’s so much more than that. It’s a chance to wander amongst vintage cars in a beautiful setting at Crystal Springs Golf Course. The event takes place over three days, June 26 – 28. The main event is on Sunday where the hundreds of beautiful cars gather on the fairway and compete in a variety of classes. Friday evening is the kick off party and Saturday morning you may see the cars as they drive from Burlingame to a private location. It is a sight to behold and something a bit different if you are looking for a summer activity. Proceeds go to a variety of organizations including the Hillsborough Schools. Concours Hillsborough
June 12-21. Healdsburg Jazz Festival
Get ready to tap your feet at the 28th annual festival, which presents a series of must-see concerts in beautiful venues, from wineries and restaurants to public plazas and historic theaters in the Healdsburg area. The Festival once again features a brilliant array of some of the world’s most celebrated musicians. There is a Juneteenth celebration, a cocktail concert “Prince reimagined”, and an evening with Branford Marsalis, among other great jazz artists. From creole soul to traditional jazz and a Miles Davis Centennial Concert, this is a week for jazz enthusiasts and music lovers of all genres. JAZZ
Theatre Under the Stars Is Magic
Woodminster Summer Musicals in Oakland presents Jekyll & Hyde June 12 – 14 and June 18-21. In this retelling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous story, Dr. Jekyll is introduced just as he is on the brink of discovering the key to man’s inner reality. The amphitheater has produced over 157 productions over the past 50 years, entertaining all ages under the stars. One of the very few outdoor venues featuring Equity actors and a live professional orchestra. Truly a gift to your soul. But bring a blanket; it gets chilly. WOODMINSTER THEATER
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.
