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A giant panda, lowriders and more cool things you can see at San Francisco events this weekend

Classic cars, lowriders and modified cars lead the Carnaval Parade in San Francisco on May 29, 2022. | Source: Nick Otto for The Standard

This weekend, neighborhoods across San Francisco are hosting events that highlight the individuality, creativity and flavors that make them each truly special. While you make your way around the city, perhaps stop to catch glistening lowriders cruise and bounce through the Mission for “King of the Streets” or pop by SOMA Pilipinas Filipino Heritage District for an afternoon of uplifting Filipino culture with music, food and shopping at the Undiscovered block party. Check out the full guide to this weekend’s events below. 

1. Sundown Cinema in the Mission 

🗓️ Friday | 6-11 p.m.
📍 Dolores Park
🔗 sanfranciscoparksalliance.org

Grab your blankets, your snacks and your fellow dancing queens for this one! Continuing its series of outdoor movie screenings in San Francisco parks, Sundown Cinema presents a sing-along showing of Mamma Mia at Dolores Park this Friday. The event starts at 6 p.m. with food trucks, themed pre-show entertainment and free ice cream from Jack & Remi (while supplies last), and the movie will start after sunset.  

2. King of the Streets on the Embarcadero

🗓️ Saturday | 9 a.m.
📍 599 The Embarcadero
🔗 instagram.com
🎟️ $20

At the San Francisco Lowrider Council’s annual “King of the Streets” event this Saturday, a diverse bunch of freshly polished vintage cars from the 1930s through the ’80s will be glistening in the morning sun for crowds to marvel at. Keeping the show going, there will also be a car-hopping contest; with DJ J Pro on-site, everyone is bound to be bouncing along by the end of the morning. Following the show, catch the lowriders cruising through the Mission around 5 p.m.

3. Undiscovered Block Party in SoMa

🗓️ Saturday | Noon-6 p.m.
📍 The Parks @ 5M, SOMA Pilipinas
🔗 undiscoveredsf.com

Experience the depth of culture, creativity and deliciousness running through the veins of the SOMA Pilipinas Filipino Heritage District at the first of three Undiscovered block parties happening in the neighborhood, kicking off the event series’ seventh season. The year 2023 is widely regarded as the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, and this outdoor event will have a particular focus on the impact that hip-hop has had on Filipino culture over the last 50 years. There will be no shortage of delectable food vendors, with local favorites like Señor Sisig’s unique Filipino street food to look forward to, as well as dozens of retail vendors and live music.

READ MORE: San Francisco’s Filipino Cultural District Eyes the Dying Westfield Mall

4. Prom on the Prom in Golden Gate Park

🗓️ Saturday | 5-8 p.m.
📍 JFK Promenade at Lindy Bridge
🔗 promontheprom.com

Who said you would only get to wear your prom dress once? This Saturday evening, the JFK Promenade will transform into a dance floor for the second annual “Prom on the Prom.” This is a chance to get dolled up, dance, mingle and celebrate the car-free space. Don’t be afraid to go all out when getting ready for the event because there are awards with surprise prizes for the best looks, best decorated bikes and even the best prom-posals. And don’t forget the corsage!

5. Panda Sunday in Chinatown

🗓️ Sunday | 1-3 p.m.
📍 718 Grant Ave.
🔗 eventbrite.com

Make your way to Chinatown’s iconic Grant Avenue this weekend for “Panda Sunday,” a cultural event part of a larger series hosted by the SF Chinatown Merchants Association this summer to promote the neighborhood’s small businesses. There will be activities fit for the whole family, plus ample opportunities to shop and indulge in traditional Chinese cuisine. And as the name suggests, there will also be a benevolent giant panda hanging around to take pictures with. Word has it she often can be found by the benches in front of the Wok Shop.