Golden Gate Park Events – February 2017
Whether you’re looking for opportunities to keep up with your New Year Resolution, or seeking a way to indulge in a love of flowers, Golden Gate Park events in February 2017 provides plenty of activities and gatherings to keep you active and surrounded by natural beauty. Additional outings offer something for beer lovers, bacon lovers, and those interested in unique Valentine’s Day fun, so don’t forget to mark your calendars for the following options:
Weekend Warrior – Hellman Hollow – February 4, 11, 18 & 25
If you need a little boost in sticking with a workout plan at the end of the week, a Weekend Warrior fitness boot camp just might be the thing to help keep you on track. Led by a certified personal trainer, you’ll have a chance to participate in energizing exercises that promote correct techniques. This is also the perfect time to get the answers to all of your fitness questions. Although bottled water is available on a first come first serve basis, you might want to bring your own hydration for this event. This group will meet every Saturday at 10:45 a.m. with the workout taking place from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Hellman Hollow can be found at 50 Overlook Drive in Golden Gate Park.
Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon – February 5
A great deal of running events takes place at Golden Gate Park, and when it comes to the 34th annual Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon & 5K, you’ll enjoy what is referred to as being one of the most scenic courses. Thousands of runners from around the state come to participate – walking, jogging and running – for a good cause and in the name of better health. The start of the 5K is 8 a.m. and the Half Marathon begins at 8:10 a.m. The entire run is scheduled to end at 11:30 a.m. For more details, click here.
San Francisco Beer & Bacon Binge – Haight-Ashbury neighborhood – February 5
Calling all bacon lovers! If a cold brew and crispy bacon sound like a good combination of fun for you, then you might want to consider participating in a walking tour that takes you through the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. A variety of pit stops await, where you can indulge in bacon-topped, bacon-wrapped, bacon-filled, and bacon-stuffed treats. The walk takes off from Golden Gate Park. The cost to enjoy this event is $42. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Magnolias, Camellias & Rhododendrons: Pencil Drawing – SF Botanical Garden – February 9
Join botanical artist Nina Antze, as she guides you through a workshop centered on colored pencil drawing techniques. To practice mixing and layering color, a collection of live magnolias, camellias, and rhododendron from the Garden will serve as your inspiration. Other techniques covered include burnishing, layering, and using watercolor pencil.
This art event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., which includes a visit to the botanical exhibit in the Library and to the Garden (if the weather permits). The cost to enjoy this workshop is $75 for members and $90 for non-members. A supply list will be provided to participants, and it is suggested that you bring along a lunch.
Noise Pop NightLife – California Academy of Science – February 9
The Academy is hosting an evening gathering to celebrate the 25th annual Noise Pop Festival with help from Animal Collective (DJ set), Avey Tare & Geologist. Push the Feeling DJs will also fill the scene with the sounds of disco and indie house music. The East Pavilion will open up to provide electronic sounds with sci-fi inspired instruments. You can also go home with a popsicle stick harmonica that you make yourself.
The Thursday NightLife event begins at 6 p.m. and continues on until 10 p.m. Admission is $12 for members and $15 for non-members. Valid identification is required for entry, as the party is only open to those belonging to the 21 and over crowd.
Blooms and Brews Full Moon Walk – SF Botanical Garden – February 11
In celebration of Magnificent Magnolias and SF Beer Week, the Botanical Garden has its own event planned that incorporates a special full moon walk (in partnership with Fort Point Beer Co.). Because of this, you will have locally brewed beer on hand, as you walk about the glorious sight of magnolias during a docent led tour by the moonlight. Fort Point Co. will pour their Park beer, Moon Phase beer, and an exclusive SF Beer Week brew for you to try. It is suggested to bring a flashlight along. Keep in mind that heavy rain will cancel the event. Mark your calendar for a 5:30 p.m. start. For more information, click here.
Anti-Trump Ocean Beach Protest – Ocean Beach – February 11
If you’re looking for a way to voice your political opinion in a peaceful, family-friendly manner, Ocean Beach is hosting a get-together for those looking to make a powerful visual statement. From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., join others who will use their bodies to spell out a powerful message, where a photographer and videographer will be on hand to capture the moment from a helicopter high above in an effort to send the statement worldwide. The exact location for this event will be between the Beach Chalet and the Cliff House.
Valentine’s Day Happy Hour/Plant Love Tour – SF Botanical Garden – February 12 & 14
The 50 Shades of Green: Valentine’s Day Happy Hour and Plant Love Tour taking place at the Garden will concentrate on the intriguing world of plant reproduction. This guided Garden tour also includes beer, wine and small eats, as you are surrounded by magnolias in bloom. You have two separate opportunities to consider:
• February 12 – 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• February 14 – 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The cost to participate in this event is $45 for members, and $50 for nonmembers.
Aphrodisiacs of the Tropics – Conservatory of Flowers – February 14
If the science of romance interests you, perhaps an evening at the Conservatory will put you in the right mood for Valentine’s Day. An introduction to unique specimens within the permanent collection includes aphrodisiacs hailing from tropical jungle lands, such as cashew, hibiscus, cacao, bananas, coffee, vanilla, cinnamon, and cardamom. The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a cost of $30 (for one person) and $50 (for a couple).
The price of your ticket will include complimentary wine tasting courtesy of Muscardini Cellars paired with Dandelion Small Batch Chocolates. Served at the cash bar, you can sip on aphrodisiac-inspired specialty cocktails while mingling with locals. Food will be available to purchase on the Palm Terrace. The Butterflies and Blooms exhibit will also be open to attendees of this event, which is only open for those within the 21 and over crowd.
SF Beer Week NightLife – California Academy of Science – February 16
Local beer and spirit experts will be on hand to transform the Academy into a lively hub for those looking to participate in SF Beer Week. The night will include a pop-up beer garden representing dozens of local breweries, such as Fort Point, Black Hammer, New Bohemia, Pacific Brewing Laboratory, and Triple Voodoo. Keep in mind that you’ll have to purchase beer tickets to enjoy various 3-ounce samples and 12-ounce full beer servings ($2 for 1 ticket). You will also have the chance to ask experts about making your own home brews, and learn more about signature craft beers from local makers.
The festivities kick off at 6 p.m. and last until 10 p.m. The event costs $12 for members and $15 for non-members. Keep in mind that only those who are 21 and over are allowed to gain entrance into the party.
Magnificent Magnolia Walking Tour – SF Botanical Garden – February 18
From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., you can take a walking tour throughout the Garden with a magnolia expert by your side. Take time to learn about the history of the Garden’s collection, as well as get tips on how to grow magnolias in the Bay Area. Don’t forget to bring your camera for this event, which costs $15 for members and $20 for non-members.
Pacific Orchid and Garden Exposition – S.F. County Fair Building – February 24-26
If you are a flower enthusiast, then you might want to mark your calendar for the 65th Annual Pacific Orchid and Garden Exposition, which has a reputation for being one of the largest orchid shows in the U.S. This newly expanded event will provide even more ways to indulge in your interest in horticulture. In addition to thousands of orchids on display, you’ll have a chance to participate in a silent auction, listen to live music, and view lovely flowers from around the world on the following days and times:
• Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The cost to purchase a 3-Day Pass is $30, where general admission bought in advance online is $14 and $15 at the door. Seniors (65+) pay $11 advance online and $12 at the door. Children ages 16 and under are free. For more information, call (650) 548-6700 or click here.
Spreckles Lake 5K, Lightning Mile & Kids Run – JFK Dr & 36th Ave – February 26
Situated across from Spreckles Lake, you will not only find two races (a speedy, downhill 1-mile run and scene-filled 5K loop), but also a kids run that starts at 9:45 a.m. The mile run will begin at 9 a.m., while the 5K follows immediately after its completion. It is suggested to arrive by 8:40 a.m. to allow enough time for registration. The start location is Kennedy Drive near Transverse with a finish near Spreckles Lake. Call (415) 978-0837 for more information.
Golden Gate Park