Featured Events in San Francisco in February 2025 (July Updated)

A trailblazer in 20th-century Japanese calligraphy, Shinoda Toko (1913–2021) reshaped the art of ink abstraction with her distinctive and dynamic style. Shinoda studied traditional calligraphy but soon rejected the practice of copying past masters, likening it to “creating a fake.” A calligrapher at heart, Shinoda preferred lithography over woodblock printing, as it allowed her to directly apply her brushwork to the plate, capturing the nuances of each stroke. As she transitioned from painting legible Chinese characters toward avant-garde abstraction, Shinoda initially faced resistance in Japan and moved to New York in 1956. “I wanted to see how my works would be received in a foreign country,” she later recalled, “where letters are not read as letters.” Throughout her 107-year lifetime, the artist consistently sought her own vision of beauty, free from the confines of tradition.

Ragnar Kjartansson’s beloved video installation The Visitors (2012) is back at SFMOMA. In this mesmerizing hour-long work projected across nine screens, viewers are transported once again to the serene setting of Rokeby in upstate New York as the Icelandic artist and his musician friends perform together in various rooms of this historic mansion.

Table Manners brings together tableware, flatware, and drinkware from the SFMOMA Architecture + Design collection spanning nearly 100 years. The exhibition celebrates the ways design has shaped our relationship to food, our bodies, and communities, and how dining can be a profound communal and cultural experience. From self-filling wine glasses and teapots made of tea, to crisp modernist spoons and flatware made from discarded CDs, Table Manners explores the performance of dining. The exhibition includes works by Virgil Abloh, Joe Colombo, Zaha Hadid, Roberto Lugo, and many more, accompanied by illustrations and textiles by Lucy Stark.

Hawks, pheasants, ducks, quail, egrets, and other birds appear frequently in Japanese paintings. With roots in the Chinese “bird and flower” genre, some are traditionally associated with a particular season or sentiment; others were chosen by artists and patrons simply for their beauty. The paintings currently on view in the Tateuchi Japanese Galleries use birds as both decorations and symbols, representing the seasons, strength, longevity, fidelity, or good fortune. They include decorative rimpa-style paintings; large, Kano-style screen paintings; and intimate hanging scrolls decorated in ink and faint colors.

Conversations at a party in Oakland in 1932 changed the history of photography. At that gathering, several now-iconic Bay Area figures — including Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham, and Edward Weston — banded together to form Group f.64, a collective dedicated to “true” photography and the rejection of the prevailing style of Pictorialism, which mimicked painting. The group’s name was technical, referring to the camera lens setting that permits the greatest depth of field, but their mission was creative: to make photographs of startling clarity and beauty that rivaled art made in other mediums. Although Group f.64 lasted for less than a year, its legacy endured, marking the Bay Area as an epicenter for modernist photography.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the Bay’s ultimate fan-first festival! Located on the 4th Floor of City View at Metreon, celebrate your love for basketball at Cashback Courts with celeb showdowns, endless ways to play and earn, exclusive merch, the Bay’s best bites, cardmember perks, and so much more. Secure your spot now—registration is free and open to the public, but space is subject to venue capacity. Information Source: Cashback Courts | eventbrite

From jongleurs to 說書人 Pingshu artists, storytellers throughout history have played a critical role in elucidating key facets of the human experience, making sense of our past and navigating our present. The stories they tell reveal profound truths about our reality, the shaping of identity, and human behavior. Both personal and political, some stories have insidiously perpetuated segregation, racism and sexism, whilst others offer visions of equitable futures through imagining and building worlds anew. Stories are inherently spiritual phenomena, often perceived as having a touch of magic, with their ability to manifest substance, texture, characters, and worlds. There is the gift of space, time and knowledge in stories. The exhibition, Walking Stories, contemplates the storied nature of human behavior and how individuals may be perceived as embodied "walking stories". Carried within the storyteller, passed down through generations are countless stories shared, given, received, and exchanged. Far from being fixed, stories are fluid in essence, constantly evolving as they are expanded on, abbreviated, and adapted per circumstance, context and audience. As such, how do we carry, gift, receive, exchange stories? What is said and intentionally left unsaid? How might we tell the untold stories of those who do not have capacity or reveal that which is not yet uncovered? In what ways do stories shape human connection, cross-generationally, personally and collectively? Artists Alice Wu, Dohee Lee, Farhana Sobhan, Katie Quan, Lydia Nakashima Degarrod, Hana Luna Her, Manon Wada, Mia Nakano, Miko Lee, Related Tactics, Trần Châu Hà and Tsim Nuj Vang explore these questions in their multimedia practice and collaborative exhibition, Walking Stories. Ranging from interactive installations, video, performance, photography, zines to conceptual potluck, the artists interrogate prevailing stories and their ramifications and prioritize stories that cultivate interconnectedness, empathy and invested involvement in the world around us. As individual and collective ‘walking stories’, every story we create, creates us. After all, we are shaped by our shaping of the world, which is perpetually shaped again in turn.

Explore a “narrative landscape” through pages from the janamsakhi (ਜਨਮਸਾਖੀ), or life story, of Guru Nanak (1469–1539). Incorporating styles found in traditional Indian miniatures, these works depict the guru’s meetings with various figures — from poet-saints like Kabir to kings and fantastical creatures — set against a shifting background of green fields, rolling hills, and streams full of fish. While underscoring Guru Nanak’s expansive work and influence, these images also reflect Sikhism’s quest to bridge ideological and religious divides.

Skateboarding has always been about more than tricks and competitions. It is a culture rooted in rebellion, creativity, style, and the pursuit of freedom. This exhibition, curated by Jeffrey Cheung and Gabriel Ramirez, founders of the skate collective Unity, celebrates the dreams and realities of queer, trans, BIPOC, and women skaters as well as the diverse communities that have shaped the sport, despite histories of hypermasculinity and exclusionary attitudes. Meet the pioneers who broke barriers, from the first women and queer skaters to go pro, to the underground movements that encouraged inclusivity and change in skateboarding. Through skateboards that represent queer and women skaters and artists, skate publications and zines, artworks, photographs, videos, and more, the works featured here explore how communities have fostered unity through a shared ethos of passion and determination. Just as skaters who, despite injuries and setbacks, persistently attempt a trick until they land it, Unity through Skateboarding encourages us to keep pushing for a more inclusive world, both on and off the board.

Inspired by the aura of global fame and popularity in Hallyu! The Korean Wave, the Koret Korean Galleries currently highlight artworks that speak to the idea of celebrity in a variety of creative ways. A brief survey of celebrity artists — renowned figures in the Korean art scene — includes works in watercolor, photography, and sculpture by Kim Whanki, Lee Gapchul, and Paik Nam June, as well as an arresting abstract painting by Korean American artist SoHyun Bae.

At its heart, Get in the Game: Sports, Art, Culture offers a collection of stories that show how sports impacts our culture and our psyches. They’re the type of stories that fuel our collective passion for “the game.” Discover the depth of swimmer Diana Nyad’s determination through an unexpected portrait angle. Feel the pressure Billie Jean King faced through a reenactment of her legendary “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match. Celebrate Kobe Bryant’s legacy as an NBA superstar and cultural icon in lustrous ceramic. This exhibition taps into the spirit of why you love sports through what we know best: art, design, and interactive experiences. It’s time to get in the game.

The Masako Martha Suzuki Teahouse is a tranquil and refreshing highlight of the Tateuchi Japanese galleries. Located in the Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Gallery and designed by architect Sato Osamu (b. 1931), the beloved teahouse features a display of collection objects that changes seasonally. The teahouse currently offers examples of rustic ceramics including a tea bowl, freshwater jar, and flower vase by renowned artist Tsujimura Shiro (b. 1947), curated by Associate Curator of Japanese Art Yuki Morishima. In the alcove, a hanging scroll by Chuho Sou (1760–1838), the 418th chief priest of Daitokuji Temple in Kyoto, bears a three-character inscription reading Muichimotsu: “All things are nothingness.” The phrase is a Zen Buddhist reminder to free oneself from desire and attachments — an appropriate message for a tea gathering, and an intriguing thought to consider while enjoying the teahouse’s atmosphere of minimalist serenity.

Reaching new heights with both its influential style and its staggering auction prices, the work of Qi Baishi (Chinese, 1864–1957) remains an inspiration to audiences worldwide. Blending expertly minimal brushwork with passages of abstraction, Qi changed the course of traditional Chinese painting. His ink paintings capture everyday scenes and familiar moments, evoking the essential beauty of nature and the joy of life’s simple pleasures.In 1960, the de Young Museum presented a solo exhibition of Qi Baishi’s art in San Francisco, a recognition no other Chinese artist had previously achieved in the U.S. More recently, his paintings have set multimillion-dollar records as the most expensive Chinese artworks ever sold at auction. But throughout his lifetime, Qi maintained a down-to-earth sensibility rooted in his humble origins as a peasant carpenter — even as he rose to international prominence.

Reaching new heights with both its influential style and its staggering auction prices, the work of Qi Baishi (Chinese, 1864–1957) remains an inspiration to audiences worldwide. Blending expertly minimal brushwork with passages of abstraction, Qi changed the course of traditional Chinese painting. His ink paintings capture everyday scenes and familiar moments, evoking the essential beauty of nature and the joy of life’s simple pleasures.In 1960, the de Young Museum presented a solo exhibition of Qi Baishi’s art in San Francisco, a recognition no other Chinese artist had previously achieved in the U.S. More recently, his paintings have set multimillion-dollar records as the most expensive Chinese artworks ever sold at auction. But throughout his lifetime, Qi maintained a down-to-earth sensibility rooted in his humble origins as a peasant carpenter — even as he rose to international prominence.

Every two years, SFMOMA celebrates Bay Area artists and our creative community with the SECA Art Award. Established in 1967, the award has honored nearly one hundred local recipients with an exhibition and platform for expanding their practices and sharing their work with new audiences. The 2024 SECA Art Award exhibition celebrates Rose D’Amato, Angela Hennessy, and Rupy C. Tut. Each artist has conceived a gallery with new works that bring distinct perspectives, processes, and materials into the museum.

Widely recognized for his singular approach towards sound and new technologies, Samson Young (born 1979, Hong Kong; based in Hong Kong) utilizes performance, video, and installation to rigorously examine the cultural, political, and historical contexts of sound. Samson Young’s first West Coast solo exhibition debuts Intentness and songs, a multimedia installation that poetically traces the idiosyncratic rhythms of love, memory, and experiences of time. In this interconnected audiovisual landscape, Young draws on the duration and rhythm of human and generative AI memory recall processes as the basis for polychromatic sculptures, videos, and a mesmerizing soundscape. Visitors are invited to wander through pathways of wooden boards with markings created through a mix of techniques and 3D-printed boards etched and embedded with objects and memories excerpted from the lives of the artist and his husband.

San Francisco Sketchfest is a renowned comedy festival founded in 2001 that focuses on showcasing the diversity and talent of the comedy community. The event, which is usually held in January each year, lasts for several weeks and includes improv, stand-up, comedy theater, film screenings, live podcast recordings, and special events that pay tribute to classic comedy and comedy celebrities. Sketchfest brings together comedians, writers, and performers from all over the world, including well-known stars and emerging talents. Many participants come from television shows (such as Saturday Night Live or The Daily Show), the podcast world, and the film industry. The event's atmosphere is very relaxed and inclusive, attracting audiences of all ages and comedic tastes. In addition, it provides opportunities to interact with comedians, such as Q&A sessions or workshops, giving audiences a deeper understanding of the behind-the-scenes process of comedy creation. For comedy fans and creators, San Francisco Sketchfest is a can't-miss event.

Looking to get away from it all? This selection of idyllic landscapes by famed Chinese ink painters, past and present, offers a perfect opportunity to escape the hectic pace of city life in the digital age. The selection on view offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a masterpiece by Ni Zan (1301-1374), a cultural icon in Chinese history, whose dry, spare brushwork evokes lyrical tranquility and a world cleansed of turmoil during the chaotic period of dynastic transition. Following the ancient Chinese tradition of mountain worship, many of these landscapes use the contours of sacred mountains and the movements of waters and clouds to embody Daoist philosophy, beckoning the viewer to engage in a personal, cultural, and spiritual communion. As mountains are personified as venerable deities, rivers become their veins; mists are their breath; foliage is their hair; and rocks are their bones.

Don't miss our Annual Lunar New Year Run! As we kick off this vibrant celebration, we invite you to join us in honoring the rich traditions and cultural heritage of the Lunar New Year. We will have mini lanterns at the finish for you to commemorate your time with.This event is not just about running; it’s a chance to come together as a community, embrace the spirit of renewal, and celebrate new beginnings. With every step we take, let’s spread joy and good fortune, reflecting on the values of family, unity, and prosperity that this festive season embodies.Overview: Run will sell-out QUICK! We will close off waves the moment they fill up. If waves are sold out, you can sign-up for the virtual run option or wait list. This is a smaller, private group run with a cap per wave. All paces and ages (under 18 with guardian) are welcome - Run or Walk! There's no equipment or setup, this is a pure run with our coordinators to support you! When you sign-up, we give you the support you need to help you achieve your goals and fitness. Timing: - Timing is Optional: You may track your time on an app (Strava, RunKeeper, Nike Run, etc) and submit your times with our easy form to be posted online. Or you can ask our coordinators to help keep track of your time. - No timing chips (This is a stress free run to support you in achieving your goals)! What You Get (Swag Bag): -Running T-Shirt (Shipped to the address you register with - US only) - Finisher's Towel or Giveaway - Finisher's Medal!(Shipped - Email us after the run) - Training Pack & Free Giveaways - (Optional) Online Results & Certificate of Completion - (Optional) We now have Technical Running Shirts. These lightweight, moisture wicking shirts can be upgraded for just $5 more. - (Optional) Custom Marble Plaque/Award. Name, Distance, Time or whatever text you'd like on a Custom Marble Plaque for just $10 more. - (Optional) Join our new Running Club Near You! As a paid club member, you can participate in any 3 of our races throughout one year (any location) after you sign-up and get Custom Swag. If you want to purchase Swag, you can also visit our Online Store at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheBestRacesSwag. Packet Pickup: No hassle of picking up packets required! -Swag shipped direct to your address (Please make sure you provide your full, correct US mailing address including apartment number and check spelling) - Race bibs are provided on race day When will I get my Swag? You will get your shirt at your mailing address the week of your race. Race Updates: We will email you a final update the Wednesday before the race with final details and course maps. Do you accept last minute registrations? (For those signing up 2 weeks before the race) Yes, but please note that it takes time for us to ship your shirt. Your shirt will likely arrive after the run. You can wear any shirt you find appropriate to run the race! Wave Times: (Email Us Your Desired Wave Time:info@thebestraces.com) (Waves filled on a First Come, First Serve Basis) Wave A: 7:30AM Wave B: 8:00AM Wave C: 8:30AM Late runners can run upon arrival (Please note our coordinators stay until 2.5 hours after the first wave) Virtual Run Option: - Our Virtual Run uniquely offers a Training Pack with Digital Tools to support your run. Virtual runs can be done any time and place of your choosing using any tracking device (optional). After you finish, you can submit your results to info@thebestraces.com to receive your medal! Race Bundle: Sign-up for more races and get a discount! We'll send you your shirts for each race together. If you complete 3 of our runs, we'll send you a Custom Runner Marble Plaque (in lieu of the 2nd/3rd Medal)! GiftCertificates:Gift a race to a friend or family member on a beautiful Gift Voucher. Just email us at info@thebestraces.com or purchase in store. Sponsorships & Promoting your Business: If you're looking to become a sponsor, we'd love showcase your business! https://www.thebestraces.com/events Team Glo Volunteers: If you're interested in helping put on runs for the Community and helping people achieve their goals, we invite you to join our team of volunteers, fill out the form here: https://www.thebestraces.com/volunteer-form/ Run for Others: Make a Difference Our 4 core fundraising themes are: Cancer, Water, Education, & Other Causes. These core values drive our mission and shape our approach to fundraising, ensuring that every effort contributes to a more equitable and hopeful world. If you’re a Non-Profit or an individual wanting to work together, feel free to contact us for more information at contact@thebestraces.com. Or find out more at www.thebestracesjourney.com. Information Source: The Best Races | eventbrite

SF Sketchfest is proud to present "Tag It with The Sklar Brothers" at Cobb's Comedy Club in San Francisco. The event will take place on February 1, 2025, at 915 Columbus Avenue. Join the Sklar Brothers for a night of hilarious comedy and entertainment. Don't miss out on this opportunity to see these talented comedians in action. Get your tickets now and make sure to mark your calendars for a memorable evening filled with laughter.

Reuniting friends and improvisers from the famed-and-former Facebook Improv show, these improv veterans are SF Sketchfest longtime staples! With Owen Burke, Chad Carter, Lisa Gilroy, Mary Holland, Rob Huebel, Phil Jackson, Jason Mantzoukas, Seth Morris, Paul Scheer and Carl Tart. Information Source: SF Sketchfest | eventbrite

Beloved sketch comedy legends The State present a never-before-seen live reading of their unproduced musical A Holiday Hubbub at Porcupine Corners. Don't miss this one-time-only special event. Information Source: SF Sketchfest | eventbrite

The Golden State Warriors, established in 1946 and based in San Francisco, California, USA, play their home games at Chase Center. The Warriors have won the NBA Championship seven times, including four titles between 2015 and 2022. Current key players include Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. The Orlando Magic, established in 1989 and based in Orlando, Florida, USA, play their home games at Kia Center. The Magic have not won an NBA Championship. Current key players include Paolo Banchero.

Join Us for the Unveiling of Marco Cochrane’s ‘R-EVOLUTION’! Experience the awe-inspiring debut of Marco Cochrane’s breathtaking kinetic sculpture, with the renowned artist in attendance. This celebration of art and music is not to be missed! Dress in Burning Man themed attire as we enjoy Burning Man-inspired music, live DJ performances organized by Opulent Temple, photo opportunities with the sculpture, a full bar, food and a stunning lighting display by Illuminate and Mad Alchemy. The first 200 guests will receive an artist poster. Event Highlights: • 4:00 PM: Bar, Food and Music Open to all ages. • 5:30 PM: A word from Artist, Marco Cochrane + Special Guest, Deja Solis, Muse and Collaborator. • 5:45 PM: Join in a Moment of Silence and Song as the Kinetic Artwork Breathes for the First Time in Union Square. • 6:00 PM: Lighting ceremony and Main Music/DJ Performance. • 7:30 PM: Walk Led by Second-Line Brass Band Guiding us to an After-Party at Downtown First Thursdays. Don’t miss this exclusive event—be part of the moment as we unveil ‘R-EVOLUTION’! Special Thanks to: The Union Square Alliance, The Sijbrandij Foundation, Building 180, San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, Opulent Temple, Illuminate and Lance Gordon / Mad Alchemy, Into the Streets, Civic Joy Fund and Downtown First Thursdays. For More Information Visit: https://visitunionsquaresf.com/r-evolution Questions Reach out to: info@building180.com Information Source: Opulent Temple and Building 180 | eventbrite

Galantis will be performing at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on February 8, 2025. The Swedish electronic music duo, known for their energetic and uplifting tracks, is set to deliver a memorable show for fans in the city. Located at 99 Grove Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, the venue offers a spacious and dynamic setting for attendees to enjoy the duo's infectious beats and catchy melodies. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience Galantis live in concert at this iconic San Francisco location.

Experience a mesmerizing evening dedicated to the legendary Joan Baez at Sweet Relief Presents a Night to Honor Joan Baez in San Francisco. The event will take place at The Masonic on February 8, 2025. Join fellow music enthusiasts in paying homage to the iconic singer-songwriter at this prestigious venue located at 1111 California St, San Francisco, CA, 94108. Get ready for a memorable night filled with soulful performances and heartfelt tributes to one of the most influential figures in the music industry. Mark your calendars for this special event celebrating the timeless music of Joan Baez.

ENJOY YOUR 2025 ALL-STAR WEEKEND THE RIGHT WAY, BE THE FIRST TO KNOW WHERE TO PARTY, RECEIVE SPECIAL DISCOUNTS, AND RECEIVE UP TO DATE INFORMATION ON WHERE ALL THE CELEBRITY EVENTS, CONCERTS, DAY PARTIES, AND GIVEAWAYS WILL BE!ONE Pass, MULTIPLE Venues! OVER 170,000 PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY REGISTERED! ALL-STAR 2025 will be held in San Francisco, CA February 13th-16th! Stay tuned for more information regarding CELEBRITY Events/ Day Parties / Nightlife events & more! Provided will be a complete list of our parties and events during the tournament weekend! We will also provide our customers with ticket DISCOUNTS and GIVEAWAYS! **This party pass is an exclusive invitation to purchase official tickets for all of our weekend entertainment!** Search no more for your ALL-STAR plans, we're the one stop shop that will ensure you have an UNFORGETTABLE ALL-STAR Weekend experience. There will be events catered to ALL age demographics! Please only (1) RSVP Per Person! NO NEED TO RSVP MULTIPLE TIMES! Please be aware that once tickets go on sale, all sales are FINAL. For more info please email us @maineventmm@gmail.com (The venues and promoters reserve the right to deny entry) READY TO TAP IN?? Click below to RSVP for your PARTY PASS!! The pass gets you all event information, updates, access to giveaways, special ticket prices, early access to tickets, AND MORE!!!! Please note that the PARTY PASS only gets you exclusive information and offers for events. The VIP PARTY PASS grants access to all of our events all star weekend. www.MainEventMM.eventbrite.com FOR BOOTH and TABLE INFO CONTACT: 310.770.4427 Information Source: Main Event Marketing & Management | eventbrite