Five ways to start your new year in San Francisco
The city has an uncanny ability to unveil new experiences. San Francisco is a perpetual playground for those who know where to look.
I’ve lived in San Francisco long enough to see all the main attractions, but the city never lacks in more to do. San Francisco is a perpetual playground for those who know where to look, and these events caught my eye while I was planning stories for The Bold Italic to tackle in 2024.
The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill
Who would have thought these cute misbehaving birds would become San Francisco’s official animal? I doubt their documentary maker did in 2003. I’ve never seen this film, so I’m excited it’s been updated to 4K and showing at The Roxie Theater. Here’s the trailer and more details:
Filmmaker Judy Irving presents us the story of Mark Bittner, an eccentric musician and writer who serendipitously becomes the caregiver and guardian of a flock of cherry-headed conures — a species of parrots native to South America. These green and red birds have made the urban landscape of San Francisco their home, particularly in the lush trees of Telegraph Hill.
Bittner and Irving will be at screenings on the 12th and 13th to participate in a Q&A by Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight, who ran the poll with SF Chronicle that set the whole mascot change in motion.
WHEN: Jan. 12–18, various times in the afternoon and early evening
WHERE: The Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St., San Francisco, CA 94103
Fashioning San Francisco: A Century of Style
Nothing gets me to a museum faster than complex, high-end apparel creations on mannequins — seriously.
This exhibition boasts one of the most iconic assortments of 20th- and 21st-century women’s clothing in the United States, featuring a hundred collection highlights that includes haute couture lent by local contributors. It is the first major presentation of the de Young’s costume collection in over 35 years, showcasing pieces from renowned French couturiers and Japanese avant-garde designers, along with other influential figures in the fashion industry.
Among the featured designers are Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen, Christopher John Rogers, Comme des Garçons, and Rodarte.
WHEN: January 20 — August 11
WHERE: The de Young, Golden Gate Park
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
Light Up The Night Bike Parade
More lights, please. We really can never have enough of them in this city.
As dusk settles over San Francisco, participants gather in front of the Conservatory of Flowers on JFK Promenade by the ‘Love’ blocks. Each participant gets adorned with an array of radiant lights, glow sticks, and illuminated accessories that turn their wheels into rolling works of art. The SF Bicycle Coalition will give out hundreds of free bike lights in Golden Gate Park (while supplies last), with lights generously sponsored by Bay Area Bicycle Law.
Bikes, strollers, wheelchairs, skates, scooters, and other wheels are all welcome, so decorate your ride and help light our way through through the heart of Golden Gate Park.
WHEN: January 20, 5–7 p.m.
WHERE: JFK Promenade by the ‘Love’ blocks
2024 San Francisco Ballet gala
In my head, I always act like this is the Met Gala even though it isn’t. It’s the beginning of the fancy social season for arty and philanthropic types in San Francisco, otherwise known as a night of beautiful dance and partying in some really cool fashion. I’m surprised to see affordable tickets for their after party only — affordable for this event, anyway! This is my recount of last year’s event.
WHEN: January 24, 2024
WHERE: War Memorial Opera House
301 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
2024 Edwardian Ball
This is another one I hear about all the time but miss every year, so I’m excited to add it to my calendar. The Edwardian Ball is a tribute to art, music, theatre, fashion, technology, and circus, drawing inspiration from the works of the late, esteemed author and illustrator, Edward Gorey.
The expansive and multimedia extravaganza has evolved significantly over the course of 23 years. Originating as an underground club party, it has now blossomed into an arts festival.
WHEN: Jan. 26 is “Edwardian Eve” and Jan. 27 is the Edwardian Ball.
WHERE: The Regency Ballroom
1300 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109
Saul Sugarman is editor in chief of The Bold Italic.
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