SF LIFE: Oktoberfest, Flower Piano, Music, Re-Use, Foodie Fest
We love a good pretzel, a stein of beer and the chance to wear our dirndls? Or is that just me? Oktoberfest celebrations abound in the bay area and. Flowers and pianos – a beautiful tradition returns this weekend at the Botanical Garden. The New Century Chamber Orchestra celebrates its opening weekend. REUSE presents pop-ups where you can get your own glamour photos, and of course since it’s fall in the bay area, more fun festivals are to be found.
Octoberfest Festivities
Sept. 16. Get ready to see some folk dancing as you raise a stein in celebration of Oktoberfest. The most popular event is Schroeder’s Oktoberfest Block Party with life music, beer, sausages, pretzels, prizes and more. Hurry over as it is this Friday the 16th from 3 – 8 p.m. www.schroederssf.com
Sept. 17. Festivities continue on Sunday the 17th at Original Pattern Brewing Co. Costume contests, stein holding competition, traditional food, dancing and live music will delight you even if you just want to sit and watch. www.originalpatternbeer.com
Sept. 21-23. In my own town of Redwood City you will find one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations. A traditional Munich style event features such great folk songs and dancing, yes, I have twirled at this event. There is yodeling, fun with beer steins and traditional German ambience in a a decked out tent. The hot pretzels are as big as your head and the Alpine Sound music is a delight. September 21 – 23. www.redwoodcity.org/oktoberfest
The Flower Pianos are Back
Pack your picnic baskets and head to the Botanical Gardens for the return of Flower Piano. This is a musical event and attraction that provides open access to music and pianos within the natural, outdoor environment of San Francisco Botanical Garden. Participants are invited to explore the Garden’s global living plant collections as they seek out the 12 pianos spread out across the 55-acre living museum. At each of the pianos, there will be scheduled professional performances, open play time for participants, and community partner performances – reflecting a range of genres, ages, and cultures. Friday, through September 20th. San Francisco Botanical Garden (Golden Gate Park. sfbg.org
A Gripping Theatrical Event
Fete the opening of New Century Chamber Orchestra’s “Berlin 1938: Broadcasts from a Vanishing Society.” This gripping theatrical event explores the disappearing freedoms of pre-war Germany and shares the story of the artists who pushed back. Gathering clouds of war in Europe loomed large over the events of 1938, fueling the songwriters of the era to create works stunning in their candor, humor and commentary about the rapid changes in society and growing threats to Jewish life.
In this innovative multimedia production, Music Director Daniel Hope and New Century will take you through works by Kurt Weill, Cole Porter, Hanns Eisler, and more, while vocalists Thomas Hampson and Horst Maria Merz narrate the action in the bilingual roles of radio broadcasters and singers. 9/16 at 7:30. 9/17 at 7:30 and 9/18 at 3:00 p.m. On opening night, an exclusive afterparty in the courtyard will feature swing dancing to the retro-fusion hits of Golden Bell Music, 1930s-style cocktails, and Eastern European delights from the Borsch Mobile food truck; 7:30pm Friday. Presidio Theatre tickets ($35-$88) include admission and one drink ticket and are available at ncco.org.
A Fashion Event for Sustainability
Very few cities do sustainability better than the bay area and perhaps you have seen the Reuse marketing campaign around the city. REUSE is a project of the San Francisco Department of the Environment, which advances climate protection and enhances quality of life for all San Franciscans. You won’t want to miss the most glamorous (and environmentally friendly) fashion event of the year. Now you can get your own professional quality REUSE glamour photo for FREE at these upcoming events. Find the REUSE booth and let’s all help with Climate Change.
September 17, 2022 | 11 am – 3pm
Richmond Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
Clement from 7th to 10th
October 2, 2022 | 11am – 6pm
Castro Street Fair
Castro St. & Market.
October 15, 2022 | 10am – 2pm
20th St. Block Party
Sept. 23-25. Foodieland Arrives
Calling all foodie tomatoes because Foodieland might market is coming to the San Mateo Event center, the site of this incredible outdoor food event. A must have festival inspired by the Night Markets of Asia. Gather with fellow foodies for late-night sounds, tastes, and scents where you can experience a true street festival. Authentic multicultural street foods, enticing beverages and desserts to please your palette.
There are carnival games, live music and the cutest arts and crafts booths. Shop small and discover talented local artisans from dozens of local booths including jewelry, clothing, artistic paintings, candles, home decor, and more. Their slogan is Good Food, Good Mood – sounds perfect. You must get a ticket before you go only on Eventbrite.
Event Hours
Friday – 3 PM to 10 PM
Saturday – 1 PM to 10 PM
Sunday – 1 PM to 10 PM
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.kim-selby.com
