There's plenty to do this Labor Day around the Inner Sunset: the weather looks promising, and the yearly Burning Man exodus means shortened waits for Sunday brunch and plenty of parking. If you're sticking close to home this weekend, here are several suggestions for what to do:
Saturday, Sept. 5th
Kezar Triangle Monthly Volunteer Day
On the first Saturday of the month, volunteers gather at Lincoln & Arguello to spruce up Kezar Triangle, an oasis of green space created between Kezar Stadium and Golden Gate Park.
Arrive a little before 9am to help plant, mulch and weed; SF Rec and Parks will provide the supplies. Wear comfortable clothing with long sleeves, closed shoes and long pants.
23rd Annual USF Cross Country Invitational
Fans of long-distance running should attend the University of San Francisco's 23rd Annual Cross Country Invitational, an event that opens the collegiate cross country season.
Running on grass and dirt trails near Speedway Meadow in Golden Gate Park, several teams from regional schools will compete head-to-head. The women's 5K race will start at 9:30am, and the men's 8K commences at 10:15am.
(Photo: Margarida/Flickr)
Sunset Library Knitting Circle
Whether you're a novice or an expert, the Sunset Library welcomes purlers at every level to join the Knitting Circle on the first and third Saturdays of each month. Bring your supplies to 1308 18th Ave. to learn, teach and get to know other knitting and crochet aficionados from the Inner Sunset (10:15 am - 12:15 pm).
SF Botanical Garden Bean Sprouts Family Days
Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages are encouraged to drop by the San Francisco Botanical Garden between noon and 3pm on Saturday to take part in Bean Sprouts Family Days. Attendees can choose from a variety of activities, including "nature crafts, garden care, outdoor games and exploration in the Childrens' Garden."
Bring lunch to enjoy a picnic in one of America's premier urban gardens; admission is free for SF residents.
At 2pm, the San Francisco Mime Troupe will perform at Peacock Meadow in Golden Gate Park near JFK Drive. Founded as a collective in 1970, the troupe "creates and produces socially relevant theater of the highest professional quality."
Arrive before 1:30pm to enjoy a musical performance before the show begins. The SF Mime Troupe will conclude its 2015 season with shows in Dolores Park on Sunday and Monday. The program is free, but donations are encouraged.
(via Sustainable Race Mile)
Sunday, Sept. 6th
Register now for the Sustainable Race Mile, a race/walk at Kezar Stadium that's part of the Racing to Save Earth Campaign to combat climate change. Participants will race wearing bibs that promote sustainability goals for the Bay Area, such as improved public transit or better-protected bike lanes.
Racers with the best times will compete to win a $100 gift card for Greens Restaurant and each registered entrant receives a free T-shirt and breakfast. There are several races divided by age and gender, but the first event starts at 9 am.
For more details, check the Sustainable Race site or contact Jack Collins at jackevnewsreport {at} gmail {dot} com or (415) 745-5790.
Ornithophiles are encouraged to wake up early on Sunday and head to the SF Botanical Garden for Birding in the Garden, a Meetup group sponsored by SFBGS and the Golden Gate Audubon Society.
RSVP for the Meetup and be at the garden's Main Gate at 8 am to bird-watch with docents Helen McKenna and Allan Ridley. Attendance is free for city residents, but donations are encouraged.
Golden Gate Park Band: Great American Songbook
At 1 pm, find a seat at the Spreckles Temple of Music to hear music by American composers performed by the Golden Gate Park Band. Since 1882, the Golden Gate Park Band has been entertaining audiences with free performances.On Labor Day at 1 pm, the band will return to perform a special holiday concert featuring more American composers; if you're a fan of John Phillips Sousa and Aaron Copeland, this is your jam.
(Tantek Çelik/Flickr)
Since 1996, Lindy in the Park has been gathering fans of swing dancing (and adoring crowds) every Sunday. Starting at 11 am, experienced and newbie dancers gather on the south sidewalk of JFK Drive near the De Young Museum to jump and jive.
Beginners are welcome to attend a free lesson from noon to 12:30 pm; no partner is required, as teachers will "be rotating leaders and followers throughout the lesson."
Monday, Sept. 7th (Labor Day)
Are you without plans on Labor Day? Invite yourself to a Meetup barbecue with card, board and party games hosted by the San Francisco Urban Adventure Club.
Join the Meetup to reveal the secret destination, then show up to enjoy snacks, adult beverages and games ranging from Cards Against Humanity to N64 MarioKart. The party starts at 2pm and runs until 8.
What better way to celebrate America's tradition of hard work than Trivia Night at Blackthorn Tavern (834 Irving)?
Join host Peter to match your mastery of minutiae against other players to win prizes and the right to smack-talk your opponents. The action starts at 9pm and lasts until 11:30, 21+ only.
