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Hot summer nights are about to get hotter. From sexy rooftop pool parties to epic outdoor music festivals to picnics by moonlight with live jazz or fireworks, Night+Day’s Best Summer Nights highlight primo nocturnal events for the beautiful, balmy evenings ahead.
Best Summer Nights in....
Best Summer Nights
San Francisco
Cal Shakes 100 California Shakespeare Theater Way, Orinda, 510-548-9666 calshakes.org
The Draw: Lit is hot, and nowhere is it more happening in the Bay Area than California Shakespeare Theater, known as Cal Shakes. Founded in 1974, the company performs more than the plays of the world’s most famous Will, including those by Moliere, Stoppard, Chekov, and Shaw. The Scene: Set in a verdant wood just over the hill from Berkeley, about a half-hour drive from San Francisco, Cal Shakes draws serious theater-lovers of the highest order. Hot Tip: There’s a café on site, but picknicking is permitted, so bring your own wonderful spread and have dinner under the stars.
Mission Al Fresco
Various locations, Mission District
The Draw: The city’s most happening neighborhood takes it to the streets on summer nights, weather permitting. The Scene: Cafes, bars, and restaurants spill out on to the main Mission streets: Valencia Street, 16th Street, and Mission Street itself, forming a massive party block as soon as the sun sets. Hot Tip: San Francisco weather can’t always be relied upon to know it’s summer, so make sure the weather is relatively balmy before setting out upon your Mission crawl.
The Draw: The hippest up-and-coming music festival is one of the few that holds outdoor concerts at night. Last year’s lineup included Dave Matthews and Pearl Jam. Proceeds benefit San Francisco Parks and Recreation programs. The Scene: Sweaty, elbow-to-elbow revelers pack Golden Gate Park, and the scene from on high might give the impression that the Pope’s in town. But these folks are having more fun, and enjoying spectacular food by Taste of the Bay. Mid-August weekend. Hot Tip: Concurrent with the festival in Golden Gate Park, events are scheduled at more than 20 wineries in Napa and Sonoma. See the event website for details or contact info@sfoutsidelands.com.
