Labor Day Weekend Events in San Francisco

San Francisco Mime Troupe

Don’t be fooled by the name. This isn’t the kind of mime where a guy with white gloves tries to get out of an imaginary box. This is intensely political theater, leftist agitprop comedy that skewers the president, conservatives, and the capitalist system itself. If you’re a loyal Republican, you might be uncomfortable. But if poking fun at Bush brings you joy, then you could have a blast.

Every summer the Mime Troupe creates a new play, and presents it mostly in parks, and mostly for free. Labor Day is usually the last show of the summer in San Francisco (before it moves to other locations in the state), and there are shows Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of the Labor Day weekend in Dolores Park, at 18th and Dolores Street, starting at 2 PM. (music starts at 1:30). Admission is free (they pass a bucket afterwards, if you want to contribute). Bring a blanket or something to sit on, and expect relatively warm weather – Dolores Park is in one of the sunniest neighborhoods of the city.

The quality of the writing and the performances is high, especially for something that’s free and in the park. The Troupe has been around for a long time – since 1970 – and they’ve won Obies and a Tony award. The shows are in a musical theater format – a bit of action, then a bit of singing and dancing – and some of the songs are hilarious. The audience is appreciative, the plays provoke thought and conversation, the weather is generally good. All in all, a special way to spend an afternoon.

You can find more about the current year’s play and about the history of the Troupe at their website.

Shakespeare in the Park

If you’re in the mood to see a free play outdoors, but agitprop isn’t your thing, then how about Shakespeare? On the Labor Day weekend they’ll be playing in the Parade Ground in the Presidio (between Lincoln and Presidio Boulevards) at 7:30 PM on Saturday, 2:30 on Sunday, and 2:30 on Monday. Seating is on the lawn, so bring a blanket. Picnics are welcome. The Presidio can be windy and foggy, so be prepared for that. For more info, see their website.

Hornblower Cruises

Want something more luxurious than sitting on the ground in the park? Hornblower yachts has special cruises on the bay Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the Labor Day weekend. There are lunch, brunch, casino, and dinner dance cruise. You can make reservations on their website.

The Sausalito Art Festival

If you’d like to get out of town, try this popular annual event. It starts Friday evening at 6:00, and runs through Monday (from 9 am to 6 pm Saturday and Sunday, and 9 to 5 on Sunday). It’s a huge event, with high-quality arts and crafts works displayed outdoors, and live music on three stages. Take the ferry to avoid waiting for parking, or hop on a free shuttle bus from San Francisco’s Union Square (advance reservations are required for the shuttle). Not a free event – general admission is $20.00. More info is available on their website.

A La Carte a La Park vanished without a trace?

This long-running annual Labor Day foodie event in Golden Gate Park appears to have been cancelled. I haven’t been able to find out any details, other than that the city appears to have had problems with the promoter.