Dear old dad. Maybe he taught you how to ride a bike, throw a ball or… you know… open beers in the laundry room—beyond earshot of those who would keep a tally. For all these things and more, dad deserves to be treated to a good time this Father’s Day.
But as much as he might appreciate that book on the Civil War intellectually, dads also just like to cut loose and have fun. So, we took a look at what San Francisco has to offer this weekend and collected a handful of events we think scream dad.
Or… um… daddy…
Presidio Civil War Parade Ground, 34 Graham St.
Friday, June 17, 6:30 p.m. | Free
OK. So this one actually does involve the Civil War. But this Friday, you’ll be taking your pops to the Presidio Civil War Parade Ground not for some dreary lecture on the superior firepower of the Union Army, but for an outdoor screening of The Rock. The film, directed by Michael Bay and starring Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage and Ed Harris, follows a mild-mannered chemist and an ex-con who lead a counter-strike after a rogue group of military men, led by a renegade general, threaten San Francisco with a nerve gas attack from Alcatraz. Karl the Fog has been known to show up to this party, so attendees are encouraged to dress warmly.
Golden Gate Park Polo Field, 1232 John F. Kennedy Dr.
Saturday, June 18, 3 p.m. | Free
Despite its name, the Golden Gate Park Polo Field is rarely used to play polo. What does take place there regularly is free standup comedy every Saturday hosted by the duo of Blanket & Wine Comedy. Bring dad, some wine, a blanket and get ready to laugh it out on the bleachers. Keep an eye on the link as it updates regularly with information on the lineup.
District Six, 428 11th St. | Free-$40
Saturday, June 18th, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
You know what they say: One dad’s trash is another dad’s treasure! The Capcon Patches & Pins Expo is sure to be overflowing with secondhand treasures. At this San Francisco-themed flea market, you might find a vintage Muni Patch, an autographed football from the 49ers, a Crazy Crab T-shirt or even an authentic Golden State Warriors jersey from the 1980s.
Church Of 8 Wheels, 554 Fillmore St.
Saturday, June 18, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | $5
If your dad was a regular at his local roller disco back in the day, then he might appreciate an 8-wheel spin down memory lane. The Church of 8 Wheels in the historic Fillmore District, run by the Godfather of Skate, David Miles, will host this party for ages 18 and up. Skate rentals are only $5, so if you're on a tight budget, don't worry.
SF Eagle, 398 12th
Sunday, June 19, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. | $15
Pop, Poppa, Dad or Daddy—whatever you call him, we don’t judge. This event hosted by ONYX, an organization run by men of color who enjoy the leather lifestyle, will be celebrating Father’s Day and Juneteenth with a special beer and soda bust. A $15 cover charge includes either beer or soda and food.
The San Francisco Mint, 88 5th St.
Multiple Dates, 7 p.m. | $45+
Brace yourself for yet another immersive experience in San Francisco. This one is a little different from what you may have experienced recently. Instead of illuminating the works the Van Gogh or Frieda Kahlo, the walls will come to life with the help of holograms and augmented reality. The space will change based on your energy, according to event organizers. So, if you feel like dear old dad would like being trapped inside a futuristic mood ring, this is definitely the place to be.
Berber, 1516 Broadway St.
Sunday, June 19, 6:30 p.m. | $128.39
Are you feeling fancy? Take dad out for some signature North African Wines, mezcals and an award-winning 4-course Moroccan dinner. For your and dad's enjoyment, there will be live entertainment from Cirque performers such as Marlowe, a ballet dancer, Tracy Windisch, a bellydancer, Arya, an aeriliast, and Anis, a guitarist.
Power Exchange, 220 Jones St.
Sunday, June 19, 9 p.m. | $20-$60
Kids too young to get you anything other than one of those books of personal coupons? That’s cute, but you know they’re gonna find a way to wiggle out of doing the dishes. Why don’t you and the Mrs., Mr. or Mx., call a sitter, wiggle into something sexy and head on over to the Power Exchange. All three floors of San Francisco’s pansexual club are online for this party. The first two are open to everyone and the third is just for couples.