Got plans? These events are worth checking out this week.
Tony Bennett Commemorative Statue
What: Who doesn't love Tony Bennett? In recognition of internationally renowned singer, painter and civic leader Tony Bennett's contributions to (and love for) San Francisco, the City will honor him with several tributes celebrating his 90th birthday this month. The festivities begin with a free, public dedication and unveiling of the 8-foot-tall bronze statue of Bennett atop Nob Hill on the lawn of Fairmont San Francisco on Friday. Then, that night, the Giants will pay tribute to the legend with "Tony Bennett Night" as they take on the New York Mets. Feel free to sing along to "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." You know you know all the words.
When: Friday, Aug. 19, 12pm
Where: Fairmont San Francisco: 950 Mason St. (Nob Hill), fairmont.com/san-francisco
What: Presented by Noise Pop, this free-of-charge block party will be taking over 20th Street in the Mission, between Bryant and Harrison Streets, this Saturday. The lineup includes Australian indie-electronic group Miami Horror and LA-based Chicano Batman among other rad performances, workshops, and even a pet-adoption center. This year's festival benefits Mission Language and Vocational School, a nonprofit community education and workforce development center, so rest assured you're eating, drinking, and dancing for a good cause.
When: Saturday, Aug. 20, 12-6pm
Where: 20th St. between Bryant and Harrison Streets (Mission), 20thstreetblockparty.com
What: As the 2016 Summer Olympics come to a close, Stag Dining Group is hosting one last event: a mock Olympic game of its own. Spend the afternoon showing off your athletic prowess with 14 lawn bowling lanes on the green next to Lake Merritt. Summer cocktails, live music, and food suited for post-bowling activities will also be available throughout the day. Lawn bowling attire (think: seersucker and bleeding madras) is encouraged!
When: Saturday, Aug. 20, 12-4pm
Where: Oakland Lawn Bowling Club, 660 Bellevue Ave. (Oakland), oaklandlawnbowlingclub.com
(Courtesy of Art & Soul Oakland)
What: Oakland's iconic Art + Soul Festival is returning for its sixteenth year this summer with a Blues & BBQ Blowout featuring the 3rd Annual Oaktown Throwdown BBQ Competition, multiple stages showcasing local musicians and dancers, and an artisan marketplace to shop East Bay wares. Feel free to get your groove on. Admission is $12 for adults; $7 for seniors and youth (ages 13-17). Children 12 & under enjoy free admission.
When: Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 20–21, 12-6pm
Where: Downtown Oakland, adjacent to the 12th Street BART Station (Oakland), artandsouloakland.com
Master Wine Class with Master Sommelier Dustin Wilson
What: Mason Pacific's very own somm Dustin Wilson will be hosting their first master wine class since the grand reopening. Attendees will get to blind taste six wines (three reds and three whites) of classic varietals. After class, stick around for happy hour, where all wines off the market list are half price until 6pm.
When: Saturday, Aug. 20, 3:30-5 pm
Where: Mason Pacific: 1358 Mason St. (Nob Hill), Get tickets here.
What: Red Light Lit, an art and literary journal and reading series, will be hosting an event to discuss love, relationships and sexuality through poetry, art and song at h2hotel in Healdsburg this weekend. Nick Jaina who will be singing and reading from his memoir "Get It While You Can," plus San Francisco writers/performers Allyson Darling and Loria Mendoza; the former poet laureate of Emeryville, Sarah Kobrinsky; local investigative journalist and experiential humorist, Scott Keneally; with musical accompaniment throughout the performances by musician, songwriter and film composer, David Williams. Spend the day roaming Wine Country and the evening exploring love relationships and sexuality through poetry, prose, art and song.
When: Sunday, Aug. 21, 7-9pm
Where: h2hotel: 219 Healdsburg Ave. (Healdsburg), h2hotel.com
