San Francisco’s Newest Coastal Park Officially Named Sunset Dunes

A new chapter in San Francisco history has begun, as the Recreation and Park Commission has selected a name for the City’s latest park: Sunset Dunes! 

During a special Recreation and Park Commission meeting, commissioners selected the name from a list of five finalists. The finalists—Playland Parkway, Sunset Dunes, Great Parkway, Fog Line, and Plover Parkway—were carefully considered after an engaging public survey, which attracted an overwhelming 3,900 responses. 

The survey, conducted between March 20 and April 2, allowed the public to select their top three name choices from a pool of 15 options. Respondents were encouraged to consider key factors such as connection to nature, historical significance, community resonance, iconic placemaking, and overall clarity. The final names emerged from the results based on popular selection and thoughtful feedback from the community. 

Sunset Dunes will provide stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, lush coastal ecosystems, and attractions and programming to keep visitors engaged, including murals, public art installations, seating, hammocks, a bike pump track, skateboarding elements, fitness classes, live music, and more. For more information on the naming process, click the link below.

Coastal Kick Off Event for Sunset Dunes on April 12

Join Rec and Park and community partners for the official opening and unveiling of Sunset Dunes at the former Great Highway. Our Coastal Kick Off event takes place on Saturday, April 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will be centered on the Great Highway and Noriega Street. The free, family-friendly event will feature cultural performances, live music, recreational activities such as yoga and Zumba, community resources, biking (including adaptive bikes from BORP Adaptive Sports and Recreation), scooters, and more! Bring food and beverages from home for a picnic or shop and eat local in the neighborhood. We look forward to celebrating this transformational new park. For more information, click the link below.

2nd Annual Civic Center Soundtrack Concert Series Launches at Fulton Plaza

Illuminate, San Francisco Public Library, and Rec and Park kicked off the return of its free concert series, Civic Center Soundtrack, at Fulton Plaza earlier this week. The series consists of diverse musical performances that will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays, from noon to 3 p.m., happening through July. Three different performers will play at each show and the series will feature local and notable singer/songwriters, plus many genres. For the full schedule of concerts, including the next on Thursday, April 9 with Aireene Espiritu, Stephanie Woodford, and Three Flower Jam, click the link below.

R-Evolution Unveiling at Embarcadero Plaza on April 10

Rec and Park, The Sijbrandij Foundation and Building 180 are proud to unveil R-Evolution, a breathtaking 45-foot-tall sculpture by Marco Cochrane, at Embarcadero Plaza on Thursday, April 10 from 5 to 8 p.m. There will be music, live DJ performances organized by Opulent Temple, an artist market, a full bar, food, and a lighting display by Illuminate and Mad Alchemy. The first 200 guests will receive an artist poster. For more information and to RSVP for the free event, click the link below.

Spring Fling Community Celebration at Crocker Amazon Park on April 19

Rec and Park's seasonal party is coming to Crocker Amazon Park (799 Moscow Street) on Saturday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join us for Spring Fling, which will include live entertainment, carnival rides and games, egg hunt, arts and crafts and more. Food trucks will be available when you work up an appetite. Swing by for free springtime fun for the entire family!

There will be free bike valet parking and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be provided at this event. For accommodations, please contact us at rpdaccess@sfgov.org or (415) 831-6834. Making your request at least 72 hours before the event will help ensure availability.

For more information, click the link below.

Peace, Love and Volo Field Day Returns to Golden Gate Park on April 20

For the second consecutive year, Volo Sports will bring its annual Peace, Love and Volo Field Day to Golden Gate Park on Sunday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Robin Williams Meadow and Hippie Hill.

In addition to volleyball and kickball tournaments and open play, the event will also feature activities such as spikeball and cornhole, food trucks, giveaways, and more. Participants are encouraged to wear their best sixties-themed costumes and tie-dye.

All proceeds will go toward supporting the Volo Kids Foundation, which provides free sports programming to children in underserved areas of San Francisco. For more information and to sign up, click the link below.

Earth Month in our Parks 

Happy Earth Month! Celebrate by getting outside in our parks with a number of activities and events in April, including the EcoCenter's 15th Anniversary on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free event will feature activities, games, a volunteer work day, and more. RSVP for the event at this link. 

Check out our full list of what you can do to celebrate and steward our planet at the link below!

Big H BBQ at the India Basin Food Pavilion in April

Join En2Action for its Pop-Up Series at the India Basin Waterfront Park Food Pavilion (900 Innes Avenue) in April.

Big H BBQ is bringing its mouthwatering flavors to the park this month on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Known for its variety of meats, savory sauces, and southern-style sides, Big H BBQ is ready to serve up some serious goodness!

To start your week right, enjoy an assortment of drinks and pastries every Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, click the link below.

Stern Grove Festival Announces Lineup for 88th Season Starting June 15

Stern Grove Festival is back for its 88th season with an amazing lineup of FREE concerts for the summer that includes Sleater-Kinney, Girl Talk, Damian and Stephen Marley, Diana Ross and more. Note that the Festival has moved to a lottery system for its free tickets, which will take place six weeks before each show date. There will also be citywide community box offices open the day before shows, where people can pick up tickets in-person. For more information, click the link below.

Heron Watch at Blue Heron Lake in Golden Gate Park Starting April 12

San Francisco Nature Education is hosting heron watch events at Blue Heron Lake (50 Blue Heron Lake Drive) in Golden Gate Park throughout the spring nesting season in April and May. They take place on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the first on Saturday, April 12. Bring binoculars if you have them. For more information and to register, click the link below.

(Photo Credit: Helene Sobol)

Jimmy Green World Championship of Spey Casting from April 11-13 in Golden Gate Park

Join the Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club (GGACC) for the Jimmy Green World Championship of Spey Casting. It takes place at Golden Gate Park's casting ponds (1232 John F. Kennedy Drive) from Friday, April 11 through Sunday, April 13. In addition to showcasing product exhibits and casting demonstrations, the best Spey Casters from a variety of countries will be competing in this distance casting competition. For more information, click the link below. 

Illuminate Live at the Bandshell on April 13 & 16

Join us for free concerts with Illuminate Live at the Golden Gate Bandshell (75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive) in Golden Gate Park.

April 13 | Noon to 4 p.m.

Punk Rock at the Shell featuring Alvie and The Breakfast Pigs, Gloomy June, and Hyperdrive Kittens

April 13 | 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Reggae Sunday featuring DJ Guid8nce, DJ Mr. E, DJ Sep, and Irie Dole

April 16 | Noon to 4 p.m.

Singer/Songwriter Wednesday featuring Amy Obenski Trio, Azere Wilson, and Zoe Fitzgerald Carter

Bug Day at the Randall Museum on April 12

The bugs are back at the Randall Museum (199 Museum Way) on Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out the incredible extravaganza of insects at the Randall’s free Bug Day event celebrating everything insect with hands-on science and art activities, games, live music, and more. Bug costumes are encouraged. 

In addition, the San Francisco Beekeepers Association will have a hive of live honeybees on display. Kids can watch beekeepers at work and learn about these amazing pollinators. For more information, click the link below

Golden Gate Park Band Kicks off 2025 Season on April 18

The Golden Gate Park Band kicks off its 2025 season with a special Friday show on April 18 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Golden Gate Bandshell (75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive). The opening concert is a big band dance party in collaboration with Illuminate's Friday Happy Hour series. The band will become an 18 piece big band with some special guests playing swing, blues and other genres. For more information, click the link below. 

"The Day The Sky Turned Orange" Workshops at the Randall Museum April 18-20 & 25-27

Join the Young People’s Teen Musical Theatre Company (YPTMTC) for a workshop of its soon-to-premiere R&B musical "The Day The Sky Turned Orange". The musical, co-produced by SFBATCO and Z Space, is a compassionate call for environmental awareness that follows a group of students as they struggle to keep hope alive during the 2020 COVID-19 lock-downs, while wildfire smoke turns the Bay Area skies orange. 

These workshops will take place Fridays through Sundays at 7:30 p.m. the weekends of April 18 to 20 and 25 to 27 at the Randall Museum (199 Museum Way). It will bring YPTMTC’s director and young performers together with the creative team of the upcoming premiere. It will also feature student content alongside the script written by Julius Rea, with music by Olivia Kuper Harris and David Michael Ott. 

For more information and to sign up, click the link below.

San Francisco Botanical Garden's Earth Day Celebration on April 19

Come out to the San Francisco Botanical Garden (1199 9th Avenue) in Golden Gate Park for a celebration of Earth Day in the Great Meadow on Saturday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the garden or walk over to the Children’s Garden. This event is free with admission. Activities will be offered while supplies last. For more information, click the link below.

2nd Annual Bernal Heights Earth Day Stroll on April 19

Come out for the 2nd annual Bernal Heights Earth Day Stroll on Saturday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join your neighbors for a day of environmental celebration, education, and action throughout Bernal Heights. The Earth Day Stroll features numerous activities and attractions spread along Cortland Avenue and the paths of Bernal Hill. For more information, click the link below.

Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Easter Event at Dolores Park on April 20

Join the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for its anniversary event at Dolores Park on Sunday, April 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year's event will feature an egg hunt and other family-friendly activities for children's Easter from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Afterwards, there will be performances and the famous Foxy Mary and Hunky Jesus contests from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, click the link below.

Activity & Class Schedule for Civic Center Plazas

Check out all of the amazing drop-in activities and scheduled classes available at the reimagined UN Plaza and surrounding Civic Center area. From the Heart of the City Farmers' Market at Fulton Plaza to free skateboarding lessons at UN Plaza, we have something for everyone to get out and play in San Francisco's core. See the workout class schedule from Rae Studios at UN Plaza, as well as the full amenity list and schedule at the link below.

Programming at Union Square in 2025

Union Square Plaza (333 Post Street) is your 2025 destination for fun, free outdoor programming. Come out to the park Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for a kids zone, giant games, recess cart, and reading and chess pavilion or break a sweat, listen to music or discover a new hobby. This week will have live music, cardio dance workouts, chess and juggling lessons, crafts activities including flower and cherry blossom mixed media, and more! For more information and to view the programming schedule at the Square, click the link below.

Bean Sprouts Family Days at the San Francisco Botanical Garden

Come dig, smell, taste, build, and explore with the San Francisco Botanical Garden on Bean Sprouts Family Days presented by Kaiser Permanente. Come out for family fun in the Children’s Garden on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon and the first Saturdays of each month from noon to 4 p.m. Programs are free with admission to the garden with no pre-registration required. For more information, click the link below.

Mini Indoor Archery Range Open on Thursdays at Mission Recreation Center 

Check out the brand new mini indoor archery range at Mission Recreation Center (2450 Harrison Street). It's open on Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m. through May 15. There will be paper and 3D targets with all bow and arrow types welcome. Equipment for loan will also be available. For more information and to sign up for a session, click the link below.

Drop-In Wheelchair Basketball at Glen Park Recreation Center

Glen Park Recreation Center (70 Elk Street) is hosting a free drop-in wheelchair basketball session every Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. in partnership with BORP Adaptive Sports and Recreation. All ages are welcome. You don't have to have a mobility disability to participate, but you must be able to maneuver a wheelchair. Wheelchairs are available for participants at least 5 feet tall. Let's get hooping!

Additional questions? Contact Glen Park Recreation Center at (415) 239-4007.

Registration for Baseball & Softball Academy Opens on April 14

The Giants Community Fund is partnering with Rec and Park for the third year of their competitive baseball and softball academy beginning this summer. The goal of the academy is to grow baseball and softball in San Francisco’s underserved communities through free programming for middle and high school athletes. Team equipment and uniforms are provided, while head coaches and umpires are paid for by the Giants Community Fund.

Additionally, the academy will feature various speakers who will talk with participants and provide insight on their careers in the sports industry and beyond. For more information and to sign up, click the link below.

Questions, please contact academy@sfgiants.com. 

Swing into Stories at Hilltop Park on April 15

The San Francisco Public Library's (SFPL) YouthMobile is coming to parks around the city. Movement and play are key to fostering literacy and a love of reading and the SFPL is bringing stories and song to San Francisco's parks through its Swing into Stories program. It takes place at a different park each Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to noon (Storytime begins at 10:30 a.m.) with the next at Hilltop Park (Newcomb Avenue and Whitney Young Circle) on April 15. 

The YouthMobile offers a diverse selection of children’s library materials available for checkout with an SFPL library card. For more information and the Swing into Stories schedule, click the link below. 

Movie Night at Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center on April 15

Join our staff at Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center (70 Elk Street) for classic movie nights! The next will take place on Tuesday, April 15 beginning at 6 p.m. and will feature the 1945 film "And Then There were None." Come meet your neighbors and enjoy these vintage films. For more information, contact Glen Park Recreation Center at (415) 239-4007.

Rolling Fog Wheelchair Hoopers Compete in First Tourney

Rec and Park's Rolling Fog wheelchair basketball team recently competed in its first tournament in Berkeley. Our Video of the Week depicts one of many buckets scored by this squad. Congratulations to these players, and we look forward to bringing home some trophies in the future!

The team currently practices at Glen Park Recreation Center (70 Elk Street). Interested in getting involved with the team? Email jorge.macias@sfgov.org.

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