Sip Mocktails, See Noir Films, and More Things to Do in San Francisco
Bar Sprezzatura is offering a slew of sophisticated non-alcoholic cocktails this January.
It’s time to pull out your heaviest hoodies and puffy jackets as winter has arrived in San Francisco. With the slightly cooler temperatures, there’s also a lot less fog, which means plenty of sunshine-filled days and clear nights to enjoy the abundance of fun things to do in San Francisco, including checking out excellent neighborhoods and going on outdoor adventures, followed by warming up with great coffee or a drink at fabulous bars with amazing cocktails. You can also eat your way through all of the best food festivals, go to concerts, and more, which we’ll write about here every week. Okay, okay, the National Weather Service is possibly predicting “above normal” levels of rain, but even if that’s right, it’s not going to stop us from nonstop carousing and consumption. After all, if not during winter, then when? Keep reading for the most fun things to do in San Francisco this winter.
Where to Eat and Drink in San Francisco
Through January 31
Financial District, $12 and up
Just because you’re doing Dry January doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy drinks at this swanky aperitivo and Cicchetti bar. This month, the stylish bar and restaurant offers a slew of sophisticated non-alcoholic cocktails perfect for anyone who wants to celebrate the good life while abstaining. Pop in for a happy hour drink and cicchetti (savory snacks), but don’t be surprised when you decide to extend the evening and stay for dinner.
Every Sunday, 5–9 pm
Bernal Heights, $55
Everyone needs a good Sunday Family Meal once in a while, and now you can enjoy one even if your family is nowhere near SF. Foliage, an old-school French bouillon-style restaurant (a place where blue-collar workers could enjoy a tasty meal at an affordable price in a lively atmosphere) that opened in October, usually offers a four-course, $75 tasting menu for dinner, but this Sunday, it will be $55 for adults and $25 for kids. This Sunday’s menu includes roasted chicken breast or roasted Mt. Lassen trout with sides of chicory and beet salad; wheat berries with creamed leeks; braised arrowhead cabbage; and milk bread with cultured butter. Reservations are available here.
Fun Festivals in San Francisco
Through February 4
Various locations, Prices vary
Sketchfest returns to SF with some much-needed laughs. The 18-day festival has over 200 shows featuring 600 artists, including The State, Joel Kim Booster, David Cross, Kids in the Hall, Amber Ruffin, Paul Giamatti, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog + “Weird Al” Yankovic, and Maria Bamford. There will be lots of stand-up, as well as sketch, alternative comedy, music, improv, films, tributes, all-star reunions, live podcasts, and workshops. So basically, it’s something for anyone who enjoys laughing, which is hopefully everyone! Can’t make it in person? Certain shows will be streamed online—and popular events will sell out, so grab your tickets ASAP.
January 19–21
Fort Mason, $35 and up
Experience amazing contemporary art and design from all over the world at this renowned fair that brings leading international galleries and contemporary design dealers together under one roof. The fair has expanded this year with FOG FOCUS, a new showcase featuring young and underrepresented artists, and this year’s theme, “A love letter to San Francisco,” will emerge there, as well as FOG TALKS and other aspects of the fair.
January 19–28
Oakland, $20 and up
“Darkness has no borders” at this 10-day film noir affair showcasing 24 films. There will be double features pairing foreign language films with movies made in the United States and United Kingdom each weekday evening and on weekend afternoons. Sexy and sinister, this is a rare opportunity to see Hollywood classics in a classic movie house.
January 20–18
Downtown Napa, Free
If you’re headed to Napa anytime in the next month, check out this walkable outdoor experience featuring 10 lighted art sculptures (and if you go on one of the first nine nights, projection artwork on three iconic downtown buildings). If you’re going to be there this Saturday, you can meet the artists between 4:30 pm and 6 pm at the Aerena Gallery.
More Fun Things to Do in San Francisco
January 12–13
Tenderloin, $25 and up
Let’s dance! The First Church of the Sacred Silversexual, a David Bowie cover band that also bills itself as the “Church of Bowie,” is taking over the Great American Music Hall for its annual two-night bash celebrating David Bowie’s birthday.
January 12
Mission, $25 and up
They say not to judge a book by its cover, but in this dating experiment that takes place at Manny’s, that’s exactly what one single girl will have to do. A slew of dudes will try to win a date (that literally happens at the bar immediately following the contest) by playing a series of games during which the guys aren’t allowed to speak. Audience members wear wristbands announcing their status, so if you’re single and looking…
Ongoing
SoMa, $30 and up
The iconic workplace comedy 9 to 5, about three employees (initially played by Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda) turning the tables on their sexist and egotistical boss, gets a fresh adaptation this weekend. The show features an all-drag, trans-led cast starring Coco Buttah, Vanilla Meringue, Jubilee, Jota Mercury, Tater Tatas, Titus Androgynous, and Elsa Touche. If you can’t make it this weekend, 9 to 5: LIVE! plays Thursday, Friday, and Saturday through the beginning of February.
January 12–14
North Beach, $35 and up
Head to Club Fugazi to see this autobiographical monologue about Josh Kornbluth’s journey to prove that a science-based revolution of empathy is just the thing needed to “reverse our democracy’s political dementia.”
January 12–14
Union Square, $25
Therapy’s amazing, but sometimes, all you need to feel a little more alive is a healthy dose of laughter. Get yours at this year-round live comedy show featuring five or six “experienced” comedians. There’s no drink minimum, but there is a full bar.
January 13
Bayview, $45 and up
Dillon Francis, aka DJ Hanzel, is taking over The Midway on Saturday night. Black V Neck and Jai Bay Bae are opening up.
January 13
Mission Bay, $46.50 and up
The Harlem Globetrotters have been impressing fans with their trick shots and comedy for almost 100 years, and this weekend, you can see for yourself what all the fun is about. It’s a matinee performance, so it’s definitely intended to be kid-focused, but adults are welcome because who doesn’t want to see the Harlem Globetrotters live?!
January 14
Tenderloin, Free
Join GLIDE’s Center for Social Justice and Glide Memorial Church to honor and celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. There are church services at 9 am and 11 am, both followed by an opportunity to take action and perform community service, picking up trash and distributing things needed by the unhoused community.