AROUND THE BAY IN MARCH

Coral Reef Madness

Delight in the astonishing beauty and fragility of the ocean’s coral reefs, captured in the paintings on display in Deep Secrets, a solo exhibit of work by Marie Krajan that opens February 29 at the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art. Krajan’s artwork is inspired by her love of the ocean, and her concern for the fragile coral reef ecosystems currently under bombardment from climate change and human activity. The past 50 years has seen considerable destruction of coral reef habitats, and immediate intervention is needed to preserve these important natural wonders for future generations. With their seemingly infinite array of shapes and colors, teeming with life, the beauty and diversity of the coral reefs provides Ms. Krajan the freedom to experiment with abstract graphic elements and a strong color palette. This exhibit highlights these unique ocean treasures and serves as a reminder to the possible tragic loss of these delicate ecosystems. The exhibit, which runs through April 19, is free to the public and more information is available at marinmoca.org. 

Off the Grid Returns

San Francisco’s biggest Friday night street food party is back for its 10th season on March 6, running every week from 5 to 10 p.m. at San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center at 2 Marina Boulevard. Discover more than 30 mobile food creators, serving everything from birria tacos and churros to fried chicken, Neapolitan pizza and wood-fired bone marrow. Cozy up in the sheltered lounge spaces or next to the communal firepits with all your friends and family. Bar operator Rye on the Road will be serving up craft cocktails with premium spirits, microbrews such as Elysian Space Dust IPA, cider from Sincere Cider and wine from Anarchist Wine Co. at multiple bars throughout the market. “Off the Grid: Fort Mason Center” takes place rain or shine and admission is always free. 

169th Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

The West Coast’s largest Irish event celebrating Irish history and culture, the San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Saturday, March 14. The parade will start at 11:30 a.m. at the corner of Market and Second streets, where over 5,000 participants from all over the country will make their way down Market Street in colorful floats, Irish dance troupes, marching bands and more—all the way to Civic Center Plaza. After the parade, head over the Civic Center for the St. Patrick’s Day Festival that features vendors lining the streets with goodies and gifts aplenty for festival attendees. The festival grounds will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the event is free to the public. 

Bike Naked

It’s that time to tune up those bikes and toss those riding duds in the wash; you won’t need them for the 11th Annual 2020 So-Hemi World Naked Bike Ride. Each year, the turnout is getting larger and larger, riding bare through the streets of San Francisco. At 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, bikers will begin gathering northwest of the Ferry Building, between the Farmer’s Market and the Starbucks in the open area along the pier. Participants are asked to gather as close to the railing as possible to avoid blocking pedestrian traffic on the Embarcadero and to provide space for those exiting the Ferry Building. The route will take you through many popular spots in the city such as Fisherman’s Wharf, the Marina, Lombard, North Beach, along Embarcadero, the Civic Center, the Haight and the Castro. Bring body paints, watercolors and markers to apply slogans and designs to each other and adorn your bikes with signs. The ride is part of a global protest taking place in many cities throughout Brazil, Australia, New Zealand and other cities in the Southern Hemisphere protesting the global dependency of society and economies at the hands of the oil cartels. The event also endorses more bike riding and the nudity draws attention to the cause. Ride as bare as you dare and if you can’t make it to the start, join anytime you find the ride along the route and feel free to leave when you must. 

Brides of March

Don a wedding dress and join other brides for this annual San Francisco tradition at the 22nd annual Brides of March. Both male and female participants parade through the heart of San Francisco, strolling through Union Square, shopping at fancy stores and drinking in local bars with fellow brides. The event starts at Bar Fluxus on 18 Harlan Place at 2:30 p.m. After several cocktails, the procession strolls around town with stops for shopping, dance parties and more drinking. All you need for this event is a white wedding dress—the more elaborate, the better. Check your local thrift store for suitable attire. 

Corn Dog Fest

On Saturday, March 21, relish in a flavor-packed food festival as you devour deliciously battered, perfectly fluffed, and oh-so-satisfyingly-crisp corn dogs from the Bay’s best food trucks at the Great San Francisco Corn Dog Festival. More than 10 vendors will be dipping, frying, saucing and serving classic and over-the-top corn dog creations all day long. Eat yours cheesy, wrapped in crispy bacon, topped with homemade chili or smothered in saucy goodness. Or, change up the classic dog and nosh on juicy bratwurst, spiced kielbasa or tasty veggie dog. The event takes place at the SOMA Food Park at 428 11th Street from 11 a.m to 5 p.m. 

Beer Here

Marin’s favorite rite of spring, the 25th annual Fairfax Brewfest, will take place on Saturday, March 28 from 1 to 5 p.m. The event features over 20 of the best California microbrewers pouring the freshest batches of over 70 of their award-winning ales, lagers and special limited brews alongside live music and delicious pub food at the historic Fairfax Pavilion. Presented by Iron Springs Pub & Brewery and the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, the festival brings you a day of great beer, music, food and friends! Being one of the first big beer events of the season, many of the brewmasters themselves will be pouring the beer so patrons can critique, ask questions and swap beer stories with the experts. Taste the brews and meet the brewers who make these amazing libations. Besides unlimited beer tastings all day, you can dance to roots-rock, blues- and world-flavored originals and choice covers played by the Tom Finch Group. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. Visit www.fairfaxbrewfest.com for more information.