Theater & Dance

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.

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.

A Nightmare Before Christmas in 3D

The spooky holiday classic screens in eye-popping 3D during its week-long engagement at the Castro Theatre.

When: Fri. 10/23 through Thu. 11/5; 7pm, 8:45pm (Sat., Sun. & Wed. shows at 1:30pm, 3:25pm, and 5:10pm); Age 6+; $7.50-10.

Where: Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street (at Market Street), San Francisco; 415-621-6120; castrotheatre.com.

Scare Grove

A Halloween carnival specially aimed at families, with a haunted house, hay rides, bounce houses, rides, and treats.

When: Fri., 10/23, 4-9pm; Age 2+; $5 for an all-access pass.

Where: Sigmund Stern Grove, Sloat Avenue (at 19th Avenue), San Francisco; sfgov.org.

Creepy Crawly Week

Get weirded out by science with an exhibit of scary animals, a scavenger hunt for spooky creatures, and naturalist lessons in which you get to meet (and sometimes touch!) frightening critters.

When: Sat., 10/24 through Sun. 11/1; Age 3+; Free with paid admission (Free-$25).

Where: California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive (at JFK Drive) in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, 415-379-8000; calacademy.org.

Jack o’ Lantern Jamboree

Come in costume to this annual Halloween party, which boasts roaming costumed characters, jump houses, pumpkin crafts, face painting, and the festive, make-believe atmosphere of Fairyland.

When: Sat. & Sun., 10/24-25, 10am-5pm; All ages; $10 per person.

Where: Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Avenue (at Lake Merritt), Oakland, 510-452-2259, fairyland.org.

Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival

Acres and acres of fall fun, with horsey rides, pumpkin-carving contests, pie-eating contests, and delicious things to eat. The traffic is a mess; leave time before and after the event to deal with it.

When: Sat. 10/17-18, 9am-5pm; All Ages; Free.

Where: Main Street between Miramonte and Spruce Streets, Half Moon Bay, 650-726-9652, miramarevents.com.

Goblin Jamboree

The super-cool kids’ museum dresses up for the holidays and throws a party with a train ride, live performers, pony rides, and a petting zoo.

When: Sat. & Sun., 10/17-18, 10am-4pm; All ages; $12-14 (Free for kids under 1).

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

Outrageous Outgrowns

A vast money-saving fiesta of tens of thousands of gently used clothes, shoes, toys, books, strollers, cribs, and other baby gear.

When: Fri.-Sun. 10/16-18; 9am-5pm; Age 5+; Free.

Where: Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road (at Old Tully Road), San Jose; outrageousoutgrowns.com.

San Francisco Symphony Celebrates Disney

The symphony marks the opening of the Presidio’s Walt Disney Family Museum with a concert with songs from Cinderella, Pinocchio, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

When: Fri., 10/16, 8pm; Age 7+; $15-70.

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

Tricycle Music Fest

Who knew the library was such a rocking location? Local kid-oriented faves such as the Devil-Ettes, the Time Outs, and Charity and the JAMBand.

When: Sat., 10/10, 10am-2pm; All ages; Free.

Where: San Francisco Main Library’s Fulton Street steps, Fulton Street (at Larkin Street), San Francisco; tricyclefest.org.

Mamma Mia Sing-along

Bring blankets and layers of warm clothing to this festive outdoors movie showing. Music and short films screen from 6 to 7:30pm; Mamma Mia begins at 8pm.

When: Sat., 9/10; 6-10pm; Age 4+; Free.

Where: Precita Park, Folsom Street (at Precita Avenue), San Franicsco; bhoutdoorcine.org.

Pumpkin Patches

All over the Bay Area, pumpkin patches are open for business, offering an array of fun from picking your own pumpkin to kiddie rides and corn mazes. One of the most fertile areas for pumpkin patches is Highway 92 in the Half Moon Bay area, where there are literally dozens. Drive until you see one you like.

When: Ongoing each weekend (many patches are also open weekdays at it gets closer to Halloween) until 10/31; All ages; Admission is usually free but attractions cost from $2-7.

Where: Various locations in the Bay Area. See Pumpkin Patches and More for a thorough list of addresses, attractions, and opening times.

Fleet Week

If displays of military muscle are what turns your cranky, you’ll be in heaven during this long-weekend event, which features airshows from the Blue Angels, a parade of ships and more things that move and go boom.

When: Thu.-Sun., 10/8-11; various times (see site for details); Age 3+; Most events are free (VIP seats run $30-150).

Where: Various locations on the San Francisco waterfront including Crissy Field, Mason Street (at Halleck Street); see website for more details, military.com/fleetweek.

Before you spend all weekend, every weekend making Halloween costumes, get out and enjoy sand castles, movies, maybe even a gigantic cup of beer.

Leap Sandcastle Contest

Teams of architects, designers and elementary school students make the most elaborate sand castles you’ll ever see.

When: Sat., 10/3, 10am-4pm; All ages; Free.

Where: Ocean Beach, Balboa Avenue at Great Highway, San Francisco, leap4kids.org.

Oktoberfest

The kids can’t enjoy the flowing beer, but Mom and Dad can, and it’ll loosen them up enough to try the Chicken Dance with junior.

When: Fri., 10/2, 3pm-midnight; Sat., 10/3, 11am-midnight; Sun., 10/4 11am-6pm; Age 4+; $30-35 (Sunday is two-for-one day).

Where: Pier 48, King Street (at Third Street), San Francisco; oktoberfestbythebay.com.

Scare on the Square

Sit on a blanket, get take-out from one of the nearby restaurants, and watch The Goonies with the kids on a 25-foot inflatable screen.

When: Sat., 10/3, sundown (about 7pm); Age 3+; Free.

Where: Courthouse Square (Broadway Street at Middlefield Road), Redwood City; redwoodcity.org.

Aladdin

When a boy finds a mysterious magic lamp he finally has a chance of winning the princess of his dreams in this adaptation starring young actors.

When: Ongoing through Sun., 10/25, Saturdays 2pm & 4pm; Sundays 2pm; Age 4+; $10-15.

Where: New Conservatory Theatre Center, 25 Van Ness Avenue (at Market Street), San Francisco; 415-861-8972, nctcsf.org.

Three sweet ways to enjoy life with the kiddies this weekend.

Strega Nona

Strega Nona tells Big Anthony to lay off her pasta pot. Big Anthony doesn’t listen in this Commedia dell’arte-style adaptation of Tommie DePaola’s classic children’s tale.

When: Sat. & Sun. 9/19-10/4 (the production also runs in San Ramon 10/10-18), check website for times; Age 2+; $18 adults, $14 children.

Where: Julia Morgan Center, 2460 College Avenue (at Claremont Avenue), Berkeley; 510-296-4433; activeartstheatre.org.

International Coastal Cleanup Day

Spend a day cleaning up the coast, and empower a generation of non-litterbugs.

When: Sat., 9/19, Age 2+; Free.

Where: Various coastal sites in the Bay Area, see website for locations including Ocean Beach and Candlestick Point in San Francisco and the Port of Oakland Estuary.

Film Night in the Park: The Dark Knight in Dolores Park

Take advantage of what’s supposed to be a pleasant evening in the warmest part of San Francisco and watch this gripping update of the Batman tale.

When: Sat., 9/19, 8pm; Age 8+; $6 adults, $3 children.

Where: Dolores Park, Dolores Street (at 20th Street), San Francisco, filmnight.org.

The kids are back at school, hurray! Celebrate the absence that’s made you grow fonder with a weekend full of fun.

Saturday Morning Rock Out’s Fall Session

Little kids learn to bang on an instrument, write songs, appreciate music, and jam at this multi-week course that ends in a performance and a CD release party.

When: Saturdays, 9/5-10/10; Early class 9:30am-11am, Late class 11:30am-1pm; Age 4-7; $225.

Where: Verdi Club, 2424 Mariposa Street (at Potrero Avenue), San Francisco; 415-861-9199; owies.org.

Great Train Robberies

Hail back to the days of train bandits and lawmen at this annual ride-on spectacle.

When: Sat. & Sun., 9/5-6; See website for times; Age 4+; $20.

Where: Roaring Camp Railroad, Graham Hill Road (at Mt. Hermon Road), Felton; 866-468-3399; roaringcamprr.com.

Sunday Streets

The last Sunday Streets of the year! Streets from Golden Gate Park to the zoo are closed to traffic, and fitness activities from skating to cycling to yoga are offered free along the route.

When: Sun., 9/6, 10am-2pm; All ages; Free.

Where: Great Highway between Golden Gate Park and the San Francisco Zoo, JFK between Great Highway and Stanyan Street, San Francisco; sundaystreetssf.com.

End of summer and the parking’s easy all over town. If you’re still here (and why aren’t you off vacationing at the beach?), some ways to amuse yourself during the dog days.

Rock Make Music and Art Street Festival

A chance for Bay Area parents and kids to rock together at this homegrown music and art street fest, with performances from all-kid bands The She’s, The Psychotherapists, and Secret Cat.

When: Sun., 8/23, 11am-7pm; All Ages; Free.

Where: Treat Street (between 17th & 18th streets), San Francisco; rockmake.com.

School Lunch Sound Off!

Meet up with other parents, teachers, students, and nutrition experts for a speak out about the National School Lunch Program and its deficits. Learn what you can do to help advance reform; students will be encouraged to write letters and draw pictures for elected representatives. Snacks and door prizes are included.

When: Sat., 8/22, noon-2pm; Age 8+; Free.

Where: a.Muse Gallery, 614 Alabama Street (between 18th & 19th streets), San Francisco; 415-832-9113, lbeck@pcrm.org.

Stepology’s Bay Area Rhythm Exchange

Toe-tapping fun with tap-dancing group Stepology, which celebrates the uniquely American dance form of tap in this exuberant show.

When: Fri. & Sat., 8pm; Age 6+; $17-25.

Where: at Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Avenue (at Grove Street), San Francisco; stepology.com.

Street Food Festival

A big block party in celebration of worldwide street food, with booths serving everything from tamales to squid salad.

When: Sat., 8/22, 1-7pm; Age 5+; Free.

Where: In front of La Cocina, Folsom Street at 25th Street, San Francisco; eatrealfest.com.

Does school really start in just over a week? Hurry, hurry, get your summer fun before it’s too late.

Destination Fort Mason Center

Every Saturday through September 12, Fort Mason Center brings on the fun with a diverse lineup of local organizations: performances from the New Pickle Circus and Bay Area Theatresports, art with SCRAP, music from the Blue Bear School of Music. Attendees will get the chance to make art projects and try their own hand at performing.

When: Sat., 8/15 (and continuing each Saturday through 9/12), Age 3+; 10am-4pm; Free.

Where: Fort Mason, Marina Boulevard (at Buchanan Street), San Francisco; 415-345-7500; fortmason.org.

Learning Days at Yerba Buena Children’s Learning Garden

Explore the learning garden and learn how to care for plants through music, art, and hands-on garden sessions.

When: Sat., 8/16, 11am-4pm; Age 3-6; Free.

Where: Yerba Buena Gardens Children’s Learning Garden, 760 Howard Street (between Third and Fourth streets), San Francisco; 415-543-1718; ybgf.org.

Marin Family Well-Being and Safety Fair

Learn how to spot the common signs of allergies and developmental disorders, get your kid fingerprinted, or sample nutritious toddler-friendly snacks at this fiesta of safety/health information for parents.

When: Friday, 8/14, 10am-3pm; Age 2+; Free (RSVP required).

Where: Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto (at E. Blithedale Avenue), Mill Valley; 415-383-1370‎; elainaserotte.com.

Stories from the Past: Toy Boats

Read a story about traveling the seven seas with a reading of the story Toy Boat. Then walk through the history museum to learn about the magnificent ships that have sailed the San Francisco Bay.

When: Fri., 8/14, 11am-noon; Age 2-6; Free with admission ($2-4 adults, free for kids under 5).

Where: San Mateo County History Museum’s Wells Fargo Learning Center, 2200 Broadway Street (at Middlefield Road), Redwood City; 650-299-0104; historysmc.org.