Call of the Baby Beluga
Join the Ocean Film Festival organizers on Thursday, February 6 at the Bay Conference Center in Tiburon for a screening of Call of the Baby Beluga. It is the story of baby beluga whale washing up on a gravel beach along the St. Lawrence River in Quebec. Unexpectedly, she is vigorously alive and a scientific team decides to take unusual steps to try to save her. The story leads you on a larger journey through the amazing world of the St. Lawrence beluga whales and of the scientists who have worked for decades against long odds to help them. Like the story of the baby, it is a tough trip in a beautiful place, a true tale of drama, uncertainty, camaraderie, hard work, achievement, perseverance and love, brightened by a glimpse of hope. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the film starts at 6:30 p.m. Attendees are invited to bring their favorite movie snacks with them, as there will be no concessions. Tickets are $9 and available at intloceanfilmfest.org.
Tulipmania
PIER 39 comes alive from February 8 to 17 with the vibrant colors of more than 39,000 blooming tulips and other seasonal garden favorites during Tulipmania. Enjoy the flowers’ beauty and learn helpful gardening tips with the self-guided tour anytime during Tulipmania or take a free guided tour that begins daily at 10 a.m. at PIER 39’s Entrance Plaza and concludes with a special treat from Trish’s Mini Donuts. For more information, visit www.pier39.com.
SF Giants Fan Fest
It’s not quite baseball season yet, but the Giants and their fans are going to kick into action this month with their annual fan fest event on Saturday, February 8. This is your chance to meet players, coaches, alumni, broadcasters and other Giants VIPs, get their autographs, take photos with the World Series trophies, play catch on the field and purchase new merchandise. Admission is totally free, so get on your orange and black and get ready for a fun-filled day at beautiful Oracle Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Don’t forget to download the free entry pass to this year’s Fanfest. The first 10,000 fans to use their mobile passes to enter the ballpark will receive a Giants mystery item. Visit mlb.com/giants for more information.
Chinese New Year’s Parade
The Chinese New Year celebration in San Francisco is one of the largest in the world. The main draw of this celebration, the Grand Parade, will be held on Saturday, February 8. It starts at 5:15 p.m. at the corner of 2nd and Market. It then weaves its way through Chinatown and ends at Kearny Street and Columbus Avenue around 8 p.m. There are more than 100 parade entries—including several floats, the largest and most popular of which is the 28-foot-long Golden Dragon. It takes a team of more than 100 people to operate and move it through the streets of San Francisco. This is a free event for all to attend but tickets must be purchased to sit in the bleacher sections. Bleacher tickets range from $38 to $55. Visit chineseparade.com for more information.
Paint Party
Blue Rock Springs Golf Course in Vallejo is hosting a paint night party on Thursday, February 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. Canvas, paint, full instructions, appetizers and light beverages will be provided. Tickets are $40 per person or $70 for couples. The painting can be split into two pieces so each person in a couple will have one half of the painting. For tickets or more information, call Ashley Thomas at (707) 643-8477.
Great SF Pillow Fight?
The Great San Francisco Pillow Fight should once again be on Valentine’s Day at the Embarcadero Plaza across from the Ferry Building this year. This is an unsanctioned event, so there really isn’t anyone in charge and details can change at any time. If it happens, it is open to everyone and starts at 5:50 p.m. on February 14. Make sure to arrive with your pillow in a bag. When the clock strikes 6 p.m., it’s time to begin the fun. Please don’t hit anyone without a pillow in their hand (unless they want you to hit them). Updates can usually be found on the Great San Francisco Pillow Fight page on Facebook.
Science Sleepover
On February 14, love will be in the air and underwater at the California Academy of Science’s Valentine’s Sleepover for adults. Romantics and cynics alike are invited to celebrate the human side of chemistry with an all-inclusive overnight at the museum, including a buffet dinner, champagne toast, planetarium screenings, silent disco, science demos, aquarium yoga, free parking, next-morning breakfast, and more. Tickets are $195 for the public and $175 for members. All attendees must be at least 21 years old. For more information, visit calacademy.org.
Orchids in Focus
The San Francisco Orchid Society presents 2020: Orchids in Focus. The 68th annual Pacific Orchid Exposition will expose you to the beauty and diversity of the orchid world, as well as provide education about ongoing issues of orchid habitat challenges and conservation efforts. Presented by the finest local and international vendors, more than 150,000 orchids of all sizes, shapes, colors and even fragrances will be on display and for sale at the Hall of Flowers in Golden Gate Park February 20 to 23. Join in the three days of fun and adventure for the entire family with daily demonstrations on how to successfully grow orchids in the Bay Area, hard-to-find supplies, companion plants, and fun educational activities for both kids and adults. There will be a preview night on Thursday, February 20 where attendees will be the first to enjoy the orchid displays with reduced crowds (a few hundred rather than a few thousand people). Attendees will have first pick of the show vendors’ most beautiful and exotic orchids with entertainment, beer, wine and appetizers. A special educational area with activities aimed at kids will take place Friday through Sunday. Admission for children under 13 years old is free with a paid adult accompanying them. General admission is $15 at the door or $12 in advance. The preview gala is $50 per person (must be 21 or over) at the door or $30 in advance. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday through Sunday. The Hall of Flowers is located at 1199 9th Avenue on corner of Lincoln. Visit pacorchidexpo.org for more information and to purchase discounted tickets in advance.
A View from the Wheelhouse
On Thursday, February 20, the Corinthian Yacht Club Speaker Series welcomes two retired San Francisco Bar Pilots to discuss the challenging job of piloting ships into and from the harbors and waterways of San Francisco Bay. With 90 years total on the water, the two retired Bar Pilot guests, Captains Rick Hurt and Gregg Waugh, could easily fill multiple nights describing their vast experience on western waters. They will bring not only their best stories, but also video and photographs. Your job is to bring your best questions. The event is at 7 p.m. at the Spaulding Marine Center on 600 Gate 5 Road in Sausalito. Although this event is free and open to the public, reservations are appreciated. Call (415) 435-4771 or email speakers@cyc.org for more information.
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