Photos: Courtesy SFCVB
Story by Olga Bas
San Francisco always has it going on, and the bay area's Fall line-up is no exception. Today, for example, sees the 16th Annual Pool Toss, one of the more outrageous fundraisers you are likely to encounter. Thrown for the benefit of the Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation, the Pool Toss, as the name would imply, consists of obliging local and national celebrities pushed into the pool by the highest bidders. But if you’d rather stay on dry land, you can visit the refreshments table and enjoy The Fabulous Bud E. Love Show .
The city is particularly festive during the holidays. Although there will be no Halloween celebration in Castro specifically, the bars and restaurants are remaining open and there's always the annual San Francisco Halloween Festival . Around Christmas-time things get particularly busy. December 13th and 14th the SF Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band will be performing "The Dance Along Nutcracker" at the Yerba Buena Arts Center. Holiday favorites along with the traditional “Nutcracker” will be played and costumes are encouraged, making this a great event for children -- and adult nuts, too!
Following quickly on its heels is the 16th annual "Songs of the Season" happening December 15-17th 2008. Benefiting the AIDS Emergency Fund , this musical variety show will take place in the Rrazz Room of the Nikko Hotel. Another benefit in its 16th year is the Kung Pao Kosher Comedy show spanning from Dec. 24-27th 2008 in Chinatown, which got it's start when S.F. comedian Lisa Geduldig accidentally booked herself to tell Jewish jokes at a Boston Chinese restaurant. Finishing off the Winter Season, it’s a must to hear one of three performances of San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus on Christmas Eve of "Home for the Holidays" at the Castro Theatre. Now in its 31st year, the first performance took place shortly after assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk.
For strolling through the Castro's history, take the new Come Out to the Castro guided tour. Led by Sister Betty's Walking Tour or a local comedian, you will be shown all the famous and not-so-famous spots frequented by Harvey Milk. And don’t miss the premiere of Gus Van Sant’s biopic “Milk” at the Castro Theatre on October 28th . Chronicling the life and work of the audacious activist, the famous district is masterfully recreated to suggest the look and feel of 1970s San Francisco.
Keep a lookout for our Milk article from the Winter 2008 issue in which you can explore Castro’s queer history or learn about director Gus Van Sant’s favorite neighborhood dives.
