Spring is in the air, and there's plenty of fun things to do this weekend. Pack your picnic blanket for a festival of food trucks in the Presidio, or savor chocolatey deliciousness at an event devoted to cocoa confections. Then dance it all off at a lively salsa festival.
Here are our top picks for getting out in San Francisco over the next few days.
San Francisco Salsa Festival
Get out your dancing shoes: the 11th annual San Francisco Salsa Festival is bringing lessons, live music and more to SoMa's Park Central Hotel.
Expect a variety of performances and dance parties, from "social dancing" to events with live music and DJs. The event will also host the World Latin Dance Cup Qualifier Competition, Bachata and Kizomba dancing and more.
"Life, my friends, is the art of getting together," write the organizers. "Nothing could have been possible without this beautiful dance we call salsa. Its presence attracts people and ties them firmly together."
When: Friday, March 29, 7 p.m.–Sunday, March 31, 2:30 a.m.
Where: Park Central Hotel San Francisco, 50 Third St.
Price: $35–160
San Francisco Chocolate Salon
The 13th annual San Francisco International Chocolate Salon is this Saturday, spotlighting an array of artisan and gourmet chocolate confections from "master chocolatiers, confectioners and other culinary artisans." Featured exhibitors will include Amano Artisan Chocolate, Kindred Cooks Caramels, CocoTutti Chocolates, Fairytale Brownies and Dark Heart Chili Sauce, among many others.
In addition to the chocolate tasting, expect cooking demonstrations, chef and author talks and interviews conducted by TasteTV's "Chocolate Television" program.
When: Friday, March 30, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Where: San Francisco County Fair Building/Hall of Flowers, 1199 9th Ave.
Price: $10-20
Presidio Picnic season launch
Last but not least, the eighth annual Presidio Picnic kicks off its 2019 season on Sunday with "an amazing lineup of new creators, performers and family-friendly fun," according to the organizers. The event takes place each Sunday through the end of October.
Expect more than 30 food vendors curated by Off the Grid, including A16 pizza, Bi-Rite ice cream, Senor Sisig burritos and Hotbird fried chicken. Also on tap: a full bar with beer, wine and cocktails for purchase, free yoga classes from LubbDubb, free Presidio Y "learn-to-ride" bike lessons for kids (every first Sunday of the month), and "cultural dance performances" every third Sunday.
When: Sunday, March 31, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Main Parade Ground, Sheridan Avenue
Price: Free admission, food and beverage for purchase
