Castro Weekend Events: Fireworks, Boy Band Sing-A-Long, And Classic Summer Movies

Castro Weekend Events: Fireworks, Boy Band Sing-A-Long, And Classic Summer MoviesBBQ in the Cliff's Variety window. (Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline)
Steven Bracco
Published on July 03, 2015

Hopefully by now you've had enough time to recover from Pride, and you're ready to celebrate our nation's birthday over the weekend. We've got a few events and suggestions for what to do this Fourth of July, and even a few spots to catch the fireworks far enough away from the crowds. 

Friday, July 3rd

Storytime
Looking for something to do with your little one who's out of school on summer vacation? Then head over to Books Inc. for First Friday Storytime at 3pm. Special guest China Jones will be reading her picture book, Alex & The Lion. This free event is open for children aged three and up, and will include crafts and snacks. 

Sing Along
Do you long for the days when music groups had synchronized dancing moves and matching tacky outfits? Then SF Indiefest's Music Video Sing-A-Long: Boy Bands & Girl Groups at the Roxie Theater is the place for you. They'll be playing all your favorites from the 90s, 2000s and today, so "put down that copy of Tiger Beat, coordinate outfits with two to four friends, and book it to the Roxie Theatre to spice up your life." The show starts at 9pm.

Saturday, July 4th

BBQ
What's the Fourth without a BBQ? The Castro Country Club will be hosting their Fourth of July Barbecue from 11am to 4pm. All are welcome to this free event, where they'll be serving hotdogs and hamburgers. 

Fireworks
If you're for somewhere to watch the fireworks, but don't want to head all the way over to Pier 39 and Aquatic Park, there are a few places in the neighborhood that will offer a good enough view. One option is Corona Heights Park, up near the Randall Museum, where there are sure to be plenty of people. Another, lesser-known alternative is Tank Hill. It's easy to miss on your way up to Twin Peaks Blvd., but it's got some of the best views of the city and will be the perfect spot to avoid the crowds and still see the fireworks. The city of SF's fireworks show is scheduled to begin at 9:30pm; let's hope the fog cooperates this year. 

Sunday, July 5th

Double Feature
On a weekend when many people are headed to local beaches, rivers and lakes to take in the summer weather, The Castro Theatre will be showing a classic summer double feature of films that have been scaring viewers away from these locations for decades. First up, and celebrating its 40th anniversary, is Steven Spielberg's killer-shark blockbuster, Jaws (2:45pm & 7pm). This will be followed up by the Joe Dante-directed Piranha (5:10 & 9:20).

World Cup Final
Head on over to your favorite neighborhood sports bar (Hi Tops, The Mix, or Pilsner Inn) to watch the 2015 Women's World Cup Final, in which Team USA takes on Japan. The two teams already went head-to-head in the 2011 Women's World Cup Final, where Japan came out victorious, and the 2012 Olympics, where Team USA won the gold medal, so it'll be an exciting rematch. The match, which is being broadcast live from Vancouver, begins at 4pm.

Have any events that we missed? Let us know in the comments below. Otherwise, have a fun and safe holiday weekend. Happy Fourth of July!