This week in the Bay Area, a vibrant mix of cultural and natural experiences is on offer, highlighting inclusivity, creativity, and local flavors.
As part of Pride Month, LGBTQ+ groups are inviting everyone to connect with nature. Outdoor events are designed to foster welcoming spaces for the community.
Queer Birders Bay Area and Queers of a Feather host birdwatching activities, providing participants with the necessary gear and beginner-friendly guidance. Meanwhile, Queer Surf organizes beach events and surfing lessons, celebrating gender diversity within the surfing community.
Branching Out Adventures and the Rainbow Sierrans lead hiking and camping excursions that emphasize accessibility and community-building. The San Francisco Hiking Club, which has been active since the 1980s, continues to offer queer individuals the opportunity to bond through weekly scenic hiking trips.
In other cultural news, San Francisco is gearing up for a Broadway-themed singalong bar set to open its doors in the Marina District on June 26. This venue promises a fully immersive musical theater experience, including a chance to participate in show-tune karaoke.
Early reservations are available via SFBucketList, offering attendees themed cocktails like the “Ozmopolitan” and the opportunity to belt out fan-favorite tunes from classics like Hamilton and Phantom amid a festive atmosphere.
Those looking for summer activities can find tranquility at Lake Temescal in the Oakland Hills. Now open daily for the 2025 summer swim season, this serene reservoir is less than an hour’s journey from San Francisco, easily accessible via BART and bus.
Visitors to Lake Temescal can enjoy a sandy beach monitored by lifeguards, a peaceful walking trail, fishing spots, and ample space for picnicking amidst WPA-era architecture. With roots dating back to 1868, when Temescal Creek was dammed to provide drinking water for the East Bay, the area boasts historical significance along with two playgrounds and shady groves, making it a true East Bay gem.
Additionally, a new documentary by SFGovTV delves into San Francisco’s role in shaping the global skateboarding culture. More than just a pastime, skateboarding is intricately woven into the identity of the city, reflected in its iconic hills, plazas, and neighborhoods.
The film captures the gritty history of skateboarding in San Francisco, spotlighting its iconic street spots and the influential figures who helped propel this activity into a cultural movement.
Meanwhile, boozing enthusiasts can savor booza, a traditional Arab ice cream that’s gaining traction in the Bay Area. Available at Berkeley’s Roast & Toast, this special treat is crafted by Palestinian owner Fadi Alhour, who serves unique flavors like classic and cardamom-rose topped with pistachio and crispy kataifi.
In addition to Roast & Toast, booza has also made its way to Levant Dessert in Menlo Park and SF’s Dalida, with select local markets featuring packaged versions produced in Texas. Distinguished by its elastic texture, thanks to ingredients like orchid root and tree resin, booza is a rich and slow-melting dairy treat that’s perfect for summer enjoyment.
Shifting gears to the world of wine, Oakland-based duo Jonathan Yang and Tiffani Patton are transforming the way we think about wine through their venture, Laughing Gems. Drawing inspiration from their diverse heritage, they produce natural wines that celebrate the bold flavors of their upbringing, creating a unique pairing experience.
Their fizzy Muscat Pet-Nat and orange Muscat “Florascent” are designed to complement rich culinary flavors. Each bottle features whimsical art from local artists, adding a personal touch to their products. Starting their journey at Purity Wine in Richmond, they are now cultivating a wine culture that reflects a sense of home.
In the realm of architecture and housing, Foster City features a collection of 200 Mid-Century Modern Eichler homes constructed between 1964 and 1966 across three neighborhoods. These homes, known for their open layouts, glass walls, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, embody a progressive vision of equitable housing pioneered by developer Joseph Eichler.
At a time when housing discrimination was prevalent, Eichler sold homes to buyers of all races, a legacy that continues to resonate today. While some homes have undergone renovations, others are being carefully restored to retain their original charm. The beauty of these Eichler homes complements Foster City’s vision of harmonizing modern living with nature and open spaces.
Finally, the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive is gearing up for a refreshing Summer and Fall 2025 film lineup that promises to engage audiences through themes of memory, identity, and endurance. Highlights include retrospectives celebrating directors like Robert Altman, Mikio Naruse, and Tarkovsky, each exploring the intricacies of solitude and human connection.
This upcoming season of films offers a powerful storytelling journey, bridging continents and generations while featuring the transformative power of cinema.
image source from：https://sfist.com/2025/06/14/field-notes-pride-hikes-show-tune-karaoke-and-skateboarding-legends/
