Music

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Pomp, splendor, floats, and lots of green. There are children’s activities and traditional Irish food and crafts at the after-parade party at City Hall.

When: Sat., 3/13, 11:30am-5pm; All ages; Free.

Where: Parade begins Second Street (at Market Street) and winds to City Hall on Grove Street (at Larkin Street) in San Francisco; sfstpatricksdayparade.com.

Shiv Sounds with Ryth EM

Shiv and Em play kid-friendly music in the Tim Burton-ish atmosphere of this curious shop for kids.

When: Sat., 3/13, 2-4pm; All Ages; Free.

Where: Paxton Gate’s Curiosities for Kids, 766 Valencia Street (at 19th Street), San Francisco; 415-728-8466; paxtongate.com.

Journaling Birds & Wildlife

Learn how to draw nature in the raw at this two-hour program with naturalist and artist Jack Muir Laws focusing on drawing birds and other wildlife.

When: Sat., 3/13, 10am-noon; Age 9+; $25 per participant (advance phone registration required).

Where: Richardson Bay Center & Sanctuary, 376 Greenwood Beach Road (at Tiburon Boulevard), Tiburon, 415-388-2524; tiburonaudubon.org.

Fantastic Fridays: Fun with Food

Use this excuse to tour the fancy new Crissy Field Center, where toddlers and their caregivers rustle up some healthy snacks and learn more about healthy eating.

When: Fri., 3/12, 10am-11:30am; Age 1-5; $15.

Where: Crissy Field Center, 1199 East Beach (at Mason Street), San Francisco; 415-561-7752; parksconservancy.org.

Music, dance, and a look ahead to how you’re going to fill the summer.

Dan Zanes & Friends

The tousle-haired rock God of the swim diaper set does a show for families on the UC Berkeley campus.

When: Sat., 3/6, 11am & 4pm; Sun. 3/7, 3pm; Age 3+; $16-26.

Where: Zellerbach Hall, Bancroft Avenue (between Dana and Telegraph Avenues) on the UC Berkeley Campus, Berkeley, calperfs.berkeley.edu.

Disney on Ice

Disney characters glide around the rink in this show custom-made for elementary-school kids.

When: Fri., 3/5, 10:30am, 7:30pm; Sat. & Sun. 3/6-7, 10:30am, 3pm, 7:30pm; Age 2+; $16-70.

Where: Oakland Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way (at Hegenberger Road), Oakland; 800-745-3000; disney.go.com.

Summer Resource Fair

Find out where your kid can take summer soccer sessions or attend theater camp at this conglomeration of more than 200 providers, all eager to give you brochures.

When: Sat., 3/6, 10am-3pm; age 5+; Free.

Where: Concourse Exhibition Center, 635 Eighth Street (at Brannan Street), San Francisco, sfkids.org.

The Olympics, Chinese New Year, old-timey music; there’s a lot going on in town this weekend.

Reach for the Rings Olympic Celebration and Skating Exhibition

Get the little ones stoked for the winter Olympics at this demo of the amazing things that can be done on ice, including figure skating, hockey, and curling. Guests will also get to try out the ice themselves.

When: Sat., 2/13, 6:30-8:30pm; Age 5+; $7.

Where:  Yerba Buena Ice, 750 Folsom Street (at ), San Francisco; 415-820-3521; skatebowl.com.

Chinese New Year Festival

Celebrate the Year of the Tiger with New Year’s crafts (red envelopes, paper lanterns, calligraphy), watch lion dancers, make dumplings, and learn about the Chinese zodiac.

When: Mon., 2/15, 9am-4pm; $7-14.

Where: Bay Area Discovery Museum, 557 McReynolds Road (at Fort Baker), Sausalito; 415-339-3900; baykidsmuseum.org.

Pet Adoption Day

Get to meet doggies that need a home at this event, where the animal rescue organization Muttville brings their calm, senior dogs to meet potential new families.

When: Sun., 2/14, 11am-3pm; Age 3+; Free.

Where: Ameoba Music, 1855 Haight Street (at Stanyan Street); 415-831-1200; muttville.org.

The San Francisco Bluegrass and Old-Time Festival

Ten days of old-time music shows, many at venues friendly to kids. There are two shows pitched specifically at children, both on Saturday at the Randall Museum in San Francisco.

When: Thu.-Sun., 2/12-21; See website for schedule (special children’s shows are at 1pm and 3pm, Sat. 2/13); Age 4+; See website for ticket prices.

Where: Various venues including the Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way (at Roosevelt Way), San Francisco; sfbluegrass.org.

Even if it does rain all weekend, there’s still plenty to do.

Bay Area International Children’s Film Festival

A film event for kids that showcases animation and shorts aimed at kids from all over the world, many of which are very difficult to see outside of this event.

When: Sat. & Sun., 1/23-24, 11am-6pm; 3+; $15 for an all-day pass (3 and under free).

Where: Auctions by the Bay, 2700 Saratoga Street (on the Alameda Naval Air Station), Alameda, baicff.com.

JAMband Family Concert and CD Release Party

Popular kids’ band Charity and the JAMband puts on an interactive show with stories and music.

Where: Sat., 1/23, 4:30-5:30pm; Family; $15-25 per family.

Where: Recess Urban Recreation, 470 Carolina Street (at 18th Street), San Francisco; 415-701-7529; jamjamjam.com.

The Peking Acrobats

Jaw-dropping feats like acrobatics atop a tower of chairs, contortion, and wire walking are the staples of these Chinese acrobats.

When: Fri., 1/22, 3pm; Age 5+; $20-45;

Where: Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium, 10 Avenue of the Flags (at Civic Center Drive), San Rafael; 415-499-6400; co.marin.ca.us.

Life in a Pond

All the recent rain has produced startling changes in local ecosystems. Take an up-close look at this tromp through the edges of a big pond with a naturalist.

When: Sat., 1/23, 10am-noon; Age 5-8 (children under age 4 may participate if accompanied by an adult); $15.

Where: Richardson Bay Center & Sanctuary, 376 Greenwood Beach Road (at Tiburon Boulevard), Tiburon, 415-388-2524; tiburonaudubon.org.

Just in case you’re not out frantically gift-buying.

Roaring Camp’s Holiday Lights Train

A bit of a hike from the Bay Area is worth it for this festive train ride that ferries riders through lighted-up Santa Cruz Victorians and back, with a visit from Santa, sing-along Christmas carols, and cocoa.

When: Fri.-Sun., 12/18-21, 8pm; Mon.-Tue, 12/22 & 12/23, 5pm; All Ages; $17-22.

Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach Street (at Riverside Avenue), Santa Cruz; roaringcamp.com.

SFMOMA Family Studio and Tour: Winter Whites

This artsy event is a refreshing alternative to all-Christmas, all-the-time, with a special family tour at 1pm of mono-color works, followed by an art project in which participants create all-white works.

When: Sun., 12/20; 11:00am-3:00pm (tour starts at 1, art starts at 2); Age 4-11; Free activities and admission for families with kids age 4-11.

Where: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, 151 Third Street (between Mission and Howard), San Francisco, 415-357-4000, sfmoma.org.

Dickens Christmas Fair

A chance to don your finest velvets and silk and walk around doffing your hat at this annual extravaganza of music, food, spectacle, and shopping.

When: Sat. & Sun., 12/19 & 12/20; 11am-7pm; Age 4+; $10-22 (Parking $10).

Where: Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Avenue (at Castillo Street), San Francisco; 800-510-1558; dickensfair.com.

Christmas At Sea

Sing-along sea chanteys, followed by ornament-making, a holiday story, and tours of historical vessels staffed by costumed actors playing captains and crews from Christmas of 1901.

When: Sat., 12/12, 3-7pm; Age 3+; Free for children under 16, $5 for those over 16. Reservations are required for the evening boat tours.

Where: Hyde Street Pier, Hyde Street (at the Embarcadero), San Francisco, 415-447-5000, nps.gov/safr.

Ice Adventures Holidaze Ice Show

Skaters glide across the ice in festive holiday costumes, to the tunes of the season.

When: Fri. & Sat. 12/11 & 12/12, 7pm; Age 6+; $10-25.

Where: Yerba Buena Ice Skating & Bowling Center, 750 Folsom Street (at Third Street), San Francisco; 415-820-3532; skatebowl.com.

Holiday Lights & Sights Boat Parade

More than 100 boats sail elegantly past with lights aglow in this memorable holiday traditional parade.

When: Sat., 11/12, 6pm; Age 7+; Free.

Where: Pier 39, Embarcadero Street (at Grant Street), San Francisco, pier39.com.

The Velveteen Rabbit

The traditional holiday presentation of Margery Williams’ classic tale about a stuffed rabbit who becomes real is just as tear-jerking as the book.

When: Thu.-Fri., 12/10-11, 11am; Sat. 12/12, 1pm & 4pm; Sun. 12/13, 2pm; Age 4+; $15-45.

Where: Novellus Theater at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 700 Howard Street (at Third Street), San Francisco;
415-978-2787; odcdance.org.

Why watch when you can perform?

Dance-Along Nutcracker: The audience gets up and dances during the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom Band’s exceedingly popular annual soiree. If you didn’t bring along your own tiara and tutu, rent one for a nominal fee before the performance. Matinee shows are the most kid-friendly and draw the most families. Sat. 12/12, 2pm & 7pm (Gala performance); Sun. 12/13, 11 am & 3pm; Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 700 Howard Street (at Third Street), San Francisco; dancealongnutcracker.org, $16-50.

Holiday Family Sing-Along at Grace Cathedral: Sing along to the haunting strains of the Pacific Boychoir as they sing traditional holiday carols in the soaring Grace Cathedral. Sat. 12/12, 11am; Sat. 12/19, 11am; 1100 California Street (at Taylor Street), San Francisco; gracecathedral.org; $5-25.

Let Us Break Bread Together: Holiday songs and sing alongs from the Oakland Symphony Chorus, Terrance Kelly and the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, Mt. Eden High School Choir, Klezmer band Kugelplex. Sun. 12/13, 4pm; Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway Avenue (at Grand Avenue), Oakland; oebs.org; $10-40.

Dance, sing, listen, or tinker, the holiday season is upon us.

11th Annual San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest

A grand total of 22 hip hop dance companies to blow your mind.

When: Program A, Fri., 11/20, 8pm & Sun., 11/22, 2pm; Program B, Sat., 11/21, 8pm & Sun, 11/22, 7pm; Age 8+; $35 for one program; $62 for both.

Where: Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, 3301 Lyon Street (at Bay Street), San Francisco; 415-392-4400; sfhiphopdancefest.com.

Pier 39 Tree Lighting Celebration

Costumes characters from Disney and live entertainers caper from 2 to 4pm, and at 5:30 the giant Christmas tree blazes to life.

When: Sun., 11/22, 2-5pm; All ages; Free.

Where: Pier 39, Embarcadero (at Grant Street), San Francisco; pier39.com.

Tinkering

Every invention, Coyote Point reminds us, came to be due to tinkering. This newest exhibit shows viewers how an innovation springs from a good idea and lots of tries. of innovation.

When: Exhibit opens Sat., 11/21, 10am; Age 3+; Free-$7.

Where: Coyote Point Museum, 1651 Coyote Point Drive (at Airport Boulevard), San Mateo; 650-342-7755; coyoteptmuseum.org.

Fresh Trade Agreement

A good choice for hipper middle and high schoolers, this party includes live music, DJs, b-boy battles, custom-built bikes, and vendors of streetwear and accessories.

When: Sat., 11/21, 11am-5pm; Age 7+; $10 ($7 with two canned goods).

Where: CellSpace/Crucible Steel Gallery, 2050 Bryant Street (at 18th Street), San Francisco; fresh-trade.org.

Next weekend it’s going to be all turkey sandwiches all the time. Enjoy your family-free hours this weekend.

Pixar Party at the Cartoon Art Museum

A very rare chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at what Pixar does, with artists and insiders displaying cels and discussing how the studio made movies like Up and Toy Story. All proceeds benefit the museum.

When: Sat., 11/14, 1-4 p.m.; Age 6+; $100 per family of four (no tickets sold at the door; all families must have a reservation).

Where: Cartoon Art Museum Benefit, 655 Mission Street (at New Montgomery Street), San Francisco; 415-227-8666 Ext: 300; cartoonartlivejournal.com.

San Francisco Green Festival

Three days of organic food, recycling, eco-consciousness, and random acts of urban renewal at this festival. Tree Frog Treks brings its reptiles to the party each day of the festival from noon to 2 p.m. and kids will get a lot out of the hands-on off-site greening activities.

When: Fri., 11/13, noon-7 p.m., Sat., 11/14, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun., 11/15, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Age 3+; Free-$15

Where: Various locations including the Concourse Exhibition Center, 635 Eighth Street (at Brannan Street), San Francisco; greenfestivals.org.

The Sippy Cups

The popular kids’ band plays at a snazzy, retrolicious venue with the most important ingredient for parental enjoyment: a full bar.

When: Sun., 11/15, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.; Age 4+; $17.

Where: Bimbo’s 365 Club, 1025 Columbus Avenue (at Chestnut Street), San Francisco; 415-474-0365; bimbos365club.com.

Gobble Gobble Turkey Dance Party

Exuberant kids’ band Candy and the Sweet Tooths gets the kids up and moving at this family dance.

When: Sat., 11/15, 3 p.m.; All Ages;$18.

Where: Fort Mason Officer’s Club, Upper Fort Mason (at Franklin Street), San Francisco; candyandthesweettooths.com.

Halloween is on a Saturday this year! Get your costume on and go go go!

Dia de los Muertos Procession and Festival of the Altars

The parade is too spooky for little kids, but older ones will enjoy the rattling bones, creepy makeup, and the thrill of being out with adults at night; the colorful altars celebrating the lives of those passed on are great cultural eye-candy.

When: Mon., 11/2, 7pm; Age 5+; Free.

Where: Parade starts at 7pm from 24th and Bryant Streets in San Francisco and continues to 26th and Bryant Streets, where the Festival of the Altars starts at 8:30 p.m.; 415-722-8911; dayofthedeadsf.org.

Potrero Hill Halloween Parade and Costume Contest

An early-evening Halloween party with a movie, prizes for best costume, and a parade down to 18th Street.

When: Sat., 10/31, 4-7pm; All Ages; Free.

Where: Axis Cafe, 1201 Eighth Street (at Irwin Street), San Francisco; 415-279-1899; axis-cafe.com.

Exploratorium Halloween

A grand Halloween party with a visit from the Neverwas, a Victorian mansion on wheels, and creature features like giant insects and hissing cockroaches.

When: Sat., 10/31, 3-8pm; Free-$14.

Where: Exploratorium, 3601 Lyon Street (at Jefferson Street), San Francisco; 415-561-0360; exploratorium.edu.

Dia de los Muertos Family Concert

A special concert for families with classical music from Latino conductors and pre-concert festivities like sugar skull-decorating and a display of family altars.

When: Sun., 11/1, 1pm; Age 4+; $15-65.

Where: Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue (at Grove Street), 415-864-6000; sfsymphony.org.