Join us for the groundbreaking celebration of the Portsmouth Square Improvement Project on Tuesday, June 9 at 1 p.m. at Portsmouth Square (733 Kearny Street). This park is undergoing its first full renovation in more than 50 years. Shaped by years of community engagement, the project will revitalize the 1.3-acre plaza with a new community clubhouse, expanded gathering spaces, a redesigned playground and other community-driven enhancements, all while honoring Chinatown’s rich cultural heritage. The park will officially close on June 10, with project completion anticipated in 2028. Learn more about the project at the link below.

Celebrate the unveiling of the 2026 Pink Triangle atop Twin Peaks on Saturday, June 6 at 10:30 a.m. Originally used by the Nazis to identify and persecute homosexuals, the pink triangle has been reclaimed by the LGBTQ+ community as a symbol of pride, resilience and remembrance. The annual commemoration ceremony marks the beginning of the month-long installation and will feature remarks from local and state leaders, SF Pride representatives and community advocates, along with musical and community performances. The installation will remain on display through June 28.

Community members can also support the project by volunteering to help install, maintain and remove the Pink Triangle, which relies on hundreds of volunteers each year. Learn more, including how to volunteer, at the link below. 

Dirtybird Records returns to Embarcadero Plaza (Market and Steuart streets) for its third annual “Back to Baysics” show on Saturday, June 13 from 1 to 5 p.m. Hosted in partnership with Another Planet Entertainment and Rec and Park, the free, all-ages concert features performances by Justin Jay, J.Phlip, Kevin Knapp and Mat.Joe. The event is part of the free downtown concert series, now in its third year. RSVP by texting “FERRY” to (415) 446-1025 or click the link below.

Celebrate Pride Month on the courts at Goldman Tennis Center (50 Bowling Green Drive) on Thursday, June 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. Participants ages 16 and older can choose between a Pickleball Rotating Partner Challenge or a Tennis Team Triples Challenge. Players are encouraged to wear their boldest, colorful athletic gear, and registration includes refreshments, snacks and a complimentary Goldman Tennis Center Pride tote bag. Register for the respective activities at these links: Pickleball Challenge and Tennis Challenge. 

Join Mayor Daniel Lurie and First Lady Becca Prowda for One City Day, a citywide day of service taking place across all 11 San Francisco districts on Saturday, July 11. Volunteers of all ages can participate in projects ranging from neighborhood cleanups and park beautification to supporting local communities. Whether you are volunteering for the first time or are a longtime community advocate, there are opportunities throughout the city to get involved and make a difference. Learn more and signup at the link below.

Tenderloin Recreation Center (570 Ellis Street) has expanded its operating hours and is now open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving children and families more opportunities to enjoy the improved outdoor space. Stop by this weekend to check out the newly renovated play area and other recent upgrades to the facility. Learn more at the link below. 

(Photo Credit: Brandon Irvin)

The playgrounds at St. Mary’s Square will be closed beginning Monday, June 8 to late August for a resurfacing project that will replace the existing safety surfaces and some play equipment. Nearby playgrounds include Willie “Woo Woo” Wong (830 Sacramento Street), Woh Hei Yuen (John and Powell streets), Betty Ann Ong Recreation Center (1199 Mason Street), Huntington Park (California & Taylor streets) and Sue Bierman Park (Washington & Drumm streets).

We're excited to share that Sava Pool (2695 19th Avenue) will reopen on Tuesday, June 9 following a repair project that included replastering the pool surface and repairing the facility's west wall. View the updated pool schedule and learn more at the link below.

The final plan for the Louis Sutter Upper Playground Renewal has been unveiled. Developed with community input, the design features a nature-themed “Duck Pond” motif, play opportunities for children of all ages and abilities, improved seating for parents and caregivers and accessible features throughout the playground. Construction is anticipated to begin this fall. For more information, including the project timeline and updated renderings, click the link below.

Youth and families from the Bayview Safety Swim and Splash program, a partnership with the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, visited India Basin Waterfront Park last weekend to enjoy their world-class destination on the Bay. This free learn-to-swim program serves youth ages 6 to 14 who live in or attend school in Bayview-Hunters Point, helping ensure every child is water-safe by sixth grade. Outlined in the park's equitable development plan, the program helps local youth build the skills and confidence to safely access and enjoy their park to the fullest. Learn more from KQED about the program and the equity gaps it aims to close at the link below.

(Photo credit: Tâm Vũ/KQED)

Head to the Randall Museum (199 Museum Way) on Saturday, June 6 for a day of nature, conservation and discovery.

Learn about native bees and pollinator-friendly habitats from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Planet Bee Foundation will host a screening of “Secrets of the Bees” followed by a guided tour of the museum’s garden, highlighting the important role pollinators play in San Francisco’s urban ecosystem. 

Later in the day, meet author and environmental advocate Miriam Horn from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Horn will discuss and sign copies of her new book, “Homesick for a World Unknown: The Life of George B. Schaller,” which explores the life and legacy of the renowned conservationist whose work helped shape wildlife protection around the globe. While adults attend the talk, children ages 6 to 9 can participate in “Footsteps of a Conservationist,” a nature-inspired field journal art workshop led by instructor Sarah Bowser.

For more information and to RSVP for the events, click the link below.

Join Rae Studios for Boombox Sunday at UN Plaza (Fulton Street between Hyde and Leavenworth streets) on Sunday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free community event features back-to-back dance classes, including K-Pop, Hip Hop, Salsa, Shuffle and Contemporary Fusion, led by a rotating roster of instructors. Registration is required. For more information and to RSVP, click the link below.

The San Francisco Dahlia Society is seeking community input on a proposal to rename Pompei Circle in Golden Gate Park in honor of the Dahlia Dell and the centennial of the dahlia as San Francisco’s official flower. A community meeting will take place at the County Fair Building (1199 Ninth Avenue) in Golden Gate Park on Tuesday, June 9 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Community members can also complete an online survey through midnight on Monday, June 8. For more information, including the Zoom link, and to take the survey, click the link below.

Join us for free weekly concerts in our parks, including with Illuminate Live and the Golden Gate Park Band at the bandshell, as well as Illuminate Live at Fulton Plaza. See upcoming shows below:  

Fulton Plaza (Fulton Street between Larkin & Hyde streets)

June 4 | noon-3 p.m. - Ants Fujinaga, Ben Lang, & Kevin Sgarro

June 9 | noon-3 p.m. - Alie Halla, Brother Spellbinder, & Kevin North

 

Golden Gate Bandshell (75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive)

June 5 | 4:30-7:30 p.m. Friday Happy Hour featuring Momotombo

June 7 | 1-2:30 p.m. - Golden Gate Park Band Concert: A Celebration of Pride and Community

June 7 | 4:30-7:30 p.m. Reggae Sunday featuring  DJ Nina Reggaedelic, SF Vintage Reggae Society, The Tectonics & resident DJs Guid8nce, Sep, & Irie Dole

June 10 | 4-7 p.m. Market to Bandshell Midweek Melodies featuring Alvie Alex Adams, Brother Spellbinder, & Just Float

 

The Whale's Tail (14th Ave East Meadow & the JFK Promenade)

June 6 | noon-6 p.m. Alie Halla, Gaby, Karaj Lost Coast, & Oceanography

June 7 | noon-6 p.m. - JW Blunt, Noah Frank, Stephanie Woodford, & Steve Egelman

Join En2Action for its pop-up series at the India Basin Waterfront Park Food Pavilion (900 Innes Avenue), held on weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout June.

Chef Paulette Barnes of The Sweet Life by Paulette takes over this month, bringing more than 20 years of culinary experience and a menu inspired by the rich flavors of Creole and Cajun cuisine. A Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef, Barnes is known for her bold cooking, elevated presentation and soulful hospitality, with a background spanning luxury catering, private dining, culinary education and community-based food experiences. Learn more at the link below.

The San Francisco Public Library's summer Bookmobile returns to parks across the city weekly with books, activities and community programming. The mobile library will be at the JFK Promenade and Conservatory Drive West on Mondays from 4 to 7 p.m., Sunset Dunes at Judah Street on Tuesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. and Glen Canyon Park (Elk and Chenery streets) on Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, including the full Bookmobile schedule, click the link below.

Plan your own Venetian-inspired day in Golden Gate Park with a boat ride on Blue Heron Lake, then wander through the Japanese Tea Garden in search of water lilies before ending your day at the de Young Museum (50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive) with the water lilies featured in “Monet and Venice.” This exhibition features more than 100 artworks, placing his celebrated Venice paintings alongside works by Renoir, Sargent, Canaletto and other artists. Our Video of the Week comes from the museum and highlights how to create your own Venetian-inspired day in Golden Gate Park. Learn more about the exhibition at the link below.